A few simple gadgets can make a big difference to your time outdoors, but you do not need to spend a fortune to stay safe and organised around camp. For 2026 we have picked out some of the cheapest torches and head torches that are still worth putting in your rucksack or glovebox.
The focus here is on lights that keep the upfront cost low while still being practical, easy to use and reliable enough for weekend camping and everyday emergencies. They will not rival high-end hiking lamps, but they will help you see where you are going and what you are doing when daylight disappears.
We have narrowed it down to a small handful of budget-friendly options, each with its own strengths. Some are ultra-compact and always-on-you, others are hands-free for camp chores, and a couple justify costing a little more with extra versatility.
These recommendations are based on real product details, typical pricing and how the features compare to what you actually need on a UK campsite, not just on which item is cheapest on the shelf. We look at the type of light, ease of use, likely comfort and practicality, then weigh that against the asking price.
We pay close attention to brands with a solid track record in outdoor lighting and everyday gadgets, and favour models that offer sensible features rather than gimmicks. Our aim is to highlight affordable torches and head torches that feel like good value, not throwaway bargains you will regret by the second trip.
Where there are compromises, we spell them out so you can decide whether to save money or step up to something a touch more capable.
We started by looking at the lower-priced torches and head torches available through Go Outdoors, focusing on models that undercut typical mid-range hiking lights. From there, we filtered for trusted outdoor brands and practical designs that make sense for tent camping, dog walks and everyday use.
Ultra-cheap lights with clear drawbacks or obviously flimsy designs did not make the cut. Instead, we looked for simple, dependable gadgets that give you usable light, straightforward controls and a shape that fits how people actually camp, whether that is clipped to keys, strapped to a head or kept in a kit bag.
We also aimed for a small spread of styles: compact key ring torches for always-with-you convenience, basic head torches for hands-free jobs around camp, and slightly more versatile lights that justify a few extra pounds. All of them are firmly at the budget end of the spectrum, but still feel like sensible buys.
These gadgets sit at the low-cost end of Go Outdoors’ lighting range, but each one offers enough real-world usefulness to deserve a place in your camping kit. The first couple are among the very cheapest ways to add light to your setup, while the later picks cost a little more yet deliver extra comfort or versatility for not much extra money.
Use the summaries below to match a gadget to how you camp, whether that is a key ring torch for emergencies, a basic head torch for evening chores or a more adaptable light you can use at home as well as in the tent.
A simple, low-cost torch from Iprotec that gives you dependable light in a compact body. Ideal as an everyday camping and glovebox backup without draining your budget.
For around a tenner, the Iprotec Poplite Torch delivers a straightforward, no-nonsense light that is ideal for rummaging in the tent, finding the loo block or checking the map in the car. Its compact size makes it easy to slip into a pocket, pencil case or side pocket of a rucksack, so it is always close by. The simple design should also appeal if you prefer an uncomplicated gadget with minimal controls to faff with in the dark. At this price, it is a very accessible way to add a spare light to your camping kit or keep an emergency torch in the car.
At this low price you should not expect premium build quality or advanced features such as USB charging or waterproofing. The beam is likely to be more suited to close-range tasks than lighting up distant paths, so keen night hikers may find it limited. Heavy, regular use could expose durability weaknesses compared to more expensive torches.
The Iprotec Poplite Torch is ideal for campers and caravanners who want a very low-cost spare light to live in a kit bag, glovebox or bedside pocket. It suits families looking to give each child their own little torch without breaking the bank. If you only need a torch occasionally but still want something from a recognisable outdoor brand, this is a sensible pick.
The Nebo Columbo is a key chain torch that lives on your keys, so you always have light to hand. It is one of the cheapest, most convenient ways to add a bit of security to any trip.
The Nebo Columbo Key Chain Torch is all about convenience and value. At roughly the same low price as the Iprotec, it earns its keep by living on your keys, meaning you are far less likely to forget it when heading out. Its compact shape should be easy to operate one-handed, which is handy when juggling bags, dogs or kids. For the money, having a usable beam always with you is a real plus, especially if you get back to the car park or campsite later than planned. As a low-cost everyday carry light, it is hard to argue with.
