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Hi, I looked at all the Coleman dual fuel lanterns including Northstar. Considered.. mantle issue, how bright does it really need to be and value for money. Opted for the single mantle lamp. I'm very happy, It's too bright and often turn down, never smells and keeps on going for ages.

However, if you see a tilly "BUY ONE"

As long as the tent is large and very well ventilated it should be okay. The heat the lantern generates is more of a problem than the fumes, because obviously this is a fire risk. But this is no different to a gas lamp. There is a very slight smell, but in my opinion it's not really an issue.

I have had my Coleman lantern for about four years and am very pleased with it. I am just about to replace the generator tube, but apart from mantles that is all I have had to replace since I got the lantern. 

With a light output of 200 Watts, it is the brightest light on any campsite, and personally I would recommend it. It is a very powerful light and far more robust than most gas lamps. It runs on unleaded petrol so there is no need to ever be without a supply of fuel.

I read the comment above regarding the mantle and the fact that they are fragile. Indeed they are, but as long as you don't touch them and leave the glass globe in place, they last a very long time. I had a CampingGaz gas lantern previously and the mantles were worse.

I have no experience with the Coleman Northstar lantern, but given my experience with Coleman equipment I expect it is even better and brighter than my 295.

Best regards,

Gary

I changed the generator on my 295, and it is now working perfectly once more. The new part cost me £9.99 including postage, not bad! I ordered it from http://www.campingdirect.co.uk/ and it came the next day.

From my experience there are tell tale signs of a problem. If the light level fluctuates, or the lantern won't light at all, you need to change the generator tube. But they are easy to obtain and all you need for the 295 is a 13mm spanner. The job takes just ten minutes if you follow the instructions on the generator packaging.

Great lantern, hard to fault!

I saw the comment above about Tilley lamps, but I think the company has gone out of business. Am I right?

Gary