Here we’ll once again delve again into the ever-exciting world of ice fishing! If you’re going on a winter fishing adventure anytime soon, you’re gonna love today’s topic! That’s right, we’ll talk about the best gas lantern for ice fishing!
There’s isn’t a single best gas lantern for ice fishing. There are a couple of them. Most ice fishing lovers would recommend you use Coleman 700 Lumens Premium Dual Fuel lantern or a Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern. Both are fantastic, easy-to-carry, and durable. Also, you might want to consider buying a Primus Micron Gas lantern.
Wondering if there’s more to this topic? Keep on reading! Later on, you might want to check out this article.
Table of Contents
Gas lantern 101
First things first! We’ll show you some interesting info concerning this fascinating product and its use!
A gas lantern’s a pretty lightweight, easy-to-carry portable device. It supplies us with efficient lighting. Also, it provides shelter to its contents from wind and rain. Outdoorsmen and nature-lovers rely on this product for more than 100 years. Among them, you’re bound to find a lot of ice fishing enthusiasts.
Here’s some additional info. What else do ice fishing enthusiasts rely on? Find out by clicking on this link.
How does it work?
Gas lanterns are so-called incandescent lights. What does that mean? It means they burn fuel to produce heat. Subsequently, the heat makes the mantles produce lighting.
The mantles are defined as chemically saturated fabric shells. When heated by the lantern’s flame, they turn into an impressive source of white light. We’re talking about up to 300 candlepower. In other words: it’s as if you were to light a 300-watt bulb.
Why are mantles so efficient at producing light? Let’s say we can give our thanks to the chemicals they contain. Also, the large surface they encompass should also be taken into consideration.
A glimpse into the history of the gas lantern
So, how did the gas lantern come to be? What were its predecessors? An answer to both questions and a bit more you’ll find below.
It all started in 1667 when Thomas Shirley wrote a paper on the flammability of coal gas. More than 100 years later, in the 1790s, William Murdoch experimented with the substance. Murdoch wanted to test which flammable gas is the best lamp fuel. He found coal gas to be the best since it gave the brightest flame.
Murdoch’s first practical experiment took place in 1792. That moment is well-known as the first time gas was used for lighting. Six years later, he illuminated the main building at Soho Foundry. And then in 1802, he lit the front side of it as a presentation for the public audience. The reception was fantastic, to say the least.
In the first half of the 19th century, a revolution in city lighting swayed through the continent. Modern European cities like Paris and London had gas lamps lighting the streets at night. It didn’t take long before gas lamps appeared in America. Baltimore was the first city in the US to get gas streetlights. Towards the beginning of the XX century, most cities in America and Europe adopted gas lamps. Things stood that way until the arrival of electricity.
Nowadays, gas streetlights are only a historic curiosity. Contemporary gas lanterns/lamps are mostly used for outdoor adventures. That’s why we’re talking about them today!
Wait, what were the predecessors?
Oh, we almost forgot to mention ’em. For thousands of years, humankind’s only source of lighting was, of course, an open flame. One can imagine cavemen using torches to create a cozy atmosphere at home. During the Roman era, oil lamps were a thing, so to speak. These were earthenware pots. They had tubes to allocate vegetable oil to a wick and spout.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that any bigger steps were made. Alright, so that’s it for our little history class. We’ve seen that nowadays gas lamps are mostly used for enjoying the outdoors. Let’s take a look at what gas lanterns are best for ice fishing!
What is the best gas lantern for ice fishing?
Now, we’ll add a disclaimer here. There’s no such thing as the best gas lantern for ice fishing. We can only talk about the best gas lanterns. Notice the subtle difference? Anyway, we’ll show the models that ice fishing experts see as top-tier equipment.
Coleman 700 Lumens Premium Dual Fuel
If you were to check out ice fishing forums, you’d see many posts suggesting this might be your best bet. It stands out from the rest, but, as already mentioned, we’re not gonna say it’s the best. Many folks use Coleman lanterns for decades with any issues. Among other things, that’s why this company is the leader in the field of outdoor equipment.
