Reviews > Lighting > Lanterns > Coleman Exponent F1 Lite Lantern > James Triplett > Field Report

Field Test Report:

Coleman® Exponent
F1 Lite Lantern
 

By James E. Triplett
December 13, 2005

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Product Name: Coleman Exponent F1 Lite Lantern
Model #:  9742-750
MSRP:  $34.99 US

I have used the Coleman Exponent F1 Lite Lantern on three trips in Eastern Iowa, and in the wooded areas around my home, elevations around 860 feet (260 m).  The F1 Lite has been subjected to a temperature range as high as 69 F (20.5 C), and as low as 20 F (-7 C), on clear and pleasant evenings as well as in overcast conditions.  The Exponent F1 Lite Lantern has only been used outdoors, in well ventilated areas.

Field Testing:

The Coleman Exponent F1 Lite Lantern is a single mantle lantern which runs on the same butane/propane (canister) fuel that my current stoves use.  That means I only need to bring one fuel canister along, but it also means that I can't use the lantern at the same time I am using the stove.  This hasn't been much of an issue.  On one occasion when cooking after dark, I was using my headlamp to see while I cooked, which worked fine.  When my Mac & Cheese was finished I was able to convert to the lantern fairly easily as the stove I was using connects to the canister with a hose, which was cool enough to disconnect.  The lantern was giving off a nice glow while I ate my meal.  One of my other stoves attaches directly to the canister and would have to cool before being removed.

But on to the light from the lantern.  In a word, it is Bright!  With the valve fully open, the mantle glows white-hot, and the light is very bright.  The lantern makes a hissing sound as the fuel rushes up the burner assembly.  When the fuel flow is restricted by adjusting the lantern's flow valve, the lantern can be set to produce a dimmer light, which in my opinion is more pleasing, and obviously uses less fuel.  Although the valve turns in complete revolutions, most of that allows for maximum fuel flow.  When restricting the flow, there is probably only about an eighth of a turn between full on, and off.  Still, it is possible to get a nice medium glow without too much difficulty.  This is primarily the way I set up the lantern, although it is fun to play with and I have adjusted it to full brightness on occasion, just to see how much light it casts.

The heat from the lantern is, as expected, significant.  At the first lighting the metal cage immediately changed color and looked as though it had been heated to a high temperature, which it had.  You can see the discoloration in the picture above.  I have only used the lantern outdoors, so I don't know if it would heat an enclosed area or not (note: see warnings in my initial report).  But, I found the lantern comforting on cold nights when I simply rubbed my hands together above the lantern, or sat close to it, and absorbed some of its heat.

Lighting:

I have used great care when handling the F1 Lite Lantern, as the mantle turns to an ash-substance once it is lit for the first time.  At one point I removed the mesh cage to view the condition of the mantle, and in doing so I caused a small tear in the mantle.  The hole was small, so I put the cage back on and lite the lantern to see how it would work.  It worked okay, but the tear gave me some concern, so I replaced the mantle.  If you read my initial report you will remember that when I installed the mantle for the first time, I did it incorrectly.  The instructions say to light the mantle before turning on the fuel, and I had started the flow of fuel prior to taking a match to it.  So with this replacement mantle I carefully followed the instructions.  In all honesty, the only difference I can tell between the two methods is that following the proper procedure resulted in the mantle taking a more uniform shape as in shrunk down upon being lit.  Otherwise, either method seems to work acceptably.  Once the mantle has been lit the first time, relighting is easy.  On the first light the cage is off as the unburned mantle is much bulkier than after it has been ignited.  After the first lighting, the cage can remain in place and the lantern can be lit by passing the lit end of a match through the hole in the cage.  This is easy and intuitive.

Handling:

The Coleman Exponent F1 Lite Lantern seems pretty easy to disassemble, store in its case, carry in a backpack, and reassemble and use.  No problems there.  I have transported the lantern in my backpack for several hours at a time, and have yet to damage a mantle.  The only time I have damaged a mantle was when removing the cage which surrounds it, which I have found to be unnecessary except when replacing the mantle anyway.  The mantles, when handling the lantern with care, are more durable than I expected, which is pleasing since I didn't relish replacing the mantle each time I set up camp.

Respectfully submitted,

-James T.

Reviews > Lighting > Lanterns > Coleman Exponent F1 Lite Lantern > James Triplett > Field Report