by Nathan Rogers

Created on: July 28, 2009

There is nothing like the feel of the great outdoors. To me camping always brings up memories of sitting around the campfire toasting marshmallows and making smores. And when the campfire started to die down we would fire up the kerosene lantern until we were either sent to bed or everyone started falling asleep and wandered off to bed on their own. Today there is a multitude of different lantern types each with their own pluses and minuses.

Lanterns today come in several different types such as kerosene, propane and electric. The type of lantern you select should be determined based on the type of camping you are doing. If you will have ready access to your vehicle then any one of the three will be sufficient but if you are going to be backpacking out in the wilds where weight matters, electric would be best and preferably one with a solar cell to recharge it during the day.

The cost of a good lantern will vary with the type with Kerosene generally the most expensive and electric being the cheapest. In most cases kerosene and propane will provide the best quality, longest duration light. Most electric ones I have come across were little more than a glorified flashlight. A good kerosene or propane lantern will fill your campsite with light comfortably and will have a good long run time. Kerosene lanterns will need to be pumped frequently though making propane the choice for those who want to fire it up and leave it alone.

Both kerosene and propane have the minor inconvenience of having mantles inside their glass that actually contain the flame and enhance the quality of light being generated. These mantles, once charred are often delicate and jarring the lantern too much while moving it around can result in a need to replace them. Having at least a set of spares tucked into your camp gear is a good idea. As these lamps generate light through the use of a flame it is best to remember to pack matches as well, although some newer lanterns can come with an electric igniter. Electric lanterns have the disadvantage of using batteries for power. You need to make sure you have plenty of batteries with you or a nearby place to acquire them. Spare light bulbs for your electric lantern would also be a good idea.

Select a lantern that is best suited to your type of camping and you should be set. Having a lantern is often like a security blanket. It warms the heart and watching a lantern sputter to life just enhances the enjoyment reaped form camping.

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