Confused about what type of camping lantern to purchase?
Here is some info that can help you select between the four different
types of lanterns:
Based on the type of camping do, weather conditions, budget constraints,
etc., we have listed the advantages/disadvantages to help you determine
the best fuel type for your application.
Liquid Fuel Lanterns
There are 3 main types of liquid fuels used in lanterns:
Coleman fuel - (also known as white gas or just
camping fuel) - This is the main fuel used for any lantern that requires
a liquid gas and can be found in nearly any store that sells lanterns.
Unleaded gas – Newer lanterns can burn both
the Coleman fuel and also unleaded gas (known as “duel fuel”
lanterns). The benefit of having a lantern that can burn unleaded
gas is the readably available supply if the Coleman fuel is not available.
Kerosene – Not nearly as popular now as in
the past, kerosene is still the fuel of choice for many people, primarily
due to its low cost. A disadvantage of kerosene is the smell and smoke
it produces.
Advantages of Liquid Fuel Lanterns
• Produces a very bright light
• Economical to use
• Can also act as a heat source in cool weather
Disadvantages of Liquid Fuel Lanterns
• Lantern top and globe will become very hot and can cause
serious burns.
• Although not that loud, these lanterns do emit a white noise
sound. If you enjoy listening to the crickets and frogs, this should
be a consideration.
Considerations
• Need to have extra mantles available
• You need to be especially careful around children because
the lanterns are very hot.
• If you have cook stove that also uses Coleman fuel, you can
share the fuel between your lantern and stove.
Gas Lanterns
The primary fuels used in gas lanterns are:
Propane – Comes in disposable canisters that
can be quickly attached to a lantern or cook stove. The canisters
are both easy and convenient to use, but can be expensive for extended
camping trips. This is probably the most popular type of fuel for
weekend camping trips
Butane/Propane mixes – Comes in a lightweight
canister and geared towards hikers/backpackers. Most lightweight lanterns
use this fuel.
Advantages of Gas Lanterns
• Very convenient and easy to use. Just attach to the lantern
and you are ready to use.
• Produces a very bright light.
Disadvantages of Gas Lanterns
• As with most items that are convenient, there is a cost
to be paid. Of the different fuel options, this is one of the most
expensive.
• Like liquid fuel lanterns, there is a noise when operating.
• In sub-freezing weather, the gas pressure will be affected
and performance may not be optimal.
• The metal propane canisters will weigh 2-3 pounds.
• Lantern top and globe will become very hot and can cause serious
burns.
Considerations
• If you only camp a few times a year and convenience is more
important than cost, then this is probably your best option.
• If you are not camping close to your vehicle, then using the
propane canisters is not the best option due to their weight and bulk.
Battery Lanterns
Battery lanterns come in a variety of battery types and light sources:
Non-rechargeable – These lanterns are powered
by the disposable alkaline C, D, etc. batteries.
Rechargeable – Powered by a rechargeable battery
that can be charged via A/C, D/C, or solar power.
Self-charging – Powered by a rechargeable battery
that is charged using a wind-up or hand crank.
LED – A small but bright light that requires
less drain on the battery than a candescent light bulb.
Fluorescent – A gas filled glass tube that
produces a bright light with low energy use.
Advantages of Battery Lanterns
• Quiet and easy operation
• Very dependable
• Solar rechargeable batteries do not require gas, batteries,
etc. One less item needed on the trip.
Disadvantages of Battery Lanterns
• Light produced is not as bright as gas lanterns.
• As battery power drains, light will not be as bright.
• Cold weather can reduce battery charge.
Considerations
• Battery powered lanterns are safe for use inside a tent.
• Safe to use around children; no hot globes to worry about.
Candle Lanterns
Advantages of Candle Lanterns
• Very economical use.
• Can burn citronella candles to keep bugs away.
• No noise
Disadvantages of Candle Lanterns
• Not as bright as other types of lanterns
• Can be a fire hazard if not properly used
• Wet/windy weather can affect performance and make them hard
to light
• Cannot adjust light level
Considerations
• Candle light provides a great ambience, especially inside
a tent.
• A great additional light source for special occasions.
Browse Learning Center by Category
Here are some various articles about the different
types of lanterns, fuels, accessories, etc.
Camping Lanterns
Propane
Kerosene
Battery Powered
Solar Powered
Accessories
Other Camping Lights
Camping Lanterns
Camping lantern
To choose a camping lantern, weigh your options, preferences, and
outdoor lighting needs.
Camping lanterns
The right camping lanterns can add a lot to your hiking, camping,
or fishing experience in the great outdoors.
Hanging camping
lantern
Having a hanging camping lantern is a nice touch to any campsite,
but safety rules should always be considered.
