Disclosure: Some links on TrailCraft are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our reviews are always our own honest opinion — no one pays to get ranked. Learn more.

Goal Zero Crush Light
#3 — Best Packable

Goal Zero Crush Light Review (2026)

2.6oz, collapses flat, $30 -- the backpacking lantern that fits in a pants pocket

★★★★★
8.6/10
Reviewed by William • Updated May 2026 $30

The Goal Zero Crush Light solves the backpacking lantern problem: you want ambient light but cannot justify 4 to 5oz in an ultralight pack. The Crush collapses to 0.5 inches tall and weighs 2.6oz. Expanded, it provides 150 lumens -- enough for cooking, reading, and navigating gear at night. At $30, it is the obvious answer for backpackers who want a lantern option.

Check current price →
$30 retail
TrailCraft Score

What I Liked

  • 2.6oz -- lightest lantern tested
  • Collapses to 0.5 inches -- fits in any pocket
  • $30 -- most affordable quality option
  • USB rechargeable
  • Integrated hook for tent ridgeline or tree hanging

Limitations

  • 150 lumens max -- less bright than Moji R+ or Alpenglow
  • Small battery, 5-hour max runtime
  • Collapsing mechanism can be stiff in cold temperatures

At a Glance

Lumens150 max
BatteryUSB rechargeable, 1000mAh
Runtime2hr high to 5hr low
Weight2.6oz / 74g
Collapsed Height0.5 inches
Full Height3 inches
Water RatingIPX6

Score Breakdown

Packability
10.0
Weight
9.8
Value for Money
9.4
Brightness
7.5
Runtime
7.6

Field Notes

Used as backpacking lantern on AT overnight trips. Collapses to a chest pocket and weighs nothing in context of a loaded pack. The 150 lumens is adequate for single-tent cooking and reading. Hung from the ridgeline of a single-wall shelter, it lights the interior without waking a tent partner.

2.6oz, collapses to nothing, $30 -- the lantern for ultralight backpackers who still want light

Who This Is For

The Goal Zero Crush Light is right for: ultralight backpackers who want ambient light without weight, solo campers who need tent interior lighting, and anyone wondering why camp lanterns need to be so heavy.

Note: Prices are current as of May 2026. Some links are affiliate links.

See the full comparison

All options in this category ranked side by side.

View Full Comparison →

Common Questions

How long does the battery last?
5 hours on lowest setting, 2 hours at 150 lumens max. For tent interior use at low brightness: 4 to 5 hours per charge. Charge before each trip.