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| Lanterns |
Gear Review:
Lanterns
Lanterns
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Lanterns
From torches carried by pitchfork wielding mobs to chemical reactions contained plastic tubes that yield a soft and
eerie glow. There are thousands of options, when it comes to chasing away the darkness. And with all of those
choices it is many times difficult to pick which is the best option for each situation. For lighting around the campsite,
most people turn to their trusty lantern to provide a welcoming glow that many of us associate with a fine camping
experience. I have chosen five of my favorite lanterns, which are each suited to a particular type of use. As they
range in size from small to large, their light output and, of course, weight go up proportionally. So it only makes sense
that the while the smallest and lightest of lanterns might be great for a solo backpacker it would be near useless for a
large group of campers, and a big powerful lantern which illuminates a wide area for a large camp group, would be
not only too heavy for a hiker to carry, but the light output would be simply overkill. While most people find that they
can get by with just one lantern, I find that I like to have a variety of choices, so that I can always have the right tool
for the job, depending on what type of camping trip I’m taking.
From torches carried by pitchfork wielding mobs to chemical reactions contained plastic tubes that yield a soft and
eerie glow. There are thousands of options, when it comes to chasing away the darkness. And with all of those
choices it is many times difficult to pick which is the best option for each situation. For lighting around the campsite,
most people turn to their trusty lantern to provide a welcoming glow that many of us associate with a fine camping
experience. I have chosen five of my favorite lanterns, which are each suited to a particular type of use. As they
range in size from small to large, their light output and, of course, weight go up proportionally. So it only makes sense
that the while the smallest and lightest of lanterns might be great for a solo backpacker it would be near useless for a
large group of campers, and a big powerful lantern which illuminates a wide area for a large camp group, would be
not only too heavy for a hiker to carry, but the light output would be simply overkill. While most people find that they
can get by with just one lantern, I find that I like to have a variety of choices, so that I can always have the right tool
for the job, depending on what type of camping trip I’m taking.
REI Candle Lantern
This small compact lantern is perfect for backpacking. It casts plenty of light to read by or to shine a little light on
your map as you sit at camp and plan the next day’s hike. The natural glow that it gives off is unobtrusive and ideal
for a solo backpacker to lighten up a small area for cooking and small camp chores. It also provides nice lighting for
a romantic dinner for two, miles from civilization. Another bonus of the candle lantern is that the candles are also
handy to use as an emergency fire starter. Anytime that a piece of equipment has a dual function, that saves weight,
which is always a concern for us folks that are carrying all of our gear on our backs.
This small compact lantern is perfect for backpacking. It casts plenty of light to read by or to shine a little light on
your map as you sit at camp and plan the next day’s hike. The natural glow that it gives off is unobtrusive and ideal
for a solo backpacker to lighten up a small area for cooking and small camp chores. It also provides nice lighting for
a romantic dinner for two, miles from civilization. Another bonus of the candle lantern is that the candles are also
handy to use as an emergency fire starter. Anytime that a piece of equipment has a dual function, that saves weight,
which is always a concern for us folks that are carrying all of our gear on our backs.
Specs
- Compact lantern is ideal for backpacking
and home emergency kits - Dripless candle burns up to 10 hours
- Spring-loaded system keeps candle at a
consistent height - Lantern collapses to 4.25 inches for
compact storage - Weight 7.5 ounces
- Material Aluminum
- Burn Time (Max Flame) 10hr 15min
- Cost $19
Pros: Small, light weight, dual function
Cons: not enough light for groups
Note: You can buy cheaper candle lanterns that use tea candles, but I generally don’t recommend them, they are
harder to light, burn out quickly and provide only a fraction of the light that a quality candle lantern provides.
Cons: not enough light for groups
Note: You can buy cheaper candle lanterns that use tea candles, but I generally don’t recommend them, they are
harder to light, burn out quickly and provide only a fraction of the light that a quality candle lantern provides.
Coleman LED MicroPacker™ Lantern
This neat little lantern is my favorite for lighting up small tents. It provides a surprising amount of light for such a
small lantern. While it is only a little larger than a candle lantern, it shines much brighter. Because it is battery
operated, there is no fire danger or carbon monoxide worries, making it great for unventilated areas such as in the
tent. It uses three AA batteries which will typically last for about 100 hours of burn time, making this a very efficient
way to light up small areas around the camp site, as well. While I don’t particularly like the unnatural color that the
LED lights give off compared to a real flame, this is a nice addition to my line up of lanterns.
