Coleman 2 Mantle Propane Lantern

Years ago we had a power cut in my neighborhood. One thing I remember was the guys down the street with a propane lantern, laughing and drinking beer.

While cleaning out a cellar, I found a Coleman two burner propane lantern. Brought it home (with permission) and it sat for a couple months. A friend had a power cut, in the winter time. I brought it to him, not sure how it would work. Turn the valve, flick a lighter into the hole under the mantle. The lantern lit up the entire first floor of his house, and provided heat too.

Runs about eight hours on full light. The heat was a big help, it was near zero F that night. He really froze butt, however the lamp was a big help. Both psychologically, as it drove away the darkness. And the heat helped warm his hands.

These are also great, outdoors. Will light an entire camp site, easily.

Not as great for hurricanes, when it's already hot and humd.

I've only used Coleman mantles. And haven't needed many of them. They last for several uses, if you're gentle. Light the lantern outdoors with a new mantle, it smokes. Don't touch the mantle after it's been "flamed" as it gets very fragile and brittle. However, if you leave the glass globe on, and just relight it with a flame, it should last for a long time.

The optional spark lighter sold in the camping section is a good idea. Mine works very nicely. Worth the three bucks, not to have to look for your matches when it's getting dark.

Propane bottles are (usually) available in most stores. Except during power cuts when you need them the most. Buy a couple extras before hand.

An avid night fisherman and camper, I currently have two of these lanterns, and had a third earlier. These are great! I have had them out in some of the worst weather imaginable withing the past few weeks. I've never had the first problem with them lighting or staying lit.

I actually left one burning during a horrific storm--long after me and my fishing buddies retreated to the truck. It barely flickered in the wind! I would definitely recommend this lantern.

It's easy to set up (you can have it burning within minutes of buying it), easy to use (screw on the propane bottle, and light it up) an gives you several hours of use on a single propane bottle. No mess, and it cools in under 20 minutes even after burning for hours.

I live in Hawaii. I have camped high atop Haleakala Crater multiple times, camped on the sea shore many many times in the salt air and constant overnight downpours. I have taken boats to neighboring islands with friends swimming our gear to shore on tow boating rafts and waves slamming us and tipping everything out all over the reef. This little lantern has been faithful to light every time.