When it comes to camping lanterns, this is what every camper needs to know.

The camping lantern is an often overlooked source of light and heat and comfort. So you must be careful not to overlook the importance of selecting a proper camping lantern before your next camping trip.

Whether you choose a kerosene or propane lantern, or opt for an electric lantern, you need to understand the function, advantages and disadvantages of this important piece of camping gear.

Most people are familiar with the traditional kerosene lantern, especially the venerable Coleman outdoor lanterns, which are still produced today.

Specifically, the kerosene, or multifuel lantern, has a reservoir to hold liquid fuel that is fed via air pressure into a mantle where it burns brightly until the wick is broken or the fuel supply or air is exhausted.

The advantage of the multifuel camping lantern is that it burns a multitude of readily available fuel very efficiently. Unfortunately, because they use liquid fuel and produce a lot of heat, multifuel camping lanterns are highly flammable and dangerous. Once the lantern runs out of fuel, it needs to cool for a significant amount of time before safe refueling is possible.

If you want a safer alternative and do not care about the heat, then you might want to consider a propane lantern.

Propane lanterns work in in much the same way as kerosene camping lanterns, except that the fuel is supplied by a propane cylinder that is inserted into the bottom of the lantern.  This provides a safer alternative to using a flammable liquid for fuel.

However, the fuel cylinders, while convenient, are also expensive and do not last all that long. One alternative is to fasten the camping lantern to a larger 5 gallon propane bottle so that propane is said continuously to the latter over a long period of time. Coleman makes camping accessories for just such a purpose.  

The biggest disadvantage to using a propane camping lantern is heat. Therefore, propane (and kerosene) camping lanterns are generally unsuitable for use indoors during a hurricane or other natural disaster.  

Where heat is an issue, you should really consider an electric camping lantern.

Many campers are not aware that electric camping lights are cheap, efficient, and very safe.

Most importantly, electric lanterns do not give off large amounts of heat. This makes them ideal for indoor use or during a natural disaster where light is needed but not heat.  

The disadvantages of the electric camping light are similar to those of the propane lantern in that you will need to stock extra batteries.  In addition, the electric camping lanterns are not as efficient as the kerosene lanterns.  For some, the advantages greatly outweigh these disadvantages.

Now that you know a little more about camping lanterns, you can approach camping in a whole “new light.”

Select a kerosene lantern where heat is not an issue but you need a good source of efficient light for a long period of time. Propane offers a safer alternative to kerosene if you are willing to stock extra cylinders or have access to a large propane tank.

Finally, if heat is an issue, you would be best served by an electric camping lantern. Be sure to bring extra batteries.

So, the next time you’re packing for a camping trip, grab your bug spray, load up the 4 man tent, and give some thought and consideration to the best camping lantern for your individual need.