Tent Lights

What a tent light is

A tent light is a lantern or bulb that hangs from the loop in the roof of a tent, so the whole tent is lit and your hands are free. It is far easier than a torch for getting ready for bed, finding things in a bag or reading. The lights here run on rechargeable batteries or the sun, charged from a USB lead or a power bank. Many also stick to metal with a magnet, and several charge your phone.

Lantern, solar, string light or bulb: which tent light

• Rechargeable lanterns with a hook and often a magnetic base, from 300 to 700 lumens where the maker states it, several dimmable. See family tents for big tents that need the brighter ones.
• Lanterns that double as a power bank can charge a phone in an emergency from their own battery.
• Solar lanterns and bulbs charge in daylight as well as by USB: a pair of small lanterns, a lantern with a digital battery display, and hanging bulbs sold in packs of up to twelve.
• A string light reel pulls out into a line of warm or coloured lights, and also works as a torch, a lantern and a power bank. See glamping lights and bunting.
• Small hanging bulbs and a retro lantern give a soft light for the evening.

Brightness, warm light and red light

More lumens is not always better in a small tent: a bright white light on pale fabric dazzles. A dimmable light, or one with a warm white setting, is easier on the eyes for an evening inside. One light here has a red mode, which is useful at night: it lets you see without spoiling your eyes for the dark or waking others. For a big family tent or a gazebo, the 600 and 700 lumen lanterns are the brightest here.

Battery, charging and safety

How long a light runs depends on its battery and the setting: from 2 to 3 hours on the smallest bulb to as much as 12 hours on the larger lanterns, depending on the mode. Charge everything before you go, and carry a power bank or choose a solar light for a long trip. Never use a candle, a gas lamp or anything with a flame inside a tent: tent fabric burns, and fuel lamps give off carbon monoxide.

Questions people ask about tent lights

Are tent lights waterproof?

Some say waterproof and some water-resistant; check each product before using one outside in rain.

How do I hang a light in my tent?

Most tents have a loop at the top of the roof. The lights here hang from their hook there, or stick to a metal pole with a magnet.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives, so check it before ordering for a set date.

More to look at

• Glamping lights and bunting
• Family tents
• Bell tents
• Festival tents
• Mosquito nets
• Tent bags
• Guide: The festival tent guide
• Guide: The camping checklist