Mini Mag Flashlight

When it comes to flashlights, there are more choices than you can shake a stick at, even if you're good at shaking sticks. Today we're going to discuss a light that I've been using daily for about 3 months now, the Mini Maglite.

Operation is simple, twist on/off with flood or beam depending on how much you twist. The light output isn't anything to write home about, but it is more than adequate. It is also a krypton bulb, not an LED, which I kind of like. I personally find things to appear clearer in non-LED light, so I like having a "regular" bulb light on me.

It is not a waterproof light, but it can withstand a quick submersion...like that time I dropped it in the creek. Just brought it out, turned it off, let it dry, and it was good to go. It also seems fairly shock resistant. I've dropped it more than once. Which brings us to a slight downside...it is a little slick. Also, I wish the lanyard hole was large enough to accomodate Paracord.

These arn't ultralight flashlights by any means at 3.78oz, and you can get much more performance/weight with a lot of other lights out there. They will easily fit in with a lightweight backpackers gear list though.

The best part about this light is the price. I got mine, with a sheath and 2 extra bulbs, for under $9.00. Hard to beat for what has so far been a very durable flashlight. It runs on 2AA batteries, also, so batteries are not expensive.

Other than backpacking, I find this light very handy and wear it almost every day in its nylon sheath. Good product for the price.

Performance: 5
Quality: 7.5
Weight: 3.5
Price: 9
Tilt:7

Total: 6.4

Can be found almost anywhere lights are sold for $8-$10.
3.78oz

Primus Isobutane Lantern

Let there be light...at your campsite. Today I would like to share my review on the Primus isobutane lantern. I have owned this product for over a year. I have always liked traditional fuel based lanterns. As a kid I fondly remember the big Coleman lantern illuminating the summer night. Light from an LED or bulb is too artificial for my taste.

This Lantern is well built and solid. I enjoy the added protection of the hard plastic case that is provided from Primus. This little guy puts out 80 watts of light and is adjustable. One criticism I have is a lack of different light intensities. For the most part you have a high, middle, and low setting. The glass that surrounds the mantle is glazed which is fantastic. Too many lanterns I have seen just have a clear glass globe. This makes the light too intense to look at and provides uneven lighting. This glazed globe makes great light. A nifty feature is the wire string the lantern is on. This allows you to hang it off of a branch or stick in the ground. Burn time is respectable. Using a midsized can of fuel I have had this thing go at full blast all night. The new model comes with a penzo ignition system which adds even more ease of use. Noise level is also low compared to other lanterns I have used. This lantern is one of the lightest around but I have seen some others that are slightly lighter. The case is rectangular and is 4.75 inches high with 2.75 inch sides.

This device is obviously not going to find its way into an ultralight backpacking setup but is appropriate for groups or those that like to have little luxuries. At 6.8 ounces you can make room in your pack for the Primus Isobutane Lantern. We have come a long way from the 3 pound beast of a lantern from oh so long ago.

Performance: 8
Quality: 8.5
Weight: 7.8
Price: 8.0
Tilt: 8
Total: 8.06

REI $59, 6.8 oz