Three LED Lantern Reviews

[Mellow]

I decided to try two of these Lanterns out to see which one I wanted and a recent
trip to Walmart surprisingly offered a third option.

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/111429853-M.jpg (http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/111429853-L.jpg)

Lantern #1 (Coleman 2-Led MicroPacker Camping Lantern)

Pros:
Frosted and facetted lens makes for more useful light
Lighting very useful from 0 to 10ft and as far as 15ft
Has slider on one side to block light on that side if necessary
Useful as a tent light as well
This light 'feels' more durable than the other two

Cons:
Only 2 LEDs so the output could be better if 4 LEDs were used

More Info:
Can be purchase here (http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=5319-700&categoryid=1045) for $9.99

Lantern #2 (Garrity 4-Led Camping Lantern)

Pros:
Hi (4 LEDs), Med (2 LEDs), Lo (1 LED), Slow Blink, Fast Blink functions
Lighting very useful from 0 to 10ft and as far as 20ft
Frosted lens means the LEDs aren't blinding and the lighting is softer
This has the best light output of the three

Cons:
Not huge, but just a litter bigger than you might prefer

More Info:
Can be purchase here (http://www.sjgreatdeals.com/gark013gst02a.html) for $20.86

Lantern #3 (Essential Gear Quattro 4-Led Lantern)

Pros:
Small and lightweight
Hi (4 LEDs) and Lo (1 LED) switch
Lighting very useful from 0 to 10ft and as far as 20ft

Cons:
Not much difference between the Hi/Lo levels
The clear lens means the internal reflector shines the
LED in your eyes at all angles - a little annoying
Update 10/27/2007: I tried a little experiment and used frosted
scotch tape and taped over the glass - it doesn't get
hot since it uses LEDs so melting isn't an issue - Made this
light as bright as the Garrity light.

More Info:
Can be purchase here (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39182290&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1) for $19.99

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/111429881-M.jpg (http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/111429881-L.jpg)

I shot the pic above with the 2nd and 3rd lights at their highest level.

As you can see, the 3rd light, the Quattro, is very intense and I feel
would be too much for sitting around the campsite.

The 1st light (Coleman) and the 2nd light (Garrity) almost throw off the
same amount of light even though the Garrity utilizes 4 LEDs.

Recommendations:
After using frosted tape on the Quattro light, I would recommend it and
put the Coleman MicroPacker LED Lanturn as a 2nd.

[DirtGirL]

Joe,

That is a great review. You really did your homework! Now what I really want to know is, how was the book? ;)

[GoldWingGL]

Joe,

Great review, which still leads me to believe that 2 Coleman?s would work better for us than one of the others. By the way, how was the book?lol:)

[JCS]

Good review.

After posting the original lantern question, I have to admit that I am impressed. You guys have tossed out a lot of great suggestions and ideas. I didn't expect anyone else to go on a lantern quest!

To the guys that suggested headlamps. I use one and agree that it is very useful. Not quite what we were looking for, though.

I was looking seriously at the Essential Gear light. I have seen this one under about 4 different names and prices so far. After this review I am re-thinking this one.

The Garrity looks a little big for my space but it might work.

I have one of the Coleman lanterns that I stumbled on the same way as Mellow. I think Cris may have the right idea. Just get two of them and call it a day.

Thanks for all the info. Much more that I expected.

How was the book?

[Mellow]

Great!... NOW, I've got to read the book... LOL... it's been sitting there a while and I've just been too busy...

[DirtGirL]

Joe,
Now that your lantern shopping escapade is over, you should have plenty of time to read it!
I looked it up online, and it sounds like a good book. You can turn off all your lights, and read by the light of a lantern, or two, or three? :D

[Boomer503]

Great reveiw and thank you. I was at GI Joes trying to figure it all out and left to do more looking and "Walla" here is the info needed!

Thanks again and that sounds like a good book too.

[Blues Traveler]

Lantern #3 the Essential Gear Quattro:

Yesterday while at my local Costco I saw this lantern in a 2 pack priced at $18.99.

[Trailace]

Great review Joe Thanks.

[Mellow]

Lantern #3 the Essential Gear Quattro:

Yesterday while at my local Costco I saw this lantern in a 2 pack priced at $18.99.

