How to Buy a Backpacking Lantern
The ideal backpacking lantern is lightweight, affordable and long-burning.
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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
Instructions
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Candle Lantern, Battery-Operated Lantern or Fuel-Burning Lantern?
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Weigh your priorities: Are you looking for something with ambience, fuel efficiency, minimal weight or affordability?
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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.
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Expect to pay more money for a lightweight lantern, unless you decide on a candle lantern.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Purchase slow-burning, drip-free candles to accompany your lantern. You can expect candles to burn up to 8 hours.
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Look to see if the glass slides open to allow for easy lighting.
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Purchase a carrying case to protect your lantern.
Choosing a Battery-Operated Lantern and a Fuel-Burning Lantern
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Consider purchasing a mini flashlight that converts to a freestanding candle to maximize ambience.
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Look for a lantern that's corrosion-resistant, scratch-resistant and waterproof. One of the benefits of battery-operated lanterns is their maximum durability.
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Look for a lantern with an adjustable beam.
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Expect to pay anywhere from $16 to $90 for a fuel-burning lantern.
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Choose a lantern that burns the same fuel as your stove.
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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.
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Look for a lantern specially designed to pressurize well under cold conditions if you'll be backpacking in cold climates.
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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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Comments
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Nov 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.
