Lantern recommendations

So: time to get a lantern for storm prep, camping etc.

Was in Wally World the other day, they had battery powered, propane powered, and unleaded/white gas powered.

I can see advantages and disadvantages to all 3 power sources.

Battery: easy, but batteries die and you need current or replacements to make it go again.
Propane: readily available, but dedicated canisters are pricey. Is there an easy adapter for 20lb or bigger canisters?
Unleaded/white gas: as long as you got some of either on hand... ?

What say y'all?

I love Luci lanterns

Look them up

Hmm... looks intriguing.

Black Diamond Orbit Lantern, Small lightweight, 4 AAA batteries. Like $15 on Amazon.... Bought a bunch and put them all over.

UCO Candle Lanterns, candles last anywhere from 8-20hrs and also provide a little heat. Downside... Its a candle.

Is there an easy adapter for 20lb or bigger canisters?

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Shnozzle

There are others available as well. I got one at Northern Tool years ago. $10-is. There are also any number of "trees" and splitters for hoses to run propane all over the place.

You really need all three in order to be covered for any situation - battery powered for inside the house or tent, propane because you can use the fuel outside for so many other things you probably already have or will get (i.e. grill, griddle, stove, heater) and the good old white gas lantern throws a big light over a large area all night for a cup or two of fuel.

Also, consider getting a few solar path lights from the garden center al Walmart. They often sell them for cheap this time of year - i got 12 of them for $20 a few years ago. They make great, cheap nightlights for inside the house. They can also recharge batteries in a pinch.

Hope that's some help.

JBoyette - Thanks for the tip on the Lucy lights. They look very handy.

Lucy Lights I think are the best for SHTF situations

I have some of each, but usually use my Dietz oil lanterns. A jug of oil will last ya a good long while, and they put off decent light.

I have a combination, I use Coleman propane lanterns and throw some oil lights in the mix with a couple Streamlite battery powered lanterns. I also keep a couple of those battery powered pull string light bulbs. They work really wel! I keep one of those over my bunk at my cabin where ther is no electric.

Tigard, thanks for the schnozzle link! Looks pretty handy.

I gave the ad the once over, didn't see an answer to my knee-jerk question: is it internally calibrated to stop at 1 lb, or is there a risk of inadvertently overfilling the smaller cylinders?

EDIT: Further reading pretty much answered my Q, but I'm open to any insight you experienced Schnozzelators can provide.

JBoyette;n82536 said:

I love Luci lanterns

Look them up

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I got one of those for Christmas! I didn't know that was the name of it. Very cool! I'll be ordering some more.

I've got a few of the cheap Walmart oil ones that run citronella or lamp oil and a UST Pico for moving around the place in the dark. The Pico is almost my ridgeline lantern for my hammock, it's a great little unit.

http://www.ustbrands.com/product/pico-lantern-orange/

Tx Brit.

Lots of good leads here.

Windini;n83406 said:

Tx Brit.

Lots of good leads here.

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You're welcome! UST have some super long lasting version of their lanterns, but the Pico is cheap enough to lose and not cry over it. The diffuser comes off to make a pointable light also. It's a solid source of light and cheap enough to use, not hoard against loss.

If they're for regular camping, you can't beat the propane canister powered ones. I don't have an exact life on the cans, but I've gotten several multi-night trips out of one.

If i's for possible use indoors, the Luci Lights or other LED version are likely the best choice for fumes and heat. The gas powered ones will burn the sheot out of you. Ask me how I know...

You won't overfill your 1lb from your 20lb. Actually, you will have to chill the 1lb canister and place the 20lb canister in warm water to get more than about a 50% fill, if that much. There are other tricks, but generally, it is difficult to get a 1lb up to factory fill.
You should have more than one source for you lighting power, propane, oil, battery, etc. to really cover your bases. But, rechargeable batteries should be one of you primaries. You're going to need tactical/search light power in addition to your huddle lights. AA Sanyo Eneloop NiMh are the recommended standard in my opinion. They are the most dependable and consistent rechargeable out there. And they store well. LED type lights are getting more and more efficient all the time.
Base your equipment on AA's and 12volt power from car/marine/golf cart batteries. Car batteries being the least desirable choice, but serviceable in a pinch. Get a solar panel along with other sources for recharge.

