Goal Zero Torch 500 Multi-Purpose Rechargeable Light Review (2026)

What the Torch 500 actually is

The Torch 500 is a handheld multi-purpose light built around a 300 lumen spotlight on one end and a 300 lumen floodlight on the other, so it can throw a beam down a trail or wash a whole picnic table in light depending on which side is pointed out. Goal Zero rates total output at 500 lumens with three brightness settings, high, medium and low, on each side, which gives a wide range between a quick task light and an all night glow for reading in a tent. That spotlight and floodlight split is what lets one device cover jobs that would otherwise need a separate flashlight and a separate lantern, and it is the core reason this model scores well on features even though it is not the cheapest light in its class.

Charging and battery life

Power comes from a built in 5200mAh lithium ion battery, listed by Goal Zero at 18.7Wh, charged either through USB-C or from a small 1.2 watt solar panel built into the housing. Runtime swings from about 3 hours on the brightest setting up to roughly 50 hours on low, so a full charge can realistically cover a weekend at camp if you are not running it on high the whole time. The solar panel is more of a trickle top up than a fast charging method, useful for keeping the battery from draining completely on a multi day trip, while USB-C is the practical way to get a full charge quickly from a car adapter or power bank before heading out.

Doubling as an emergency charger

Because the Torch 500 carries a 5200mAh battery, it can also act as a backup power bank for a phone or other small USB device through its output port, which is a real advantage over lanterns that only produce light. This dual use is worth factoring into the price, since buying a separate lantern and a separate portable charger would likely cost more and add bulk to a camp bag. It will not replace a dedicated high capacity power bank for someone who needs multiple full phone charges, but for topping off a phone once or twice during a weekend trip it removes the need to pack an extra device.

Build, weight and IP67 rating

Goal Zero built the Torch 500 to an IP67 rating, meaning it is sealed against dust and can handle being submerged briefly, which suits a light that gets tossed in a dry bag or left out at a rainy campsite. That sturdier, weatherproof housing along with the internal battery, solar cell and dual light heads adds up to more weight and bulk than a simple single mode LED lantern, which is the trade-off the site's own cons call out. Campers who prioritize packing the lightest possible light will notice the difference, but anyone who wants one device that survives wet, dusty conditions and pulls double duty as flashlight and lantern gets solid value from the extra heft.

Who should buy the Torch 500

This light fits car campers and overlanders who want to consolidate gear, since it replaces a flashlight, a floodlight style lantern and a small emergency charger with one weatherproof unit. It is a strong match for anyone who camps in variable weather and wants a light that can also keep a phone alive after a day away from outlets. Buyers on a tight budget or those who only need basic tent lighting are better served by a cheaper, single mode lantern, since the Torch 500's versatility and IP67 build come at a price premium that only pays off if you actually use the flashlight, floodlight and charging features together.

Frequently asked questions