crappy camping gear for lighting that I like

[troyboy162]

I think this is mostly backlash from all the hours I spend underground with the most efficient, inhumane, blue hues of LEDS I can find...but I like crappy lights now. I may someday work up to a Coleman lantern, but for now I have these two low performance beauties. Neither of them have even made it on a trip since they really are not all that useful for most situations. If and when you do see me break out one of these things rest assured I am not trying to set "the mood"... Just shake your head as I enjoy some crappy orange light for a bit.

I bought a south African candle lantern. Its literally one candle power and even when your eyes adjust thats still not enough light to do much of anything lol. People use them mostly to light up a one man tent and provide a bit of heat.

http://www.bushlite.co.za/images/Bushlite-Brass-Thin-Border.jpg

So then looking for improved output I moved up to a 80's technology that we experienced at a DV cabin. Thats 1880, not 1980. We are talking about 7 candle power out of this photon pump I bought lol. That's enough to sit around and have a beer, but I quickly found out that these will not transport well filled with oil. The 1880's design means the fuel has its choice of any seam above the fill cap to leak out of. Some of you may see this little crappy light on future trips. The problem now is that using it means a separate fuel bottle and the hassle of filling and draining the tank. Separate fuel and the hassle of mantles are why I did not want a Coleman lantern. The only thing this grandpa light has going for it now is nostalgia and silent operation.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41AGcZLls8L._SY355_.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

I dunno Troy. Slippery slope to the 200 dollar teak camp chair and walrus penis leather canteen.

[troyboy162]

haha that is so true!!!! I am only $65 into it for the both of these though. They would laugh at me on expo.

[Seanz0rz]

You better add a zero to the end of that price if you tell them about it!

[Kryptoroxx]

I dunno Troy. Slippery slope to the 200 dollar teak camp chair and walrus penis leather canteen.

I almost shot chili out my nose when I read this!!

[troyboy162]

yep I'm a cheapo. The oil lantern I bought is a Chinese clone of a Chinese lantern at half the price. With the internet you learn they are all probably made in the same factory and all built just as crappy as they were in 1880. One that dosnt leak from the bottom right off the bat is a "good one" and if you want nice thick glass globes you are 50 years too late to the party lol.

The candle lantern is sorta premium but it runs on cheap candles vs expensive proprietary ones that other do.

[troyboy162]

I almost shot chili out my nose when I read this!!

haha I died laughing too. I trust you guys will keep me in line before I am sourcing whale blubber to render oil for a traditional eskimo lamp.

[Seanz0rz]

Liposuction clinic.

[troyboy162]

haha that ought to smell traditional enough...I think we are on to something marketable here boys!

in other news I will have to work on my truck next weekend since no one will come out and play : (

[Seanz0rz]

Come help me with mine. Still lots of sanding to do!

[troyboy162]

you dont want my handy work Sean. I still fix most of issues with my hand sledge and crow bar. You would be sanding and primping on one side of the truck; while I secretly was rattle canning the other side and packing you for a big bear run lol.

[4x4mike]

I've got a couple of UCO candle lanterns from when I worked in the business. I think I took them on one snow camping trip and that was it. This was well before LED days and part of the reason they came with me was for the heat. I still have the lanterns and yes the light is nice, calm and warm.

http://www.amazon.com/UCO-Original-Collapsible-Candle-Lantern/dp/B00BMMF83O

One thing I like about them is that they use 10 hour candles. They last a long time and for some reason I have a couple of bags of the candles. Most are in the power outage drawer but I do keep two candles in the 4runner, in my kit for emergencies as they don't melt in the summer heat and could be useful.

I've got a couple of Coleman propane lanterns and the light output can't be beat. If you need to light up a camp they are great but a bit loud. Now I just use them in the back of the back yard when we have summer parties and for 24 hour mountain bike races. They travel okay and use the same fuel as my large stove.

About 5 years ago I bought a Black Diamond Titan LED lantern, http://www.rei.com/product/807911/black-diamond-titan-lantern , with our dividend. It's a nice light and has decent output. Sturdy and self contained but I don't always bring it along. For the most part the family always uses headlamps, we have a small led light in the tent and the 4Runner has bright lights in and under it. Along with a fire we haven't had much need for additional light and with the kids it's one less thing to pack.

I have always wanted to make a lantern with some LED bits I have but haven't had the need. The Titan is good but not great, hence my desire to pull it apart one day.