Many people choose camping propane as the energy source for campsite illumination.
Don’t get stuck with the wrong lantern!
We’ve reviewed many different models to help you choose the best propane lantern for your camping requirements.
Psst we’re compensated…see our disclosures.
Best Gas Lantern For Camping
- Our top picks for the best propane lantern for camping in each category are:
- Brightest: Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern (see below for more details)
- Easiest To Transport: Coleman QuickPack Deluxe Propane Lantern (see below for more details)
- Best Bang For The Buck: Stansport 2 Mantle Propane Lantern (see below for more details)
- Most Compact: Coleman Gas Lantern 1 Mantle Propane Lantern (see below for more details)
OUR PICK FOR BRIGHTEST: Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern
OUR PICK FOR EASIEST TO TRANSPORT: Coleman QuickPack Deluxe Propane LanternOUR PICK FOR BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Stansport 2 Mantle Propane LanternOUR PICK FOR MOST COMPACT: Coleman Gas Lantern 1 Mantle Propane Lantern
Propane Camping Lanterns Reviewed
You want a portable camping lantern to create as much light as possible but the brightness level is not the only thing to consider when choosing a lantern.
We have reviewed different models of propane tank lanterns and grouped them according to their maximum lumen outputs.
Lanterns With 1500 Lumens
1540 lumens – Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern
Our top pick for BRIGHTEST PROPANE CAMPING LANTERN
Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern
PROS:
This is the brightest of the propane camping lanterns we
reviewed with up to 1540 lumens.
The base provides stability to the lantern when you are
using it and folds for easier storage.
It runs on a 16.4-oz. propane cylinder for approximately 4 hours on the brightest setting and 9 hours on low. (NOTE: if you run out, here’s how to refill 1 pound propane tanks with a propane refill adapter.)
The metal guard protects the high-temperature globe.
It features InstaStart ignition for lighting without
matches.
Of all of the mantels, this lantern uses Insta-Clip tube mantles which are the easiest to install.
CONS:
This lantern works best on the brighter settings … when you try to dim the output, the lantern may not stay lit because the regulator is quite sensitive.
The push button ignition is convenient but may be inconsistent so you may need matches on some occasions.
When this lantern is on the lower settings it tends to emit a loud whistling noise.
1500 lumens – Coleman Deluxe PerfectFlow Propane Lantern With Hard Carry Case
Coleman Deluxe PerfectFlow Propane Lantern With Hard Carry Case
PROS:
The carrying case protects this lantern during transportation
and storage.
As one of the brightest propane camping lanterns, this model
produces up to 1500 lumens on high and casts light up to 85 feet.
You can get approximately 4 hours out of a 1lb propane
cylinder when operating this lantern on high and about 9 hours on the low setting.
It features matchless lighting with its push button
ignition.
It has a high-temperature tolerance glass globe and has a metal
guard for additional protection.
The base is steady and its feet collapse for more convenient
transportation and storage.
CONS:
The push-button igniter may not be consistent so you’ll want
to carry matches as a backup.
This lantern is a bit louder than most comparable models no matter if you are operating it on a high or low setting.
Lanterns With 1000 Lumens
1000 lumens – Coleman Elite Perfectflow Propane Lantern
Coleman Elite Perfectflow Propane Lantern
PROS:
This lantern produces up to 1000 lumens of light that reaches up to 75 feet away.
As a way to combat varying weather and altitudes, this lantern is designed with a PerfectFlow system producing consistent light output no matter where you are camping.
A 16.4-oz. propane cylinder runs it for approximately 8
hours.
It has a matchless ignition starter.
CONS:
As with other matchless lanterns, this push-button igniter
is intermittent so you’ll want to have matches in case you need them.
On the low setting, this lantern may emit a loud whistling sound.
1000 lumens – Coleman Gas Lantern | 1000 Lumens Deluxe Propane Lantern
Coleman Gas Lantern | 1000 Lumens Deluxe Propane Lantern
PROS:
This propane gas lantern creates up to 1000 lumens that cast
light up to 75 feet away.
You’ll get approximately 7 hours out of a 1 pound propane cylinder when operating it on high.
The glass globe is tolerant of high-temperatures to prevent
cracking.
Its collapsible footed base makes storage convenient.
