Over the years I've managed to develop a good collection of misc. lanterns. Some propane some battery powered. Now I'm trying to consolidate the bunch into something where I don't need multiple battery types and propane canisters. I've seen a number of different types and am currently leaning towards this one Black Diamond Apollo Lantern at REI.com a Black Diamond one. Sounds like alot of light for a decent amount of time (see specs).
As for my camping habits, I have a tent trailer that we use. So most of the time we have anything from full hookups to battery power from the trailer. But I'd like a lantern that I can take from the trailer to use in a tent when we do tent camp. Or something I can just put in the FJ to use when ever I need it.
Over the years I've managed to develop a good collection of misc. lanterns. Some propane some battery powered. Now I'm trying to consolidate the bunch into something where I don't need multiple battery types and propane canisters. I've seen a number of different types and am currently leaning towards this one Black Diamond Apollo Lantern at REI.com a Black Diamond one. Sounds like alot of light for a decent amount of time (see specs).
As for my camping habits, I have a tent trailer that we use. So most of the time we have anything from full hookups to battery power from the trailer. But I'd like a lantern that I can take from the trailer to use in a tent when we do tent camp. Or something I can just put in the FJ to use when ever I need it.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Just in case you haven't seen the Black Diamond Apollo Lantern (in physical reality as opposed to website pictures): It's really tiny. I would say it's probably more meant for backpackers than wheelers.
I've got a lantern pretty similar to the above recommendation (but without the three light levels which I think sound useful to have). A 12V rechargeable lantern sure works fine. There's also the new one from pelican (Pelican™*Products*9430 Remote Area Lighting System), it's more of a worklight but looks pretty practical and sturdy and is sure to give off a lot of light if that's what you want.
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As in the review, it does not put out a ton of light, but if you want to use it to read in the tent with it next to you, or you need to use it to find a "bush" at night to relieve yourself, it does fine.
__________________ 2007 FJ Cruiser
ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, snorked, penthouse, to much to list, see my website & buildup thread
If your going to get a small backpacking lantern dont go with anything but MSR. Their stuff is way better than black diamond and the lantern is really powerful for its tiny size.
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-Mark
08' Black Diamond FJ. off road package, ARB roof rack, Kenwood DDX-6019, Gobi Ladder, OME lift!!
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I have the Apollo lantern. For car camping, it doesn't put out enought light to be your primary lantern. I use it for inside the tent or if i want mood lighting outside, without totally killing your night vision. For that purpose, its great.
I LOVE it! 3 light modes: night light, low and high. battery lasts quite a while.
I just saw this one at REI. It looks pretty good. The thing I like about this one is being able to charge it via regular 110v and through the cig lighter. But how long have you typically had the charge last? And about how long does it take to charge via the car charger?
As in the review, it does not put out a ton of light, but if you want to use it to read in the tent with it next to you, or you need to use it to find a "bush" at night to relieve yourself, it does fine.
I had seen this before. What kind of life can you expect from it during "average use?" I really like the remote option, can be handy with the kids.
By the way I looked at the MSR website and they did not have any lanterns.
I guess the best way to narrow down my selection is to set some more detailed goals. My primary source of frustration is having lanterns that use everything from AA to the big square (12V, I think) batteries in addition to a couple propane lanterns. So limiting myself to one or two battery sizes would be the first goal. I think my second is two switch to LED for the long life. Third is to also have some spare parts available if necessary. My boys can be hard on these things.
Although I think I'm going to look into the rechargeable one a little more before I make any decisions.
Boy, I remember when the Coleman propane lantern was basically the only choice out there.
I just saw this one at REI. It looks pretty good. The thing I like about this one is being able to charge it via regular 110v and through the cig lighter. But how long have you typically had the charge last? And about how long does it take to charge via the car charger?
I charged it via the wall charger once, and used it nightly for about week. only used it a couple times since and it is still charged.
Linear Mode
