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# Barebones Edison Mini Lantern: A Vintage Style Camp Light
- URL: https://www.unknowndivide.com/barebones-edison-mini-lantern/
- Published: 2024-05-30T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-29T06:17:15.000Z
- Description: Inspired by old mining and warehouse lights, the Barebones Edison Mini Lantern is a small steel lantern that runs on Universal Serial Bus power or two AA batteries and hangs almost anywhere.
- Author: unknowndivide staff
- Tags: Gear, Design

*Unknowndivide may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this post.*

A good campsite is as much about mood as it is about gear. Harsh white headlamps get the job done, but they do not make anyone want to sit around a picnic table for another hour. The Barebones Edison Mini Lantern takes a different approach. It is a small steel lantern with an old fashioned shape and a warm glow, made to hang from a branch, a tent loop or a hook on the porch.

## Who makes it

The Edison Mini comes from [Barebones](https://barebonesliving.com/?ref=unknowndivide.com), a brand that sells lanterns, garden and woodsman tools, cast iron, enamelware and waxed canvas bags. Barebones says it has humanitarian roots. Its earliest work involved simple shelters for underprivileged communities and disaster recovery efforts, and the company says it still carries that "do good" philosophy today.

The founder, Robert Workman, has spent his career on projects tied to giving back, including a nonprofit that helped people meet basic needs and an earlier solar power company. Barebones gives employees a week each year to volunteer for a nonprofit of their choice, and it describes its products as essentials designed for a lifetime of use.

## What it is

The Edison Mini Lantern is a compact lantern from the Barebones lighting range. Barebones says the design was inspired by old mining and warehouse lights, which explains the caged glass look and the curved hanging hook on top. It is made of steel and is described as water and rust resistant, so a little dew or a passing shower is not a problem.

Power is flexible. You can run it from Universal Serial Bus (USB) power, pair it with a Barebones power bank or drop in two AA batteries for use away from an outlet. The batteries are not included, so pack a pair if you plan to take it off grid.

Here is the short version of what the maker lists:

- Steel body inspired by vintage mining and warehouse lights
- Water and rust resistant construction
- Powered by USB or two AA batteries
- Hanging hook for branches, tent loops and hooks
- Offered in several colors, including red

## Why it is cool

Most camp lights look like electronics. This one looks like something you would find in a barn, and that is the point. The shape is borrowed from industrial lamps of another era, but the guts are modern and simple to power. It gives a campsite a soft, cozy feel without the hassle of fuel or flame.

The small size is a big part of the appeal. Barebones says it is light enough to hang creatively from a tree branch, and it suggests grouping several together for a soft glowing atmosphere. A row of them strung along a tarp line or a porch rail turns an ordinary evening into something that feels planned.

It is also not just a camping product. The same lantern works on a balcony, in a kid's room as a night light, on a dinner table during a power outage or in the back of a van. Because it runs on USB or batteries, you can move it wherever the light is needed.

## How to use it

For a weekend trip, charge or power it from a power bank and hang it from the hook at the center of your camp. If you plan to be away from power for a few days, bring a spare set of AA batteries. Hang it at about head height for an even spread of light across a table, or lower for a more intimate glow.

At home, the Edison Mini works well as a decorative accent. Use a few together on a mantel or a shelf, or hang one by the door for a welcoming light on summer nights. The vintage look fits right in with wood, canvas and enamel.

## Care

The steel body is built to handle the outdoors, but a little care keeps it looking good. Wipe off dust and moisture after a trip, and let it dry before storing it in a bag or bin. If you use batteries, take them out before long storage so they do not leak. Keep the glass globe away from hard knocks during packing.

## Who it is for

The Edison Mini Lantern is for car campers, porch sitters, van lifers and anyone who wants their light to look as good as it works. It is not a high output work light, so if you need to search for something in the dark, keep a flashlight handy too. For setting the mood after the sun goes down, it is a charming and practical pick.

**Shop the Edison Mini Lantern**  
[Edison Mini Lantern at Barebones](https://barebonesliving.com/products/mini-edison-lantern?ref=unknowndivide.com)  
[Barebones Edison Mini Lantern, 3 Pack](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DV3J7RDT?tag=unknowndivi02-20&ref=unknowndivide.com)  
[Barebones Edison Mini Lantern, 3 Pack in Red](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08M8TCTHK?tag=unknowndivi02-20&ref=unknowndivide.com)

Gearing up for a trip? Pair it with the [GSI Glacier Stainless Percolator](https://www.unknowndivide.com/gsi-glacier-stainless-coffee-percolator/), a [Helinox Chair One](https://www.unknowndivide.com/helinox-chair-one-lightweight-camp-chair/) and the pocket sized [Streamlight MicroStream](https://www.unknowndivide.com/streamlight-microstream-usb-flashlight/), or read our look at [Snow Peak's classic camping gear](https://www.unknowndivide.com/snow-peak-explained-classic-camping-gear/). For more ideas, browse our [buying guides](https://www.unknowndivide.com/buying-guides/).