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2019 Update This review was written in 2013, and after six years of heavy use in the hands of Scouts later these Rayovac lanterns are still going strong, just about indestructible.
We replaced our old propane gas lanterns five or more years ago with Coleman Pack-Away LED Lanterns. Like any Scout gear they’ve been battered, bruised and broken and we’ve decided it’s time they were replaced.
Overall the Rayovac Sportsman seems to be built more solidly than the Coleman Pack-Away.The telescoping feature of the Coleman Pack-Away turned out to be a weakness, as did the battery compartment cover; they simply didn’t stand up to regular (Scout) use.
After some research and testing we have decided on the Rayovac Sportsman LED lantern. It’s smaller, tougher, uses three rather than four D batteries, has higher brightness and longer battery life.
| Model | Batteries | Battery life | Lumens | Cost |
| Rayovac Sportsman | 3 D | 40 hours (high), 90 hours (low) | High – 240, Low 90 | $26 |
| Coleman Pack-Away | 4 D | 18 hours (high), 40 hours (low) | High – 145 | $28 |
Comparing the cost of running a propane lantern to an LED lantern:
D Battery
Average cost $1.50 each, 3 = $4.50. Lasts 40 hours on high setting = .11 per hour
1 LB Propane cylinder
Average cost $3.50. Lasts 5 1/2 hours on high setting = .63 per hour
I think it’s safe to say that propane lanterns cost at least six or seven times as much to run as an LED lantern when considering the cost of mantles.
To run a propane lantern for 40 hours you’d use at least 7 disposable cylinders, with an LED lantern you’d use three D sized batteries – the LED lantern creates far less waste.
The Rayovac Sportsman does have one minor problem (I hesitate to call it a flaw) and that’s closing the battery compartment. Two arrows must be aligned perfectly and it’s not quite so simple as it sounds, but you’ll get it with a little practice.
We’ve purchased six for our Scout troop. We’ll see how well the Rayovac Sportsman fairs over the next few years. Their solid build, value for cost and functionality look promising.
Rayovac Sportsman LED Lantern at Amazon
I’m a little late to the party, but the comparisons above are patently unfair. A comparison of cost and running time should be at a similar lumens output, not both set to high.
Also I disagree with the waste comment. A propane canister is made of the most frequently recycled material. The lanterns themselves are made with fewer toxic materials and most parts can be recycled. Propane lanterns can also be repaired, LED lanterns are disposable. I think both types of lanterns have a place. I have one of each and use the one better for the job.
I look forward to the results of your research and comparisons, I’ll stand behind what I said as being both fair and correct.
We’ve been using the Sportsman for “patrol box” camping for about three years, although we do bring one white gas lantern to bring back some of the atmosphere that Karl described. We have had some trouble lining up the arrows as you said, but they seem to be pretty rugged.
Out here in the arid west we frequently backpack in no-fire zones, so campfires are out. We use headlamps for backpacking.
I’m going to take the old school opinion on this one… I hate the “cool blue” of LED lanterns, to the point I find them annoying. Yes, I know there are some pale white and incandescent white versions of LEDs, but I haven’t seen them in lanterns yet.
The soft yellow light produced by a propane (actually, I use white gas) is just that, soft and relaxing. Don’t forget the gentle hiss. To this day, I still have not seen a lantern that can punch out light like my Coleman dual-fuel when you need it, not even close.
Use Rechargeable Batteries and Solar Chargers..even more greener. But I agree about not using lights at Night except when Safety is an Issue. I prefer not to cook in the Dark or use a Knife or Axe in the Dark
Scout Camping is about enjoying the Outing…nothing beats sitting around an Open Campfire.. Lanterns do not Compare. Lanterns are great for Inside tents as open fires are are unsafe
Brotherhood Wichita Lodge 35
Northwest Texas Council 587
We held on to our LPG lanterns until we found these.
The scouts dropped one in a pot of oil while making drop scones.
Apart from the reflector not fitting any more the lamp works fine.
They come in at least 4 different brands in Australia.
Nice review. We typically use headlights, especially in the winter months when you are cooking dinner and setting up in the dark. We are also a lunar troop…we camp on the full moon weekend. Makes it a little easier to see, without lights.
http://CarlisleTroop5.com
Don’t use lanterns. They are not specifically banned, but highly discouraged. Flashlights, no head lights. Attempt to get the Scouts used to not using flashlights or lanterns around camp. Night time is for campfires and sleeping. Once the older Scouts are into it, it’s easy to get the new guys to come along. The first two campouts are always tough on them, but they learn quickly.