Fall means shorter days. The flipside of that timing is longer nights. Around a darker camp, an effective light source adds safety and comfort — illuminating your needs without detracting from a roaring fire or the stars above. As the sunless hours stretch, a multi-purpose light only becomes more critical. Don’t overlook this must-pack item for everyday (or, rather, every-night) situations.
Consider a light from Fenix, a brand renowned for its premium headlamps and feature-rich outdoor lights that are rugged, powerful, and built to last. They’ve proven themselves time and again in side-by-side reviews, most recently earning top honors in our Best Headlamps of 2026.
Here are a few of our favorites for car camping and other extended off-road adventures.
Fenix LD35R Flashlight
More than just a traditional handheld flashlight, this light boasts a forward-facing light with a beam distance of more than 1,100 feet, plus diffused lights built into the side of the head, which offer soft, lantern-like illumination. In addition to standard white, these side lights include a red option that helps keep down the bugs and maintain your night vision, or flashing modes for signaling or emergency situations.
The LD35R can tailstand on flat surfaces and has a magnetic tail to attach to most metals (minus aluminum), freeing up your hands for any task. IP68-rated waterproof and dustproof, this lighting “multitool” can survive any weather that rolls into your camp.
Shop NowFenix CL26R PRO Lantern
This modern version of the classic 360-degree lantern earns regular 5-star user reviews for its compact size, versatility, and longevity. It casts even light at an impressive beam diameter of 50 feet. Place atop a table or hang from a tree branch or tent canopy with its retractable hook, or a vehicle’s fender via its top magnet — all offering plenty of hands-free options.
You’re not just limited to 360° lighting; this lantern has front directional and down directional options as well. Red-light mode allows you to move safely around camp without ruining your night vision for stargazing, or attracting additional bugs. This tidy lantern (4.5 inches tall) also packs a rechargeable 5,000mAh battery that’s powerful enough to charge your phone in a pinch.
Fenix HM53R Headlamp
This rechargeable headlamp is a sister to GearJunkie’s best headlamp of 2026, the Fenix HM55R RENEGADE®. But what makes the HM53R so much different is its form and function. Unlike a traditional headlamp, this light can also turn into a right-angle flashlight.
Quickly detach the headlamp from its headband and use the built-in clip to attach to your pocket, pack, or hat. Plus, it has a magnet built into its base for even more hands-free lighting when attached to most metal surfaces.
The small headlamp only weighs 3.6 ounces, but compact doesn’t translate to inferior performance — illuminating over 500 feet with a maximum 1,200 lumens. The battery’s maximum run time of 135 hours means you won’t need to worry about electric plug-ins at the campsite.
Like the other models, a standard red-light mode provides the minimum light needed to navigate your camp without disrupting night vision, plus red flash for signaling for assistance. When the fall weather turns, it’s both waterproof and glove-friendly.
This article is sponsored by Fenix.
