Dietz Lamp Oil Lantern

This one may be off the beaten path for some, bit it's actually a really good product if used safely.

This is a Dietz railroad style lantern. It uses lamp oil (paraffin). You don't use vegetable oil or olive oil in these.

Cleaning the lantern : using the lever to lift the glass, you then pull up on the hanging ring, tilt the glass. You can lift it out to clean.

These run all month on about $8 of lamp oil. You need to learn how to light it, trim the wick, keep both the glass and the base clean.

I actually bought this lamp at family dollar in 2008? I believe for $5.

When you're boondocking in the forest or the desert, this lantern sheds a good bit of light.

Easiest way to safely light it is with a thin piece of wood or a fireplace match. You can also light a strand of uncooked spaghetti.

You have to be careful when using lanterns or any backpacking stove. Use a funnel to fill, don't over fill, empty to transport.

Don't turn the wick up too high or you'll clean smoke off all the glass (assuming you don't crack it from heat).

Given common sense and reasonable careful use, this is one of the most cost effective best methods of light.

Safety wise, it beats candles hands down for both light and safety.