Thanks for the heads up!

[ParkerBill]

After reading about the Garrity lantern here or on the ST-Owner's forum, I ordered one. While I haven't used it camping yet, I've played with it quite a bit at home and I like it. Seems to be ruggedly built and although I've used it a lot (playing--on for hours, etc.) the batteries seem to be holding up well.

While it's not as bright as the GAZ gas lantern, this one would be far better inside the tent where you really don't want to use a gas lantern.

[Mellow]

After reading about the Garrity lantern here or on the ST-Owner's forum, I ordered one. While I haven't used it camping yet, I've played with it quite a bit at home and I like it. Seems to be ruggedly built and although I've used it a lot (playing--on for hours, etc.) the batteries seem to be holding up well.

While it's not as bright as the GAZ gas lantern, this one would be far better inside the tent where you really don't want to use a gas lantern.

I've used the Garrity quite a bit at home since I posted this review... doesn't seem to have drained the batteries much at all.. This is a great one to have in case you lost power at your house too...

[ParkerBill]

I've used the Garrity quite a bit at home since I posted this review... doesn't seem to have drained the batteries much at all.. This is a great one to have in case you lost power at your house too...

And with it now being hurricane season, it just could get a heck of a lot of use if the number of storms they're predicting occur!! :D Heck, by the time this year's hurricane season is over I may be able to provide a more detailed review of the Garrity's ability to function in rain and wind. :D :D

[Mellow]

And with it now being hurricane season, it just could get a heck of a lot of use if the number of storms they're predicting occur!! :D Heck, by the time this year's hurricane season is over I may be able to provide a more detailed review of the Garrity's ability to function in rain and wind. :D :D

Let's hope not....

[sparkinator]

After reading this review, I got the last one my local Wal-Mart had. It did a really good job of lighting up the tent when hung from a loop in the top of the tent. Whenever reading something or scutinizing maps, I would have to get the light a little closer though. Batteries lasted the entire trip. I really liked the size compared to the light output. I slipped it into a camp shoe when packing up every morning.

Thanks Joe.

[Texas]

Joe,

Good review. But I really like the size of that little one on the right. You've got that big'ol Wing and a blow up yellow head for a pillon (I don't want to know what you are doing with that thing when you are in your tent), so you've got the luxery of being able to take big lanterns and AC for your tent. but my wife and I are just on a little'ol ST. While looking for a small lantern like the one on the right, I came across this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/FREE-Shipping-AA-LED-lantern-Flashlight-Emergency-Red_W0QQitemZ220128070406QQihZ012QQcategoryZ36112Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It appears to offer some nice features. For one, it might eliminate the problem that you mentioned in your review as this model has a diffused lens over the LEDS. It also doubles as a flashlight, which is always handy. I bought two of these things for about $10 each (free shipping). So, I have two of these for about $20. I just bought them, so I have not had a chance to see how they perform, but I will let everyone know once I get them. However, for the price, it is tough to beat.

....and it is really small!!!

Texas

[Mellow]

Joe,

Good review. But I really like the size of that little one on the right. You've got that big'ol Wing and a blow up yellow head for a pillon (I don't want to know what you are doing with that thing when you are in your tent), so you've got the luxery of being able to take big lanterns and AC for your tent. but my wife and I are just on a little'ol ST. While looking for a small lantern like the one on the right, I came across this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/FREE-Shipping-AA-LED-lantern-Flashlight-Emergency-Red_W0QQitemZ220128070406QQihZ012QQcategoryZ36112Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It appears to offer some nice features. For one, it might eliminate the problem that you mentioned in your review as this model has a diffused lens over the LEDS. It also doubles as a flashlight, which is always handy. I bought two of these things for about $10 each (free shipping). So, I have two of these for about $20. I just bought them, so I have not had a chance to see how they perform, but I will let everyone know once I get them. However, for the price, it is tough to beat.

....and it is really small!!!

Texas

Dan, that looks great!... the diffused lens will make it a lot more useful when camping at night.. or from hanging inside the tent...

[Texas]

That is what I was thinking. I bought two of them so that when we have a group of people sitting around a picnic table at night, we will have enough light to keep that game of Phase 10 going.

