Any recommendations for camp lantern

Hey guys, just wanted to see what the best option for a camping lantern would be. Not a bulky or heavy model, but something that can be carried in a pack easily, durable, water resistant maybe. Any ideas?

What is you budget?
Do you want to deal with 18650 batteries or AA, C and D primaries?

Something under $50 and probably 18650 batteries or AA. I was originally looking at this one.

This is a little more expensive than $50. But package comes with a quality 18650 and two CR123 reserve batteries. This will serve as a lantern and will charge the battery(s) if you choose to buy more batteries and some of the great headlamps and lights we are so obsessed with here. :smiling_imp:

Might find it cheaper shipped out of china.

There are clones that get good reviews. Not sure on the durability.

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Shinight-Waterproof-Flashlight-Rechargeable/dp/B01IZ7Z69O/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1490470019&sr=1-4&keywords=18650+lantern

I would not trust the 18650 battery that comes with it.

I recently bought the Fenix CL25R and I’m pleased with it. Built-in charging, nice neutral/warmish tint, good run-times and typical high quality of Fenix lights. It’s somewhat expensive, but I think it’s worth the price.

There are cheap versions close to Fenix CL25R for under 10$

I did a review here

Equipped with a quality battery its a good lantern.

Massdrop has the UCO Clarus light/lantern right now (ending soon)

It might be worthwhile for you

Bought this Streamlight Siege not too long ago. It’s small and very well built. Runs on 3xAA. About $20 on Amazon.

Nice, thanks for all the ideas! Gonna read up on all the reviews.

I am very pleased with my Fenix lanterns. All rechargeable and high quality.

Fenix CL30R … This compact rechargeable lantern puts out a lot of neutral white light. I am most impressed with the even transition of output through the 5 levels via the UI switch. Believe me turbo is plenty bright for most any outdoor use and will probably be called for sparingly … very bright on turbo. This unit is built like a tank as are my CL25R and CL20. I am very happy with my purchase …. money well spent IMHO.

CL30R and CL25R will continue to run while charging from external battery bank or USB AC power supply … this is a very nice feature.

I’m surprised this hasn’t been suggested yet, but for backpacking, I like a diffuser for my favorite tube light:

You can tail stand, or with the lanyard, you can easily hang it from a tree branch or inside a tent.

You can fit your tube light, diffuser, and a headband in your pack and cover hand-held, headlamp and lantern with a lot less weight and volume.

Good suggestion with the diffuser. I have one on the way for my S2+.

Although a lantern will typically stand more securely.

Your profile says your in USA, this Defiant lantern from Home Depot uses 4AA and is in clearance in some places and not in others (but very cost effective)
I’ve not actually tried it though
It comes in many colours and the wrapper comes off

If I understand correctly you will using this on backpacking trips? I second all previous recommendations for either the Fenix CL25R or related clones, depending on your budget. Definitely ticks all the boxes you mentioned.

The Defiant lantern Bort mentioned is also not a bad choice. It’s rather large but very light and could easily be attached somewhere to the outside of your pack. I may have done a mini review previously on a certain other website. :innocent:

I recommend this one the Goal Zero Lighthouse mini lantern(man thats a long name)

Link to product homepage:
Link

Some of the features:

- powered by a 18650 replaceable battery (3000 mah battery included).

- infinite variable output from very low(unkown lumenlevel) to max 210 lumens.

- Built in battery indicator

- Can be used as powerbank, and can also be charged via USB.

- Option to use either one side or both sides. (a feature i really like in terms of having the light where i need it and not towards me, and this also saves battery)

- 3500 kelvin.

- Magnetic base strong enough to hang it booth upside down and sideways on metal surfaces.

- Small! But with built in foldable legs to elevate, and collapsable hook on top for hanging.

- Build quality seems to be good and durable.

  • Good value in my opinion at 50 bucks, including battery.

EDIT: Just saw now on their webpage that this lantern can only be used with Goal Zero`s own 18650`s. with both negative and positive on both ends. However, it can be used while plugged into a powerbank to extend the runtime significantly. And its also possible to buy separate batteries from Goal Zero.

I havent used mine all that much (not as much as i would like to) but if you have some questions, just ask :slight_smile:

i would not take a dedicated lantern, just a diffuser for a 1x18650 light, maybe made of milk jug plastic, also solar charger
wle

Want to share the deal. Fenix CL25R is currently only $30 on banggood from US warehouse. Pretty good deal.
Link:

Not a fan of lanterns
I’d buy a $30 skillhunt h03 instead or a small 18650 light and some dc fix .

I use this ,it has convenient “mount system” for large tents. And really long run time. I can not discharge it even in 2 week expedition.
There is the same model at allexpress/taobao.
Or BW-LT5 with 1*18650 in it.

How would you fix a diffuser to it?