Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
🔦 Introduction — Who I Am and What I Tested
Choosing a compact camp light is not just about peak lumens. You also need to know how it works in a tent, during a power outage, on a tripod, or clipped to your hat when your hands are busy. This Wurkkos CL01 review compares the CL01 camp lantern with the ThruNite Ti (704 Tactical) so you can decide which light fits your setup better. I tested brightness, color temperature from 3000K to 6000K, RGB modes, battery life on a 21700 cell, mounting options, USB-C charging, and the CL01 power-bank function. The CL01 is the stronger 360-degree area lantern, while the Ti makes more sense as a tiny keychain or hat-mounted task light.
Quick Verdict
Rating: Recommended with caveats
Best For: Campers, emergency-prep buyers, garage users, and creators who want a compact 360-degree lantern with several mounting options.
Bottom Line: The Wurkkos CL01 is a practical compact area light because it combines warm-to-cool white light, RGB modes, a magnet, a hook, tripod mounting, and USB-C charging. It is less useful as a focused beam, so pair it with a small directional flashlight if you need throw.
🧭 Quick Overview — What These Lights Promise
At a glance:
- Wurkkos CL01 Camp Lantern: 360-degree area light, up to 500 lumens , stepless dimming, adjustable color temperature from 3000K to 6000K, RGB modes, magnetic base, quarter-20 thread on the bottom for tripod use, USB-C charge/DT function, power-bank support, and a 21700 5000 mAh battery.
- ThruNite Ti (704 Tactical): Ultra-compact USB-C rechargeable keychain light with magnetic tailcap, reversible clip for hat or pocket mounting, momentary and locked operation modes, and a battery status LED.
Both lights use modern rechargeable design, but they solve different problems. The CL01 spreads light around a space, while the Ti puts a small beam exactly where you point it. That difference matters more than the size difference when you are choosing between them.
| Specification | Wurkkos CL01 | ThruNite Ti (704 Tactical) |
|---|---|---|
| Product type | Compact 360-degree camp lantern | Compact keychain flashlight |
| Best use | Camping, emergency lighting, garage work, tripod-mounted fill light | Everyday carry, hat light, pocket light, quick task lighting |
| Output style | Wide 360-degree area lighting | Small directional beam |
| Maximum output mentioned | 500 lumens in turbo, based on the manufacturer figure used in this article | Output varies by mode, article notes it is small compared with larger EDC lights |
| Color temperature | Adjustable 3000K to 6000K | Not the focus of this review |
| Battery | 21700 cell rated at 5000 mAh | USB-C rechargeable internal battery mentioned in the article |
| Charging | USB-C charging with top indicator ring | USB-C charging with status LED |
| Mounting | Top hook, magnetic base, quarter-20 tripod thread | Magnetic tailcap and reversible clip |
| Special modes | Stepless dimming, moonlight mode, RGB color modes, lockout | Momentary on, locked operation, stepped brightness modes |
| Main limitation | Better for area light than long-distance or focused use | Does not tail-stand reliably |
Before You Buy: The CL01 is an area lantern, not a throwy spotlight. If you need to see far down a trail, pair it with a focused flashlight instead of expecting the lantern to do both jobs.
What Is the Wurkkos CL01?
The Wurkkos CL01 is a compact rechargeable camp lantern built for wide, soft, 360-degree light. Its main appeal is versatility: you can hang it, stick it to metal with the magnetic base, mount it on a tripod, adjust the white light from warm to cool, or switch into RGB modes for signaling and ambience.
It is best viewed as a small campsite, garage, emergency, and content-creation light. The 21700 5000 mAh battery gives it more energy storage than many tiny pocket lights, and USB-C charging keeps the setup simple. The power-bank function also makes it more useful during outages, although you should treat it as backup charging, not as a full replacement for a dedicated power bank.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- Campers who want a compact lantern for tent, table, and food-prep lighting.
- Homeowners who want a USB-C rechargeable emergency light for power outages.
- Creators or hobbyists who want a small tripod-friendly fill light.
Skip If
- You need a long-distance beam for trail spotting or security use.
- You want the smallest possible keychain light for daily carry.
