[Paddlewise] lanterns and sleeping pads

Working in the outdoor retail industry has turned me into a serious gear head. I now have a gear solution to every problem. It's sick.
And seriously, I am in a situation where I get to use all of the gear, and buy it cheap, so my gear headedness is easier for me to maintain than it is for others.  That said:
I use a snowpeak lantern. It puts out about 80 watts (enough) and uses fuel conservatively.  I think you can get about 3 hours of full blast burn time from one canister.  I once used a peak multiple, that was ok. My only gripe with the snowpeak is that the mantle breaks almost every day. So around sunset when I need to pull it out, I have to use a new mantle. Its a bit of a hassle.
I use a candle lantern in my tent. It serves a couple of uses. The candle lasts 9 hours, which is better than batteries for most (not LED) headlamps. It also heats the tent slightly, I notice it a lot in the winter. I have never had a problem with wax or fire. I am, however, careful as the top of the lantern is really hot and could melt a hole in the tent.

On sleeping pads, I wanted to mention durability. In all the years of using my pads, I have NEVER punctured one in the field.  I have seen it done, usually in snow caves with stoves. The patch kit is easy to use, light, and cheap. Durability is NOT a concern to me with these things. Cascade Designs does a good job standing behind their product if you ever do have a problem.

> * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
> Joel P. Curtin
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