Coleman Northstar Candle Lantern Review: A Bright and Safe Light Source for Camping

The Coleman Northstar Candle Lantern shines brightly as a reliable and safe lighting solution for camping adventures. This compact and durable lantern offers a unique candle-holding mechanism, ensuring a consistent flame height and minimizing flickering, even in windy conditions. Its extended burn time of approximately nine hours provides ample illumination for most overnight trips, while the protective glass casing adds an extra layer of safety against accidental fires or wax spills. Beyond its primary function, its versatility extends to using citronella candles for insect repellent and even alternative fuel sources, making it a truly multi-functional camping companion.This review dives deep into the Northstar's performance, highlighting its impressive features and overall value. We'll explore the lantern's robust build quality, its exceptional burn time, and its surprising adaptability. We'll also address its occasionally limited availability and discuss the cost-effectiveness, especially when purchased on sale. Ultimately, we'll determine whether the Coleman Northstar Candle Lantern deserves a place in your camping gear arsenal, based on its safety features, ease of use, and overall performance.

Pros And Cons

Coleman North Star Candle Lantern
  • Burns for about nine hours
  • Safer than using candles in glass due to proper glass enclosure
  • Maintains a constant flame height
  • Ideal for camping
  • Can be used with citronella candles

Introducing the Coleman Northstar Candle Lantern

The Coleman Northstar Candle Lantern has become a staple in my camping gear. Its simple yet effective design provides a reliable and safe light source, especially appreciated during the colder months when traditional candles are less practical.

Close-up shot of the Coleman Northstar Candle Lantern
Close-up shot of the Coleman Northstar Candle Lantern

I've been using this lantern for quite some time, and its consistent performance has impressed me. The lantern’s compact size and durable build make it perfect for various outdoor activities.

The key feature is its candle-holding mechanism, similar to UCO lanterns, that ensures a consistent flame height, preventing unwanted flickering and ensuring a safer and longer burn time.

Performance and Burn Time

One of the most appealing aspects is the extended burn time. Each candle provides approximately nine hours of illumination, sufficient for most camping nights.

Lantern demonstrating its burn time
Lantern demonstrating its burn time

The consistent flame height is a significant advantage, especially when compared to standard candles. This feature makes it safer to use in windy conditions, ensuring a reliable light source regardless of the environment.

Close-up highlighting the glass construction of the lantern
Close-up highlighting the glass construction of the lantern

The glass construction adds an extra layer of safety, mitigating the risk of accidental fires or wax spills, enhancing peace of mind during camping trips.

Value and Availability

I was fortunate enough to purchase the lantern during a sale, acquiring it for under six pounds. However, they sell out quickly, highlighting its popularity.

Image showing the price of the lantern
Image showing the price of the lantern

The fact that it comes with a candle further enhances its value. The overall cost-effectiveness and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for campers.

While availability can be a factor, the lantern's consistent performance justifies the effort of securing one.

Additional Uses and Versatility

Beyond its core function, this lantern offers additional applications. The ability to use citronella candles makes it a practical insect repellent, particularly useful during summer camping.

Image showcasing the use of citronella candles
Image showcasing the use of citronella candles

I've even experimented with converting it to use paraffin fuel, adding another layer of versatility to this already impressive camping companion. More information on that conversion can be found in the video description.

Its adaptability to different fuel sources and its insect-repelling capabilities solidify its position as a multi-functional and valuable addition to any camper's kit.

Conclusion: Is the Coleman Northstar Candle Lantern Worth It?

Overall, the Coleman Northstar Candle Lantern is a fantastic piece of camping equipment. Its safety features, long burn time, and versatile design make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and safe light source.

Shot highlighting the overall quality and appeal of the lantern
Shot highlighting the overall quality and appeal of the lantern

While availability might be a concern, the convenience and functionality far outweigh the minor inconvenience of securing one. I highly recommend this lantern for campers of all experience levels.

The spring-loaded mechanism, ensuring consistent flame height, and the protective glass casing are noteworthy features that contribute to its overall effectiveness and user-friendliness.