Pros: Compact, turns into its own carry case, easy on batteries, and reasonably bright.
Cons: Switch says there are two settings to the light, but I can tell no difference.
The Bottom Line: This is a really good addition for those that don't like to call it a night when the sun goes down. Battery operation means safe for tents.
ncphototrekker's Full Review: 8D Square Packaway Lantern
If you camp, you know that it gets really dark in the woods at night. Flashlights help, but are not good a illuminating a large area evenly such as a tent. I've never been much of one to call it a night when the sun goes down, and there are times that I want to get in my sleeping bag and read, or possibly play a hand or two of cards with my wife before going to sleep. The Coleman Packaway Lantern allows me to do that with decent quality light from a small package.
The design of this lantern is what really got my attention. It collapses into itself to make a sturdy carrying case that is half the height of the entire unit. This is accomplished quite easily with just a little bit of pressure on the top. Opening it is just as simple and is locked into place by friction.
The bulb is a single fluorescent coil tube that is plenty bright. However, the lantern has two settings in the "on" position...low and high. Personally, I think this was wasted as I can't tell the difference. It is the same intensity regardless of which position you select.
The case is a hard plastic that seems very durable, and has not caused any problems over an entire season of camping and being packed in a very tight spot. There is a handle that will allow you to carry the lantern with you as you walk outside during the night.
Battery life seems to be very good. I'm not sure the collective time that this lantern was on, but the batteries held out for the entire season and are still going strong. I imagine that they are not long for this world as we start the new season, but I can't complain if they consistently last a full season.
The lack of two light levels prevents me from giving this a five star rating, but I have no reservations in giving this lantern a solid four star review. I would recommend this lantern for those that need a bit more light at night...especially inside tent where propane is not recommended.
The brightest family-size Coleman lantern 15-watt fluorescent spiral U-tube for a brighter, whiter light Light automatically shuts off in closed posit...More at Amazon
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