- You dislike rotary controls or prefer a simple one-mode lantern.
🛠️ Wurkkos CL01 — Controls and User Interface
The CL01 keeps its controls simple enough for camp use but flexible enough for fine tuning. A single button on top handles power, dimming, turbo, RGB entry, and lockout. The rotary knob controls color temperature and RGB selection, which makes adjustments feel more natural than clicking through long mode groups.
- Power and Stepless Dimming: Press the top button to turn the lantern on. Hold the button to change brightness steplessly. The light flashes quickly at the max and min to show you have reached the endpoints.
- Memory: The lantern remembers the last brightness level when turned off and back on. This helps at camp because you can return to the same comfortable glow without resetting the light every time.
- Color Temperature: The rotary knob lets you sweep between warm 3000K and cool 6000K. Twist toward 6000K for a whiter, crisper light during food prep or work. Twist back toward 3000K for a warmer, calmer tent light.
- Turbo Mode: Double-press the top button to jump to turbo, which is the full 500-lumen output.
- RGB Modes: Triple-press the top button to enter RGB. Turn the knob to pick colors, then double-tap the knob to cycle between RGB sub-modes, including solid, breathing, and strobe-style effects.
- Lockout: Four rapid taps lock the lantern so it will not turn on by accident inside a bag. This is useful when packing it with other gear.
Overall, the UI balances quick access with useful control. The stepless dimming is especially helpful when you want a soft glow for reading, then a brighter setting for cooking, repairs, or table tasks.
Pro Tip: Before your first trip, practice the button shortcuts for turbo, RGB, and lockout at home. It is much easier to learn the controls before you are setting up camp in the dark.
🧲 Mounting & Versatility — Where to Put the CL01
One of the CL01’s biggest strengths is how many ways you can position it. That matters because a lantern is only as useful as the place you can put it. Around camp, in a garage, under a sink, or beside a camera, the CL01 gives you more placement options than a basic tabletop lantern.
- Top Hook / Hangability: The built-in hook on top lets you hang it from a tent ridge line, branch, cord, or clothesline. The hook folds down when not needed, so it does not snag as easily during storage.
- Magnetic Base: The magnet on the base is strong enough to hold the lantern on metal surfaces. This makes it useful as a work light for vehicle repairs, appliances, storage shelves, or utility spaces.
- Tripod Thread: The bottom has a standard quarter-20 thread, so you can mount the lantern on a standard tripod or light stand. That helps when you want higher placement, wider spread, or a soft fill light for filming.
With these mounting options, the CL01 is more than a tent light. It adapts to different spaces, and that makes it more useful than a lantern that only sits on a table.
🔋 Power, Battery & Charging — What to Expect
The CL01 ships with a branded 21700 cell rated at 5000 mAh. That is a solid capacity for a compact lantern and supports the manufacturer’s advertised long runtimes on low modes. As with any light, runtime depends heavily on output level. Moonlight and low modes last much longer, while turbo drains the cell faster.
- Battery Access: The bottom unscrews. You will find a “remove” safety tab in the packaging to prevent accidental activation in transit. Remove it before first use.
- USB-C Charging: The USB-C port sits under a rubber flap. While charging, the top ring indicator blinks to show charge progress, with the final light blinking during the last stage.
- Power Bank Function: The CL01 doubles as a power bank through USB-C output. You can use it to top off a phone in a pinch, which makes it useful in an emergency kit.
- Moonlight Mode: Hold the power button to enter a one-lumen moonlight mode. This is useful for preserving night vision, late-night tent movement, and very low-profile lighting.
- Extra O-rings: The package includes spare O-rings, which is a thoughtful addition. Replaceable seals help maintain weather resistance over time.
Tip: Keep the spare O-rings in your tool kit. Store the extra lanyard and protective bag in the lantern’s case to prevent lens wear and keep the setup tidy in your pack.
🌈 RGB, Modes & Practical Use
Beyond white light, the CL01 includes RGB functionality that is more useful than it may first appear. Triple-press the top button to enter RGB mode. The rotary knob selects colors, and a knob double-tap cycles through RGB behaviors.
- Modes You’ll Use: Solid color, breathing, faster pulsing, and a red/blue flashing mode give you several options for ambience, visibility, and signaling.