CONS:
The control knob may have a tendency to “drift” between different settings making it a bit more difficult to regulate.
Matches are required to light this lantern but because the lanterns with push-button ignition are typically intermittent, we don’t consider this a big drawback.
1000 lumens – Coleman QuickPack Deluxe Propane Lantern
Our top pick for Easiest To Transport Camping Propane Lantern
Coleman QuickPack Deluxe Propane LanternColeman QuickPack Deluxe Propane Lantern
PROS:
This lantern produces up to 1000 lumens and lasts approximately
13 hours on one 16 oz. propane tank.
It features one of the most compact carrying cases making it
easy to transport and protect the glass.
It features PerfectFlow
technology that is designed to create a steady stream of fuel in all weather
conditions.
Its wide base makes it very stable and also acts as the
bottom of the carrying case.
CONS:
This lantern does not have push button ignition so matches
are required but because the push button styles are not always consistent, we
don’t consider this to be a big disadvantage.
The base does not actually “attach” to the can of propane so
when you pick the lantern up by the handle, the base may remain on the table
(or wherever you have it setting.)
The knob may have a tendency to “wander” to other brightness
levels.
On the lower settings, this lantern may inadvertently go out.
1000 lumens – Coleman Two-Mantle Propane Lantern With Case
Coleman Two-Mantle Propane Lantern With Case
PROS:
This lantern produces up to 1000 lumens and lasts up to
approximately 14 hours on a 1 pound propane camping cylinder.
Its carrying case opens widely so loading the lantern is
simple.
It has a stable base with retractable feet.
CONS:
Matches are required to light this lantern but we don’t
consider this a big drawback because the push-button styles can be sporadic.
The soft aluminum header makes inadvertent cross threading possible.
Lanterns With Under 1000 Lumens
810 lumens – Coleman Two Mantle InstaStart QuickPack Lantern
Our top pick for Best Bang For The Buck Propane Camping Lantern
Stansport 2 Mantle Propane Lantern
PROS:
This lantern produces up to 810 lumens and runs off of a
standard 1-pound propane tank.
Its “Dura Base” features tip-resistant feet.
This is one of the most inexpensive propane camping lanterns
that has 2 mantles.
CONS:
The base is not “connected” to the propane tank and may not
stay on if you pick it up by the handle.
Matches are required to light this lantern but we don’t consider this a big weakness because the push-button styles can be random.
300 lumens – Coleman Gas Lantern | 300 Lumens Compact 1 Mantle Propane Lantern
Our top pick for Most Compact Propane Lantern
Coleman Gas Lantern | 300 Lumens Compact 1 Mantle Propane Lantern
PROS:
This Coleman compact propane lantern is small but mighty, it
produces 300 lumens with a single mantle.
A 16oz propane cylinder will run this lantern up to
approximately 11 hours.
There is a metal guard surrounding the globe to protect it
from impacts.
Most lanterns have a wire handle but this one uses a chain
making it more compact.
It requires only 1 mantle.
CONS:
300 lumens may not be bright enough for all applications.
It may be easy to accidentally tear the mantle when you are putting it on the lantern because of its location/design.
You need matches to light this lantern but we don’t consider this a big limitation because the push-button styles can be hit-or-miss.
Propane Lantern Stands
You can set your lantern on the ground, on a table or hang it from a tree.
If you don’t have a good location for your lantern to provide light in a specific area, a Propane Lantern Stand is a great option.
Coleman Lantern Stand
Alternative Lanterns With Mantles
Coleman Premium 700 Lumens Dual-Fuel Camping Lantern With Case
Some people like the brightness that comes from mantles but want options other than propane.
This Coleman Premium 700 Lumens Dual-Fuel Camping Lantern uses Coleman Liquid Fuel or unleaded gasoline which provides better performance in frigid conditions.
Replacing Mantles On Propane Lanterns
If you have never replaced a mantle before, this video shows you how to replace the mantles on a Coleman lantern.
Other Camp Lighting Options
Propane lanterns are just one lighting style.
You may want to consider solar and battery powered camping lights too.
More Camping Gear Reviews
If you love the idea of using propane as fuel at your campsite, check out the best propane camping gear that will help you cook, stay warm and more!
Looking for other types of gadgets that make camping easy and fun?
Check out the best camping gear before you make your next purchase.
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