It’s very simple to use and it comes with a case for easy storage and carrying. Also, the only thing you’re gonna need to light it is a match.
What kind of fuel does it burn?
This fantastic lantern burns both Coleman’s own Liquid Fuel and unleaded gasoline. Have in mind using kerosene with any Coleman lantern isn’t a good option. It will most likely damage the product!
One gallon of Coleman’s own Liquid Fuel will last as much as 4.5 cylinders of good ol’ propane. Also, 1.25 pints (about half a liter) of fuel will last you 5.25 hrs on high, and 13.5 on low.
Other characteristics
Let’s see what else can you expect with this bad boy. Coleman 700 Lumens Premium Dual Fuel:
- has the iconic 2-mantle design.
- can create a bright glow (up to 700 lm) that can reach up to 16 m.
- possesses a high-temperature globe that resists cracking from heat.
- comes with a case, and a 5-year limited warranty.
- has a bail handle for easy hanging and carrying.
Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern
Here we have another amazing product from Coleman. It’s the Northstar Propane Lantern. You’ll also hear ice fishing enthusiasts talking about this one. So, what makes it different from the lantern we’ve mentioned above? Let’s take a look at its general characteristics.
Basic specifications
Here’s what you can expect with Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern:
- It can last up to 4 hrs on high, or 9 hours on low using a single 16.4-oz. propane cylinder.
- Also, it can produce 1500 lm on high, and cast light up to 26 meters.
- The lantern uses Instastart™ ignition technology (push-button). You won’t need any matches, only batteries.
- It comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
- Comes with a metal globe guard for added protection against impacts.
- It’s very easy to store because it has a collapsible footed base.
- You can adjust the brightness to your liking.
The key differences
As you can surely notice, this one can cast light 10 m more than its predecessor. Also, it’s foldable and very easy to store. You’ll need AAA batteries to start it, instead of using matches. The warranty lasts for 3 years, instead of 5.
Primus Micron Gas
You might’ve thought we somehow favorite Coleman. It’s not our fault they produce outstanding equipment. Still, this product isn’t made by them. We’ll show you the Primus Micron Gas lantern.
This one is also an easy-to-carry, lightweight gas lantern. This lantern’s a nice alternative to Coleman products. Although, to be honest, you won’t see many ice fishing lovers recommending it. Let’s see what makes it special.
Main characteristics
Here’s what kind of performance can you expect with a Primus Micron Gas lantern:
- It has a so-called Piezo ignition system, you won’t need a match or a lighter.
- Also, it’s quick and very easy to set up. You attach it directly onto the gas canister.
- It runs silently, using a single mantle. There won’t be any noises disturbing your stay in nature.
- There are two types available: the frosted glass and the mesh version. Both are equally durable, but the mesh version is more lightweight.
- It gives off 360 lm on the frosted glass, and 235 lm on the mesh version.
What is the best gas lantern for ice fishing? – a summary
Sorry if that title was a bit misleading. Still, you could’ve picked out a winner yourself. If you’re still not sure, let’s give you another chance. So, what were our candidates for the best gas lantern for ice fishing?
- Coleman 700 Lumens Premium Dual Fuel. Most ice fishing experts would recommend you use this one. It comes with a 2-mantle design and it’s very durable. Some folks have been using Coleman lanterns for decades.
- Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern. This one’s second-most-popular ice fishing lantern. You won’t need any matches to light it, since it uses Instastart™ ignition. It’s collapsible and easy to store.
- Primus Micron Gas. You won’t see many ice fishing enthusiasts mentioning this one. Even though its specs can’t really compare to Coleman lanterns, it’s a nice alternative to them.
It’s up to you to pick the right one. We guess you’re stuck debating which one of the first two is better. Don’t worry. Whatever you choose (even the third one) – you won’t regret it!
That’s about it, folks. For more gas-related tips, make sure you visit this page.