- Real-world Use: RGB works well for mood lighting at camp, low-profile group identification, or color-coded spaces. Red is helpful when you want to preserve night vision better than bright white light.
RGB is not essential for every buyer, but it adds practical flexibility when you want it. The key benefit is that you can access it without digging through a complicated menu.
✅ Comparison: CL01 vs. Other Portable Lanterns and Wurkkos Models
There are a few comparisons worth calling out so you can choose based on the kind of light you actually need.
- Vs. Bulky Traditional Lanterns: Traditional area lanterns can deliver broad ambient light, but they are often larger and less flexible. The CL01 gives you 360-degree illumination in a smaller body with more mounting choices.
- Vs. Wurkkos HD01 / HD01 Pro: I’ve previously tested the Wurkkos HD01 and the HD01 Pro, which combine white light, green laser, UV, and side lights. The HD01 series are more like EDC multi-tools, while the CL01 focuses on area illumination. If you want a dedicated small area light, the CL01 is the better fit. If you want a multi-function EDC light, the HD01 family is more suitable.
- Vs. Olight-style Mini Lanterns: The CL01’s emitter size and output are similar to many compact lanterns, but its tripod thread, strong magnet, and 3000K to 6000K color sweep make it more adaptable.
Bottom line: The CL01 is a compact area light for buyers who want features usually found in larger lanterns.
🔑 ThruNite Ti (704 Tactical) — Small Light, Big Extras
The ThruNite Ti is a compact keychain light that punches above its size because of its mounting options and straightforward interface. It does not replace the CL01 as an area lantern, but it complements it well as a small directional light.
Design & Mounting
At first glance, the Ti resembles many mini keychain flashlights. The difference is in the clip and tailcap. It ships with a reversible clip and a magnetic tail cap, so you can use it on a keyring, clipped to a pocket, attached to a metal surface, or mounted on a hat brim.
The reversible clip is especially useful. Clip it on the bill of a hat, aim the beam forward, and it becomes a simple hands-free task light for walking, repairs, or looking through a bag.
User Interface
The Ti’s UI is straightforward:
- Momentary On: Hold the button for momentary light when you only need a quick burst.
- On/Off and Levels: Double-tap to lock into mode, press to step through brightness levels, and long-hold to turn it off.
- Battery Status: A small LED under the button changes color, including yellow while charging and green when done. That is a useful detail on a keychain light because it tells you charging status at a glance.
The clip channel is machined so the clip stays locked in place and does not rotate around the body. That small detail matters when you use it as a hat light or pocket light, because the beam stays pointed where you expect it.
Drawbacks
My main nitpick is that it does not tail-stand easily. If you need a tiny light you can set down vertically and aim upward, this is not ideal because it tends to tip. For headlamp-style use, clipped use, or magnetic mounting, it works much better.
🏕️ Real-World Use Cases & Tips
Both lights work best when you match them to the right task. The CL01 spreads light around an area, while the Ti gives you a small directional beam.
- Camping & Tent Use: The CL01 works well hung from a tent ridge as a 360-degree area light. Use 3000K for a cozy warm ambience and 6000K for food prep, gear sorting, or tasks where you want clearer contrast.
- Emergency Lighting: Keep the CL01 in an emergency kit. Its long low-mode runtime and power-bank capability make it useful during outages, especially when you need light and a small phone top-off option.
- Mechanic / Under-sink Work: Magnetically attach the CL01 to a car body, appliance, shelf, or metal support. The wide light helps illuminate the workspace evenly instead of creating one tight beam.
- Everyday Carry: The ThruNite Ti works well on a keyring and excels as a quick finder, hat light, or clip-on pocket light. Use the magnetic tailcap for hands-free lighting on ferrous surfaces.
- Photography & Filming: Mount the CL01 on a tripod through the quarter-20 thread for soft fill lighting when filming or taking photos.
Practical tip: When packing the CL01, slip it into the provided draw-string bag to protect the lens and keep grit from scratching the diffuser.
How It Performs in Real Use
For Campsite Lighting
The CL01 makes the most sense when you need soft, wide light around a tent, picnic table, or small campsite. The hook gives you overhead placement, while the warm 3000K side of the range feels more comfortable for relaxed evening use.
