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Camping Lanterns
When you camp, even in a campground, you
will want light when it gets dark. There
are many types of camping lanterns, so before
you buy one, here are some things to consider:
- How much light is needed? If you only need
light for yourself, and especially if hiking/biking,
consider a lantern that is small, lightweight,
and designed to fit in a backpack. A larger
lantern gives more, stronger light but check
that it runs a sufficient number of hours
so you aren’t always refueling it.
- What are you lighting? If you want soft ambient
light all around, look for a lantern with
a frosted globe glass. To light up a specific
area such as the cooking stove, consider
a lantern with adjustable reflectors or a
multi-position light head. Lanterns with
adjustable levels of brightness let you determine
how bright you want the light: from a nightlight
to light to read by.
- What type of fuel? The most popular lanterns
use batteries, propane, or white gas (Coleman
Fuel). Batteries are easily replaced. Propane
lanterns can be operated with the small screw-in
bottles or from a larger grill/RV propane
bottle for longer and less expensive operation.
If you camp outside the US, white gas may
be difficult to find.
- What extra features would you like?
- an electronic lighter for non-electric models
so you don’t have to use matches to start
them
- sturdy handles for easy carrying and hanging
from a tree or hook
- automatic shut off when in a closed position
means you don’t waste fuel if you accidentally
leave the lantern on
- a remote lets you operate the lantern from
a distance
- cool touch fluorescent bulbs or mantels means
no burnt fingers
- dual-purpose lanterns with fans and/or clock
radios so you have one item instead of several
to contend with.
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