Portable lanterns were a great invention, but the rechargeable lantern is revolutionary. The earliest lanterns burned an open flame encased in glass powered by kerosene in the small reservoir in the base, but they also produced moderate light, and generated heat and fumes that limited their use to the outdoors and by adults, only. Battery-powered lanterns came onto the scene and gave off light, but the life of the batteries was short and purchasing replacement batteries could be expensive over time. Consumers cried out for a lantern that would give superior light on extended battery life, accept a charge at home or away, and be safe for even a child to use in any setting.
Fluorescent and LED bulbs draw very small increments of batter power while giving off superior light. The combination of these low-energy bulbs and an extended-life rechargeable battery created a portable lantern that resembles the original camp lantern only in appearance. Batteries are encased in the base where the small tank of kerosene used to be. Some lanterns have a waterproof seal around the batteries for use in wet conditions. Light shines from the clear plastic-encased housing that is just above the battery case. Topping off the lantern is an attractive dome that houses the handle and is sturdy so that if the lantern is upset, the light housing is protected. Some lanterns can run for anywhere from five to nine full hours on a single charge.
Without an external power source to recharge the lantern, the camper is in the same situation he was with traditional batteries. Two cords are included with the rechargeable lantern; one to charge from a standard wall plug, and the other to charge from a vehicle’s cigarette lighter plug. Even when a storm has knocked out the power supply at home, the car can be used to recharge the batteries. Care should be taken, however, to run the car periodically so that battery is not drained completely.
Safety was a serious concern with the earlierlanterns, but modern rechargeable lanterns use bulbs that remain cool to the touch and overturning the lantern does not often damage it or cause any kind of leak. A child can walk with this lantern and be safe at home, on outdoor adventures, or anywhere else light is required. Simply owning a rechargeable lantern can put you way ahead when it comes time address your emergency lighting needs at home or on the road.
