There are four possible broad categories of lantern used for camping that the one you are thinking of could fall under. These categories are shown below, in the order of my preference, and then there will be further information on the advantages and disadvantages on each of them:

• Battery
• Gas
• Liquid Fuel
• Candle

Battery - The battery camping lantern includes both types of batteries and these are the rechargeable ones and the disposable ones.  I think we all know what the disposable ones do but let me explain anyway. You carry a pack or two of batteries with you every where you and your lantern go. When the batteries in the lantern die, you throw them out and then open your pack and put new ones in.

Rechargeable ones can be recharged a number of ways depending on the lantern for camping you have. If you have a solar powered lantern, then the solar power will charge up the battery. If you have a wind up one or a cranking one, then this energy will charge up the battery.

Advantages of the battery category

• Provides easy (unless you find cranking hard) and quiet operation
• Mostly dependable

Disadvantages of the battery category

• The light produced is not as bright as gas or liquid fuel lanterns.
• As battery power drains, light will not be as bright. However, this depends on the type of battery. The disposable ones will discharge slowly, whereas the rechargeable ones will push out as much energy as possible, thereby having as bright a light as long as possible, and then die.
• Not enough sunlight can mean that the batteries for this type of  may not charge up properly.

Safety

• They are safe for use inside a tent.
• They are safe to use around children; no hot globes to worry about with their wandering hands.

Gas - The gas camping lantern means that there are a number of types of gas that you can use to power up your lantern. You can use butane or propane as the gas. If you are hiking or backpacking then you need the most light weight items. This means that butane would be the best for you because the lightweight one uses this type. Both types of gases come in easy to use canisters. Propane is the most popular type of gas but can be expensive for a longer trip.

Advantages of the gas category

• Convenient and easy to attach canisters
• You get a very bright light from this type

Disadvantages of the gas category

• Costs more than the other types
• Noisy
• Gas pressure will be affected by weather conditions such as freezing temperatures.
• The canisters weigh about 2 pounds and you need to carry more than one

Safety
It can get very hot and burn you if you touch it.

Liquid Fuel - The types that fall under this category use camping fuel or unleaded gas. Camping gas is also known as Coleman fuel and you can get it from wherever you buy a lantern. There is a type of camping lantern where you can use camping gas and unleaded gas and these are called duel fuel lanterns. You can also use kerosene and this is a low cost fuel but it can be smoky and it smells.

Advantages of the liquid fuel category

• Produces a very bright light
• Economical to use
• Can become a source of heat source when it gets cold
• If you have cook stove that uses camping fuel, you can share the fuel between the two
• If you run out of one type of liquid fuel, you can use another. This is only true for the duel fuel lantern.

Disadvantages of the liquid fuel category

• Lantern top and globe will become very hot and can cause serious burns.
• Even though it’s not so loud, this one does emit a white noise sound

Safety
This one can get very hot and burn you if you touch it.

Candle - This type of camping lantern category is pretty obvious.

Advantages of the candle category

• Very economical to use
• There is no noise
• You can have romantic moments in your tent - candlelight provides a great ambiance
• A great additional light source for special occasions
• You can choose to burn citronella candles to keep bugs away – dual purpose!

Disadvantages of the candle category

• May not be as bright as other types
• If it is windy or wet, it will probably be very difficult to light
• You can’t adjust the light level, but then again, you can’t adjust it on many lanterns

Safety
Keep away from anything flammable

As you can see here, there are many options available to you when it is time to purchase a new camping lantern for camping or other adventures. Just know your facts before you get out there and you will be just fine.