AlpenGlow 250 Lantern
BioLite AlpenGlow 250 Lantern Review
Tested and reviewed for bikepacking use
The AlpenGlow 250 is a camp lantern with 250 lumens and a unique ChromaReal LED that renders natural skin tones instead of the harsh cool-white typical of most LEDs. Shake the lantern to cycle through single-color and multicolor modes. USB-C rechargeable with up to 72 hours of runtime.
Who Is the BioLite AlpenGlow 250 Lantern Best For?
Camp ambiance and comfortable evening lighting with natural color quality. If that describes your riding style, the AlpenGlow 250 Lantern should be at the top of your shortlist. It sits in the Lighting category alongside 11other products we've reviewed.
How It Compares
At 170g and $50, the AlpenGlow 250 Lantern is 142g heavier than the lightest option in this category (the Nitecore NU25 UL Headlamp at 28g). The most budget-friendly option is the Goal Zero Crush Light Solar Lantern at $20.
The price-to-weight ratio comes in at $29 per 100g — a reasonable middle ground between performance and value.
What We Like
- +ChromaReal LEDs provide warm, natural color rendering
- +Shake-to-change color modes are fun and intuitive
- +Carabiner loop and flat base for versatile placement
Watch Out For
- −170g is heavy for a camp-only luxury item
- −Not bright enough for task lighting or bike repair
- −ChromaReal modes drain battery faster than white-only
The Bottom Line
The BioLite AlpenGlow 250 Lantern earns a 4/5 rating. It's a solid performer that does most things well. ChromaReal LEDs provide warm, natural color rendering is the standout feature, though 170g is heavy for a camp-only luxury item is worth considering before you buy.
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