The need for a good lantern while camping out is a no-brainer. It is also a pious idea to have one around the house in case of a power outage.

Before the advent of LEDs, we had a choice of Coleman white gas lanterns, propane lanterns, oil/kerosene lamps and battery lanterns with incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. Coleman and propane lanterns were the brightest and most popular, but the mantles tended to break if you bumped the lantern too hard, or it fell over, and the fuel was very flammable.

Their combustion byproducts were deadly. They could only be used safely where there was good ventilation. These were their major short-comings.

After LEDs were developed, it was not long before they were incorporated into area lanterns, rendering most other lantern types obsolete. LED lanterns are bright, safe and offer long battery life.

The Coast EAL20 LED lantern can safely be used anywhere, including in your house. This is a major advantage over propane and white gas lanterns.

Oh, we still keep a propane lantern on hand with new mantles as an emergency backup. Call Jim old-fashioned in that respect, as it would be a lot easier to simply carry some extra batteries and buy an additional EAL20. (I am working on him!)

Specifications

• Bulbs: 9 CREE LEDs
• Lumens: High - 375
• Runtime: High - 50 hours, Low - 80 hours
• Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Height: 8.25 inches
• Base Diameter: 4 inches (10.7 cm)
• 4-Mode Switch: High, Energy Saving, Solid Red, Flashing Red
• Batteries: 4 x D cells (not included)
• Warranty: 5 Years (materials and workmanship)
• 2018 MSRP: $50

There are a few LED lanterns on the market that have a higher lumen output, but they require more batteries and have substantially shorter run times.

The Coast EAL20 is, arguably, the one of the best compromises available. It uses only four D cell batteries, provides 50 to 80 hours of runtime and offers a 375 lumen maximum output.

It is weather and impact resistant. Using the mode switch, you can cycle between high, low (energy saving), red and flashing red light modes. There is even a handy carrying handle.

The flashing red light mode makes the EAL20 a handy light to have in your vehicle in case of a breakdown, or accident. The continuous red light mode will appeal to amateur astronomers for preserving as much night vision as possible while setting-up instruments, etc. With a 2018 MSRP of $50, the Coast EAL20 has to be one of the best lantern deals around.