LED Lanterns Vs Gas Lanterns
Sitting around a campground at night, it's easy to convince yourself that there are mysterious creatures lurking just a few feet out of your range of vision. You don't need to be a child to be afraid of the dark in such situations. Camping lanterns make us feel more comfortable in the wild, as light brings a sense of safety.
Furthermore, many campers rely on their lanterns to facilitate nighttime board game sessions around the picnic table. Even simple food preparation can be challenging without a good lantern on hand.
A few decades ago, consumers had few choices when it came to camping lanterns. Back then, nearly all camping lanterns burned fossil fuel. Today, however, there are a few more options, as described below. If you're thinking about purchasing a source of light for your camping adventures, read on to discover the pros and cons of each type of lantern.
Battery-Powered Lanterns
There are many benefits to using battery-powered LED lanterns:
- They are often far brighter than their gas-powered counterparts.
- A LED lantern is cool to the touch even when it's at full power, so are safe for children to use - even in the tent.
- LED lanterns have a long battery life - campers often enjoy hundreds of hours of light on a single set of batteries.
- It's impossible to start a forest fire with an LED lantern. They just don't get hot enough to spark nearby detritus.
- They are quiet sources of consistent light.
There is one potential drawback to using an LED lantern: It may be more expensive than a gas-powered lantern, at least initially. However, because they do not require you to buy more fuel or new mantles, they often save consumers money over the long run.
Solar-Powered LED Lanterns
Some LED camping lanterns use the light of the sun as a source of power. One downside of this kind of lantern is that you do need to let it sit out in the sun for long stretches at a time; many solar LED camping lanterns require ten hours of full sunlight to charge.
If you end up choosing this type of camping lantern, look for one with a crank. That way, if it happens to be a cloudy day or you simply forgot to leave the solar lantern in the sun, you can create light with only a small amount of work. A major benefit of solar-powered LED lanterns is their eco-friendliness.
Propane Lanterns
The propane-powered gas lantern represents a slightly older generation of camping lantern technology. Many campers like propane bottles because they provide consistent light - unlike kerosene lanterns, which are known to flicker. Additionally, because propane camping lanterns are pressure-regulated, they will provide reliable light even in poor weather conditions.
There are a few downsides to using a propane lantern. One drawback is their reliance on fossil fuels. With a propane lantern, you will need to buy new propane bottles periodically. However, many camp stoves also use propane bottles. Those who are environmentally conscious may choose to stay away from propane lanterns, since the bottles they use are difficult to recycle.
If ambient noise bothers you, a propane lantern is probably not the best choice, as it will make a hissing noise while burning. Finally, a propane lantern may not be used by children, nor may it be taken into a tent - gas poisoning may occur if any gas lantern is kept in a constricted space.
Kerosene Lanterns
Like propane lanterns, kerosene camping lanterns provide light by burning fossil fuel. Although kerosene lanterns served humanity well for many decades, they are somewhat outdated now. Here are a few drawbacks to using a kerosene lamp:
- Like propane camping lanterns, kerosene lanterns emit noise while burning.
- This type of lantern is highly flammable. If tipped over, it could cause injury or even start a forest fire.
- Kerosene lanterns are not safe for children.
- The tent is not a good place for kerosene lanterns, since they can cause gas poisoning just like propane lanterns.
- Because kerosene camping lanterns burn wicks or mantles, they require you to keep buying more materials (including the kerosene gas itself).
- Kerosene mantles require regular maintenance to keep them in good working order.
- Most kerosene lanterns will only provide three or four hours of light at a stretch.
Even with all of these drawbacks, some campers prefer to use kerosene lanterns, often out of nostalgia for their flickering light.
By taking into account the characteristics described above, you can find the perfect camping lantern for you and your family.
About The Author:Unlike LED camping lanterns, kerosene lanterns pose a fire hazard. They also are not suitable for use inside a tent, as they produce dangerous gases. Not having to worry about safety is one of the main advantages of LED lanterns. Camping poses enough potential danger as it is, so visit the Coast Products website and find an LED lantern for your next camping trip.
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