 Coleman dual fuel lanterns have been around for a while but like most good products there have been improvements over the years. In a nutshell the Northstar dual fuel lantern is Coleman’s brightest lantern, with some very convenient features that will make it highly competitive in today’s world of LED and 12 volt portable lights.
Features such as push button ignition, an insta-clip, easily installed mantle and the ability to run on Shellite, Coleman fuel, or unleaded petrol gives the lantern a huge amount of versatility so far as fuel is concerned. Other handy features include a sturdy rubber base for increased stability and large easy-grip finger controls.
As the Northstar lantern is a high output light it’s thoughtfully designed with a handle long enough to keep the hands from getting too much of a warm up when carrying it. The handle also doubles as convenient hanging hook, of course. Like other Coleman products, the Northstar lantern is built like a tank, yet replacing a mantle is simple. After undoing the knob atop the lantern the outer shield and glass will slide straight off to allow mantle access. A pair of spring clips secure the mantle in place.
Lighting the Northstar is a two step procedure. With fuel turned off the hand pump is activated (25 to 40 strokes) until pressure is accumulated in the fuel tank. With the igniter button depressed a gentle opening of the fuel valve will see the light ignited and with it heating to operating temperature the fuel flow can be increased to provide maximum light output after 20 seconds or so. Shutting down is just a matter of cutting off the fuel to the light and once cooled the residual tank pressure can be released.
The light burns ultra quietly, with no undue hissing or other noise output to spoil the ambience of the camp.
These Colemans are very safe lights indeed. They generate plenty of brilliance but not radiant heat and even if somehow tipped over have the ability to continue to operate in an entirely normal manner. I don’t recommend this procedure, but to prove the point a Northstar was set up by a sales rep on the driveway, tipped on it’s side, and then rolled across the ground. The light didn’t falter, but just continuing to emit a brilliant white light the while.
So as far as fuel is concerned Coleman fuel and Shellite are best, unleaded petrol last, simply because it does not burn as cleanly as the former two fuels. After using a couple of lots of petrol the idea is to next run a tank of Shellite or Coleman fuel through the unit to make sure internal workings remain perfectly clean.
All in all, the Coleman Northstar camping light has a lot to offer the camper.
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