Is there a case for the gas/kerosene lantern in the age of LED lights?

[Elkins45]

I was looking for something in the garage and I moved my Coleman gas lantern, which got me to thinking how many years it has been since I used it. Nowadays if I want to light something I generally use a battery powered LED device of some sort.

I can see how a fire lantern and gallon of fuel is a good choice when you don’t have access to electricity for days, but can an LED lantern replace the Coleman for front country camping, fishing, etc?

 

[GMBoy]

In today's times I would keep that old lantern and fuel as a backup.

 

[dadto2]

I have an old liquid fuel Coleman lantern I use from time to time, and the Scout Troop I'm involved with has 2 propane Coleman lanterns that we use on every campout.

As far as the Troop equipment is concerned... We cook on a pair of Coleman propane stoves, and therefore we always have a backup 20 lb propane tank in the trailer. Because our meals depend upon the propane, we never forget to have enough available. We never get to a campout having forgotten to charge any LEDs...

Lastly... when back country camping, it's LEDs and a solar charger. Nobody wants to hump pounds and pounds of fuel on a 50 mile hiking trip.

 

[mrsilv04]

Even the Amish here in Illinois are adopting solar panels and LED lights.

 

[tmorris1]

Lanterns can also provide some heat if needed.

 

[ripcord]

The use case for these is pretty small these days. It's mostly off grid during the big dark part of the year up near the Arctic circle.

They are certainly neat, but the stinky fuel, fragile mantels, and fire and burn hazards are pretty big negatives.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

I have an old liquid fuel Coleman lantern I use from time to time, and the Scout Troop I'm involved with has 2 propane Coleman lanterns that we use on every campout.

As far as the Troop equipment is concerned... We cook on a pair of Coleman propane stoves, and therefore we always have a backup 20 lb propane tank in the trailer. Because our meals depend upon the propane, we never forget to have enough available. We never get to a campout having forgotten to charge any LEDs...

Lastly... when back country camping, it's LEDs and a solar charger. Nobody wants to hump pounds and pounds of fuel on a 50 mile hiking trip.

Tack on a BioLite CampStove and you can cook dinner and charge the led (or your phone) also using just wooden sticks.

 

[mr_boring]

I have quite a few flashlights (led rechargeable) and an led lantern, but I also keep a pair of kerosene lamps and a half gallon of kerosene handy. Not that it gets bad cold here often, but as mentioned above they put out a lot of heat. I used to live out in the woods a bit. Pretty common to lose power in a storm and it be out several hours. Always kept a lit one in the bathroom during outages.

 

[Pablo]

I have so many battery/light options, three generators, all kinds of gas cookers I guess I personally don't have a need, but still. Nice.

 

[cptbarkey]

I've put in a few Chinese ceiling fan's with LED lights. They are proprietary and not serviceable. Already had one light fail. I'd say yes to your question.

 

[burbguy82]

I was looking for something in the garage and I moved my Coleman gas lantern, which got me to thinking how many years it has been since I used it. Nowadays if I want to light something I generally use a battery powered LED device of some sort.

I can see how a fire lantern and gallon of fuel is a good choice when you don’t have access to electricity for days, but can an LED lantern replace the Coleman for front country camping, fishing, etc?

I would argue that if you had left you LED lantern in storage with the batteries in it for more than a few years, your LED light would not be working....but that gas lantern will.

No doubt the LED is lighter due to fuel weight, but is it a full replacement, no.

I would argue that you "front county camping" might be better suited for use of the gas lantern, as it is likely you wont be far from a vehicle, and more storage, whereas the lighter LED would be better suited for long range patrols.

There is a nostalgic value to the clanging of a lantern or canteen, that modern plastic housing just dont have.

 

[FT92]

I still have one, just too many memories from when we would camp with my dad who has passed . Not sure if it would still work without some TLC

 

[slackinoff]

Oh for sure they can, especially with today's battery and solar technology. BUT - I do mostly "car camping", as in all my gear can be driven into the campsite or my friends cabin. I love white gas stoves and lanterns and usually bring about 5 or 6 Coleman lanterns with me and light up the whole area with them. It's fun!! One of my favorite parts of camping is using white gas fired devices. Especially lanterns. It's a whole thing for me, that is very enjoyable.

On my head is an LED headlamp though at all times once the sun goes down. They are just too handy. Especially since I found one that takes an easily swappable 18650 cell.

 

[Elkins45]

I probably need to put some fuel in it, oil the pump leather, and fire it up for a few minutes.

I still use my white gas stove to melt lead for bullets and fishing lures.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Functionally no.

You still can’t have my Dietz.

 

[Leo99]

I gave mine away years ago. Have plenty of LED lights and a lot of candles.

 

[wings&wheels]

LED's are bright and practical. Oil lanterns are almost failproof w/ minimal care, have a very long shelf life and don't need batteries or charging cords. The correct answer is both.

That said, when I am enjoying a drink on the deck or dock at the end of an evening, it is never in the harsh light of an LED...

 

[eljefino]

I've got a propane mantle lantern, the "good kind" with the isotope. Supposedly a whiter light than the later replacement.

 

[tmorris1]

I've put in a few Chinese ceiling fan's with LED lights.

There is the problem.

 

[kschachn]

I'll just say that I love my Coleman fueled stove and mantle lantern. I will not be replacing them with anything anytime soon.

Something about the routine that is required to get them started and the little roar they make during operation that I like.