skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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I have a few of each and use almost NONE of them. Moonlight, fire light and the light from the neighbors neon displays and scared lights, on each side of me is plenty enough when I'm camping in campgrounds 
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR -
2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles)
2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population
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Francesca Knowles
Port Hadlock, Washington
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Joined: 02/23/2011
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Mosquitos are attracted to people by the carbon dioxide we exhale, and propane lights attract them for the same reason.
As if we need any more mosquitos than we already have in camp...
I like the Coleman unleaded gas lantern for bright light, but I also carry a couple of plain ol' kerosene lanterns that I fill with citronella oil for sitting-around light.
" Not every mind that wanders is lost. " With apologies to J.R.R. Tolkien
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Mello Mike
Mesa, AZ
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I have two solar powered LED lanterns. No batteries required. They can also be recharged with either 110v AC or 12v DC.
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2011 Ford F-250 CC-SB/4x2/SRW 3.73 RE/6.2L/Air Bags/Torklift TD w/Fastguns
US Navy Ret.
My Truck Camper Adventure Blog
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JiminDenver
Denver, Co
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Joined: 09/09/2011
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We have both a battery operated and propane lantern.
The battery lantern is from Sears and uses two 11 inch fluorescent tubes and four 6v batteries. it puts out enough light to illuminate a campsite and for ease of use it is king.
The propane is a dual mantle Coleman. It puts out enough light to light up a small clearing but is a hassle to use. The mantles break and once lite, it must cool down before it's touched.
I usually mount the Coleman on top of a 20 lb tank tree that provides for the stove and grill. Very nice when we need a lot of light for extended time. It can also be used to warm up the TT with ventilation.
That leaves the Sears for portability and quick on and off use. I usually replace the batteries at the beginning of the season. (I'd like to find rechargeables for it)
I couldn't find a link to the Sears but did find one on ebay for $25 listed as a vintage lantern.
JinD
2011 GulfStream Amerilite 25BH
2007/2003 Ford Expedition
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LaunchnRetrieve
Sonoma County, CA
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Joined: 01/12/2012
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Great responses to my question.
Now I just need to process the info.
Been using battery powered for so long I didn't realize there was a brightness difference.
Hate Mosquitos. Have to think about that point very carefully.
Thanks All!
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Always at least 2 dogs in the family (currently lab and chug)
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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Mello Mike wrote:I have two solar powered LED lanterns. No batteries required. They can also be recharged with either 110v AC or 12v DC.
? Please tell me how you get power from solar cells in the dark? That one has to be good. LOL
Yes, you do have batteries. Solar cells turn sunlight into electrical energy. You MUST store that energy somehow.
Donn,Lorri,Max (rescued Lab)
Saigon International Airport 1966/67
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Brassica
Snow belt
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Joined: 01/19/2011
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There is no need to buy batteries.
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Francesca Knowles
Port Hadlock, Washington
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Brassica wrote:There is no need to buy batteries.
I, for one, knew what you meant the first time, Brassica! 
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LaunchnRetrieve
Sonoma County, CA
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After reading the answers to my original post I couldn't wait to go camping with my battery powered lanterns to see how they stood up to opionions in this thread.
When I turned on those lanterns I was amazed at how dim they were and yes by memory not at all powerful like the gas/mantle lanterns.
Next weekend I'll add fresh batteries, maybe that was why they were so surprisingly dim compared to my memory of previous uses.
No matter, have convinced myself to have one gas/mantle lantern on hand to illuminate outdoor camp area. Will stick with battery powered for indoor use.
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camperfamily
New Jersey
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Joined: 03/03/2008
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Travel with three lanterns. One coleman two mantle propane, one coleman 2 mantle white gas and one coleman (small) single mantle duel fuel. No battery lanterns here.
The propane is by far the brightest, followed by 2 mantle gas, then single mantle gas. Yes, we have used all at the same time when we camp with a group in a area with no electric available.
Some friends have battery lanterns and the output just doesn't compare to the fuel powered models. But they have their place for certain. For our use I prefer the fuel and I'd rather have the LEDs in the light fixtures in the 5ver.
FWIW
2007 Pilgrim 278BHSS
2002 F350 CC LB PS
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