A portable lantern is the most flexible light you can own. It lights the patio table at dinner, walks you to the shed, sits by the fire pit and then comes along on a camping trip or into the house during a storm. This collection gathers our lanterns with a handle or hook: a handle top steel and glass lantern, a woven rattan solar lantern, striped glass and rectangular frame designs, a solar floor lantern, plus rechargeable tent lanterns with magnets and a combination lantern and searchlight.

What Makes a Good Portable Lantern

• Charging: Solar lanterns top up in the sun, while USB rechargeable models charge from a wall adapter, car or power bank. A lantern that offers both is handy when the weather turns.
• Carry and hang: A sturdy top handle or hook lets you hang the light from a branch, tent loop or porch hook. Magnetic bases stick to a car door or metal shed.
• Brightness settings: Lanterns with more than one brightness level stretch the charge when you only need a soft glow.
• Weight and size: Decorative glass lanterns look beautiful on a table; compact camping models are easier to toss in a bag.

Placement tip: Keep one charged lantern by the back door. It is the light you will grab for a late check on the garden, a power outage or a trip out to the car. Check its charge on the first of each month so it is ready when you need it.

For decorative lanterns that stay put, browse outdoor lanterns, and for tents and trails see our camping lanterns.