How to Buy a Backpacking Lantern

The ideal backpacking lantern is lightweight, affordable and long-burning.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Candle Lantern Candles
• Candle Lantern Padded Case
• Candle Lanterns
• Halogen Bulbs
• Butane
• Gas Lanterns
• Lantern Stuff Sacks
• Battery-operated Lanterns
• Propane Fuel

Candle Lantern, Battery-Operated Lantern or Fuel-Burning Lantern?

1. Weigh your priorities: Are you looking for something with ambience, fuel efficiency, minimal weight or affordability?

2. Consider a candle lantern or a flashlight that converts to a freestanding candle if you're looking for maximum ambience. You can use a headlamp when you want intensive lighting for a task, but keep the candle for ambience.

3. Expect to pay more money for a lightweight lantern, unless you decide on a candle lantern.

4. Choose a lantern with rechargeable batteries or a refillable liquid-canister stove if you're looking for fuel efficiency and versatility. Candle lanterns burn only up to 8 hours before the candles need to be replaced; a good fuel-burning lantern will burn up to 18 hours with minimal light.

5. Consider a battery-operated lantern or a fuel-burning lantern with an adjustable flame if you want intensive, focused light. A battery-operated lantern will also provide maximum durability.

6. Consider a fuel-burning lantern or candle lantern for cold climates. Battery-operated lanterns don't operate well under cold conditions.

Choosing a Candle Lantern

7. Consider a candle lantern if you're looking for maximum ambience, minimal weight and affordability. These let off a warm, flickering glow, can be as cheap as $10 and weigh as little as 4 oz.

8. Purchase slow-burning, drip-free candles to accompany your lantern. You can expect candles to burn up to 8 hours.

9. Look to see if the glass slides open to allow for easy lighting.

10. Purchase a carrying case to protect your lantern.

Choosing a Battery-Operated Lantern and a Fuel-Burning Lantern

11. Consider purchasing a mini flashlight that converts to a freestanding candle to maximize ambience.

12. Look for a lantern that's corrosion-resistant, scratch-resistant and waterproof. One of the benefits of battery-operated lanterns is their maximum durability.

13. Look for a lantern with an adjustable beam.

14. Expect to pay anywhere from $16 to $90 for a fuel-burning lantern.

15. Choose a lantern that burns the same fuel as your stove.

16. Consider purchasing a dual-fuel lantern if backpacking internationally or in an area where white gas may be unavailable. Dual-fuel lanterns will allow you to burn unleaded fuel.

17. Look for a lantern specially designed to pressurize well under cold conditions if you'll be backpacking in cold climates.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider purchasing candle lantern candles specially designed to repel insects as they burn.
• Don't plan on using a candle lantern in your tent.

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on 11/22/2005 I use one of the small LED lights, similar to the ones people put on their key chains. They are extremely light and durable. Many are made with an on/off switch, as well as the momentary button. The momentary button makes a quick light easy, but no chance of leaving it on and running the battery down. The on/off switch makes it easy to hang inside my tent for a more ambient light. Some models provide a more focused beam and are not as good for ambient light (consider this when purchasing). The other positive of these is that the LED is easy on batteries. I have camped multiple weekends without a change of battery.