Etekcity Camping Lantern CL10 4-Pack: My Honest Review

Unboxing and First Impressions: Compact, Lightweight, and Ready to Use

The lanterns arrived well-packaged, with each unit individually boxed and complete with a set of AA batteries included. I appreciated that I could get started without needing to buy anything extra. The Etekcity camping lantern CL10 has a neat collapsible design that lets you expand the lantern to turn it on and collapse it to shut it off, which felt intuitive and quick to use. When collapsed, it’s small enough to fit in a backpack side pocket or glove compartment.

The build feels surprisingly sturdy given how light it is. Made of military-grade ABS plastic, it withstood a few test drops without any damage. The handles feel durable and convenient for either carrying or hanging the lantern. Right from the start, the lanterns gave off the impression of being thoughtfully designed for practical outdoor use.

Etekcity camping lantern CL10 on Amazon!!!

Brightness and Lighting Quality: Surprisingly Powerful Illumination

Each lantern in the Etekcity camping lantern CL10 4-pack contains a set of 30 high-intensity LED bulbs, which deliver up to 140 lumens of uniform 360-degree illumination. I tested these during a multi-day trip in deep forest terrain, and even in complete darkness, a single lantern produced enough light to comfortably illuminate my entire tent. When I used all four lanterns together, I created a well-lit outdoor space that allowed our group to cook, set up gear, and relax after sunset with no struggle.

What makes the Etekcity camping lantern CL10 stand out is not only its brightness, but the softness of its white LED light. The glow is powerful yet gentle on the eyes, making it suitable for extended evening use. I was able to cook meals, read a paperback, and enjoy card games without glare or eye strain. The lantern’s design also allows for intuitive brightness control simply by adjusting how far you expand the top section. Fully opened, the Etekcity camping lantern CL10 gives you its maximum beam strength, while partially opening it results in a cozy ambient glow perfect for winding down before bed. This simple but effective mechanism gave me the flexibility to choose the right level of brightness for every situation.

Battery Life and Efficiency: Long-Lasting and Easy to Maintain

Each lantern in the Etekcity camping lantern CL10 4-pack is powered by three AA batteries, and during my use across several multi-day camping trips, the battery life consistently exceeded my expectations. I ran the lanterns for hours each night, and they kept shining brightly with no noticeable dimming. According to the product specifications, they can operate for up to thirty continuous hours, and my experience suggests that this estimate is quite accurate, especially when you manage brightness by partially opening the lantern.

One of the biggest advantages of the Etekcity camping lantern CL10 is its use of standard AA batteries. In remote camping areas or emergency situations, having a power source that does not rely on USB charging or special battery packs is a major convenience. I brought a few spare batteries with me, and replacing them was incredibly simple. All I needed to do was twist the base open, insert the fresh batteries, and I was ready to go. There was no need for tools, and the process took just seconds.

What makes the Etekcity camping lantern CL10 so efficient is its LED technology, which consumes minimal power while still providing strong illumination. This energy efficiency is crucial for outdoor gear, especially when you’re aiming to pack light but still need reliable performance over multiple days. Because each lantern runs independently, I was able to rotate their usage to extend the battery life further.

Build Quality and Durability: Tough Enough for the Outdoors

The build quality of the Etekcity camping lantern CL10 impressed me from the start, especially considering its lightweight design. Here are some key observations from my real-world use:

• The Etekcity camping lantern CL10 is made from military-grade ABS plastic, which provides excellent durability for camping and outdoor environments. I dropped it several times from tabletop and waist height, and the casing remained completely intact without cracks or chips.
• It withstood accidental knocks and rough handling in a variety of conditions, including bumpy vehicle rides and being stuffed into overloaded backpacks. The lantern retained its shape and functionality without issue.
• Despite being water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, the Etekcity camping lantern CL10 performed admirably during a light rain shower. The internal components remained dry, and the light functioned continuously without flickering or short-circuiting.
• I would avoid submerging it in standing water or exposing it to heavy downpours without cover, but for average outdoor use such as mist, light drizzle, and early-morning dew, this lantern holds up very well.

These points give me confidence that the Etekcity camping lantern CL10 is rugged enough to be a dependable part of any camping kit, emergency pack, or outdoor toolset.

Portability and Storage: Built for Lightweight Packing

Each Etekcity camping lantern CL10 weighs under 10 ounces and collapses into a compact cylindrical shape, making it ideal for minimalist backpackers and campers with limited storage space. Here is how its portability and storage advantages really stand out:

• The compact design allows you to easily slide the lantern into tight gear compartments, side pockets of backpacks, or even glove compartments in vehicles.
• The lightweight build makes it easy to attach to your backpack or belt using the sturdy metal handles, without adding noticeable weight during hikes.
• You can store the 4-pack as a complete set inside one small container, or distribute them across various locations. I kept one in my tent for nighttime convenience, placed another near the food prep area for cooking visibility, left one in the car for emergency use, and packed a fourth in my daypack just in case.
• The lantern’s portability allows for strategic placement around your campsite, giving you versatile lighting coverage without needing to carry bulky equipment.

Versatility and Use Cases: More Than Just Camping

While these are clearly designed for camping, I’ve found them useful in a variety of other scenarios. During a recent power outage at home, these lanterns lit up multiple rooms effectively. I also keep one in my emergency kit and gave one to a friend who uses it for night fishing.

The Etekcity camping lantern CL10 is also ideal for hiking, car camping, emergency preparedness, backyard parties, and even as a backup light in the garage. It’s a versatile tool that goes beyond the campsite.

What Could Be Improved: Minor Limitations

While the lanterns perform extremely well in most scenarios, I did notice a few areas where the Etekcity camping lantern CL10 could benefit from added refinement. Here are a couple of detailed improvements that could elevate the overall user experience:

First, it would be highly beneficial if the Etekcity camping lantern CL10 offered a built-in dimmer or brightness adjustment switch. The current method of adjusting light intensity by partially opening or closing the lantern works, but it limits precision. A dedicated control would give you more flexibility for different environments, whether you’re reading inside a tent or navigating a trail after dark. Being able to reduce the brightness also helps extend battery life, which is important for long trips.

Second, although the metal handles are sturdy and allow for basic hanging, they are somewhat limited in terms of placement. Including an integrated hook or even a magnetic base would greatly expand the ways in which the Etekcity camping lantern CL10 can be mounted. These additions would make it easier to attach the lantern to tent poles, car hoods, tree branches, or other surfaces. This kind of versatility is important for campers and emergency preppers who often face unpredictable environments. These suggested improvements do not take away from the fact that the Etekcity camping lantern CL10 performs consistently well, but with a few thoughtful updates, it could become an even more adaptable and user-friendly lighting tool.

Final Verdict: Lightweight, Bright, and Worth Every Penny

After extensively testing these lanterns in multiple settings, I’m confident saying the Etekcity camping lantern CL10 is one of the best values in portable lighting. You get four reliable units that can adapt to a wide range of situations. They’re easy to carry, bright enough for any task, and long-lasting on a single battery set. If you’re building out your camping gear or emergency kit, I highly recommend you try the Etekcity camping lantern CL10 for yourself. It’s affordable, reliable, and designed with real-world use in mind.