Candle Lantern

**Hangandy** · 11-21-2010, 14:06

Hey all,

One thing I will miss from tenting is candle lanterns. I've read about nalgene bottles for warmth and found they work well.

But, here's a noob question, is there any way to use a candle lantern. They not only provide light and warmth, but seems to burn off some humidity and the citronella candles are okay against bugs.

I know it is probably a dumb question based on safety, but is there any mod or workaround so I can use my candle lantern safely?

**canoebie** · 11-21-2010, 14:17

I use candle lanterns hanging from various places all the time. I usually use S biner or some such thing and hang them from lines, etc. Especially winter camping they are a nice glow of psychological warmth. I am careful, but when handled with care, they seem to me to be low on the risk scale.

**Trooper** · 11-21-2010, 14:22

Originally Posted by canoebie

I use candle lanterns hanging from various places all the time. I usually use S biner or some such thing and hang them from lines, etc. Especially winter camping they are a nice glow of psychological warmth. I am careful, but when handled with care, they seem to me to be low on the risk scale.

The WBBB Ridgeline too risky?

**Poppabear** · 11-21-2010, 14:42

I do not think I would want a candle lantern inside of a hammock. The potential heat benefit is just not worth the risk for disaster. There are many safe options available for keeping warm in a hammock. I would encourage you to check the forums here to get some ideas on how to stay warm in a hammock.

**Trooper** · 11-21-2010, 14:43

Originally Posted by Poppabear

I do not think I would want a candle lantern inside of a hammock. The potential heat benefit is just not worth the risk for disaster. There are many safe options available for keeping warm in a hammock. I would encourage to to check the forums here to get some ideas on how to stay warm in a hammock.

I agree, but Canobie is an ingenious and conservative fellow!

**Mountain Gout** · 11-21-2010, 15:24

Tinny from mini bull has a video for a waterlite, I have seen our buddy Mr. Shug use em in a couple vids he has.... Check it out...

**Knotty** · 11-21-2010, 17:39

Couple of considerations.

The UCO "Original" candle lantern burns pretty safely when used with their brand candles. I had used some knockoff candles from Sportsman's Guide and they burned so fast and hot that you couldn't lift the candle by the hanging chain w/o burning your fingers. Probably would have melted right thru many synthetic ropes, especially amsteel. In all cases the glass gets very hot.

The UCO "Mini" candle lantern uses tea lights. After a short while burning all the wax becomes liquid so if you were to bump the lantern or the line it's hung from there's a good chance you'll spill some of the hot wax. Also UCO does warn that it is possible (but unlikely) for the entire surface of the liquid wax catch fire. Not something you'd want to risk in a hammock or tent.

http://candlelantern.com/

**dandeman** · 11-21-2010, 17:51

what if you just hung it from your tarp rigeline instead of in the hamm with you?? it wouldnt be as warm, but it would reflect off the sides of the tarp and shed more light, and would still provide a bit of heat.
Thanks,
Dan

**canoebie** · 11-21-2010, 18:03

Originally Posted by Trooper

I agree, but Canobie is an ingenious and conservative fellow!

LOL, now that made me laugh. I use the UCO brand as well, using the beeswax candle which lasts 12-17 hours and burns very clean and predictably. I would not use it inside my hammock; however, I do like them on the tie outs for my tarp or off a tree limb close to the hammock.

I got attached to them when I did a solo trip in 1995 and really tried to be observant and quiet. When alone, you hear every twig break, see every set of eyes in the distance etc. and hung the candle lantern and suddenly "felt safe."

There is just something warming and soothing about the light. On a recent canoe trip Barefoot Child hung one from his tarp tie out and it burned all night. It was a nice beacon in the night when the night is 14 hours long and dark as can be.

I would not take one in my hammock though, nor would I in a tent. To the OP for me at least hanging did not alter my use of candle lanterns as I never used them inside a tent for all the reasons I would not use them in a hammock. As when I was a ground dweller, I hang them from lines or tree limbs, paying special attention to the way they hang. Plumb is important to prevent the candle from running down one side and burning unpredictably.