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

Long Term Test Report:

Coleman® Exponent
F1 Lite Lantern
 

By James E. Triplett
February 7, 2006

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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 six overnight trips in Eastern Iowa, as well as for evening outdoor use in the wooded areas around my home.  Elevations here are 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 0 F (-18 C).  The weather conditions experienced include overcast skies, to clear star-lit nights. 

Field Testing:

I have used the Coleman Exponent F1 Lite Lantern for all my lantern use on all my trips last fall and into the current winter months.  The lantern is to be used in well ventilated areas only, so when winter camping I haven't used it as much as I have in the warmer months.  That is not a reflection of the F1 lantern, it is just that I don't sit around outside in the evenings much when the temperatures are well below freezing.  But I have used it in the cold, and it has worked quite well.  In moderate temperatures, in the 40s F (4 to 9 C), I have found it comforting to cozy up close to the lantern and allow it to warm my face while eating supper, or reading a book.  Having my body bundled up sufficiently, the extra warmth from the Exponent F1 Lite Lantern on my face eliminates the chill of a cool evening, and it is a most pleasant feeling.  The lantern also, of course, provides light for my evening meals and activities.

As mentioned in my initial report, the light from the Coleman lanterns of old was obnoxiously bright.  I grew up using a kerosene lantern when car camping and we always cursed the Coleman lanterns used by neighboring campers, which illuminated our campsite from far away.  The Coleman Exponent F1 Lite is also one bright lantern.  However, using a single mantle and metal mesh cage, it isn't quite as glaring as the old lanterns I remember.  And, being in control of the lantern myself, I have found it easy to adjust the fuel flow down to where the F1 produces a reasonable light output, without illuminating the entire forest.

When setting up the Coleman Exponent F1 Lite Lantern, I typically inspect the mantle for damage, place the lantern on the ground (or a log, or occasionally a picnic table), light it while turning up the fuel flow, and then back off the fuel so that it is slightly dimmer than when on full throttle.  This lowers the amount of light slightly, lowers the noise emitted from the lantern significantly, and has proven to provide high fuel efficiency.  I have only drained one 8-ounce (227 gram) butane/propane fuel canister exclusively on the lantern.  Using the lantern in various elements, the full (in this case, MSR) canister powered the F1 Lite for over 14 hours.  This was using the not quite full-on settings described above, and using the lantern on several different outings.  I used the lantern a little more than I might normally in order to try and run it out of fuel, but with over 14 hours of available burn-time, I am pleased with how many evenings I could use the lantern while on the trail and packing a single canister.  Other use of the F1 Lite involved sharing a canister between the lantern and a stove, so fuel consumption couldn't be monitored as easily.  In addition to using the F1 Lite for reading and dining, I have used it as an area light when setting up camp.  Coupled with my normal LED headlamp, the F1 Lite lantern added ambient light which made it much easier to string guy-lines, and generally move around quickly without tripping over things.

On several occasions I have used the lantern when there was a breeze present.  Despite the mesh cage, or globe, which allows air to pass through, the F1 Lite lantern didn't seem affected by the breeze.  This is no doubt due to the fact that there really isn't an open flame (like with a candle, or a kerosene lantern), but rather the fuel is burned along the surface of the mantle fabric.  Regardless of the reason, the lantern burned well in a light wind.  Another point of interest is that for lighting my stove I typically use a disposable lighter.  The Coleman Exponent F1 Lite cage has a "match hole" for lighting the lantern with a match.  I have successfully lit the F1 Lite lantern using a lighter without difficulty.  I simply direct the flame of the lighter into the match hole, and the lantern takes right off.  The flame of the lighter doesn't need to be very big, and since the globe is mesh, it doesn't really even need to project through the match hole.

The only other item I wish to comment on is the durability of the lantern and the mantels.  The lantern cage initially discolored when heat was applied for the first time, but since has shown no signs of wear and tear.  This is after approximately 32 hours of total burn time, and use on six over-night trips, as well as many lightings outdoors near my house.  The durability of the lantern is great!  But what really has amazed me, is that I am still on my second mantle.  As reported in my field report, I damaged the first mantel accidentally while removing the mesh cage.  The second mantle has been used ever since, while the lantern was hauled around in my backpack (in the included case) and has traveled  for miles unscathed.  I really expected the mantle to be more fragile than it has proven to be.  This has pleased me to no end, as I can travel with only one or two spare mantles and be reasonably assured that I won't be caught without use of the lantern.

Respectfully submitted,

-James T.

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