You know, I bought (3) 25 foot rope lights with LEDs in them (a total of over 200 LEDs) to put around two gazebos that we have in our back yard. Before that, I had rope lights that were regular bulbs. The old bulbs put out less light, and cost us over 300 watts in energy. The new lights put out a nice white light (which for some reason seems to keep most of the bugs away), and cost less than 60 watts in energy. I love those LEDs! I am also starting to replace the track lights in our house (GU10 bulbs) with these LEDs. My GU10s are 30 watts each (and keep burning out), and the new LEDs are only 2 watts putting out the same light. Running cooler, much more efficent lights in our house lets us spend a little more money on the AC side to keep the house nice and cool.

Texas

[ImRubicon]

Joe,

Good review. But I really like the size of that little one on the right. You've got that big'ol Wing and a blow up yellow head for a pillon (I don't want to know what you are doing with that thing when you are in your tent), so you've got the luxery of being able to take big lanterns and AC for your tent. but my wife and I are just on a little'ol ST. While looking for a small lantern like the one on the right, I came across this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/FREE-Shipping-AA-LED-lantern-Flashlight-Emergency-Red_W0QQitemZ220128070406QQihZ012QQcategoryZ36112Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It appears to offer some nice features. For one, it might eliminate the problem that you mentioned in your review as this model has a diffused lens over the LEDS. It also doubles as a flashlight, which is always handy. I bought two of these things for about $10 each (free shipping). So, I have two of these for about $20. I just bought them, so I have not had a chance to see how they perform, but I will let everyone know once I get them. However, for the price, it is tough to beat.

....and it is really small!!!

Texas

I have bought one of these off ebay and its not bad .I also have one like the number 3 one mellow tested .
I perfer this one as the light from the other is more but a little harsh on the eyes.
This one also doubles as a flashlight for those middle of the night trips.
My assentment is this one is cheap enough to have and the light is on the eyes.

[ST1300 ALICIA]

Lantern #3 the Essential Gear Quattro:

Yesterday while at my local Costco I saw this lantern in a 2 pack priced at $18.99.


:tent8:

I purchased 3 packs of those for a total of 6 lanterns. One hangs in the tent, One by the sleeping bag, a couple for the picnic table and one for the Post you always forget about and run into in the dark. All six will pack in a small side pocket in my Ultra Tour Bag from Kuryakyn. They don't put out a lot of light when it's really DARK OUT. I also carry a GE lantern that uses 4 D-Cell Batteries. I keep it inside of my Rubber-Maid 3 gallon water cooler when I travel. I keep the Water Cooler in a stuff sack along with some plates. I tie the Stuff Sack down on top of the Tour bag and it works GREAT. Sleeping bag goes on TCT Trunk Rack on the Top Box.

Alicia from the Left Coast :)

[Tombstone]

I decided to try two of these Lanterns out to see which one I wanted and a recent
trip to Walmart surprisingly offered a third option.

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/111429853-M.jpg (http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/111429853-L.jpg)

Lantern #1 (Coleman 2-Led MicroPacker Camping Lantern)




If you can read Dean Koontz by "candle light" in a tent, in the dark, in the big ole outdoors, while camping by yerself.....your braver than I am!! :eek: :tent8:

[ImRubicon]

I have bought one of these off ebay and its not bad .I also have one like the number 3 one mellow tested .
I perfer this one as the light from the other is more but a little harsh on the eyes.
This one also doubles as a flashlight for those middle of the night trips.
My assentment is this one is cheap enough to have and the light is on the eyes.


I purchased one of these from Ebay also.
While I like the light better than the third one mellow listed.
The battery does not last near aas long as the other one (different leds?)
I left yesterday morning and found it on late afternoon and turned it off.
found it dead today around 3 this afternoon.
The third one mellow tested my little used a lot for a couple of weeks till the battery went dead and she left it on overnight once .
Just a FYI in that the swtich on the ebay one seems prone to turing on by mistake in your bag.
I will be taking off the lense of the third one and will try some sort of frosting on the lense

[Mellow]

If you can read Dean Koontz by "candle light" in a tent, in the dark, in the big ole outdoors, while camping by yerself.....your braver than I am!! :eek: :tent8:

LOL.. notice the tile floor... No Dean Koontz while camping... you gotta get a good nights sleep.

