So we've decided to risk going without ehu this month and hope we can stay warm but we need a lighting solution. Last summer we managed with solar fairy lights but they obviously weren't bright enough for reading.
I know lanterns have been discussed to death but what I'd like to know is what is best to look for, a rechargeable lantern or a lantern that takes d cells that can be recharged?
In years gone by we had a rechargeable but the light gradually got dimmer and lasted less long after repeated chargings. It didn't really last that long either when new.
And what is best for lighting the whole living space whilst not being super harsh?
It has three settings. Full, half and red light. It holds two (replaceable) rechargeable batteries that can be charged via a USB lead.
I liked it also as it has the ability to be hung but angled to various angles.
Just had four nights using it and to be honest It's great and has not as yet needed charging.
I always think I never seem to need as much light when camping though, unsure why. Hope it helps
PS there are several cheaper similar looking items around but it was the ability to angle it, the extra lumens and the two rechargeable batteries that had me paying the extra.
I have a love/hate relationship with lanterns. Too dull and they don't have any impact, too bright and they cut the eyes out of you and you can't see anything anyway!
One thing I do find is one source of light is no good, you need a couple at least and preferably more. Having only one source of light means if you glance near the light it blinds you, and yet everything is in shadow anyway!
My current, and best so far, lighting set up is battery operated scout led lights, they have a glass dome and look all vintage so I like that. I also like the Qbis warm white berry lights from amazon which are also battery operated. Having all three works well.
The Varta light, which is a cheaper verson of the Outwell lantern, (also amazon) is a great light too. Like many LED lights, the colour of the light is white/blue where I find my scout lanterns and berry lights are a warmer hue.
My Varta light is still used though, it's robust case and strong light means it's a great emergency light to keep in the car.
Quote: Originally posted by Francais on 03/4/2016
Would never touch a rechargeable lantern, for various reasons, we currently have two Outwell 400LX Lanterns which each take 6 "D" Cells.
Outwell now do a 600 Lumen version for £25.
Got the rechargeable "D" Cells from Lidl/Aldi £2.99 for pack of two.
Is this not a contradiction in terms Francais?
All1
------------- If there is a god,
he OR she will have to beg for forgiveness.
Quote: Originally posted by Alloneword on 04/4/2016
Quote: Originally posted by Francais on 03/4/2016
Would never touch a rechargeable lantern, for various reasons, we currently have two Outwell 400LX Lanterns which each take 6 "D" Cells.
Outwell now do a 600 Lumen version for £25.
Got the rechargeable "D" Cells from Lidl/Aldi £2.99 for pack of two.
Is this not a contradiction in terms Francais?
All1
Not sure it is, Alloneword.
He uses a battery operated lantern, and just so happens to use re-chargeable batteries rather than replacing them each time (As opposed to me, who replaces the batteries with new... but then I get freebies through work!). The lantern itself is not rechargeable.
It seems he's happy to use rechargeable batteries, but not a rechargeable lantern.
Would be interesting to learn of his "various reasons" for not using a rechargeable lantern though.
We too are happy to use the Varta type lantern, when not on EHU. Decent light, brighteness options (with or without the lens cover), standing or hanging, and sturdy.
Never had EHU. We use a leisure battery and a 12v "corn" style LED bulb hung up as our main light.
Gives the option of a warm white bulb as I hate the cold white common in LED lanterns. Also I can pick the wattage (brightness) of the bulb. We also use the leisure battery to charge phones and tablets.
Yep a couple of reasons why I would not have a rechargeable lantern, is that after a while, the internal battery cell, will start to hold less charge, and run time will be ruduced.
Eventually the internal battery cell will fail, replacement of the cell is often either not cost effective, or simply no replacement is available.
Also with a rechargeable lantern, should it be left on by accident, the cell will run flat, and then you have to wait for it to charge up, which could be a problem when of grid.
Using rechargeable batteries on the other hand, works fine, if you have any problems with a rechargeable "D" Cell for instance, replacement is not an issue.
Also should the lantern run flat, you just change over the rechargeable batteries for a fresh set, or if push comes to shove, you can buy std batteries to keep it glowing.
I only ike the ones with a warm white light, not that horrible bluey LED white light. I have 2 from Ikea and I think that they are the bright white ones.
You can dim them. We use rechargeable batteries in them.
Quote: Originally posted by Francais on 04/4/2016
Yep a couple of reasons why I would not have a rechargeable lantern, is that after a while, the internal battery cell, will start to hold less charge, and run time will be ruduced.
Eventually the internal battery cell will fail, replacement of the cell is often either not cost effective, or simply no replacement is available.
Also with a rechargeable lantern, should it be left on by accident, the cell will run flat, and then you have to wait for it to charge up, which could be a problem when of grid.
Using rechargeable batteries on the other hand, works fine, if you have any problems with a rechargeable "D" Cell for instance, replacement is not an issue.
Also should the lantern run flat, you just change over the rechargeable batteries for a fresh set, or if push comes to shove, you can buy std batteries to keep it glowing.
Yea i get you know Francais, sorry i thought you were anti rechargeable period but now you have oput it that way it makes perfect sense, even to wallies like me, this thread is perfect timing for me as i am looking at lanterns now so thanks to the OP and sorry Francais
All1
------------- If there is a god,
he OR she will have to beg for forgiveness.
Thanks for all the useful replies guys. Think I'm leaning to the Varta tho sleeper17’s hanging lamp looks pretty interesting too. Will have to do some Amazon stalking I think...
:))
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Topic: Rechargeable lantern or batteries?