Wind up lanterns
for camping
If you are looking for great camping equipment, there are several
wind up lanterns for camping that will make your next camping trip
easier.
Camping lantern
American made
Before you purchase a camping lantern, consider the American made
camping lantern.
Candle lantern
A candle lantern offers a simple solution to your outdoor lighting
needs.
Coleman camping
lanterns
When it comes to choosing a lantern you know you can trust, don’t
look farther than Coleman camping lanterns.
Coleman lantern
If you want a quality lantern that will always work, choosing a Coleman
lantern is the right way to go.
Coleman lanterns
If you are interested in making sure that you have the light you need,
no matter where you are camping, remember to take Coleman lanterns
with you.
Gas camping lights
If you don’t want to find yourself in the dark on your next
trip into the woods, don’t forget to bring along a couple gas
camping lights.
Gas lanterns
You have probably seen gas lanterns on the campsite or in the store,
but what do you need to look for when purchasing one of your own?
Propane
Propane camping
lantern
If you want to make sure that you are going to have a quality, reliable
light, bringing a propane camping lantern with you on your next trip
to the great outdoors might be a good idea.
Propane camping
lights
Propane camping lights are some of the most popular lights at camp
sites. Safety guidelines should be followed when using them.
Kerosene
Kerosene lanterns
You’ve probably heard a lot about kerosene lanterns, but how
much do you really know about what they are and what they do?
Battery Powered
Camping lantern LED
For the greatest illumination and long battery life, choose a camping
lantern LED.
Rechargeable camping
If you are looking for a good lantern for your camping trip, you may
want to find a rechargeable camping lantern.
Rechargeable
lantern batteries
There are a number of rechargeable lantern batteries on the market.
While they are largely similar, there are some small differences.
LED camping lamp
Instead of using a lantern with fuel, a led camping lamp may be an
easier option.
LED camping lantern
If you are looking for a reliable light that is easy to use, purchasing
a led camping lantern may be a great idea.
LED camping lights
If your memories of camping trips are full of thoughts of how much
of a pain it was to deal with fuel-powered lanterns, maybe it’s
time you took a look at LED camping lights.
Led lantern
Don’t get stuck spending more time trying to use your light
than you do camping, hiking , or fishing. Get a LED lantern.
Solar Powered
Solar camping lamps
Solar camping lamps offer an environmentally friendly option to outdoor
lighting.
Solar camping light
Solar camping lights are a valuable addition to your outdoor equipment
or emergency supplies.
Solar powered
camping light
The variety of solar powered camping lights on the market today ensures
that environmentally smart consumers can find the right light for
their outdoor needs.
Solar camping lantern
In recent years, the availability of solar camping lanterns has made
them a good choice for outdoor lighting.
Solar powered
camping lantern
The answer to the environmentally conscious outdoor enthusiast’s
lighting needs is a solar powered camping lantern.
Accessories
Camping lantern
candles
When you choose a candle camping lantern, you must consider the camping
lantern candles.
Camping
lantern replacement bulbs
Be prepared and keep your lantern in working order with camping lantern
replacement bulbs.
Lantern gas
If you want to have a successful camping trip, be sure that you have
lantern gas.
Lantern kerosene
While there are many different types of lanterns, it is also important
to remember that there are different types of fuel as well. Lantern
kerosene is one of the most popular kinds of fuel.
Camping candle lantern
A camping candle lantern offers views of nature at nighttime through
the gentle flicker of candlelight.
Other Camping Lanterns
Camping flashlight
A camping flashlight is a very important component of survival gear,
emergency kits, and camping equipment.
Camping lantern lamp
To extend your camping activities after sundown, you will need to
a camping lantern lamp.
Wind up camping lamp
The wind up camping lamp is a great emergency light and an ideal solution
to dead batteries while camping.
Novelty camping
lights
Looking to have a little fun on your next camping trip? There are
a number of novelty camping lights to choose from.
Outside lights
for camping
If you are going to spend time in the great outdoors, you need to
make sure you have some outside lights for camping.
Crank camping lanterns
If you find yourself short on fuel or batteries, having crank camping
lanterns around could be a lifesaver.
Crank lantern
You never know how much you need light until you don’t have
it. Owning a crank lantern will ensure that you’ll never be
without light for long.
Camping bucket light
Whether you are an avid do-it-yourselfer or not, the camping bucket
light is a great solution to low lit outdoor adventures.
Camping lights
There are many camping lights from which to choose, but knowing which
is best for you takes some research.
Coleman camping
lamp
Many people have found that choosing a Coleman camping lamp takes
an understanding of the differences between the lamps.
Camping flash
lights
When in the outdoors, it is vital that you have camping flash lights
that are reliable and durable. When going camping, you should never
leave home without a camping flash light.