How to Choose a Lantern

 

 

The classic light for campground camping has long been a gas-powered lantern with glass windows. Though bulky, hot to the touch and noisy, it puts out a bright, warm light that seems to last forever.

You can still get these reliable lanterns, but recent advances in LED lighting now provide you many modern lantern choices that are light, bright and compact enough even for backpacking.

This article gives you the basics of lantern selection—from electrics to gas to traditional candle-powered models.

Shop REI’s selection of lanterns.

Types of Lanterns

Electric Lanterns

Virtually all battery-powered lanterns these days use LED (light emitting diode) technology. LED lamps offer numerous advantages:

• Long battery life
• Very good light output
• Can handle rugged use
• Quiet and exhaust-free
• Safe around kids (LEDs generate no heat)

Their only real downsides: battery usage and disposal.

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