Why is this in DIY?

Oil.
Carolina Readiness.

https://www.amazon.com/Rayovac-SE3DLNACOM-Sportsman-Lumen-Lantern/dp/B0018S4XIS

I bought one of these on a few recommendations, years back. After two years of camping, I still haven't changed the batteries, and they were used when I put them in there. Water resistant, and durable as anything I've ever owned, this thing is a beast. Runs around 16 bucks too, so even if your opinion doesn't match mine,it's not going to break the bank.

Errant_Venture;n84634 said:

https://www.amazon.com/Rayovac-SE3DLNACOM-Sportsman-Lumen-Lantern/dp/B0018S4XIS

I bought one of these on a few recommendations, years back. After two years of camping, I still haven't changed the batteries, and they were used when I put them in there. Water resistant, and durable as anything I've ever owned, this thing is a beast. Runs around 16 bucks too, so even if your opinion doesn't match mine,it's not going to break the bank.

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Thanks for the link! I was almost sold on it when I read this:

Easy find green LED light blinks every 5 seconds when lantern is off

Is this true? If so, it'd be a deal breaker for me. I don't need anymore always on flashing lights in my life...

Everything else seems good, esp. battery life.

Since this thread inspired me to look at other options came across another that is interesting looking.

Some have USB charging capabilities as well but the thing that was most interesting was the ability to use Gordon mounts to attach them to things.

Pricey.. But another tool in the tool box and such.

I do like JBoyette recommendations for the Luci lights. Had forgotten about those. Less than 10 on Amazon right now.

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I like the old german petromax kero lamps and the knockoffs but they are getting pricy. Also called sea anchor lanterns. Kero is cheap enough in a lantern just dont use them in the house. Thats what an oil lamp or liquid parrafin candles is fora

thrillhill has a few options like the streamlights they've been almost indestructible and they're waterproof.

The luci is cool, solar is always a nice option.

FIL got me a rechargeable caterpillar work light that is insanely bright and has lasted a long time on a charge.

http://catlights.com/product/ct3530-stationary-worklight/

Battery and propane lanterns will always let you down when you need them most. Ive had the best luck with Coleman/Kero lanterns and a handful of mantles for the longest lasting most efficient light

And most will run on unleaded, diesel and or biodiesel with just a $7 generator change

Windini;n84702 said:

Thanks for the link! I was almost sold on it when I read this:

Easy find green LED light blinks every 5 seconds when lantern is off

Is this true? If so, it'd be a deal breaker for me. I don't need anymore always on flashing lights in my life...

Everything else seems good, esp. battery life.

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Mine doesn't have one, but I purchased it years ago. Because that would annoy the crap out of me, and drain the battery unneccessarily.

It does seem to have one though. I'll grab mine later tonight and check, see if it's a new thing or if I just never noticed it, lol.

Lots of great ideas and suggestion here; thanks again everybody!

I think I'm leaning toward multi-"fuel" options, i.e. a propane lamp & refill device, fuel lamp, and Luci light or other battery-powered light. Can't have too many options! IF one craps out, I'd have a backup other than flashlight or candles.

I like the one that I stole from Wyatt BurnedOutGeek . Don't have a clue what the name brand is but its pretty cool. I think Bill thrillhill carries them.

Chdamn;n85009 said:

I like the one that I stole from Wyatt BurnedOutGeek . Don't have a clue what the name brand is but its pretty cool. I think Bill thrillhill carries them.

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Streamlight. We got one for you I'll bring to the BBQ

Chdamn;n85009 said:

I like the one that I stole from Wyatt BurnedOutGeek . Don't have a clue what the name brand is but its pretty cool. I think Bill thrillhill carries them.

