Coleman QuadPro 800L LED Lantern

Field Notes: Some of the camping lanterns under test focus purely on replaceable batteries, cells that can be swapped out for rechargeables. Other work purely off of USB juice and have no contingency plan apart from plugging into power blocks, AC or DC adapters. Coleman’s QuadPro lantern combines rechargeable AAA NiMh cells with a more traditional, D-cell powered base unit (which accommodates rechargeable D batteries as well). With easy battery access on the lantern’s stable base, either 4 or 8 cells power the entire unit while energizing the panels.

Created for group success during campground stays or more prolonged vehicle-support trips, the QuadPro wisely puts functional camp lighting in the hands of up to four users while leaving the base unit in place. Each of the quartet of palm-sized removable panels musters three lighting choices: low, high and flashlight. Testers, used to having at least one group member show up 1) without a flashlight or headlamp or 2) out of battery power, loved dishing the long-runtime LED rectangles out. With a folding stand on the back of each (that doubles as a handle), the panels worked their magic during latrine runs, in-tent card games and to illuminate night creatures. Even the flashlight function, clocking up to 100 hours’ runtime, proved useful along dark trails and while digging through duffel bags. Not inconsequentially, each is equipped with two small magnets capable of adhering to steel vehicles and tool boxes for even greater off-base agility. 

As with many other lanterns, the QuadPro 800L LED camping lantern is water-resistant with an IPX4 rating that precludes use in downpours and driving snow. And as with some camp lanterns under test, it offers a rubber-capped USB 5V 1amp utility charging port. The durable wire handle at the top aided transport as the unit is on the heavy side for campsite hanging.

Tester Comments: “If you’re willing to adapt to the D-cell requirements of this lantern, there are plenty of reasons to give this one a shot. Not the least expensive we tried, the Coleman QuadPro 800L LED Lantern is among the brightest options for campground use. Did I mention the removable light panels that come with flashlights built into the ends?”

Key Attribute: Output