Good Area Type Lantern for Camping?

[mr. nguyen]

Hello all,

I am part of a large youth group (kind of like boy scouts) and we are going on our annual camping trip soon. For all the years past, we have been using Coleman Dual Mantle Propane lanterns. However, as years pass, many of these lanterns stop working, or are broken (*shakes fist at kid who knocked over one last year). I have been looking to move on to LED lanterns for a while now but am unsure as to which one to get.

Right now, I have already purchased two LED lanterns to try out, the famed Rayovac Sportsman SE3DLN, and the new Energizer LED Folding Lantern with Light Fusion Technology, the latter being a more "hey that's neat" purchase. I do like both lanterns, but I do not feel completely satisfied with either. They both don't seem to light up an area that well (at least compared to a Coleman Propane), especially the Rayovac (only 180 lumens through the reflector?), and though the Energizer does a better job, the battery life is pretty terrible and the build quality is mediocre, which kind of throws it out of the equation for camping.

I was looking and saw the Coleman CPX6 Rugged XL Lantern (4D batteries at 350 lumens with a respectable battery life) and was interested by it but thought to come here first to see if anyone had a better opinion. Though I'm always open and comfortable with DIY modifications, the problem is, I'm on a budget of time and money (would like to keep each lantern at less than $40), as I need to buy at least 10 lanterns, and would like to keep warranties. I'd like to keep them LED so they can be a little less fragile for future use. Are there any options besides the Rayovac that I should look into?

Thanks

mr. nguyen

 

[Poppy]

I believe that it is going to be challenging to compete with the output of the coleman dual mantel lantern.

Will this be an overnight, or a number of nights?

What will be their primary use? One for each tent? or do you need to light up a large area?

IF multiple nights, will there be cars nearby, or electricity nearby so that rechargable batteries can be charged during the day?

 

[mr. nguyen]

There will be no electricity. Ideally they will be multiple night lights, though only two nights, needing to last about 24 hours total. Primary use will be outdoor lighting up an area and for the kids to use to take around in case nature calls or something (one of the reasons why I'd like to switch to LEDs, for the younger kids).

Ideally, I don't think the cost of rechargeables would be worth it. Rechargeables are only really worth the cost in the long run if you use the lights enough. I am looking for lanterns that can be used only a few times a year, for many years.

Thanks

mr. nguyen

 

[Poppy]

I am sorry that I can't make a specific recommendation regarding a lantern, because the two that I have are flourescent. I do recall using the old pump up dual mantle colemans (actually I think mine was Thermos) and they threw a lot of light.

You might want to consider running propane for your larger area lighting, and flashlights, or led lanterns for trips to the latrine, etc.
As you can see from the info presented below... the dual mantle lanterns put out almost 3x the light of the led lanterns that you are looking at.

Coleman Quickpack Lantern with Case:InstaStart ignition for fast, matchless lighting
Unique footed base maximizes stability
Folds up for compact storage
2 mantle design uses No. 21 mantles (included)
Adjustable brightness level from low to high
880 lumens
Run time: Up to 13 hours on low, 7 hours on high

 

[yowzer]

I still use propane lanterns. However, I don't like the little disposable bottles. For car camping, I take a 10 pound refillable tank (Half the size of the standard 20 pound ones you usually use with grills; easier to transport and carry), with an attachment like this one http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009PURNG/?tag=cpf0b6-20 that lets me connect a stove and lantern to the same tank.

 

[scottyhazzard]

I have a 55+ year old Colemen double mantle lantern that uses white gas, I think they sell a dual fuel one now. Nothing compares to the amount of light put out by this. That explains its long life. Only other option would be a propane powered dual mantle. They are a little easier to use as you don't have to pump them up to pressure like the white gas ones. Yowzer is right about the 10 pound tank being good. If you are using a 20 pound tank for your stove then there are some tree-pipe things you can get at any camp store or walmart that allows you to raise up the lantern on the riser from the tank and branch off of the riser to power your stove. Works well as the stove is where the light is needed for most of the dark hours. Good luck and happy camping