For Garage and Repair Work
The magnetic base is the key feature for garage work. You can stick the CL01 to metal and light a wider area than a narrow flashlight would cover. It is especially helpful when your hands are busy and you do not want to hold a light.
For Power Outages
The 21700 5000 mAh battery, low modes, and USB-C charging make the CL01 useful as a household backup light. The power-bank function can help in a pinch, but it should be treated as emergency support rather than your main charging plan.
For Everyday Carry
The ThruNite Ti is easier to carry every day because it is smaller and clips to a pocket, keychain, or hat. It is the better option for quick tasks, while the CL01 is better when you need to light a full space.
Compatibility, Setup, and Storage Tips
- Use a stable hanging point: When hanging the CL01 in a tent, place it where the 360-degree light can spread without being blocked by gear or fabric folds.
- Check metal surfaces first: The magnetic base works only on ferrous metal. Test the surface before relying on it during repairs.
- Use the tripod thread for height: A tripod makes the light more useful for group tasks, work benches, filming, or campsite cooking areas.
- Protect the diffuser: Store the CL01 in its bag so grit and tools do not scratch the lens surface.
- Charge before storage: For emergency use, top off the CL01 and Ti before putting them in a kit, then check them again before trips or storm season.
Safety, Weather Resistance, and Battery Notes
The CL01 is built for outdoor use, but it should still be treated like electronic gear. Keep the USB-C flap closed when using it around rain, wet tables, or damp ground. Do not submerge it unless the manufacturer specifically supports that type of use.
Because the CL01 uses a removable 21700 battery, use quality cells and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid damaged battery wraps, loose cells in pockets, or mixing unknown batteries with gear. For the ThruNite Ti, keep the charging port clean and dry before connecting USB-C.
⚖️ Pros & Cons — Honest Assessment
Here’s a concise rundown to help you decide quickly.
CL01 Pros
- Compact 360-degree area light with strong magnet and tripod mount.
- Stepless dimming and adjustable color temperature from 3000K to 6000K.
- USB-C charging and power-bank functionality.
- Up to 500-lumen turbo and lengthy low-mode runtimes on a 21700 5000 mAh battery.
- Includes protective bag, lanyards, and spare O-rings.
CL01 Cons
- Minor flicker noticed at the extreme ends of the color-temperature and brightness sweep.
- Less effective as a directional tool because it is an area light, not a spotlight.
- Power-bank use is best for emergency top-offs, not as a full replacement for a dedicated power bank.
ThruNite Ti Pros
- Extremely compact with reversible clip for hat or pocket mounting.
- Magnetic tailcap and machined clip interface help keep it in place.
- USB-C rechargeable with battery status LED.
ThruNite Ti Cons
- Cannot tail-stand reliably because it tends to tip over.
- Small output compared with larger EDC lights, which is expected for this form factor.
- Not a replacement for a 360-degree lantern when you need area lighting.
Is It Worth the Price?
The Wurkkos CL01 offers strong value if you need one compact light that can handle several roles. You get an area lantern, hanging light, magnetic work light, tripod-friendly fill light, RGB mood light, USB-C rechargeable battery system, and emergency power-bank function in one package.
It is worth considering if you care about mounting options and adjustable light quality more than maximum throw distance. It is not the best fit if your main need is a focused beam for trails, security checks, or long-range visibility. In that case, the CL01 works better as a companion light than your only light.
How It Compares to Alternatives
Compared with bulkier Coleman-style lanterns, the CL01 is smaller, easier to mount, and more flexible, though large traditional lanterns may still make sense for bigger group campsites. Compared with Wurkkos HD01 or HD01 Pro models, the CL01 is less of a pocket multi-tool and more of a dedicated area light.
The ThruNite Ti is not a direct replacement for the CL01 because it serves a different purpose. Choose the Ti if you want something tiny for your pocket or hat. Choose the CL01 if your priority is lighting a tent, table, garage corner, or filming setup.
❓ FAQ — Quick Answers
What is the CL01’s maximum output and runtime?
