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RE: Rechargeable lanterns
ILFltlndr@aol.com writes:
> ...I'm really wanting to know if anyone has had
> any experience using this lantern while car camping. You
> know,......at a regular campground. We have been sort of wanting a
> lantern to use while NOT on the trail. The only rechargeable that
> seems to be on the market is the "made in China" Coleman. It makes me
> wonder if they are much good. Perhaps they don't hold a charge. It's
> not like I want to burn a lantern all night or something (Wanna "hit"
> on the city campers. What a list *we* could create!!)
>
> Are there any suggestions for other types of lanterns that we'd only
> be using maybe 1/2 hr. that gives more light than a flashlight, but
> less than those lanterns that can light up an entire campground.
>
> Alice
> IL Fltlndr@aol.com
If it has fluorescent tubes, don't buy it! Most battery-powered
fluorescent lamps have very inefficient power supplies. You can tell
if it's the bad kind if the tubes turn black at one end. Rechargeable
(nickel-cadmium) cells will self-discharge in 1-2 weeks, and they have only
about 40% of the charge capacity of equivalent alkaline cells.
I hate camp lanterns myself but if you want one, try the Coleman Peak-1
(gasoline) lantern which is smaller than the average lantern, or the GAZ
butane-fueled lantern (very light).
You can make gasoline-mantle lanterns slightly less susceptible to breakage
by placing a bead of silicone glue around the bottom of the glass globe:
It sticks to glass and withstands high temperature. Let the glue dry
before reasssembling the lantern. Also, a rain hat made from a pot-pie pan
will keep the enamel on the top from flaking off when it's hot and gets hit
by water.
Kerosene-burning inserts for candle lanterns make more light than candles,
plenty for reading, but they are not entirely leakproof. If you use one of
those, keep it in at least two ziplock baggies and stow it some place where
it won't contaminate your pack when it leaks.
In any case, don't hang a gasoline lantern on a tree trunk! Trees in nat'l
park campgrounds are horribly scarred from the heat of lanterns.
>From FM 11-7: _TRICKS, HORRID_:
Unhappy Campers
Winnebago worries? Generator running all night? Sneak over there and throw
handfuls of dirt into the air intake until it stops.
If the mark doesn't leave the next day, go to the nearest grocery and
purchase a couple of steaks for dinner. Eat and enjoy, save the fat and
bones for later
After the mark goes to bed, rub the fat all over the windows and windshield.
Throw the bones and remaining fat on top of the Winnebarfo. Retreat about
100 yards, get comfortable and wait for the local pet bears to get a whiff
of the steak and come to investigate. Noticing the fat on the windows, they
will proceed to lick it all off, shaking the vehicle in the process. This
wakes the mark; he sees a bear licking his windows and trying to get in!
The bears then circle the vehicle a couple of times. Realizing that the
bones and fat are on top, they decide to climb up and have dessert. About
now, the mark realizes what a cretin he has been. He becomes very nice
once he realizes his mistake, and will leave you a peace offering as he
exits the camp! The more generous ones will leave picnic tables, gas BBQ's,
gasoline stoves and lanterns, ghetto blasters and tv sets for your
enjoyment.
-- Frank reid@indiana.edu
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