Hi, We've got 2 rechargeable good sized lanterns, which after a few years are now not very bright , even though the bulbs have been changed! We also have various small lights, but would like recommendations for a good lantern. ( We always go non electric on site )
So what does everyone recommend please
We bought an LED inspection or pit lamp, and combine it with a paper lampshade that folds flat.
Outside the lampshade or - as we know it - lightsaber mode, it's really bright but very directional, the lampshade works really well as a diffuser. We're on hookup but you can charge from a car socket and it promises 8 hours.
Much cheaper than the LED camping strips we also looked at.
Currently the best Lantern in town is the Outwell 400LX, we got 2 of them back in 2012 on a price match from GO at £25 each.
Also branded by Katmandu cheaper but hard to find.
They take 6 of the "D" Cell batteries each, so we run them on rechargeable's.
You could go for a fluorescent lantern, although almost twice as bright at say 7watt they do attract every flying insect known to man, and the Glow is a horrible stark cold white. but you can pick them up for £10.
At 400 Lumen the Outwell is around half the brightness of a Single Mantle Gas lantern.
I would also recommend the Outwell 400LX, very good lantern, I again have 2 of them. The light is variable and can go from very bright to quite dim. Also, it gives off a nice "warm white" light, unlike most of the LED lanterns that have a much more 'blue white' bulbs. I also have 2 of the '300' version, which are much better value and give off the same nice warm light.
------------- Current tent line-up (all outwell)
Yellowstone falls - for week or more
Clear lake - Flyball team entertainment
Cedar lake - not been used yet!
Trout lake 6 - short weekend trips
Trout Lake 4 - for just me and the dog
Concorde L
But it just wasn't quite enough.. So I made my own with a couple,of 48SMD 12V LED panels. I can run them from 8 x AA, or a leisure battery, even EHU :)
------------- There is a place to hide, it's in our minds.
Outfits:
Hi Gear Kalahari 8 (Plus porch)
Vango Icarus 500 (Plus enclosed front canopy)
Hi Gear Solus Horizon 4
Vango Banshee 200
Vango Dart DLX 350
Vango Alpha 250
Yellowstone Alpine 2