[Mellow]

I purchased one of these from Ebay also.
While I like the light better than the third one mellow listed.
The battery does not last near aas long as the other one (different leds?)
I left yesterday morning and found it on late afternoon and turned it off.
found it dead today around 3 this afternoon.
The third one mellow tested my little used a lot for a couple of weeks till the battery went dead and she left it on overnight once .
Just a FYI in that the swtich on the ebay one seems prone to turing on by mistake in your bag.
I will be taking off the lense of the third one and will try some sort of frosting on the lense

That sux... did it come in a box you could keep it in?

[davop]

Colman is 13.99 according to link. Store locator on link didn't work, and I live in a urban area.

[ImRubicon]

That sux... did it come in a box you could keep it in?


NO it was in a Plastic bag and bubble wrap LOL
I just take the batteries out

[Phartz]

Colman is 13.99 according to link. Store locator on link didn't work, and I live in a urban area.

I just picked up one of the little, yellow Coleman guys today at WalMart. $9.99. Seems like a sturdily built little fellow that will serve it's purpose of providing a bit o' light in the tent.

Man . . . these gear reviews make me want to shop!! :eek: I just read about it last night and there I am this morning . . . :D :cool: :D

:) :p :)

[Mellow]

I just picked up one of the little, yellow Coleman guys today at WalMart. $9.99. Seems like a sturdily built little fellow that will serve it's purpose of providing a bit o' light in the tent.

Man . . . these gear reviews make me want to shop!! :eek: I just read about it last night and there I am this morning . . . :D :cool: :D

:) :p :)

The yellow one has bee a nice sturdy light. Not a powerful one but sometimes you don't want a blinding light and it's got the loop at the top, I usually tie that with the corner of my tent attic so it hangs and provides enough of a glow around the interior of the tent.

[Phartz]

The yellow one has bee a nice sturdy light. Not a powerful one but sometimes you don't want a blinding light and it's got the loop at the top, I usually tie that with the corner of my tent attic so it hangs and provides enough of a glow around the interior of the tent.

Yeah, I'm not trying to read by this light or anything but it is enough to find things and keep track of stuff.

[Mellow]

Update:
I tried a little experiment and used frosted
scotch tape and taped over the glass of the Quattro light.
Since it doesn't get hot due to the LEDs, melting isn't an issue - Made this
light as bright as the Garrity light. And, is not on top of the list as far
as the best light.

In my opinion.

[Silas]

Got the Coleman Micro Packer lite a couple of weeks ago. I'm quite impressed with it. The lights went out a few nights ago and I had it stashed by my bedside.

Made a nice emergency light in a moment. Also, I like the fold up part which blocks light from behind and focuses it out front...great to walk around with.

The small size is the best part of the light. And, there is plenty of light. I don't want a lot of light....I have a Princeton Remix for that.

Now, I just have to determine the durability of the light.

[kdf9511]

I haven't used it yet but I picked up one of those Coleman Micro Packers about a month ago. I got it at some truck sale down for about half what Wally World wanted. I'm glad to hear that it's halfway decent. I will probably try it out this weekend when I go out cub scout camping with the boy.

[lytle1gw]

I've two of the Quatto lanterns and the switches stopped working after around 3 months of camping.

[Aldawg]

has anybody tried the Black Diamond lanterns (http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/lighting/sortby/relevance/sortdir/asc/)

[bvail]

has anybody tried the Black Diamond lanterns (http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/lighting/sortby/relevance/sortdir/asc/)

I have the BD Orbit. Good for the tent and batteries last a long time.

[kdf9511]

I picked up a couple of these 27 led portable-worklight-flashlight (http://www.harborfreight.com/27-led-portable-worklight-flashlight-67227.html) from Harbor Freight and found they work pretty nicely.
http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/370x370/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_4737.jpg

When tossed up in the gear loft or hung from the center hook (depending on witch tent) they light it up very nicely just like an overhead light in the bedroom. Much better than the Coleman Micropacker, whitch in my opinion has a major design flaw in that the haning hook should be on the bottom so the batterys don't block the light. I won't give up the coleman though as it does a better job sitting on the picnic table.

