Coleman Dual-Fuel 2-Mantle Lantern

The white-gas/multifuel Coleman, two-mantle lantern is a reliable classic: easy to use, lots of light, low-noise, and simple maintenance. They are excellent for car-camping, RV use and base camps with large groups.

The mantle system is easy to maintain, but fragile in the face of rough treatment such as jostling or banging the light around -- this is not one to let the kids use unless they're careful and responsible. Of course, liquid fuel lanterns require one to use a match or extended lighter, and there is always the chance of fire or mistakes if one isn't reasonable...think about that if this is for kids, young scouts, etc. The top of the lantern gets very hot (ie like something over a burner would do) and can be the source of burns to fingers that touch the knurled top nut or the cap-shield while the lantern is on.

The Coleman burns brightly and quietly, is very easy to adjust from very dim to quite bright, and is extraordinarily reliable in cold and windy weather. It's brighter and lasts longer than almost all electric lanterns and becomes very economical over time as the only recurring costs will be fuel and replacement mantles.

Mantle replacement is very simple. Unless jarred or touched, a mantle might last decades. We had two that went for 30 years on one of our Coleman lanterns, and I have some that last 30 days, due to being jounced around in the bed of our pickup.

The plastic cases available for these are excellent, and they've got a storage spot for spare mantles in the bottom.

If you need a lantern which will last a lifetime and is capable of burning unleaded gas or white gas this is a good product.

This lantern has been in my use for two years. During that time I have used it in all seasons. Including rain, snow and wind.

The lanter emits a considerable amount of light because it has two mantles. This is a very fuel efficient lantern.

During the time I took time and read many reviews on this lantern prior to making my purchase. Many indicated there were problems making the lantern emit less light. I did not have any problem turning the light down lower once the lantern warmed up. This warming up period may vary depending on temperatures.

In this day and age when everything is made out of plastic and production costs are trimmed by making products which are not rugged and which do not last, you can rest knowing that this one is still a well made tool. Don't buy cheap because you will probably have to buy again.

I would consider using this in my garage if I had a garage and would not hesitate to take it on a hunting trip to Alaska if I go in the future.

This thing is just like my Dad's when I was a kid. It's very solidly built and I know it will last a lifetime. Produces much more light than any electric lantern I've had or seen. White gas lasts a very long time and I will not use anything else for lighting up a campground.

I do have to point out that if you are not used to using this type of a lantern it can appear to be worse than an electric, but that is not true. The mantles need to be pre-burned (just take a match to them after installing (with the gas OFF)). You also should not overfill the reservoir as you need room for the liquid fuel to turn to gas. This lantern also needs to warm up before it can reach it's brightest level (5-10mins).

Notes:
These do get hot and should be handled with care.
Do not place near canopies that can catch fire (or use inside a tent).
Do not tighten top screw too much as it could break the glass.

Overall I would NEVER camp without this lantern...unless weight is an issue.

i've used this lantern for standard car/tent camping for over three years. it functions exactly as i'd hoped and expected. it burns bright, only needs occasional pumping over the course of a full evening's use. brighter than the propane version.

the only note would be the filling, if you choose to go with this (over the propane version). with the standard funnel it can be tough to gauge, which leaves you with fuel leaking on the lantern. not that big a deal, but i think you would want to buy the filler cap (Coleman Fuel Filler Model No.3000000928) which fits coleman cans. basically it has reduced this process to zero spill, it stops when the tank is full so there's no guessing.

the only other piece of decision making information would be, consider if you're going to also have a coleman stove. you'll want to make sure you've considered both as you'll want a common fuel source.

This lantern is worth the money if you want the option of dual fuel.

I used this on two hunting trips. Once in eastern Montana in cold weather for a 4 day trip. This was our only lantern and it served us well. It produces plenty of light and was fairly quiet. Although it was hard to hear over the Montana winds hitting our tent. Additionally I have used it on a coastal Washington elk hunt for 4 days. it performed flawlessly. Other than that I have used it on two car camping trips with the family as well.

The adjustments to the light output were fine. I did not have any problem with low light adjustments which I had read about.

There is a lot of burn time with the fuel tank full.

It appears Coleman is still making this product right.

This lantern puts out a ton of light. Before using this though, I was used to battery powered ones so getting it going for the first time was a bit frustrating (the problem with the 1st run was that we had the mantles tied on too high and didn't pre-burned them enough before enclosing them). After re-interpreting the instructions and starting the lantern properly, it burned brightly and for the entire night on less then one fill of fuel.

We don't use this inside or next to the tent and think we'll stick to the LED lanterns for that. For lighting large areas though, this will be coming with us for all of our car camping trips.

-get the carrying case; it's worth the couple extra bucks

I am writing this review because a friend has this lantern and I have used it. I want one of the newfangled dual-fuel lanterns but my current Coleman fuel lantern, which I have had for about 40 years, simply refuses to die! In all the time I have owned it, the only repairs have been: one pump kit, one glass and hundreds of mantles. It is easy to light, easy to use and is rugged & durable as, well, you know. It is not for mountaineering (heavy/bulky) but excellent for camping or emergency light when the electricity goes away. Just get one. See also my review of the Coleman dual-fuel 2-burner camp stove (it says the same things).

I've been using Colman gas powered lanterns and stoves for 40 years. The dual fuel lantern for about 10. It's the first thing I found I prefer to the old standard green Colman models. Used for dispersed tent camping, night bank fishing, and emergency home lighting. Very bright. Lights up my whole campsite or kitchen and family room and is more than is needed inside a tent. The ability to use unleaded gasoline brings down fuel costs compared to propane lanterns. Well built as all the Colman gas camp appliances have been through the years. Take care of it and your kids will be using it for many years after you.

Very bright and powerful! I would say can light up a 10 foot radius no problem. After first use it is easy to use and to light. I suggest getting a lantern pole then it was able to light up almost our entire camping area (since it is off the ground and higher in air).

It maybe a DUEL FUEL but use WHITE GAS otherwise the generator tends to go over time (1-3yrs). White gas burns very clean and the funnel provided has a small white filter which helps clean out the fuel too.

Hope this helps.

I have had one of these since 1992 (Peak 1 model) that I have used for hunting trips and camping. It starts without fail. I just pulled it from the garage, changed the mantel and lite it after 3 years of storage. I just purchased this full size one for a new hunting camp in Maine. All my Coleman products have lasted for years I am certain this new lamp will be in the camp for years to come. Buy and keep extra mantels and you wont need them! Dont and you will wish you had!