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The Streamlight Seige lantern. They come in a AA model and a D cell model. They are, in my opinion, the best thing going right now in battery powered lanterns. And they are tough. I've left them outside in the rain, for multiple days/nights. My neighbor's kid puts them on strobe and floats them in the swimming pool while they are playing. Water is not a problem. Neither is dropping them as I have done on several occasions. I love the multiple options of hanging them, with or without the diffuser. And I LOVE the battery level indicator built into the on/off switch. There is no excuse for letting the batteries go completely dead other than laziness.

https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-...86504846&sr=8-1&keywords=streamlight+siege+aa

https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-...4749&sr=8-1&keywords=streamlight+siege+d+cell

I guess which is the best lanterns all depend on your uses. From a prepping perspective, there is no reason not to have options. Options and redundancies are a good thing.

My family has multiple Seige lanterns, AA and D cell, UCO Candle lanterns, Coleman propane lanterns, Dietz oil lanterns, hurricane lamps, Luminaid Packlites, and Coleman kero/white fuel lanterns.


UCO Candle Lanterns:
https://www.amazon.com/UCO-Original...1486505476&sr=8-3&keywords=uco+candle+lantern



I prefer the Luminaid when it comes to solar:
https://www.amazon.com/LuminAID-Pac...86504949&sr=8-2&keywords=luminaid+solar+light


We used to be heavier on Dietz oil lamps than anything else. They of course burn lamp oil, but you could also use kerosene or diesel if you needed to. You had to trim the wick accordingly but I have done it several times.

Then, when regular run of the mill Duracell and Energizer batteries got to where they had a 10 year shelf life, we increased the amount of battery powered lanterns. Batteries store better than everything else like oil and kerosene. Even lamp oil eventually degrades the plastic containers it comes in and starts leaking. So now we keep several gallons of lamp oil on hand, several hundred batteries (that we are able to rotate out fairly consistently thanks to the kids and those dang Wii controllers, and our game cameras as well), about 75 gallons of kerosene, plenty of candles (which we can reproduce with bees wax), and there is always propane on hand.


I have tried multiple and various crank/solar combos. So far I haven't found anything other than Chinese garbage that breaks pretty quick.


Options are a good thing. If you're just going camping, get whatever you like. If it's long term concerns, get a few different kinds. It is not an expensive pursuit.

Don't forget white gas too, stores for a good long while.

thrillhill;n85143 said:

The Streamlight Seige lantern. They come in a AA model and a D cell model. They are, in my opinion, the best thing going right now in battery powered lanterns. And they are tough. I've left them outside in the rain, for multiple days/nights. My neighbor's kid puts them on strobe and floats them in the swimming pool while they are playing. Water is not a problem. Neither is dropping them as I have done on several occasions. I love the multiple options of hanging them, with or without the diffuser. And I LOVE the battery level indicator built into the on/off switch. There is no excuse for letting the batteries go completely dead other than laziness.

https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-...86504846&sr=8-1&keywords=streamlight+siege+aa

https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-...4749&sr=8-1&keywords=streamlight+siege+d+cell

I guess which is the best lanterns all depend on your uses. From a prepping perspective, there is no reason not to have options. Options and redundancies are a good thing.

My family has multiple Seige lanterns, AA and D cell, UCO Candle lanterns, Coleman propane lanterns, Dietz oil lanterns, hurricane lamps, Luminaid Packlites, and Coleman kero/white fuel lanterns.


UCO Candle Lanterns:
https://www.amazon.com/UCO-Original...1486505476&sr=8-3&keywords=uco+candle+lantern



I prefer the Luminaid when it comes to solar:
https://www.amazon.com/LuminAID-Pac...86504949&sr=8-2&keywords=luminaid+solar+light


We used to be heavier on Dietz oil lamps than anything else. They of course burn lamp oil, but you could also use kerosene or diesel if you needed to. You had to trim the wick accordingly but I have done it several times.

