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For ten years, our experts have tested more than forty of the best lanterns on the market. We purchased 10 of the best models to compare side by side for this review. Going from coast to coast, we made stops at campgrounds in state and national parks. We've gone on lengthy backcountry hikes and endured some home power outages. To evaluate every aspect of each light's performance, we consider a number of factors, including as brightness, battery life, and durability. Awards have been given to the best of the best, from overall all-stars to cost-effective steals. Use our detailed review to help you pick your next lantern to light up dark locations.
Value
The cost may determine whether or not one of these lamps ends up in your camping gear or emergency supplies. We contrast a product's total score and price in order to better comprehend value. The overall value increases with higher score and lower price. The use for which the lantern will be put will also have a significant impact on how much money you wish to invest. There is no need to spend extra on waterproofing if you don't plan to use it in the rain. It can cost you a little more money if you choose a lightweight, compact version that is also tough enough for trekking.
Brightness
Perhaps not unexpectedly, we determined that brightness was the most crucial element. On our trips, we utilized these lights in a variety of locations and graded them according to how well and how broadly they illuminate a space. We consider the fact that some models are simply designed to be employed in variously sized locations. We also evaluate the light's consistency and smoothness. Rippled? Is it a warm yellow/white radiance or an unsettling sterile fluorescent blue?
Durability
Here, we put the product's materials to the test in various settings for durability. The lanterns we evaluated are typically composed of plastic, and many of them have metal reinforcements or rubber padding. To test if any of the models were nicked or damaged, we dropped each one onto a dirt area from a height of 4 feet (around arm height), 6 feet (head height), and 7 feet (above head height).
Features
In most situations, a model with an on/off switch and a handle is sufficient, but we like those that give a bit more variety and consideration. Each product is given a score based on how many features it offers in addition to the essentials and whether those extras actually raise the overall quality of the product. Some of the lights we tested had only a few characteristics, while others had a number of unique qualities that made them more usable or versatile. Models with features that are superfluous or poorly functional receive lower rankings, while those with useful and practical features score higher.
Effortless Use
It should be simple to operate an excellent lantern. Because there is not much variation in the ease of use of the lanterns in this review, this statistic only makes up a relatively minor fraction of the final score.
Weight
Another factor that significantly affects which activity each light is appropriate for is weight. Compact and lightweight is the way to choose if you want to take a model camping in the backcountry. A variant with a USB charging connector may also allow you to reduce the overall weight of the device (assuming you are otherwise going to bring a supplemental battery pack).
1. What is the world's brightest lantern?
The Super Bright LED Rechargeable Portable Scene Light II by Streamlight was the brightest camping lantern we could locate. It can shine at a maximum brightness of 10,000 lumens, which is more lumens than we've ever seen in a lantern.
2. What should a lantern be made of?
Lumens for lanterns range from 40 to 700 for the brightest modes, with the majority of lanterns providing between 150 and 350 lumens. 100 lumens are sufficient for nighttime camp exploration.
3. What is the lifespan of a lantern mantle?
American Gas Lamp Works advises that you change your mantles at least once a year in addition to replacing any damaged ones. A yearly mantle change will guarantee that your lamp's brightness and fuel efficiency.
4. What is 1 000 lumens' equivalent?
LED Light. A 75-watt incandescent light bulb is equivalent to a 1000 lumen LED bulb.
A lantern must have a few characteristics in order to be considered "excellent," including brightness, dimming ability, and sturdy legs and hooks. To get the most out of your purchase, think about where and how you intend to use your lantern because different lights perform better in various environments. We were pleasantly impressed by how handy these goods turned out to be besides serving as light sources during our testing. In certain circumstances, we began to prefer them than our cherished headlamps.
Keep reading to learn more about the best products and how they compare to models from other brands, such as: