I researched the best camping lanterns as i have been planning more outdoor trips and want to be better prepared in case of power outages at home too. i have been experiencing issues with my old lanterns running out of batteries quickly and not being bright enough. i went through reviews from trusted sources like gear lab and verified amazon customer reviews and after comparing many options these two kept coming up as the top choices:

Coleman Rechargeable Lantern
https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Rechargeable-Lantern/dp/B00VTJJ5J8?th=1

Ledlenser Rechargeable Flashlight
https://www.amazon.com/Ledlenser-Rechargeable-Flashlight-Advanced-Technology/dp/B08H5WG116/?th=1

However i am having trouble deciding which one would be better for me and i would love to get your expert advice and hoping maybe some experienced campers or outdoor enthusiasts on this forum can also share their advice.
i usually go on weekend trips with friends and also like to keep a lantern in my emergency kit at home. would either of these be more recommended for me? any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
thanks in advance

 

Those are two quite different products.

The Coleman lantern is pattered after an old gas mantle lantern used in my day. It apoears to throw light in all directions. The other is a flashlight, not the same thing at all.

 

As was said above, you need both.

 

Those are two quite different products.

The Coleman lantern is pattered after an old gas mantle lantern used in my day. It apoears to throw light in all directions. The other is a flashlight, not the same thing at all.

Thanks for pointing that out You are right they are pretty different one lights up an area while the other is more of a focused beam. For camping with friends and also for emergency use at home do you think the lantern would be more practical? Or is it better to have both a lantern and a flashlight for different situations?

 

As was said above, you need both.

thanks for your valuable opinions I will think to buy both

 

thanks for your valuable opinions I will think to buy both

Can’t go wrong that way!

 

thanks for your valuable opinions I will think to buy both

fyi.
I have similar collection,
the lanten, tends to be used satic, in rooms / tents / areas with a few people ,
the flash light is the walk around go to.
you might want to look at some cheap head touches, great for hands free , ( going to the toilet ! )

 

You've been advised that you need both types of light and I agree with that 100%.

In my experience you don't need a flashlight anywhere near that fancy or expensive. You can find very bright LED flashlights that use 18650 cells for under $10. That's what I would recommend, one for each camper. If it gets lost, left behind or driven over, it's no big deal. The primary application is finding your way to the potty, plus an occasional need to look at something up close with better light. There's also a tunnel near our favorite campground and flashlights were helpful for exploring. Having one for each hiker was crucial.
Example:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B8VPM7A I have these and they're fine. Not quite as bright as another I have but OK. Good batteries make a bigger difference than the difference between models.

Lantern or area lighting is what you want for cooking and dining after dark, maybe for hanging out, playing cards, whatever. Doing the dishes. You want to be able to see with your hands free. Headlamps aren't bad for this duty and also work as a flashlight. IMHO, those large lanterns are overkill except for a group of people, maybe 4 or more. They're bright and clobber your night vision. Definitely nice to have but big and heavy to pack or carry. A small, personal sized lantern is awesome for use in the tent; finding your shoes, changing clothes, etc.
Example: https://www.amazon.com/EZORKAS-Rechargeable-Hurricane-Flashlight-Emergency/dp/B07TM9CQ49 I don't have these but they're a good example of the type I mean. These seem highly rated.

 

fyi.
I have similar collection,
the lanten, tends to be used satic, in rooms / tents / areas with a few people ,
the flash light is the walk around go to.
you might want to look at some cheap head touches, great for hands free , ( going to the toilet ! )

thanks for your opinions

 

You've been advised that you need both types of light and I agree with that 100%.

In my experience you don't need a flashlight anywhere near that fancy or expensive. You can find very bright LED flashlights that use 18650 cells for under $10. That's what I would recommend, one for each camper. If it gets lost, left behind or driven over, it's no big deal. The primary application is finding your way to the potty, plus an occasional need to look at something up close with better light. There's also a tunnel near our favorite campground and flashlights were helpful for exploring. Having one for each hiker was crucial.
Example:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B8VPM7A I have these and they're fine. Not quite as bright as another I have but OK. Good batteries make a bigger difference than the difference between models.

Lantern or area lighting is what you want for cooking and dining after dark, maybe for hanging out, playing cards, whatever. Doing the dishes. You want to be able to see with your hands free. Headlamps aren't bad for this duty and also work as a flashlight. IMHO, those large lanterns are overkill except for a group of people, maybe 4 or more. They're bright and clobber your night vision. Definitely nice to have but big and heavy to pack or carry. A small, personal sized lantern is awesome for use in the tent; finding your shoes, changing clothes, etc.
Example: https://www.amazon.com/EZORKAS-Rechargeable-Hurricane-Flashlight-Emergency/dp/B07TM9CQ49 I don't have these but they're a good example of the type I mean. These seem highly rated.

you added much information to this discussion I will be grateful to you