[Paddlewise] Lanterns

From: Michael Edelman <mje_at_spamcop.net>
Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2001 09:13:49 -0400
> From: Joshua Teitelbaum <teitelba_at_post.tau.ac.il>
> 
> Dear friends:
> 
> Can anyone with more experience state the relative pros and cons of butane 
> vs. candle lanterns?  We cannot get propane here, so that type is out.  I'm 
> looking for a big lantern, for family camping.  REI has a 3-candle Uco 
> Candleliern which looks pretty good...

Butane lamps are good for lighting up campsites. Candle lanterns are
fine for the inside of a tent. My main objection to pressurized gas
lanterns in general is that the mantle is delicate and requires some
care. The tiny ones found on butane mountaineering lanterns are pretty
tough, but it's still one more detail to worry about. I have a tiny
butane lantern purchased on sale at REI on a whim but I've never taken
it camping.

I've been using an ancient French made candle lantern in various tents
since around 1972; no parts to fail, no liquid to spill out and a very
concentrated fuel source. I also have a newer one (purchased around
1987) with an accessory reflector that clips on top and really helps
distribute the light better.

I do have one of those 3-candle jobs I bought on sale at REI last year
for under $20, but I bought it with the intent of using it as emergency
lighting for my home. It's a bit big for camping. My favorite emergency
home lighting, incidentally, is my Aladdin kerosene lamp. As bright as a
Coleman gas lantern, safer fuel and requires no pressurization. It would
be my first choice for a cabin, too.

-- mike
---------------------------------------------------------------
Michael Edelman   mje_at_spamcop.net
http://www.foldingkayaks.org (nomadics)
http://www.findascope.com (choosing a telescope)

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Received on Wed Apr 18 2001 - 08:38:13 PDT

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