Getting ready for camping this summer I've been searching for a good 'budget' LED lantern.
BLF doesn't have an area for lanterns that I can see, so I've posted this under multiple AA lights.
I've been looking for a good combination of brightness and runtime for the price. After some reasearch I took the plunge and ordered this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/3-Watt-3w-w-CREE-LED-Light-Lamp-Lantern-Camping-Fishing-/120580732943
which claims to be 200 lumen for 30 hours (which I'll verify when it arrives) - 3 mode, 3AA for $16. I like the weatherproofing. The top reflector can be removed for a wide flood flashlight. It 'tailstands' of course, but can be hung from either end as well. I've read this design is modable / upgradeable with newer emitters (from CPF).
Another ebay source for the same spec lantern: http://cgi.ebay.com/3w-CREE-LED-Flashlight-Lamp-Lantern-Camping-Fishing-/160443584221
Note that this same body design is widely sold under different names with different emitters. A thread at CPF discusses this confusion here. Some example sources of similar lanterns of different spec. emitters:
$9 version - claims XRE - 110 lumen for 24 hours - http://cgi.ebay.com/Battery-Camp-Camping-Hand-Lantern-LED-Light-Flashlight-/300520226271
$25 -Cree warm white - "Xlamp" - claims XRE - 110 lumens for 24 hours - http://www.amazon.com/Small-Package-Bright-Camping-Lantern/dp/B002C5BXGQ/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
$19 - DX version: specs say XRE but reviewers say it's XRC. Lumens and runtime are unverified: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/cree-1w-led-lantern-camping-light-retail-pack-3-aa-included-12073