BioLite AlpenGlow 250

Published · Researched 2026-09-21

Identifier: BioLite AlpenGlow 250 Lantern (product code LNA0100). | Lineup note: The smaller AlpenGlow — 250 lm, ChromaReal CRI90 LEDs, shake-for-modes. Lifecycle note: discounting observed at multiple dealers ($40–$60 vs $59.95 MSRP) suggests late lifecycle as of 2026-09-20. Do not confuse with the catalog's BioLite AlpenGlow 500.

All prices and spec claims dated 2026-09-20.

Lineup & lineage (2023–2026)

The AlpenGlow 250 launched ~2019 as the compact sibling of the AlpenGlow 500. Unchanged through 2023–2026: 250 lm, 3200 mAh, ChromaReal CRI90, shake-activated candle/color modes, micro-USB. Discounting in 2026 suggests it's being cleared.

Overview

A 210 g rechargeable lantern built for ambiance plus task light: dimmable cool and warm white (360° or 180°), candle flicker, single-color, multicolor, and cycling-color modes — unlocked by shaking the lantern (internal accelerometer). ChromaReal high-CRI LEDs render colors accurately; USB-A output charges devices or runs BioLite SiteLights.

Complete specs

Prices (2026-09-20)

• MSRP: $59.95 (locally.com).
• $59.96 (reg $79.95) — SAIL Canada.
• $40.00 (reg $69.95) — TUDS Canada (clearance pricing).
• NZ: backordered at Outdoor Action NZ.

Box contents / warranty / support & parts

• Lantern, micro-USB cable, instructions.
• BioLite warranty: 1 year (standard — confirm current terms at purchase).

Community verdict

The lantern people buy for the vibe: the candle-flicker and color modes make it a car-camping and backyard favorite, while the CRI90 warm white is genuinely good for cooking. The shake-to-change interface delights some and annoys others (accidental mode changes). The 250-lm ceiling means it's not a primary area light for big groups.

Durability & warranty-claim reality

Solidly built; the accelerometer/shake feature is a novelty failure point in theory but no widespread failure pattern is documented. The late-lifecycle discounting is the real concern — buy while dealer support exists. Micro-USB is the dated interface.

Year-by-year history

• 2023: Established; the ambiance pick in BioLite's line.
• 2024: Unchanged.
• 2025: Unchanged.
• 2026: Discounting/clearance pricing at multiple dealers — likely late lifecycle as of 2026-09-20.

Closest existing catalog rivals

• specs/biolite-alpenglow-500.md — the bigger sibling; more output, same ChromaReal concept.
• specs/goal-zero-lighthouse-600.md — brighter utilitarian lantern.
• specs/goal-zero-crush-light.md — lighter collapsible solar option.

Care

Use lock mode in transit (the shake sensor can activate in a pack); charge every few months in storage.

Buying traps

• Lifecycle trap: clearance pricing suggests discontinuation risk — confirm return/warranty support.
• 250 lm won't light a big group area; it's a 2–4 person lantern.
• Shake interface triggers accidentally in moving packs — lock it.

Additional community voices

• Locally.com shows 92 reviews at 96% positive — one of the best-loved lanterns in the dataset.
• Backyard/patio owners are as enthusiastic as campers — it crosses over.

Spec gap-fill

Official discontinuation status — UNVERIFIED (inferred from discounting, not confirmed). All core specs verified.

Images

• images/biolite-alpenglow-250-1.jpg — PRIMARY studio: teal strap, BioLite logo, battery LEDs
• images/biolite-alpenglow-250-2.jpg — lifestyle: glowing at sunset
• images/biolite-alpenglow-250-3.jpg — studio alternate angle, white/teal
• images/biolite-alpenglow-250-4.jpg — top-down: carabiner hang loop detail
• images/biolite-alpenglow-250-5.jpg — rear: USB port covers detail
• images/biolite-alpenglow-250-6.jpg — studio 3/4, battery LEDs lit

All six verified 2026-09-20 (AlpenGlow 250, LNA0100 — not the 500). Manifest: images/IMAGES-lighting-r3.md.

Research footer

Researched 2026-09-20. Sources: SAIL, TUDS, Montanic, Outnorth, Outdoor Action NZ (specs/pricing); locally.com (MSRP/review snapshot).