Biolite Alpenglow 500 Lantern

BioLite Alpenglow 500 Lantern

The bigger, brighter version of BioLite's most atmospheric camp lantern. The Alpenglow 500 doubles the output and battery capacity of the 250 for larger campsites, group camping, and anyone who wants serious illumination alongside the same natural-feeling ChromaReal light quality and playful color modes that make the Alpenglow lineup stand apart from standard camp lanterns.

Why We Carry It
It's the lantern we recommend for group camping and basecamp setups where the 250 isn't quite bright enough to light the whole site and the atmosphere still matters as much as the lumens.

Highlights

• 500 lumens on high with up to 200-hour runtime on low — Twice the output of the Alpenglow 250 for lighting larger campsites, group shelters, and bigger spaces without multiple light sources. The wide brightness range covers both serious task lighting and all-night ambient glow on a single charge.
• ChromaReal broad spectrum LED at CRI 90 — Accurate, natural color rendering that makes everything in your camp look the way it actually looks rather than washed out or distorted under harsh LED light. The quality of light that makes a real difference at the end of a long day outside.
• Nine lighting modes including Fireworks — Cool white and warm white for task lighting, single color and multicolor for atmosphere, candle flicker for campfire ambiance, color cycle and multicolor party modes, and the exclusive Fireworks mode not available on the 250. Shake the lantern to unlock interactive modes via the internal accelerometer.
• 6,400 mAh battery with USB-A output — Double the battery capacity of the 250 for longer trips and more sustained use. Recharges phones and small devices directly from the lantern when a wall outlet isn't available.
• IPX4 weather resistance — Handles splashes and light rain without shutting down. Built for outdoor use where the weather doesn't cooperate.
• Lock mode — Prevents accidental activation in a pack or gear bag. Keeps the battery reserved for when you actually need it.
• 13.4 ounce weight at 5.4 x 3.8 inches — A larger footprint than the 250 to accommodate the bigger battery and brighter output. Still packable enough for car camping and basecamp use without taking up excessive space.
• 3-hour recharge time via Micro USB — Reasonable recharge time for a 6,400 mAh battery. Top off during the day via a solar panel or power bank for evening use.

Best for

Group campers, overlanders, and basecamp adventurers who want a powerful, versatile lantern with natural-feeling light quality and atmospheric color modes for larger campsites and extended trips. A strong upgrade from the Alpenglow 250 for anyone who needs more output and battery capacity without giving up the light quality and playful features that make the Alpenglow lineup worth carrying.

In The Box

Alpenglow 500, instruction manual, Micro USB charge cable.