Barebones Living Edison Red Mini Lantern 3-Pack

The Barebones Edison Mini Lantern 3-Pack holds three red lanterns of about 4.25 by 4.5 by 7 inches, each running 100 or 35 lumens.

Buying three at once is the point, because lighting a camp takes more than one light source. A single bright lantern throws hard shadows and leaves the edges dark. Three smaller ones placed around a site give even light at lower total output, and each can move to where it is needed.

Each runs 100 lumens for up to 5 hours or 35 lumens for up to 20. Thirty-five lumens sounds low until it is the only light on a table, where it is enough to eat and talk by without ruining anyone's night vision.

Each takes two AA batteries, sold separately, with a micro-USB cord included for external power. The USB connection does not charge batteries installed in the lantern. Running on AA matters in an emergency kit, since AA cells are available anywhere and store for years. A hanging hook on each allows suspending them around a tent or porch. Explore more lanterns.

• Three lights beat one bright one
• A single lantern throws shadows and leaves edges dark
• 35 lumens is enough to eat and talk by
• AA cells are available anywhere and store for years