This neat little lantern is my favorite for lighting up small tents. It provides a surprising amount of light for such a
small lantern. While it is only a little larger than a candle lantern, it shines much brighter. Because it is battery
operated, there is no fire danger or carbon monoxide worries, making it great for unventilated areas such as in the
tent. It uses three AA batteries which will typically last for about 100 hours of burn time, making this a very efficient
way to light up small areas around the camp site, as well. While I don’t particularly like the unnatural color that the
LED lights give off compared to a real flame, this is a nice addition to my line up of lanterns.
Specs
- Operates up to 125 hours using three AA
batteries - Two bright, long-lasting LEDs
- Reflector slides up to project light forward
for path lighting - Push-button on/off control
- Powered by three AA batteries (included)
- 7.5″ tall when in use
- Cost $14
Pros: small, bright light, easy to use, great for small tents
Cons: unnatural color of light, batteries are a major pollution source so you’ll need to invest in some good quality
rechargeable batteries to go in it.
Cons: unnatural color of light, batteries are a major pollution source so you’ll need to invest in some good quality
rechargeable batteries to go in it.
Coleman Pack-Away® Personal-Size Lantern
This handy lantern provides great lighting for large tents or for camp chores that require a good deal of
illumination. Like smaller battery powered lanterns, it is perfect for using in poorly ventilated areas (tents and
campers), due the lack of fire risk and no carbon monoxide production. This lantern is a bit heavy for backpacking
use, but is well suited for use in large tents when a smaller lantern doesn’t have quite enough light output. It uses
four D-cell batteries, and will burn for about 12 hours in my experience. It also has its own built in carrying case,
which is a nice feature and when closed automatically switches off to prolong the battery life.
This handy lantern provides great lighting for large tents or for camp chores that require a good deal of
illumination. Like smaller battery powered lanterns, it is perfect for using in poorly ventilated areas (tents and
campers), due the lack of fire risk and no carbon monoxide production. This lantern is a bit heavy for backpacking
use, but is well suited for use in large tents when a smaller lantern doesn’t have quite enough light output. It uses
four D-cell batteries, and will burn for about 12 hours in my experience. It also has its own built in carrying case,
which is a nice feature and when closed automatically switches off to prolong the battery life.
Specs
- Pack-Away® design creates a built-in carry
case and compact storage - Reflector in base promotes increased light
output - Light automatically shuts off in closed
position to conserve batteries - Space-saving handle rests against base
- Easy bulb replacement
- Bright, long-lasting krypton bulb
- Operates up to 15 hours, using four D
batteries (not included) - 8.75″ tall when in use
- Cost $19
Pros: convenient, good light output, great for tents
Cons: unnatural light color, short battery life, heavy (for backpacking), batteries are a major pollution source so
you’ll need to invest in some good quality rechargeable batteries to go in it.
Cons: unnatural light color, short battery life, heavy (for backpacking), batteries are a major pollution source so
you’ll need to invest in some good quality rechargeable batteries to go in it.
Coleman Exponent Dual Fuel™ Lantern
This is a smaller lighter weight version of the classic Coleman lantern. It is excellent for lighting up a
campsite for small groups, and is light weight enough to be a primary light source for a group of backpackers.
The duel fuel nature of this lantern makes it extremely versatile, which is always something to consider if the
lantern is ever needed in an emergency situation. I find that most of the time this smaller version of lantern is
more than enough lighting for most occasions. The one draw back, however, of a one mantel lantern is if
something happens to that mantel, you are in the dark.
This is a smaller lighter weight version of the classic Coleman lantern. It is excellent for lighting up a
campsite for small groups, and is light weight enough to be a primary light source for a group of backpackers.
The duel fuel nature of this lantern makes it extremely versatile, which is always something to consider if the
lantern is ever needed in an emergency situation. I find that most of the time this smaller version of lantern is
more than enough lighting for most occasions. The one draw back, however, of a one mantel lantern is if
something happens to that mantel, you are in the dark.