The manufacturer figure used in this article is 500 lumens on turbo. Runtime depends on mode, with very long runtimes possible on moonlight or low modes and shorter runtime on turbo.
Can the CL01 charge other devices?
Yes. The CL01 supports power-bank functionality through USB-C, so you can use it to top off a phone in a pinch. It is best for emergency support rather than replacing a dedicated high-capacity power bank.
Is the CL01 waterproof?
The CL01 is rated IP65 by the manufacturer. It should handle rain and splashes, but you should not treat it as a submersible light unless the manufacturer specifically allows that use.
Does the ThruNite Ti have different brightness levels?
Yes. The Ti supports multiple modes, including firefly, low, medium, high, and strobe, with a simple click-and-hold interface. It also has a status LED for charging and battery feedback.
Can the CL01 replace a flashlight?
It can replace a flashlight for close-range area tasks, but not for long-distance beam work. The CL01 spreads light broadly, so a directional flashlight is still better for spotting down a trail or focusing on a far object.
Are spare parts available, such as O-rings or batteries?
The CL01 ships with spare O-rings. Replacement 21700 batteries are widely available from reputable brands, but you should follow the manufacturer’s battery guidance and avoid damaged or low-quality cells.
Which light is better for camping, the CL01 or the ThruNite Ti?
The CL01 is better for lighting a tent, table, or campsite because it spreads light in all directions. The ThruNite Ti is better as a small pocket, keychain, or hat light for quick directional tasks.
What is the most common mistake with the CL01?
The common mistake is expecting it to behave like a spotlight. Use it above, beside, or near the work area for wide coverage, and use a directional flashlight when you need distance or beam focus.
📌 Conclusion — Who Should Buy Which Light?
If you want a compact, multi-mount area light for camping, emergencies, vehicle work, or filming, the Wurkkos CL01 is an excellent, well-rounded option. It is compact without sacrificing practical features: magnetic mount, tripod compatibility, stepless dimming, color-temperature sweep, RGB modes, and power-bank capability make it a true do-it-all area lantern.
For everyday carry and quick-access lighting, the ThruNite Ti (704 Tactical) is a strong complement. It is small, thoughtfully designed, and the reversible clip and magnetic tailcap make it more useful than a basic keychain flashlight.
Both lights reflect modern EDC trends: USB-C charging, rechargeable batteries, and design details built around real use. Pick the CL01 if you need a compact area light with flexible placement options. Pick the ThruNite Ti if you want a handy EDC/keychain light that can also work as a hat light or magnetic task light.
🛒 Where to Buy (Links)
Here are the product links I used for testing:
- Wurkkos CL01 Camping Lantern Rechargeable:
Check Price on Amazon →
- ThruNite Ti Keychain Flashlight, Customized Edition with 704 Tactical:
Check Price on Amazon →
- Wurkkos HD01 Flat EDC Flashlight:
Price Check
- Wurkkos HD01 PRO 6-in-1 Flashlight:
Check Price on Amazon →
For my full list of favorite tools and gear: https://www.amazon.com/shop/projectpinehills
📣 Final Thoughts & Tips
If you only buy one of these, choose based on purpose. The CL01 is the better pick for a compact area and emergency light. The ThruNite Ti is the better pick for everyday carry and instant access. Both benefit from keeping the charging cable and spare O-rings in your kit.
For extended trips, bring a pre-charged spare 21700 cell for the CL01 and a small USB power bank if you need to top off devices away from a wall outlet. If you have questions about setup, user experience in a specific scenario, car repair, photography, or winter camping, or want runtime testing at particular modes I used in the review, drop a comment and I’ll share more detailed measurements and tips.
Quick takeaway: The Wurkkos CL01 is a compact 360° workhorse with clever mounting and power options; the ThruNite Ti is a refined, extremely versatile keychain light. Together, they cover most lighting needs you are likely to face on a weekend trip or in daily life.
The Bottom Line
The Wurkkos CL01 is recommended if you want a compact 360-degree lantern for camping, emergency kits, garage work, or tripod-mounted fill lighting. Skip it as your only light if you need long-distance throw or a pocket-sized EDC beam, where the ThruNite Ti or another directional flashlight makes more sense.
