Campsite lanterns? - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

almitra · 05-08-2008, 09:26 AM

Which type do you guys prefer & why? I need to know if I should abandon LED for liquid fuel ones.... I have a Coleman Max that uses 8 D cells and radiates at 175 lumens that I JUST bought last week. I'm trying it out this weekend when we go to Fairfield Lake.

Mean Machine · 05-08-2008, 02:04 PM

For consistency and reliability, my lantern of choice is an old Coleman Lantern that burns on white gas. I always have a couple of extra mantles too just in case.
I love these old things, the sounds they put out at nite, well, it's just another facet that makes camping so great.

Troop198 · 05-08-2008, 06:33 PM

Troop uses propane lanterns from Coleman, we use tacky lights around the trailer

we did use LED before camper but they were not very bright, pocket flashlights were always around.

Turn Key · 05-08-2008, 08:38 PM

We almost always camp with at least "power & water". Used to light the area with a clip light w/60watt bulb. I'd clip it to the branch of a tree and shine the light up into the foliage. The ligt reflected back down was enough to allow you to walk around the camp site without tripping.

Came up with something better. I took a white 5 gallon bucket w/lid and made a lamp out of it. Got the needed hardware from Lowe's. Drill a hole in the center of the lid to match the ferrule and mount everything up. Put the lid on the bucket and your good to go. Bucket can sit on the ground, a table or be hung from a tree branch or lamp standard. Costs little to make and gives a nice, non-glaring light to the camp site. I started with a 60 watt bulb but found that a 40 watt was plenty for what we wanted. DW has gotten some camping decal/transfers from Hobby Lobby and decorated the outside of the bucket. Looks great and does just what we want.

Hope this helps and happy camping!

srds · 05-08-2008, 10:26 PM

Great ideal Turn Key,We use 2 mantle propanes and battery powered ,and have tacky lights.In a larger group we have some flood lights when needed.

srds

Have Fun

almitra · 05-09-2008, 10:41 AM

Okay, gotta ask a dumb question...what are "tacky" lights?

kmerian · 05-09-2008, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by almitra

Okay, gotta ask a dumb question...what are "tacky" lights?

Something like this:
Parrots and Palm Trees String Lights : Target

Troop198 · 05-09-2008, 11:43 AM

Don't be so nice to her and send her just one picture, she must of missed this discussion,
Tacky Lights

there is almost a light for everyone

Sandra, when you use electric at the site, you too can have tacky lights

, IMHO no better description for what they are
(I have the Xmas rope version as my tacky setup)

almitra · 05-09-2008, 01:34 PM

Oh.......lol!!!!

rockhill · 05-09-2008, 03:54 PM

I am in the same camp with Turnkey. Met a fellow years ago at Brownwood SP that had that setup and it worked well. The only change I made was to use a yellow bug light in it instead of a plain white one. I have also begun to use the rope lighting with good reults.

campermom · 05-10-2008, 12:21 AM

I really like my Coleman Instastart propane lantern. We try to avoid using lights at night. We have 2 small flashlights which use AA, and a nightlight. We generally have either a fan, or electric blankets in the tent, so, I brought a nightlight from home which turns on when its dark. It's perfect in the tent. I've considered tacky lights, but realize that I don't stay up very late by myself. I turn in the same time as my son ( but I write in my camping journal before going to sleep).

almitra · 05-12-2008, 09:07 AM

I, too, go to bed at the same time as my DS....about 9-ish or so. I still think I'd like some tacky lights, though.

JohnK · 05-12-2008, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mean Machine

For consistency and reliability, my lantern of choice is an old Coleman Lantern that burns on white gas. I always have a couple of extra mantles too just in case.
I love these old things, the sounds they put out at nite, well, it's just another facet that makes camping so great.

I have one of these as well and enjoy using it when cooking and eating the evening meal. I agree with your view on what they bring to the camping experience. I grew up camping with these back in the 60s and 70s; so, the ambience they contribute to evokes a certain nostalgia; kinda like comfort food.

JohnK