Coleman Premium Dual Fuel Lantern

One lantern to rule them all!

Don't like propane or constant battery failure? Neither do I. So I bought this lantern.

If you enjoy camping with the family frequently, this lantern is the long haul one to own. I've broken tons of battery lamps, flashlights, and headlamps over the years, yet this lantern continues to be almost bomb proof. Some variation of this lantern has probably been around for 60 plus years. We have put this lantern through the paces for about 8 years now. I can attest that this lantern is great for day trips, night fishing, and camping trips where weight isn't an issue.

I remember I bought the first one used along with an almost new camp stove. The first time we lit it at the house it was somewhat difficult because we believe the previous owner ran unleaded through it and let it sit. After flushing out the system, it fired up with Coleman fuel and hasn't stopped since.

The first time I took the family camping with this it was great. It lit up with so much ease and threw such a wonderful glow. Not to mention, it will burn for hours on end with one full tank. I liked the first one so much I instantly bought another for our subsequent trips.

The lantern will run on both unleaded and Coleman fuel, but I really believe you're better suited to use Coleman camp fuel. I just don't think these products are designed to work long term with ethanol. Sure it will fire up and run just fine with pump gas, but you better run it dry. Otherwise you will be fighting with it for hours the next time you head out .

So what's not to love about this American classic? Well, probably the mantels. You will go through a bunch. They are probably the least durable thing about the lantern and may be the least durable thing on the planet lol. With that said, they are a fraction of the cost of your 6-pack of AA's. I always keep a spare on hand and swap them in a pinch as required.

I also just recommend going the cheap route with the tie ones. The clipped versions don't work very well and cost almost double. A lot of people question the durability of the globe, but I think we broke maybe one in the course of many home moves. I highly recommend purchasing the plastic case for this and problem solved. They aren't very expensive and they work great for storage. 

Overall, I'd say this is probably in the top 5 items I bought since we started camping. Once you get these running they simply won't quit. In fact I'm writing this review under the light of the lantern at a state campground as I type.  

Background

Great lantern, top three long haul purchase for family camping. Works great in all weather conditions.