It is always nice to be pleasantly surprised.  When I received this lantern from Streamlight my first thoughts were, “ho hum – another lantern.” Shame on me.

Plus,  I was in the middle of relocating my family from northern Virginia to Alabama and you will certainly understand that my focus areas were anywhere but reviewing a lantern.  Shame on me.

If you are old enough you surely remember the old classic “Coleman Lantern” – that lovely tool with the smelly kerosene and the fragile wick.  Of course, you can still own that classic lantern, but modernized and less fussy.

And if you are reading this you may already own one or more LED lanterns and already know of the utility and simplicity.  LEDs last (virtually) forever, make efficient use of your batteries, and provide multiple levels of light output.

What sets this one apart for me are the cool extra features.  These specifications are taken directly from the Streamlight Seige product web page:

 Multiple modes:

◦      White LED (four C4® LEDs) with cover removed:

▪      High for brightest light; 340 lumens; runs 30 hours

▪      Medium for bright light and longer run times; 175 lumens; runs 70 hours

▪      Low provides extended run times for when less light is needed; 33 lumens; runs 295 hours

Red LED (one red LED)

▪     Red LED High – Steady (night vision preserving mode); 10 lumens; runs 235 hours

▪     Flash SOS mode for emergency signaling; 10 lumens; runs 430 hours

▪     Night vision preserving mode extends run time for emergency preparedness

• Polycarbonate glare-reducing cover provides soft, even 360° light distribution; comfortable to use in close quarters without impairing vision; cover is removable to illuminate large areas
• Stand it upright or to use as an overhead light or hang it with D-ring on base of lantern
• Incorporated D-rings on top and bottom of lantern – hang in either inverted or upright positions. They are spring-loaded to stow against the light, out of the way when not in use
• Ergonomic handle designed to lock in upright or stowed position; incorporated hook allows for hanging on horizontal rope, cables and pipes
• Uses three “D” cell alkaline batteries (sold separately)
• Keyed battery door facilitates battery replacement in the dark
• Recessed power button prevents accidental actuation; features battery level indicator
• Battery level indicator changes from green, to yellow, to red, then to flashing red when batteries reach the end of their useable life
• Durable, polymer construction with rubber molded base that provides stability on slippery or uneven surfaces
• IPX7 waterproof to 1m submersion; it floats; 2m impact resistance tested
• It floats so you can retrieve it if you drop it in the water

7.25 in. (18.41 cm); 1 lb. 15 oz (878.83 grams) with batteries

So let’s take a closer look.  Very simple – 1 power button on the front that accesses all functions and indicates battery level via color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easy to access battery compartment takes 3 D cell batteries.  Polarity is clearly marked and the battery cover is fool proof.  (I am using Sanyo Eneloop cells in “D” adaptors.)

A simple twist of the cover allows easy removal to expose the 4 main LEDs, the single red LED  in a very clean and neat arrangement, safely covered by a plastic dome.

 

The lantern can be hung upside down from a very cool carabiner style hanger.

I took the lantern out to my garage.  These photos were taken  at ISO1250, shutter speed 1/13 and aperture of f2.8.

Control (dark).

Lantern HIGH setting

Lantern MEDIUM  setting

Lantern LOW setting

Lantern RED setting

My messy garage – sitting on my tool box

With the stated run times – especially the 295 hours (that’s approximately 12 days and 6 hours) this would be incredibly useful for power outages, camping or dare I say it, “SHTF.”  I haven’t done a run test but plan to pick up some regular D cell alkaline batteries and give it a try.  I’ll report back with a comment when it is all done.

At a list price of $60, with discounts down to around $40 being common, this is a VERY cool little product – one that I can heartily recommend that anyone/everyone have  – maybe even a couple.