Then, when regular run of the mill Duracell and Energizer batteries got to where they had a 10 year shelf life, we increased the amount of battery powered lanterns. Batteries store better than everything else like oil and kerosene. Even lamp oil eventually degrades the plastic containers it comes in and starts leaking. So now we keep several gallons of lamp oil on hand, several hundred batteries (that we are able to rotate out fairly consistently thanks to the kids and those dang Wii controllers, and our game cameras as well), about 75 gallons of kerosene, plenty of candles (which we can reproduce with bees wax), and there is always propane on hand.


I have tried multiple and various crank/solar combos. So far I haven't found anything other than Chinese garbage that breaks pretty quick.


Options are a good thing. If you're just going camping, get whatever you like. If it's long term concerns, get a few different kinds. It is not an expensive pursuit.

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Quoting for extra "like" opp.

I don't know if they were always made by "UCO," but those candle lanterns are the spit n' image of the ones we used backpacking in CO... in the '80's! Maybe they just stuck their brand on a label, or maybe someone resurrected the design, but they always worked great. Is the wind shield still glass? That was the only perceived drawback back then--you might break the glass by dropping or scrunching it in your pack. Don't recall that ever happening, though.

Diablos;n85159 said:

Don't forget white gas too, stores for a good long while.

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Which is good, since I buy a gallon and it usually sticks around for, I dunno, 10-15 years...

One of my back-up cooking options (and my current backpack stove, not that I've been in [embarrassingly long interval]) is an original SVEA 123 "Swiss Army Stove," bought surplus at the Boulder Army Store in '79. I think Optimus got the rights to produce them for a while, but they're looong outta vogue, as am I.

Still works fine, and it's fun as hell to fire it up in front of people who've ever seen one. You pour a little white gas in the indented well on top of the brass base/fuel tank, then light it on fire to vaporize the fuel as it rises through the venturi...

Windini;n85235 said:

Is the wind shield still glass?

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Yeah, the shield is still real glass. It kinda gave me pause at first. But I haven't broken one yet. I probably will before it's all over with. Regardless, I like them quite a bit. The chandelier lantern (3 candle version) is actually pretty good to cook on as well.

thrillhill;n85314 said:

Yeah, the shield is still real glass. It kinda gave me pause at first. But I haven't broken one yet. I probably will before it's all over with. Regardless, I like them quite a bit. The chandelier lantern (3 candle version) is actually pretty good to cook on as well.

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I actually just got one of those little UCO lanterns in a giveaway. When it got here, the glass shield was nothing but a handful of razor sharp shards...... Trust USPS to do what camping can't. Got another shield on the way, but it was damn annoying.

NCLivingBrit;n85321 said:

I actually just got one of those little UCO lanterns in a giveaway. When it got here, the glass shield was nothing but a handful of razor sharp shards...... Trust USPS to do what camping can't. Got another shield on the way, but it was damn annoying.

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That sucks! Hope USPS is paying for the replacement...

Windini;n85401 said:

That sucks! Hope USPS is paying for the replacement...

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HA! Not even bothering, they don't do crap even with insurance, it's just a way to extort a couple more bucks.

NCLivingBrit;n85450 said:

HA! Not even bothering, they don't do crap even with insurance, it's just a way to extort a couple more bucks.

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Looking on the brighter side, I hear glass shard omelets from a mess tin are excellent for cleansing the intestines.

I love my streamlight battery powered lanterns.

Windini;n85465 said:

Looking on the brighter side, I hear glass shard omelets from a mess tin are excellent for cleansing the intestines.

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Indeed.

Picked up one of the d cell streamlight lanterns myself recently. Has roughly 5 billion hours of run time on low if you believe the Snap-on dealer...lol

Checked out my lantern. It does indeed have the green LED, but I haven't noticed it in nearly three years, and I haven't had to change the batteries yet, that I recall, either.

Another vote here for the streamlight siege. I have the d cell model and I absolutely love it. I try to find reasons to use it because it's so awesome. It's surprisingly small too, unlike most other battery lanterns which seem to play on the idea that bigger means more powerful. I will probably get 1-2 more when I get my jug fishing boat set up.