Electric Camping Lanterns - Light on Demand

When you think of a camping lantern, you probably picture a contraption that involves messing around with flammable gases or liquids. Perhaps you have visions of your child or pet being burned. While gas and liquid fuel lanterns are certainly safe enough alternatives when used properly, you can eliminate this concern altogether by going electric. Electric camping lanterns are a safe, rugged and convenient alternative. Here are just a few of their advantages. First and foremost, as described above, there is safety. All other types of camping lanterns use a flame for illumination, and the globe surrounding that flame can get very hot. Since electric lanterns use an LED, fluorescent or incandescent lamp, they put virtually no heat. Also, because there are no fumes emitted, you can safely use your electric lantern in your tent. If you are planning on a hike into the back country, lugging along a gas lantern and canisters would not really be practical. On top of that, you may find yourself having to replace the fragile mantle virtually every night. Electric lanterns are much more durable and significantly lighter. The only additional weight you may have to carry are some extra batteries ... although you may not even need those. Many electric lanterns are rechargeable. Not only can they be replenished from the car cigarette lighter, but some include a small solar panel, and others feature a hand crank. A few give you all of these choices, including the ability to just replace the batteries. With these options, there is virtually no reason for you to be sitting in the dark at your campsite. Another advantage of electric lanterns over other types is quiet operation. Gas and liquid fuel lamps produce a hissing noise when in use that can be quite loud. While this may not be a major factor, you would probably rather listen to the wind in the trees or good conversation than the sound of burning propane. As with any product, electric lanterns have a few weaknesses, but they are not as significant as they once were. In the past, the chief complaints were that they used up batteries very quickly, and that they were not as bright as their gas and liquid fuel cousins. The introduction of LED lanterns, however, has minimized both of these issues. LED lamps require much less power, meaning longer battery life, and are much brighter and more durable than incandescent bulbs. Add to this the ability to recharge using a hand crank or solar panel, and these common concerns seem less significant. So, when considering which type of camping lantern to purchase, you should definitely put one or more electric ones on your short list. For safety, durability, and simplicity, they are tough to beat.