REI Candle Lantern

rated 4.0 of 5 stars average rating
Reviewed by 3 Trailspace users

The REI Candle Lantern is a lightweight candle lantern…

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $1 Goodwill

Summary

The REI Candle Lantern is a lightweight candle lantern that utilizes a self feeding candle system which burns off all excess wax, providing up to 9 hours of burn time. The lantern itself is very light, consisting of mainly aluminum and glass weighing in at only a few ounces. The candle lantern's heat output makes it an excellent addition for a tent, reducing condensation and creating warmth and light. Note the bigger the tent the less effective it will be at reducing condensation. All in all the simple candle lantern is a must-have low tech gadget, and I would never get rid of mine.

Pros

  • Bright
  • Compact
  • Actually burns for 9 hours
  • Many accesories avalible
  • Windproof

Cons

  • Wax spills easily
  • Can get very hot
  • Rather delicate
  • Leftover wax chunk difficult to remove

I picked my candle lantern up about a year ago at the local Goodwill, as I do a lot of my gear. I found it new in the packaging with one unlit candle inside it, and at one dollar I was instantly excited. That night I lit the candle and set it on the kitchen table, it ended up lasting just over 10 hours. So that weekend I went to REI and picked up two packs of regular 9 hour candles

The candle lantern's first field use was at Lake Valhalla, Washington, in mid February. I lit the lantern at 10 p.m., woke up and blew it out at 6:30 a.m. with some candle to spare. The tent was bone dry and a nice 50 degrees Fahrenheit, despite the fact that we were camped on 10' of snow.

Candles come in three different types: the original paraffin wax 9 hour candle, the citronella 9 hour candle (Blue) colored one, and a beeswax 9 hour candle which produces less harmful gasses as well as gives off a pleasant scent. The lanterns and candles are all made by UCO corp.

Not only are there choices in candles, there are also choices in accessories.

At online stores such as eBay, Cabellas, and REI these accessories are available:

  • Downward reflector
  • Side reflector
  • Replacement glass chimneys
  • Parts rebuild kits
  • Neoprene travel case and LED conversion kits

I would highly recommend this lantern to anyone. Though this may not be a necessity, once you use it you won't want to camp without it.

Please sign in to comment

Works great but it is heavy. Bought this as a gift…

Rating: rated 3 of 5 stars
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $17

Summary

Works great but it is heavy.

Pros

  • Very bright
  • Dripless candle

Cons

  • Gets hot
  • Heavy

Bought this as a gift for my wife because she wanted an alternate source of light when in the tent. It is a great lantern, but when we started to go lightweight, it was too much weight. We still use it for short hikes. 

Please sign in to comment

I bought this latern after my cousin brought it with…

Rating: rated 4 of 5 stars
Price Paid: $15.95

I bought this latern after my cousin brought it with him on a trip we had to Maine. What I use it for the most is a dinner table light. It gives a warm glow sitting on the table or I also bought the reflector (sold seperatly) and then hang it over the table. As the candles burns a spring pushes it up to the top of the latern. Candles are replaced by unscrewing the bottom and are sold seperatly in three packs ($2.50).

To put the candle out, I suggest just to push the top down rather then blow it out. I blew it out once and blew candle wax all over the glass, which can be replaced easily if broken or spattered with wax. I also bought the neopreme cocoon ($7.95) to protect it from damage.

This candle lantern won't replace my headlamp or latern for primary lumination, but it does compliment the camp with a nice romantic dinner atmosphere.

Please sign in to comment
Do you know someone who might be interested in this?
Share a link to this page via email, Facebook, Google+, or Twitter.
If you've owned or used a REI Candle Lantern, please share your experience.

Where to Buy

Buy Online

The REI Candle Lantern is not available from the stores we monitor.

You may want to check pricing and availability directly at these REI retailers:


REI

You may be able to find it new or used at one of these sites:


Trailspace Classifieds

GearTrade

US | Canada | UK | Aus

Amazon

Retailers: Do you sell this product? List your site here.

MSRP:
$19.95

The REI Candle Lantern is not available from the stores we monitor.

Last seen July 25, 2012 at REI.

where to buy:

You may want to check pricing and availability directly at these REI retailers:

- REI

- other options »

Browse similar products »

Recently on Trailspace

Review: Black Diamond ATC

This style of belay devices is named after this product. It's the Q-tip of climbing. I think my ATC came with a big belay locking carabiner back when I bought it. Read More »

Review: Big Agnes Sunnyside 2

This tent has withstood the test of time! I bought this tent from REI outlet back in 2007 as an upgrade to some gear, along with the footprint. This tent as been… Read More »

Review: Ortovox Thunder 35

Low profile, alpine climbing pack. I bought this pack on closeout at Sierra Trading Post and after using it for a month, I was sad I hadn't picked up a second. Read More »

Review: Scarpa Men's Crux

Low profile, comfortable shoe that works awesome for hikes in to the local crag and to climb in. I have worn the Scarpa Crux approach shoes on a climbing trip through… Read More »

Add your voice to the world's most comprehensive and useful collection of independent outdoor gear reviews. Review Your Gear