Lighting is more than just visibility when you’re camping; it’s about setting the mood. Nobody wants to sit around a harsh floodlight at night! We’ve been testing the SMY 4-in-1 Solar Camping String Lights, which promise the perfect blend of practical lighting, ambient glow, and off-grid power convenience.
The good
- Integrated 3600mAh power bank (USB A+C)
- Ultra-long 13 meter LED string light
- IP44 weatherproof rating
- Handy remote with 4H/6H/8H timer
- Retractable reel for fast storage
The not-so-good
- Solar charging needs USB top-up (4h charge)
- Light is atmospheric, not high lumen
- Not a major brand name
This clever little unit combines a lantern, a long string light, and a portable power bank, making it a serious contender for a permanent spot in your Camp Lighting kit. It’s a fantastic example of a multi-purpose tool that truly enhances the atmosphere around your campsite without needing to tap into your main 12V Camping Accessories setup.
What You’re Getting
A versatile 4-in-1 solar powered camping string lights system featuring a 13-meter retractable LED string, an integrated lantern, a solar panel, and a 3600mAh emergency power bank (USB-A/C). IP44 weatherproof with remote control and timer function.
Quick Specs
If you’re ready to dive into the details, here are the key specs for this product. The table below gives you a clear and quick overview of everything you need to know.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | SMY Lighting |
| Type | 4-in-1 Solar Camping String Lights |
| Light Length | 13 meter (42.6 ft) |
| Battery Capacity | 3600mAh |
| Charging | Solar (8h), USB-C (4h) |
| Weather Rating | IP44 |
| Features | Remote control, Power bank (USB A+C), Retractable reel |
| Light Modes | 8 Total (Constant, Flash, SOS, Dimming) |
| Use Case | Tent lighting, camp ambience, backup power |
First impressions
The SMY 4-in-1 unit is surprisingly compact, especially considering it hides 13 meter of string light inside. The main housing is a solid little unit in an Army Green color that looks ready for the outdoors. The fold-out control lever on the lamp itself is a great piece of design; it lets you easily reel the light string back in, which means no more tangled mess when packing up these solar powered camping string lights.
The included remote control immediately signals that this isn’t just a basic light, it’s a full system. The main lamp unit has the solar panel on one side and the USB-A and USB-C ports neatly tucked away on the other, confirming its dual purpose as a power bank. The 13 meter string light is truly generous, allowing you to wrap it around your Awning or a perimeter of your camp. The end of the strip has a simple hook, so you can easily attach it to anything, and it integrates right back into the body of the lamp when rolled up.
Materials & Build Quality
While SMY may not be an A-brand, the build quality here is genuinely impressive for the price you pay. The main housing is constructed from a durable plastic that feels robust enough to handle being tossed in a gear box. The entire unit is rated IP44 weatherproof, which means it’s protected against splashing water from any direction. You don’t need to worry about leaving these solar powered camping string lights out in a sudden light shower, which is a big plus for any camp lighting.
The long strip light is flexible yet seems strong enough to resist kinks or tears. The string contains 160 warm white LEDs, which are diffused to provide a soft glow. The light is definitely geared toward ambiance rather than intense illumination, which is exactly what you want for chilling out in the evening. The integrated solar panel on top feels secure, and the USB charging ports have protective rubber covers, ensuring the electronic heart of the unit stays dry and functional.
Ergonomics & Weight
The design of this solar powered camping string lights setup is defined by its versatility and portability. It’s light enough to carry without any hassle, and the compact housing, combined with the handle, makes it easy to hang from a Rooftop Tent ladder, a tree branch, or the frame of your Tent. The genius lies in the retractable reel. Being able to pull out exactly the length you need and reel it back in quickly prevents the common problem of tangled string lights that most campers dread.
The multi-functionality is a huge ergonomic win. Having a 3600mAh battery that can double as an emergency power bank (via USB A or C) is a lifesaver. You can get about one full charge for an average iPhone from the battery, which is perfect for emergencies or topping up a headlamp. This means one item manages three crucial camp functions: lantern, string light, and backup power supply. The convenience of the remote control is also fantastic, letting you dim the lights or set a timer from the seat of your Camp Chair.
Performance & Features
The SMY 4-in-1 system shines in its feature set. The power delivery is flexible: you can charge the 3600mAh battery fully via the included USB-C cable in about 4 hours. While the solar charging works fine and provides excellent sustainability, I found it often needed help topping up by USB, typically requiring about 3.5 hours for a full boost if the solar panel wasn’t perfectly positioned all day.
The lighting itself is highly customisable. The main lamp offers three levels of warm white light, plus a red SOS flash function for emergencies. The 13 meter string lights have three modes: always on, and two different flashing modes. You get eight lighting modes in total, giving you plenty of options for everything from task lighting (using the lantern) to chill-out mode (using the dimmed strip). The battery runtime is impressive, offering up to 18 hours at minimum brightness, which means you can run the lights for multiple nights on a single charge.
Gear That Complements Your Camping Setup
To get the most out of your camping setup, these solar powered string lights for camping are best paired with other pieces of great gear. Since they are solar-powered, they complement other Off-Grid Power solutions like Solar Blankets perfectly.
If you are using the lights to create a great outdoor dining space, you might also want to explore our range of practical Camp Tables and rugged Camping Chairs for a comfortable experience.
The SMY 4-in-1 Solar Camping String Lights are an outstanding piece of multi-purpose Camp Lighting gear that offers exceptional value.
The 13 meter retractable strip is perfect for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere around camp, and the integrated solar panel provides sustainable power. With a 3600mAh power bank function and an IP44 weatherproof rating, this unit is far more than just a light; it’s a versatile emergency tool. For campers who value convenience, long battery life, and excellent ambiance without breaking the bank, this solar powered camping string lights system is a must-have.
This light is best for casual campers, 4WD Awnings setups, and base camps where you want ambient, multi-zone lighting without relying on a generator or a main battery bank. It's also great for short-term backpackers who need a compact, retractable light with emergency power backup.
The sheer number of features packed into this affordable unit (13-meter light, solar charging, lantern, and 3600mAh power bank) makes it an incredible bargain. The convenience of the remote control and the automatic reel system ensures this product provides superior functionality compared to basic solar powered camping string lights.
