How long does the Lighthouse 600 run on a charge?

Goal Zero rates it at up to 180 hours on the lowest setting. Runtime drops sharply as you raise the brightness, so expect far fewer hours at full 600 lumens.

Can it charge a phone?

Yes. It has a USB output and works as a power bank from its 5,200 mAh battery. Expect roughly one phone charge, less if the lantern is also running.

How do you charge it?

You can charge it over USB, from a Goal Zero solar panel, or with the built-in hand crank. The crank is the slowest option and best kept as a backup.

Does it have a red night-vision mode?

It has a red light, but it blinks rather than staying steady. If you need a constant red mode for stargazing or preserving night vision, this is a drawback.

Is it good for backpacking?

It weighs about 1 lb 1.6 oz, which is heavy for a backpacking lantern. It fits car camping, basecamps and home emergency kits better than a thru-hike pack.

Is it worth it over a cheaper lantern?

You pay for the hand crank, solar charging and phone charging, not just light output. If you only need light, a simpler lantern does the job; if you want backup power off-grid, the extra features earn their place.