This Unexpectedly Useful Camping Essential From Costco Is Surprisingly Affordable

When spending time in the wilderness, you need reliable lighting after dark — you don't want to be fumbling about at your campsite or struggling to make your way to the tent. You need a portable light source you can count on. Luckily, the Duracell 3000 Lumen Tri Power Rechargeable Lantern from Costco isn't just useful, but extremely affordable. 

This lantern offers multiple charging methods and lighting options and can even charge other devices. Charge-in options include solar power, USB-C, or four D-cell batteries. Give it a full charge before leaving home, use the sun to repower outdoors, and carry extra batteries as a backup. It uses four lighting modes: high, medium, low, and red flashing, plus an adjustable dimmer to customize brightness for any situation. You can charge devices through either a USB output or the built-in wireless charging pad. Simply place your Qi-compatible phone on top and watch it power up while you relax around camp. 

Customers have spotted the 3000 Lumen Tri Power Rechargeable Duracell Lantern in Costco for as low as $26, though as of this writing, it retails on Costco.com for $39.99. The package includes the lantern with its internal rechargeable battery and USB-C cable — everything you need to get started. For the price of a basic flashlight, you're getting a multi-functional power station that can light your campsite and keep your devices charged. But is it right for your specific needs? Let's dive into the pros, cons, and customer experiences to find out.

This lantern shines when it comes to performance — quite literally. Users rave about its bright output and impressive functionality, making it an ideal item for a quick and easy camping retreat. It's not just great for camping, though. It can be used during natural disasters or power outages, and that flashing red mode doubles as an emergency signal. Since it helps you prepare for the unexpected, it makes a great hack for long family road trips as well. It comes pre-charged, so you can head straight from Costco to your outdoor adventure (although we'd give it a quick test to ensure everything's working!).

Although the solar and wireless charging features work as advertised, customers have mentioned that they're not exactly speed demons. Charging may require patience, so plan ahead rather than gambling on last-minute power-ups. Batteries aren't included, and unless you're car camping, those backup D-cells add unwelcome weight to your pack. Meanwhile, if your electronic devices aren't Qi-compatible, you'll need a USB-A cable to charge out. This older USB cable is increasingly less popular, yet the package doesn't contain one, so you'll have to find and bring your own.

Overall, most customers were extremely pleased with their purchase, with some returning to buy more for friends and family. Those considering this lantern as a gift should also check out our other gift ideas for outdoor enthusiasts here. And if you do purchase this lantern, we highly recommend doing so in-store. Exact pricing depends on location, but customers have spotted it heavily discounted in Costco warehouses.