Camping Lanterns

[nov51947]

I'm just getting started in primitive camping (at 64 years old). I am considering what kind of lantern(s) to purchase. The old standby, the Coleman propane lantern is the obvious choice, but I'm wondering about the new Coleman LED lanterns with a rechargeable unit and a car charger. Do they put out enough light? Are they less expensive than their propane counterpart? Should I get one with multiple light units?

Thanks for your information.

Karl

[wvbreamfisherman]

I prefer the classic Coleman gasoline lantern, but that's just me. A good kerosene lantern puts out a nice soft light as well. Both are too heavy for anything but car camping, or possibly a canoe trip.

For lightweight, I like a candle lantern or two for general lighting and a headlamp for task lighting.

My $0.02

[pastywhite]

If you are car camping it is hard to beat the coleman propane lanterns. Unless I an with a group I don't use a lantern anymore. I just use a headlamp.

[alex k]

have both a propane lantern and a rechargable coleman electric one . the electric has 2 light levels plus a night lite so easy to adjust , but for bright lite i like the output of the propane .
you have trade offs on both so bring the one that fits the situation best ( solo camping vs with friends , at a campground vs boondocking )

[Lamebeaver]

Skip right to a headlamp. Then when you get ready for the next logical step, you'll already have it. You'd be surprised how functional a headlamp is.

I like this one. It has one white LED, two red LEDs and a halogen spot

Amazon.com: Rayovac SPHLTLED-B Sportsman LED Headlight: Home Improvement

[campclose]

We only use the Coleman Propane lanterns but I think I'm going to give the LED lantern a look at. We love to camp and I'm always looking for Christmas gifts that relate to camping. I wonder how good these LED lanterns are. I like that they are rechargeable.

[ppine]

Most people use too much light. The Coleman gas and propane lanterns are great for tasks like skinning a deer, but too bright to create any ambience. I agree that the headlamps with LED are very practical and long lasting. I use them at home so I don't step on any dogs at night.

A fire throws a good amount of light especially if reflected off canvas. Everyone needs a small flashlight or headlamp. Many urban types light up the countryside when they are camping. Maybe it is like knives. People with skill usually have smallish knives and not very bright lights.

[Pathfinder1]

Hi...

One thing that I use to keep from going bump in the dark is a unique little light called a Pak-Lite. There are different models available. It's like a flashlight, but would comfortably fit in your watch/coin pocket. Uses a 9-volt battery.

www.pac-lite.com

[wvbreamfisherman]

To me, the weirdly greenish glow of the classic Coleman gas lantern IS part of the camping experience. It takes me back to the days when I was a kid, and we car-camped all over the place. We'd usually make dinner and sit around the picnic table and play cards or board games or just be a family.

Dont use the lantern as much today, since I camp by myself a lot more, but that glow still takes me back.

[Bojib]

I prefer the Coleman dual fuel lantern. I also use a Coleman Dual Fuel stove as well. So that way I only need to bring one fuel source. That could be something for you to consider as well, if you already have a propane stove, then a propane lantern would be a good choice. If you're just getting started though, it may be a decision to consider.

I have had propane lanterns before, and like them as well.

I can't pin point a real reason I prefer the dual fuel lantern/stoves over the propane now, I think it's the smell and nostalgia of my parents using them while growing up and taking me camping.

I really don't burn the lantern much when camping though, just in the early hours of dark to light up the campsite, usually to finish cooking or for clean up. Like others, I have a head lamp or two, and prefer the light of the campfire and use the headlamps when I stray away.

I have been looking at the Coleman LED Quad Lantern. It has 4 removable panels, so you can take a panel and use it as a flashlight. Or you can leave all 4 panels together and have a lantern. It uses a rechargeable NiMH battery.