Tuesday, August 29th, 2006...5:02 pm
Lightweight Light: Snow Peak Lantern Review
Whether you’re a backpacking pro just beginning your quest to be lightweight or a beginner, every year presents a whole new set of innovations. If you’re like me, you won’t be able to resist getting the latest and the lightest—no matter how many of a thing you already own. Cost be dammed! (my wife just cringed).
I am going to say this unapologetically: I love gear and I own multiples of everything and am always looking for new, better, lighter stuff. That includes at least a half dozen versions of lightweight lights.
No Matches Needed
Among them is the Snow Peak GL-100 — A backpacking lantern with auto ignition (no match needed; there is also a cheaper manual version). It weighs 4.5 ounces–with mesh globe–and fits in the palm of your hand. The protective plastic case adds another ounce, but to save the extra weight you can simply wrap it in a couple of paper towels and shove it into your pot for protection.This can be a particularly important little addition to your pack if no fires are allowed. Sure, I like to sit and look at the stars at night, but that only goes so far. If you can’t have a fire, I would like to have other options besides climbing into my tent for a long night.
You'll Need Fuel
Of course, you’ll need fuel, which adds weight. But the small GigaPower fuel canister can also be used for a stove, thus doing double duty (one of the goals of lightweight backpackers).I offer one caveat: the GL100-A comes with a glass globe, which cracked from the mantel touching the glass after just a few uses. I replaced it with the steel mesh globe. The good news: the mesh globe is 50% lighter and costs about 40% less the glass replacement. Besides, who wants to worry about having broken glass in your pack.
Be light. Be safe. Be one with the pack.
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2 Comments
August 29th, 2006 at 9:44 pm
Four ounces plus more fuel? Not me. I’ll just carry another flashlight or some extra batteries. I like walking around in the dark, for that matter.
August 30th, 2006 at 8:57 am
Spoken like a true ultralight backpacker. Mike is echoing the sentiment felt by many others who work hard to shave off every ounce. By that standard, a four ounce lantern is a luxury. I don’t carry it that often. But have found it useful, usually when only out for a couple of days. Over the next few days I’ll be reviewing some ultralite alternatives for lighting your way.
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