Reviews > Lighting > Lanterns > Brunton Glorb Lantern > Pam Wyant > Initial Report

Initial Report: Brunton Glorb Lantern

Date:  March 4, 2005

Product Information -

Advertised Features:

Physical description: 

Packaging and instructions:

The lantern came packaged in an attractive display box with a clear plastic window showcasing the lantern.  A plastic carrying case was packaged behind the solid portion of the box.  The carrying case held two mantles and two sets of instructions, one in English, and the other in a language that appears to be French.

I found the instructions clear and easy to read.  The first section is safety information, followed by instructions for use and care of the lantern, a troubleshooting section, and warranty information.  The warranty registration section is included in the instruction booklet, and must be cut out of the booklet for mailing.  While the web site indicated the lantern has a one-year warranty, the instruction booklet states the lantern is warranted for the lifetime of the original owner.

Fuel and filling the lantern:

The website has contradictory information concerning fuel for the lantern.  The lantern description indicates Bruntane fuel (80% isobutane & 20% propane) can be used, however the features section lists the fuel as premium butane.  The box indicates the lantern is refillable with premium butane lighter fluid, and the instruction booklet states never to use any fuel other than premium butane.  When I e-mailed Brunton support concerning the discrepancy, I quickly received a reply, explaining they recommend only premium butane because some less expensive brands of fuel are not filtered well and can clog the fuel line.  They further explained that Bruntane or MSR isobutane/propane canisters will work well in the lantern, and while the light may not be as bright using these fuels, there will not be problems with them.  A tool can be purchased separately to allow filling of the lantern from an isobutane/propane canister.  The lantern can be directly filled without the tool when using canisters of butane lighter fuel.  I was able to purchase a 5.4 oz (153 g) canister of premium lighter butane for $4.19 U.S. (plus sales tax) at a tobacco shop, and used about a half ounce (14 g) to fill the lantern the first time.  I will be checking around to see if a less expensive source can be found, and also hope to find a smaller size canister of premium butane lighter fuel to cut weight and bulk if I want to take a refill along while backpacking.

 Following the included directions, I was able to easily fill the lantern’s fuel tank in a few seconds.  The instructions caution the user to only fill the fuel tank about half way (determined by positioning the lantern horizontally), and to use all the fuel in the tank before refilling.

Lighting and using the lantern:

The steps to lighting the lantern are:  move the switch on the rear to ignition, rotate the base of the lantern to the far left to allow maximum fuel flow, and push in and down on the red ignition button on the front.  The ignition button must stay down for the lantern to stay lit.  Once lit, move the lever to the desired mode (candle or mantle), and rotate the base of the lantern back to the right to adjust the fuel consumption down to the desired level.  I found the directions on use clear and easy to follow, and the lit the lantern right up the first time without the mantle.  However, on several subsequent lightings, I have had a hard time getting the lantern to light right away.  I have also sometimes had trouble getting the ignition button to slide down into the on position, and back into the off position when I am ready to shut it down.  One thing I have tried successfully when all else failed was to start with the lever partially over onto the candle position, however the lantern will flare up more when starting this way.  I find the lantern is difficult to light in the dark, due to having to position the lever and the fuel adjustment correctly.  I hope with more use and familiarity with the lantern this will become easier.

In candle mode the flame originates from the burner head, and when higher output levels are selected, it encircles the mantle support and extends through the metal ring over the top of the lantern.  I found the candle lantern mode dim during preliminary testing in my yard, with temperatures in the 20F (7C) range, and the flame seemed to become dimmer the longer it was lit.  The flame went out several times with fuel still left in the tank, and would not re-light until I warmed it up inside my heated home.  I plan to perform a few more preliminary tests with the lantern in candle mode before testing it with a mantle.  To use the lantern with a mantle, it must be tied on, excess string trimmed, and “primed” by lighting it with a match.  The instructions indicate the primed mantle will be delicate, so to switch to candle mode will likely require installing a new mantle before switching back to mantle mode.  With only two mantles on hand, I don’t want to chance ruining one by removing it for additional candle mode testing, at least not this early in the testing period.

Field Information -

I will mainly be testing the Brunton Glorb Lantern on West Virginia trails and campgrounds.  This will vary from the mountainous eastern region of the state with elevations from 2500 to over 4000 feet (750 to over 1200 meters), to the river valley corridors in the eastern, western and central part of the state, with elevations from 550 to 1000 feet (150 to 300 meters).  Temperatures may range from lows around 30F (-1C) to highs near 100F (38C).  Rainfall is ample in the area, with normal monthly levels ranging from 3-5 in (8-13 cm), and humidity levels are often high.  Light snow is possible during the early stage of testing.  I may take the lantern on some out of state trips, mainly in border states where conditions would be similar.  I am a hammock sleeper, and I am working on lightening my pack, which should vary between 20-30 lb (9-14 kg) during the test period, depending on weather conditions.

Testing plan –

My main emphasis will be on providing the lantern a thorough test of its durability, ease of operation, and usefulness.  Considering the weight of the lantern, case, and fuel, and the fact that I am trying to cut pack weight, will I find the lantern to be such a useful and enjoyable item that I am willing to carry its extra weight?

Most of the testing will be done on overnight and weekend backpacking trips, and I plan to take it on all such trips during the six-month test period.  I also plan to use the lantern at Girl Scout camp.  Although I will mainly report on the backpacking aspect, I will add any additional useful information from camp use.

I expect to report on the following issues over the course of the test: 

• Durability – physical condition, whether or not parts have broken or show wear, including the body of the lantern, the mantles, the glass, and the ignition
• Performance – how well the lantern performed under different weather conditions
• Ease of use – how simple or complex the lantern is to use & fill
• Fuel – whether cost of fuel affects how much I want to use the lantern
• Burn time – do I find actual burn time consistent with advertised burn time & is it affected by temperature
• Use with & without mantle – how bright the lantern is each way.  Whether light levels are comparable to headlamps, flashlights, and battery operated lanterns.
• Enjoyment – how I like using the lantern on group trips and on solo or partner only trips
• Weight versus benefit - I will answer the burning question – do I enjoy using the lantern enough to make it a permanent part of my backpacking gear in spite of its weight, considering my efforts to lighten my load?  If not, will it be an item I occasionally want to take along, or relegated only to car or base camping?

Preliminary likes, dislikes, and concerns: 

Thanks to Brunton and BackpackGearTest for the opportunity to test the Brunton Glorb Lantern.

Reviews > Lighting > Lanterns > Brunton Glorb Lantern > Pam Wyant > Initial Report