Looking for good affordable LED Lanterns?

[TacCommE21]

Thanks, that's the one I got, see my previous post:

Sorry about that. I missed it!

[Redhat]

Sorry about that. I missed it!

Well, I test fired it. I like that it works with 4 or 8 D cells. Output is pretty good and the reflective surface on the underside of the "lid" helps direct light downward. Simple in operation without all the extras I don't need...and it's BIG.

I think it's going to work fine for my purposes.

[tb-av]

These things are great to toss all around your house and vehicle. They have a hook and magnet and will sit, hang or attach to just about anything. they are always on sale for about $2.50 and come with 3 batteries. Sometimes they give them away. they are quite bright and have two modes. http://www.harborfreight.com/27-led-...ght-67227.html

No matter what you do, you should start investing in rechargeable batteries and solar charger. If you want to cut to the chase... "eneloop pro"(sanyo xx) batteries are very highly rated. You can make a solar charger from $1-Store solar night light or simply get a proper solar charge system. I've got several of the older basic eneloop and I have left them in my grill all summer to start spark on grill, which admittedly is not a lot of power, but then leave it out all winter and it still worked. When it went down, just recharge and it's like new again. I loose them in remotes because they never seem to run down. the best batteries I have ever had. I bought mine at Costco when they first came out and that's been years and they are all still working fine.... and like I say the new Pro version is supposed to be even better, and, I'm just using a basic charge that came with them, not one of the fancy ones.

If you want to go all out and get a nice battery charger/conditioner,,, these are highly rated as well. http://www.amazon.com/Crosse-Technol...ag=reactual-20

The LED side of things is becoming a non-issue. LEDs are cheap, low energy devices. What you want to start looking into are.......

Solar
Batteries ( http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...ePo4_Pack.html (1lb 3oz) ) as opposed to 12v SLA which might weigh 4lbs in comparison.
Super Capacitors ( a different type battery for all practical purposes ) ( still expensive ) example of what people are doing with them...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3x_k...ZToHXmNDaejXIK

http://laserhacker.com/?p=219

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcFHZMhnV2g

what is a joule ringer ---
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3YWB-noPNo#t=10

schematic ---
http://laserhacker.com/?p=59

So... anyway.. I know this not what you asked but technology has changed to the point that we almost no longer need to ask which lantern or which light but rather which type power source should I get to provide for "X light needed".

Food for thought anyway and some may find it useful. I would expect that before long, just as he mentioned, we will be buying power strips with all this stuff already built in.

[CLHC]

Here's one called the Ultimate Survival 30-Day Lantern with an excerpt of its specs:

300 Lumens on High = 32 Hours Runtime
150 Lumens on Medium = 3.5 Days Runtime
29 Lumens on Low = 30 Days Runtime

15 Days Runtime on S.O.S. Mode

Powered by 3 D-Size Batteries

UST The Ultimate Survival Gear

[Replicant]

I recommend the CREE 40426 110 Lumens Warm White lantern sold on Amazon. It's made by Favourlight, an OEM for some of the popular brand lanterns. It puts out a good amount of light for its small size. It could easily fit into a jacket pocket.

I find the warm light to be much more appealing and easier to work with than some of the harsh cool whites that many LEDs produce.

It takes 3 AAs, which I prefer over D cells because I have very few D devices, and I use rechargeables (Eneloops).

[fat_frog]

Recently purchased this D.LIGHT LED LANTERN from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/d-light-Solar-...ywords=D+light

While I would probably not take this on backpacking trip due to its size, I am liking this lantern to use at home. I usually just leave it on the window sill facing the sun. It is bright enough to light up the room if the power is out.

[Moose-Knuckle]

Recently purchased this D.LIGHT LED LANTERN from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/d-light-Solar-...ywords=D+light

While I would probably not take this on backpacking trip due to its size, I am liking this lantern to use at home. I usually just leave it on the window sill facing the sun. It is bright enough to light up the room if the power is out.

I like that, I'll add these to the list. Still have not picked up the LUCI but they are on the list too.

[indawire]

Another vote for the Costco LED camping lamps for around the house etc. Have any problem with it? Bring it back, no questions asked.