Today I finally bit the bullet and ordered a hurricane lamp from Vermont Lantern.

[mack505@feistycricket.org]

@analogfusion Last year I had a bit of a flirtation with restoring old Coleman lanterns. There’s some cool engineering in there.

I think the current count is 4 plus a stove, all in good working order.

[mack505@feistycricket.org]

@analogfusion (The dangers of having a good local flea market.)

[analogfusion@mastodon.art]

@mack505 I have an old Coleman lantern from the 80s in a storage closet. Several years ago, I bought a new glass globe, a fresh can of fuel, and even mantles.

It's still waiting on me to finish the job. I couldn't decide whether to try running it on the old fuel that's been in there for years, or somehow drain it. So I did nothing.

[mack505@feistycricket.org]

@analogfusion Coleman fuel is pretty robust stuff. I’d try it.

[mack505@feistycricket.org]

@analogfusion If it’s old, check the cap style and the state of the seal. Some of the oldest ones could spray pressurized fuel if you weren’t careful. They were recalled in the 60’s but some of the older caps are still out there. (If the cap has a single vent hole in the side, replace it before using. The multi-slotted ones are safer.)

[analogfusion@mastodon.art]

@mack505 I bought mine new sometime in the mid-80s. But rather than taking my chances with the pressure, I probably will try just burning what's in the tank.

[mack505@feistycricket.org]

@analogfusion Yeah I realized that on re-read. Still suggest a new cap if you want to try it. They’re cheap & easy online.

[kaiser_franz@infosec.exchange]

@analogfusion I’ve got the original UCO lantern, and after this year’s snowpocalypse I’ve been eyeing the triple-candle version…

Candle Lanterns

We believe the outdoors isn’t just a place—it’s a mindset. A return to what’s real. A reconnection with the wild, with each other, and with ourselves. Our gear is built for the seekers, the stargazers, and those who love sitting around a campfire. We’re not just selling camping gear. We’re outfitting a movement.

UCOgear.com (ucogear.com)

[analogfusion@mastodon.art]

@kaiser_franz Are they regular tea light candles or something different?

[kaiser_franz@infosec.exchange]

@analogfusion There different, although (I think) made from similar material. They’re 3-4 inches tall and maybe an inch in diameter. The design is really pretty ingenious, there’s a plate underneath them with a spring such that instead of the candles “burning down,” the flame stays at the same place while the plate gradually moves up.

It was great backpacking (back when I was much younger and in better shape) because the thing is small and light, the candles last 15 hours each, and it’s enough light to play cards by, read a book, etc. without having to deal with batteries. A box of 9 candles is something like $15. The company also sells candles made from a different wax that burn a bit longer, albeit they’re a bit more expensive. I’d imagine there’s probably also 3rd party candles that fit this thing, but I’m still on my first box after many years so haven’t needed to check.