The "Best" Camping Lanterns - ?

Paul321 · 2019-10-14T16:58:25.000Z

According to Popular Mechanics, these are the “”Best”“:https://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/outdoor-gear/a25105474/best-camp-light/
I for one am interested to see how the author of this article would rate the BLF LT1 against these ”winners”.
The Goal Zero Lighthouse 400,
The Black Diamond Apollo
Nite Ize Radiant 314 seem to be in the similar category.

Without having any of these lights in hand, and only reading the details I am partial to the BLF LT1
The BLF LT1 has All aluminum construction, battery capacity, downward firing LEDs, LED color mix

The Goal Zero, and Nite Ize do have a power bank function although with a single cell they may not provide a significant amount
These other lights are molded plastic, (lighter weight) perhaps not as robust.

What do you think?

DBSAR · 2019-12-27T02:27:08.000Z

I have tested a few of those models, while they serve their purpose, many have the same issues that plague the consumer lantern market, poor CRI, poor tint, low run times, bulky or flimsy, cause a lot of eye glare and.or artifacts/hard-lighting, and some are larger & less portable than the full size current LT1.

will34 · 2019-12-27T06:34:26.000Z

Not really a LT1 competitor but better than all those mentioned by popular mechanic. The stream light super siege produces 1,000 lumens and comes with a 10,400mAh integrated battery pack and serves as a powerbank. It doesn’t have high CRI and probably has PWM but it is built like a tank, can float and can be used as a directional floodlight. It was on sale for $70 not long ago on amazon. Only available in CW.

If you want a directional floodlight instead of a lantern take a look at gear aid offerings or “Prism Claymore” which is their Korean OEM manufacturer. I have the 20,000mAh version and it is simply amazing, PWM-free flat output at all 10 output levels from start to finish, 3 selectables tints, powerbank function, tripod mount, hang hook and very rugged. Lasts a couple nights of camping including phone charging needs. Close to 1,000 lumens but advertised at way less, don’t know why. I have one from gear aid and one from claymore (exactly the same) and have used them for a variety of tasks including photography, no complains at all.

The_Fat_Controller · 2019-12-28T15:48:34.000Z

Coleman , coleman and did i say coleman , it must make a hissing sound for camping this is mandatory

I found the Northstar a little too bright. The power house is quite nice but the single mantle 282 seems to be my favorite

and of course the tiny little 226

Spacegrass · 2019-12-28T19:01:57.000Z

The_Fat_Controller:

Coleman , coleman and did i say coleman , it must make a hissing sound for camping this is mandatory

I found the Northstar a little too bright. The power house is quite nice but the single mantle 282 seems to be my favorite

and of course the tiny little 226

I didn’t realize the Coleman came with so many great accessories!

California_Prepper · 2019-12-28T19:16:28.000Z

I’m an avid camper. I have never found a lantern with as meany features and runtime as the LT1. Can’t wait to use it next week when I go dry camping.