The other thing about the Harbor Freight one is that it also has a 3 led flash light that's nice for finding the way to the head in the middle of the night.

I liked it so much I bought a pair of them for my kiddos to take scout camping along with the little nine-led-flashlights (http://www.harborfreight.com/3-1-2-half-inch-nine-led-flashlights-2-pack-97036.html) that I got for them last year. Makes a very nice combo.

[Aldawg]

I have the BD Orbit. Good for the tent and batteries last a long time.

Is it enough to read with?

[bigTom]

Thanks, Joe. Great review.

I have one of the 3rd type (I got it at WalMart for $5.00), that I use some. Truth is, I use it almost exclusively when making coffee early in the morning. Otherwise it's a headlight or handheld flashlight...

My only bellyache is the 'sensitivity' of the switch. It gets turned on pretty easily, lighting the interior of my waterproof bag quite nicely. I guess we both know a couple of answers to that...(Joe has 'published' a tip about gluing a 'protector' around the switch)

Thanks again for the write up....

[aysrav]

has anybody tried the Black Diamond lanterns (http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/lighting/sortby/relevance/sortdir/asc/)

I've got the the little Orbit ($29). Picked it up from REI and I think it's sensational. Yes, I can read from it. There's a built-in dimmer switch that takes it from 10 lumens to 45. It's collapsible and quite small too. Also like that it runs on AA batteries (4).

[bvail]

Is it enough to read with?

Here's a description on Amazon.com:

"Amazon.com Product Description
Designed for long-distance trekkers and backpackers, the Black Diamond Orbit lantern stands a mere 4 inches tall when compacted, making it ideal for anyone who wants to shave a few grams off their load. The Orbit is equipped with a DoublePower LED bulb with 45 lumens intensity (max setting) enclosed inside a frosted globe.

The Orbit lantern is small enough to fit inside a pack's front or side pocket.
The resulting light is bright yet non-glaring, making it a good choice for reading or cooking in the dark. The light also includes a dual reflector system that captures and maximizes light output, along with a unique dimming switch that provides adjustable brightness. Best of all, the light is tinier than most other lanterns, with a lightweight housing that can easily fit in one of your pack's front or side pockets. The Orbit--which operates on an NRG2 rechargeable battery kit or four AAA alkaline batteries--extends as tall as 5.5 inches and weighs 0.3 ounces. It also includes a collapsible hanging loop so you can suspend the lantern from a tree branch or tent pole."

You can read by it. What I like best is that it is quite small, so you can put it just about anywhere. I might try one of those led lights that clip to a baseball cap bill for reading, etc. They seem to be popular and not very expensive.

You can check the BD Orbit out on Amazon and read the reviews for more information.

[kdf9511]

You can read by it. What I like best is that it is quite small, so you can put it just about anywhere. I might try one of those led lights that clip to a baseball cap bill for reading, etc. They seem to be popular and not very expensive.

I love those type lights. I had a one led Enegizer from Wally World that was great. My boy snagged it for scouts so I upgraded to the 3 led one and won't leave home without it. They are great for reading while sitting around the camp fire. Also good for setting up the tent in the dark.

[ImRubicon]

LEDs have taken over due to light output and how long the charge lasts .
I left my flashlight on in the garage the other morning and came home some 6 hours later and it was still going strong. I will bring another set next time camping but most flashlights wont last that long to start with

[Aldawg]

So I just came back from camping at Watkins Glen with the Black Diamond Apollo, and I must say It is a very nice little lantern. It provided abundent non-glaring light, sufficient enough to read and cook with. It packs down to the size of a beer can, the dimmer is easy to use and effective, also the tri-pod legs makes for a sturdy base on any surface, and carrying is almost effortless thank to the 2 hooks on top. The main reason for choosing the Apollo over the Orbit is the battery size, it uses 4 AA's, therefore I can hot-swap, between other appliances if need-be like my camera and radio. Although I like the size of the Orbit (but thats about it), having the extra lumens of the Apollo is a bonus, and is a great compliment to any head-light. This is a very handy light and I highly recommend it. P^