Brunton Orion Lantern

I cannot verify the claim that this is the world's brightest lantern, but it's the brightest I've ever seen. It actually attracted questions from other campers about its make and model when I had it turned up. The lantern is solid in construction, light output is super consistent at any adjustment, even the lowest setting, and the warm water activated fuel level strip actually works.

The only downside is that replacing the lid after prepping the mantles must be done carefully or the jarring motion of attaching the tension mounted lantern lid and hanger can dismount the delicate mantles (done once - now I've learned).

The travel case protects everything very well. The piezo has worked on the first try every time I've used it. I give it four starts instead of 5. The construction, while robust and of quality materials, is not the best from a fit and finish standpoint - the burner? for holding the mantles is slightly crooked. The clunky process of replacing the lid and hanger as referenced before could've been refined.

A great value at Sierra Trading Post's prices, especially if you can get one with a coupon. Still in stock today.

Update: January 12, 2012

as an update to my previous review, the Globe cracked when I placed the handle back into the detent after changing the mantles. The "snap" sound came when the handle part stuck slightly and then by tension, snapped completely into the hole. It didn't strike the globe, but the impact must have traveled down the short (1/2" long) metal brace that both the globe and the handle share in common.

I will say that Brunton was very responsive and I have a new globe, but I wasn't happy about the lack of glass integrity...

However, this lantern still burns like it's part of the sun and is highly adjustable for light output.