Specs
- Sturdy, lightweight lantern operates on
clean-burning Coleman® fuel or
unleaded gasoline - Fits easily in most backpack pockets
- Single mantle design burns up to 3
hours on one tank of fuel (in most
conditions) - Precise, adjustable light
- Bright enough to read by: light output is
equal to a 75-watt soft white light bulb - Clear globe provides 360° of light
- Fuel tank resists corrosion
- Porcelain-coated ventilator
- Filler cap with lanyard prevents cap loss
- Weight 27.2 oz
- Cost $55.
Pros: light weight for light output, versatile, very dependable
Cons: too small for large groups, short burn time
Cons: too small for large groups, short burn time
Coleman 2 Mantle Dual Fuel™ Powerhouse® Lantern
For large camping groups or any time that you need to really brighten up a big area, this is the best lantern for the
job. For solo camping or small groups it can be a bit of overkill in the lighting department. But this dependable
lantern is a mainstay for many people who enjoy camping. It is versatile as to what fuels it will burn, which is a
times an invaluable feature. It is also designed to be quite a bit brighter than most other lanterns. I find it most
useful for lighting in a long term base camp or to use when car camping due to its size and weight. Because of
the brightness this lantern will devour fuel when used on its highest setting, so enough fuel needs to allotted for the
entire trip otherwise a person will be sucking gasoline out of their car to keep this thing burning. But if you need a
lot of light this is certainly the lantern to go with.
For large camping groups or any time that you need to really brighten up a big area, this is the best lantern for the
job. For solo camping or small groups it can be a bit of overkill in the lighting department. But this dependable
lantern is a mainstay for many people who enjoy camping. It is versatile as to what fuels it will burn, which is a
times an invaluable feature. It is also designed to be quite a bit brighter than most other lanterns. I find it most
useful for lighting in a long term base camp or to use when car camping due to its size and weight. Because of
the brightness this lantern will devour fuel when used on its highest setting, so enough fuel needs to allotted for the
entire trip otherwise a person will be sucking gasoline out of their car to keep this thing burning. But if you need a
lot of light this is certainly the lantern to go with.
Specs
Pros: bright, dependable, versatile
Cons: high fuel consumption, weight
- 25% brighter than model #285-
700T - Powered by 2 pints of Coleman®
Fuel or unleaded gas - 7 hours burn time on high, 14
hours on low - Cost $75
Pros: bright, dependable, versatile
Cons: high fuel consumption, weight
Propane Lanterns
As you might have noticed there were NO propane lanterns featured in my five favorite lanterns. The reason for this is
simple. I don’t recommend them. While they are convenient to use, the drawbacks far out weigh the benefits, as far as
I’m concerned. Here’s a list of some of the drawbacks.
1. Not as bright as fuel powered lanterns
2. Less dependable
3. More difficult to repair when damaged
4. Far more expensive to operate
5. Heavy propane canisters
6. Canisters are difficult to recycle (though while at Big Bend NP they did provide for propane canister recycling
which all parks should do, unfortunately most of those steel canisters just end up in land fills)
7. Canisters slowly leak after the first use, so even if you aren’t using the lantern, you are using fuel
8. Danger of compressed fuel
9. Canisters can be virtually unavailable during emergency situations
10. As a traditionalist, I consider propane lanterns to be just plain cheating
As you might have noticed there were NO propane lanterns featured in my five favorite lanterns. The reason for this is
simple. I don’t recommend them. While they are convenient to use, the drawbacks far out weigh the benefits, as far as
I’m concerned. Here’s a list of some of the drawbacks.
1. Not as bright as fuel powered lanterns
2. Less dependable
3. More difficult to repair when damaged
4. Far more expensive to operate
5. Heavy propane canisters
6. Canisters are difficult to recycle (though while at Big Bend NP they did provide for propane canister recycling
which all parks should do, unfortunately most of those steel canisters just end up in land fills)
7. Canisters slowly leak after the first use, so even if you aren’t using the lantern, you are using fuel
8. Danger of compressed fuel
9. Canisters can be virtually unavailable during emergency situations
10. As a traditionalist, I consider propane lanterns to be just plain cheating
