Camping Lanterns

[Lamebeaver]

I have a propane lantern, and an old white gas lantern. We don't use them camping much, but they come in handy for power ourages, etc. The propane lantern is easy to use, but the old white gas model puts out WAY more light. If you want to light up a large area, it's the way to go.

trick: Wrap aluminum foil, shiny side in, around half of the globe, so you don't blind yourself.

[Judy Ann]

[QUOTE=ppine;47749]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.

LED Headlamp and lanterns serve my needs nicely. I strongly dislike unnatural light obstructing views of the stars. Campfire glow and head lamps are much more appealing in my opinion!

[CozInCowtown]

Karl,
How "primitive" are you camping?
If you are going "old school" then I recomend a Model 200a Coleman lantern. You can find a great used one on ebay for around $40.
I would suppliment that with an early Dietz "coal-oil" lantern. Again, eBay for around $30. I reccomend a Little Wizard from Dietz.
I hope this helps.
DC

[wvbreamfisherman]

Dietz lanterns are great! When I was a kid, I "rescued" one from a campground trash can. It turned out to have a leaky tank. With a little creative brazing, I patched a few holes and am still using it over 30 years later. They make a very warm gentle light, and can be cut way back to conserve fuel.

[briansnat]

I'm not sure what you mean by primitive. My definition of primitive would rule out any lantern. If you are car camping then it's hard to beat the 2 mantle Coleman gas lantern if you need a lot of light. If you just want enough light to read or do chores by, check out the Black Diamond Apollo or for something even more compact the Black Diamond Orbit. They both put out quite a bit of soft light for their size.