Propane Coleman Lanterns

Why Coleman specifically? Because the refill propane can be found in nearly every Walmart in existence. The refill lantern mantles for the big ones can usually be found right alongside them in stores, and they are a reliable brand. 

Why propane over Electric? Because they produce so much brighter light, and they last a long time. Refill propane is cheap, and you will not get the same quality of light from something battery powered AND get the same battery life that a propane lantern will offer.

Any precautions that should be taken with lantern use? YES, they do get hot during use, you’ll want to make sure you don’t hang them against a tent wall, and make sure you have the handle or carrying clips/chain attached. DO NOT pick up a lantern by its globe/glass after it’s been running for a few minutes. You WILL regret it. Because the mantle which produces the light works by essentially burning the majority of the mantle away and then heating the remains which produces the bright glow, they are a bit shock-sensitive, meaning that if you rattle the lantern too hard or drop it, if the glass doesn’t break you may mess up the mantle inside and need to replace it. The replacement process is not, however, very difficult. 

Between the two that we tested, we regularly use the large ones, and own more than one. We only have the one small lanterns, because when compared (while the small one isn’t bad) the larger lantern outstripped the compact model on every front for not too great a hike in price. Both items we listed above are currently on sale at the time of writing this, so if you have been thinking about getting one, now’s your chance.