Rayovac 3D LED Camping Lantern – Perfect Survival Gear Choice
This is a review of my Rayovac Sportsman LED camping lantern. It is one of the best choices for a perfect survival lantern! LED technology (now commonly used in flashlights, headlamps, lanterns, and other lighting products)is an ideal fit for anyone’s prepping and preparedness lighting needs, including a survival lantern.
Present-day LED lighting technology enables very bright and powerful light while consuming little power. The power consumption of LED lamp products is a fraction of that of traditional bulbs.
The LEDs will last (almost) forever without burning out like other bulbs, and the batteries that power them will last very long before requiring replacement or a recharge.
I purchased a Rayovac LED Lantern some years ago. It still works perfectly, and I consider it a great survival lantern.
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UPDATE: Coleman now makes a very nice LED lantern too. It is available in your choice of output lumens (brightness).
The Rayovac LED lantern below is one of the best portable emergency lighting solutions. It is surprisingly small and lightweight, and the build quality is very good. You could call it a survival lantern.
Rayovac Sportsman 3D LED Survival Lantern Review
Compared to the classic Coleman Gas Lantern, the Rayovac LED model is significantly smaller, making it a mobile and flexible choice. Its compact size, measuring only 7 inches tall (3.5 inches square), allows for easy storage and portability. This ensures you’re always prepared and flexible in indoor or outdoor situations without the bulk of larger lanterns.
Check out the Coleman LED lantern linked above if you want a very bright output (they make a 1,000-lumen model).
The Rayovac Sportsman 3D LED lantern can output up to 305 lumens, which is bright enough for a survival lantern and energy-efficient (long-lasting). The low-power mode, at 140 lumens, is a perfect choice for long-lasting but adequate illumination of an immediate surrounding area.
Batteries
It takes three D-size batteries (D cells hold lots of energy, about 10,000 mAh each!).
The batteries will power the Rayovac LED lantern on high brightness for about three days straight, 24 hours a day! Of course, you wouldn’t have it turned on during the day, so if you ran it six hours a night, the batteries would last 12 days. That is impressive.
On low brightness, this exact scenario would last 25 days!
If you use rechargeable batteries and a solar-powered battery charger, you will have a source of endless ‘free’ light!
[ Read: Best Rechargeable Batteries (AA, AAA) ]
[ Read: Solar AA Battery Charger ]
Brightness
This lantern’s brightness is a pleasant surprise. With a maximum output of 305 lumens, it’s more than enough for most uses, especially as an emergency survival lantern. The 3 LEDs and the high-quality reflector lens design ensure a robust and even spread of light, covering a 360-degree circle.
3 Light Output Settings
The settings are well thought out, including bright, low, and strobe options. The strobe is a standout feature, especially in emergencies where you’re trying to attract attention. Another practical feature is the small LED indicator above the on-off button, which flashes subtly every five seconds, making locating the lantern in the dark easy.
Tip: If you will not use the lantern for an extended period, consider removing the batteries. The front panel LED (which subtly flashes occasionally) will (very slowly) drain the batteries over a long period. It’s not a big deal, but it’s worth mentioning.
Ruggedness
Despite its small size, this lantern is a testament to thoughtful design. All edges and the bottom are rubberized for shock absorption, ensuring a secure grip on any surface. I like that feature. It’s not slippery and will set on anything without slipping off.
The traditional carrying handle and the clever folding hook on the bottom, which allows you to hang it upside down for better light projection when it’s up high, are thoughtful additions. These features all add up to making this an excellent survival lantern designed with you in mind.
I rate the Rayovac LED lantern five stars because it has a perfect set of features for its intended purpose: a rugged and compact design, LED technology, and a reasonable price.
I highly encourage anyone concerned about survival preparedness to get LED flashlights and/or a lantern similar to this Rayovac-led lantern.
[ Read: Headlamp or Flashlight | Compared | Which is Best? ]