The Columbo’s tiny size and key chain design mean it is best for quick tasks rather than long night walks or serious navigation. As with many mini torches, battery life and maximum brightness will be more modest than a full-size light. It can also be easier to misplace if you swap key sets, so it is not a complete replacement for a main camping torch.
Choose the Nebo Columbo Key Chain Torch if you want an always-with-you light that covers everyday life as well as camping trips. It is perfect for people who often find themselves fumbling with locks in the dark or navigating back to the car after a late finish. Budget-conscious buyers who like the idea of an emergency light that genuinely never gets left behind will appreciate this one.
Eurohike’s 6 LED Headtorch offers hands-free lighting at a very low price. A solid choice for camp chores and short evening walks when you do not want to spend much.
The Eurohike 6 LED Headtorch gives you true hands-free lighting for not much more than the cheapest handheld options. Multiple LEDs should provide a broad, even pool of light that suits tent pitching, cooking and sorting kit after dark. The simple elastic strap means it will fit most heads and can also be stretched around helmets, tent poles or tree branches if you want to use it as a makeshift lantern. Considering its modest price, it is a very affordable way to make life around camp much easier once the sun goes down.
Being a budget head torch, the 6 LED model is unlikely to compete with higher-end lights for beam distance, battery life or weather protection. The strap and housing are more basic, so it may not feel as secure or comfortable for fast-paced activities like running. If you plan lots of night hiking or winter use, spending more on a higher-spec head torch would be sensible.
The Eurohike 6 LED Headtorch is a great match for casual campers, festival-goers and family holidays where you mainly need hands-free light for a few evenings a year. It is also a good starter head torch for kids or anyone who has never used one before and wants to try it without spending much. If your priority is keeping cost down while still being able to cook, pitch and read in comfort, this fits the bill.
The Eurohike 1W Cob Head Torch is a step up in brightness while still staying firmly budget-friendly. Great if you want a stronger beam but cannot justify a premium head torch.
The Eurohike 1W Cob Head Torch is likely to feel noticeably brighter and punchier than more basic LED clusters, while still keeping within a low budget. The COB style light source is typically good for a wide, even beam that makes close work, tent admin and campsite cooking clearer and less fatiguing. At this price level it offers a strong balance of brightness and value, making it a sensible choice if you know you will use a head torch regularly. It is still simple enough for casual users but capable enough for longer walks back from the pub or exploring around the campsite.
Although brighter than the cheapest head torches, this Eurohike model still sits at the value end, so do not expect top-tier waterproofing, advanced beam patterns or very long runtimes. The brighter output could also mean going through batteries more quickly if you run it on full power all the time. For very frequent use, a more premium rechargeable head torch may work out better over time.
Pick the Eurohike 1W Cob Head Torch if you know you will use a head torch more regularly and want a bit more punch without moving into premium territory. It is well suited to dog walkers, evening strollers and campers who often find themselves out after dark away from bright campsite lighting. Anyone who finds basic head torches a bit underwhelming but still has a tight budget should look here.
The Nebo TiNO Light costs a touch more but gives you a more versatile, rugged-feeling light for both camping and home use. A good upgrade pick if you can stretch the budget slightly.
The Nebo TiNO Light sits at the top of this cheap list on price, but it earns that slight premium with extra versatility and a more substantial design. It looks and feels like a light you could happily use at home, at work and in the tent, which means better value in the long run. Nebo is well known for packing useful features into compact lights, so you can expect a practical beam and easy-to-use controls. If you can stretch beyond the bare minimum spend, this is the gadget most likely to feel like a small upgrade rather than just another basic torch.
The Nebo TiNO Light is the most expensive option here, so if you simply want the absolute cheapest way to get some light, it might feel like a stretch. Being more feature-rich than the simplest torches can also mean a slight learning curve compared with single-button budget lights. It is still a value choice overall, but some campers on a very tight budget may prefer to save a few pounds with the simpler models above.
The Nebo TiNO Light is ideal for campers who want one affordable light that can handle multiple roles, from DIY at home to emergency car repairs and late-night tent admin. It suits buyers who can spend slightly more upfront to get a more capable, longer-lasting gadget rather than the absolute bare minimum. If you like the idea of a budget-friendly light that you will use all year round, not just on camping trips, this is the strongest choice.
