This summer, fellow ActionHub writer Lauren Montemurri and I had the chance to review several flashlights and lanterns on our camping trips. From multi-use lanterns to traditional flashlights fitted with clamps for easy attachment to packs, trees, or tents, we were able to test out a variety of products. To help provide insight about the features of each, we created a round-up of our thoughts on each product, how they performed, as well as their prices.

Goal Zero Lighthouse 250 ($79.99)

Lauren and I each had the opportunity to review the Lighthouse 250. I only used it on one weekend backpacking trip, as it didn’t arrive until later in the summer. But in that one weekend of use, I could tell it was a lantern that served many purposes. The lantern features 250 LED lumens, a number of light settings, and a USB port for recharging and charging electronics.

The lantern provided a ton of light, especially when I attached it to the inside top of my tent with a Nite Ize Gear Tie in order to see while playing cards with friends. I found the light settings to be varied, which provided us with plenty of options depending on time of day. We had the setting fairly low thanks to the dimmer and were still able to see just fine while also conserving battery. While my iPhone is my last priority while on a camping trip, it’s important to have one that’s fully charged in case of an emergency (provided you’re in an area with service). The lantern charged my iPhone within an hour or two from zero to 100 percent battery. Lauren found that charging her phone drained most of the battery, requiring her to recharge the lantern often. It also features legs that allow the lantern to sit slightly above the ground, but they’re a bit flimsier than I would have expected, as is the handle, which detached several times because of easy bending. However, the legs were especially handy while preparing food in the dark, as I didn’t have to hold the lantern at strange angles in order to see. All around a great lantern, although the price is a bit high. However, I think it makes sense considering the quality and all the features offered.

Bracketron SmartLantern ($79.95)

At only a little more than three inches tall and one-inch wide, this is by far one of the smallest lanterns I’ve ever seen. It features a 7800mAh rechargeable back-up battery that can provide 48 hours of flashlight or lantern use, or five full charges to a smartphone. It’s small, has fireproof housing, a USB port to charge smartphones within two to three hours, as well as a micro USB cord included. It provides 64 LED lumens and has a one-year warranty.

For a lantern/flashlight combination this small that only provides 64 lumens, I thought the price was a bit steep. However, it worked well and provided enough light to use at our campsite while preparing a meal. The body of the lantern wasn’t as durable as I expected either. The positive aspects include its small size, which is ideal for minimalist backpackers, and its versatility to become either a flashlight or a lantern with one easy move. The SmartLantern also features a small carrying hook, which is perfect to attach inside your tent. Again, I used the Nite Ize Gear Ties to attach. If small is what you’re looking for, this is a great choice, but if you want more bang for your buck, I’d check out some of the others on this list.

Blackfire Clamplight ($27.99)

The Clamplight had the look of a more traditional flashlight, but with a clamp on the end so it can be easily attached to packs, tents, trees, etc. This feature made it handy to simply clip on the outside of my pack for easy access, which led to it being the most frequently used flashlight on the trip. I would rather grab what’s handy than search through my unorganized pack. The flashlight features 100 LED lumens and has a bulb life of 100,000 hours. It requires three AAA batteries, which will need to be replaced after 26 hours of use. Users are able to swivel the flashlight head in numerous positions, and it can also stand like a tripod. It’s made of ABS plastic with non-slip TPR over-molds and stainless steel fittings.

While I used the Clamplight while camping, it’s geared toward use in home repair projects such as fixing a pipe or working on your car, because of its easy attachment via the clamp. I was a little disappointed by the lack of high-quality materials, but this was a benefit when it came to weight and price. At less than $30, this is an affordable option that would work well in a number of situations.

UCO Tetra ($49.99)

(Written by Lauren Montemurri): I was really excited to receive UCO’s newest LED lantern to test on my latest camping trip. So when the box showed up and I pulled out the tiny Tetra, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The little light resembles a handheld flashlight at first glance, but I was impressed by its ability to transform into a bright lantern simply by sliding the top up and attaching a D-ring for hanging.

Surprisingly, the size of the lantern did not prevent it from creating a powerful glow that easily illuminated my tent. The power button glows in the dark, so you can find it no matter when you need to get up and move around your tent. If held down, the main power button also acts as a dimmer, allowing you to choose between three different light modes.

I soon realized that the size, which at first seemed like a drawback, was actually one of the best things about the product. Since it’s so compact, you can easily hook it to a backpack or hang it in the tent without adding any weight. The Tetra even fit in my back pocket when I needed to quickly free up my hands. Built for rugged outdoor use, the body is not only durable but water-resistant, which was a great quality when I clumsily dropped it numerous times, once in a puddle. Luckily, instead of cracking or failing to work properly, the lantern somehow remained intact and fully functional.

The addition of the USB capability is really what makes this lantern unique. Sure, a lot of other lanterns are now offering the ability to charge your phone, but Tetra has great execution of this feature by providing ports for both sides of a USB cable. Because of this, the tiny model can accommodate any phone, iPod, camera, or GPS with ease. Best of all, the charge was outstanding. My almost dead phone was brought back to a full charge after only about an hour of being plugged in. This lantern is worth the money for trail hikers and campers who need something versatile and dependable.