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 
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?
Apply the dc fix to the lens.
I’m surprised that nobody has yet to mention warm white color temps, around 2700-3000K (one mention of neutral white). I find warm white to be an absolute must for a camp lantern, it is so pleasant and soothing. Even neutral white looks cold and glaring at night, especially with a fire nearby giving off that beautiful warm glow.
I know we all like flashlights, but if you expand that to LEDs in general, warm white LED rope string lights are a great way to light a campsite. They have the advantage of being able to light the area with diffuse light, and without the bright point that will glare you when you accidentally look straight at the Lantern eventually.
But this just diffuses the beam and doesn’t turn it into a latern.
the proprietary battery kills all interest on that one.
i run stuff like that on free laptop pulls.
and if goal zero folds you are stuck.or they drop the line and you cant buy a replacement anywhere.
The Fenix CL25R comes with a protected 18650, and you can get 20% off at fenixlighting.com using the code “newmember20” ($48). The Fenix has NW emitters. The clones are cool blue.
I second using a diffuser.
I like these silicone diffusers at banggood. They are 1.99, fit on convoy s2 perfectly, pack down, weigh almost nothing. I string up a ridge line right over camp and hang my convoy right off it. It lights up camp nicely.
Hi, can I know what lumens you run it on? Also would the diffuser fits the BLF A6?
I use a medium mode mostly, maybe 300 lumens. Ive also left it on very low moonlight all night. Once your eyes have adjusted its actually a very usable nightlight.
They will fit the blf a6 great. They are a stretchy silicon, so they can accommodate pretty much any 18650 tube light.
These?
http://www.banggood.com/LED-Flashlight-Silicon-Rubber-Light-Cover-Diffusers-20-24mm-p-86721.html
Yes, those ones. I must have messed up the link. I’ll edit it. Thanks
Thanks! Much appreciated.
Been looking around for a budget camp lantern that’ll last the whole night. Don’t think it’s possible without burning a hole in the wallet.
The A6 might just be the ticket.