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Our Coleman rechargeable lamps died this year, so we had to leave them in a bin, somewhere in France. Now we only own an electric bulkhead light, which is a bit too bright and a bit too lacking in atmostphere, so it's time to splash out on something new.

I'm after a new lamp for outdoors and am tempted by the Coleman dual fuel, but also a bit worried that they'll be too huge and heavy, or too complicated, or dangerous. Can anyone give the benefit of their experience and advice, so I don't end up buying a white elephant?

Looking at the Coleman 2 mantle (here)

or the Northstar dual fuel (here).

Alternatively, should I just save some pennies and go for something which gives a similar effect (but a bit safer and maybe easier to use?)

Like the Northstar Propane (here).

If anyone has, or has tried, any of the above (or can recommend alternatives), I'd appreciate hearing your opinions, please.

 I use Coleman 2 mantle, it's a brilliant bit of kit, I usually use it outside under my tarp hanging from a pole but do sometimes take it inside my canvas tent although it will be turned down low if inside as it is very bright. At the end of the night I turn it out & switch to a small battery job while getting ready to turn in so it has time to cool before I sleep.

 As for heat, it does get hot at top & handle will also become very hot if hanging, I tend to hang it high on a pole either inside or out ( I have a hook that clamps to centre pole when inside). I run it on unleaded or Aspen 4T & as I cook with a Coleman dual fuel it means I only carry 1 fuel type.

 As regards safety I know people have lots of different views about gas or petrol but for me they are both the same:- must be treated with respect & precautions taken.

 The only other thing I've found with mantle type lamps is I carry them in the car rather than the trailer because the trailer bounces more & I've had to fit new mantles on arrival before now as they are very fragile & have shaken to bits on the journey when in my trailer.

Well, I've just taken delivery of my order; ordered a Coleman DUAL FUEL Northstar and 1 litre TIN of fuel, received a PROPANE Northstar and a BOTTLE of fuel!

FANTASTIC!