When it comes to camping, there are literally dozens of lighting options to choose from. But one particular light source that I believe doesn’t get enough recognition is the uber simple and ultra versatile candle lantern.
While candle lanterns are primarily designed for lighting inside ones tent, they also have some other great uses as well!
Best of all is that these lanterns are really inexpensive and have an extremely long shelf life. I’ve had my UCO lantern for close to 4 years now! Because I really believe in these products, I will cover 5 of the best camping candle lanterns so you too can bask in their flickering light. But first…
What is a candle lantern?
Simply put, a candle lantern consists of a glass chimney which is tucked into an brass or aluminum shell with spring loaded base. Once the glass chimney is pulled up over the candle, it is protected by the elements and is ready to transport.
Typically a candle lanterns burn with only one candle, but there are also options available for 3 candles to be lit at a time.
Are candle lanterns safe to use in a tent?
While we have always been taught never to bring an exposed light into a tent, there are exceptions for candle lanterns.
When correctly setup, a candle lantern is an extremely safe way of lighting your tent due to its design and fail safes. Of course caution should always be taken when using a flame
How long do the candles last for a camping candle lantern?
One great advantage of using a candle lantern for camping is they are very economical when used correctly. On average I get about 8-10 hours of light time from each candle which equates to 30 cents per hour.
Can you use a candle lantern for reading?
Technically you could, but with some difficulty. There are some great accessories you can get such as back and top reflectors that help focus the light, which helps a lot. I generally use a LED head lamp along side my candle lantern.
Other uses of candle lanterns
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, candle lanterns also have some other great uses that come in real handy. Here are some advantages that I have come across personally, If I have missed any, please let me know as I’m always finding new uses.
- They help to keep you warm
- Reduce condensation in a tent
- Can be used to heat tea, hot chocolates, coffee and other liquids
- Good guidance tools for when you need to leave the tent at 2am in the morning
- Great backup lights for emergencies and power outages
- Make great decorative lights for at home
Ok so thats enough of me blabbering on, lets get stuck into the candles already!
Top 5 Best Camping Candle Lanterns
1. UCO Original Collapsible Candle Lantern (Editors Pick)
First up on my list is the extremely portable and uber versatile UCO Original Collapsible Candle Lantern. As the name suggests in the title, this is an original design which UCO have been making for decades.
You know what they say “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” which couldnt be more true for this lantern. UCO perfected the design years ago and backpackers, mountaineers and campers have been taking in all the advantages ever since.
When it came to this particular models, what I benefited from the most was the collapsable footprint. Compacted down it measures 4.25 inches in height which was great for throwing into my pack. It’s weight is also quite light coming in at 8.8 oz. (249 g) which includes the candle.
This lantern also comes in a wide range of colors including.
- Aluminum
- Black
- Blue
- Brass
- Green
- Red
- Yellow
- Camo
Overall this UCO unit easily deserves my number one spot for the best camping candle lantern due to its robust simple design and really cheap price point. Highly recommended!
2. UCO Candlelier Deluxe Candle Lantern
Next up on my list is the big brother of the UCO Original Lantern. When it comes to brightness and warmth, this unit really does excel due to it sporting three UCO candles at once. When all candles are lit, it outputs about 60 lumens or up to 5,000 BTU.
As for the burn time of this lantern, it is the same as the above mentioned model as it uses the same UCO candles which give off about 8-10 hours of light time. Upon first using this unit, I was throughly surprised by the heat output which I found was great for tents, smaller rooms and even snow caves!
While it does take some time to heat up, it really does make a difference.
Measured up, this UCO Candlelier Deluxe Lantern is 8″ in hight by 4″ in diameter which is still ok for transportation. However it is on the heavier side coming in at 18 ounces including the candles. But I was more than happy to carry this for the light output that it gave me.
Cant go wrong with this one!
3. Coleman Northstar Candle Lantern
Moving onto the next candle lantern is the Coleman Northstar Lantern which I almost found to be good as the UCO Original Lantern.
Upon first taking this out of the box, it definitely has a more “lantern” vibe which I liked. Also when lit, this lantern really does look good with the flickering candle light. There is just something so primal about candle lanterns that I cant help but admire.
When it came to the specs on this lantern, it is sporting a 9 hour candle time when used with Coleman candles, carry handle, glass protection cover, spring loaded candle holder and an aluminum build. It measures in at 3.2″ x 7.1″ but unfortunately isn’t collapsable.
4. UCO Original Candle Lantern Value Pack with 3 Candles and Storage Bag
Coming up next on my list is the UCO Candle Lantern Value Pack, which as you might have guessed from the title, is packed value!
If you read my first review of the UCO Original Lantern, then this one will feel right at home as it is the exact some model. But this one comes with some added benefits such as the soft fleece bag for transport and the included 3 UCO 9 hour candles.
Overall a value packed combo!
5. UCO Micro Candle Lantern
Last but not least only my best camping candle lanterns list is the ultra compact UCO Micro Candle Lantern.
This unit is so compact in fact that it measures at 2 3/8″ tall when collapsed. This thing could literally fit into my pocket or a small pocket on my backpack.
Like all good UCO products, this lantern comes with a glass chimney and is made out of aluminum right here in the USA. Being so compact, this lantern has to take tealights which burn for 3-5 hours and are available in citronella and beeswax.