I want to replace an old "camping lantern"

[bquinlan]

I want to replace an old \"camping lantern\"

I just realized that despite several high-tech personal lights, my car's emergency kit is still equipped with an ancient 6v "camping lantern". I don't have much of a budget right now, but it's never too early to start looking, right? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Can anyone advise me on the better choices for a long-lasting non-beam light that's bright enough to light the inside of a tent at a comfortable level? I want more light than just the minimum required not to trip over things. Enough to read by would be nice.

The unit does not have to be tiny, since it will go in a pack, not a pocket. I'm willing to consider incans, LEDs, hybrids, and just about anything else that works.

Suggestions?

Thanks!

--Bob Q

 

[buba]

Re: I want to replace an old \"camping lantern\"

How about one of these LED's in a 4aa or 4d dome lantern.
LED Bulb

Walmart and Kmart sell the dorcy and rayovac brand of 4aa dome lanterns. Rayovac's version has a dial switch which would be less likely to turn itself on in your pack as the dorcy has a smooth slider switch. They also sell a house brand 4D dome lantern, which my be to big for your pack

You could get the entire setup from here.
LED Lantern

 

[DaveT]

Re: I want to replace an old \"camping lantern\"

Hi Bob - here's my suggestions from a recent hurricane lighting thread:lanterns
My top suggestion would be the Energizer 2-LED folding lantern - 4AA batteries, 2 light levels, can stand or lie it down and fold the panel as needed, or hang from a hook or a lanyard. Only $3.29 at Office Depot - not one you'd be afraid to lose or break.
Dave

 

[davidra]

Re: I want to replace an old \"camping lantern\"

I got the 12 LED lantern from Overstock.
Not real bright, but takes 4 D cells and should run forever. Provides plenty of light for a tent, and maybe even for a dinner table.

 

[RussH]

Re: I want to replace an old \"camping lantern\"

I hate to say it, but flourescent lanterns are brighter and last almost as long on low (one 9w tube). They do tend to be full size, and many of the LED lamps are smaller. I haven't tried any of the really small flourescents but there are some avaliable.

 

[Stanley]

Re: I want to replace an old \"camping lantern\"

I'm not a huge lantern person, but take a look at this from Flashlight reviews or this from LedMuseum... I think I'm sold on these! They're small and cheap, I would get a couple of these if I could... unfortunately we don't have them darn Walmarts here... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[bquinlan]

Re: I want to replace an old \"camping lantern\"

Thanks to everyone for their advice!

I liked the look of the Energizer Folding LED so I went shopping. My local Office Depot didn't know they had them, but they did. I picked up two for $7. Obviously haven't had a chance to do more than fire 'em up so far, but I am impressed. They seem nearly ideal for most circumstances. One is going into my car pack immediately.

I do suspect there will be times when I want something brighter, so I'm thinking I will pick up a smallish flourescent lantern too. That, plus a G2, should cover every circumstance I can picture.

Thanks again!

--Bob Q

 

[flashlite]

Re: I want to replace an old \"camping lantern\"

It may be too late but my personal favorite is the Bonfire Blaze by Gerber.

 

[bquinlan]

Re: I want to replace an old \"camping lantern\"

I did get the larger flourescent version of the Energizer Folding Lantern too. I think I'm pretty well equipped.

Now I'm trying to decide whether I want to replace that G2 in my car pack with a Twin-Task 2L... Or maybe the TT2 is what I need for my bedside light? Or maybe I need several of both? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

If only people didn't want money for these things we could all be happy. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/broke.gif

--Bob Q