Lighting in the outdoors is practical and it creates ambiance. And there’s no shortage of different types of lanterns and headlamps to choose from. I’ve had cheap lanterns and expensive ones. Lights that run on rechargeable batteries and multiple hulking D batteries. So, we reviewed the Barebones Living Railroad Lantern to see if it’s worth our dollars and yours.
With a range of 35 lumens on the low setting up to 200 lumens on high, the railroad lantern is easy to use and plenty bright to light up a dark camp or car. Running off a replaceable rechargeable lithium-ion battery via usb-c, we found that this lantern stayed lit on high for almost four hours when fully charged. The Barebones website claims up to 100 hours while running on the low setting but for our uses, the lantern is usually off, on low for shorter periods, or on high when the stars come out. I don’t know if 100 hours is realistic, but I’ve never had to recharge over multiple days of camping.
Under what I consider normal camp conditions—using various settings over shorter periods and then on a constant medium to high setting for a few hours at night—we have yet to completely deplete the battery over the course of two-day trips.
Managing the brightness is simple and effective using a small turning key dial. The glow is a pleasing warm light. The carry handle is exactly what it should be – nothing more, nothing less. Of all the features, I love that the railroad lantern is compact and lightweight. I’m over cinder-block-heavy lights. My kids can easily carry this lantern and it’s light enough to hang on a branch.
The aesthetics of modern lanterns aren’t usually the first thing I think about, but I’ll admit that the Railroad lantern sure is pretty. The simple and classic look fits right in at camp or a backyard patio. Our back patio is where ours stays permanently when we’re not camping.
We tested the enameled white railroad lantern on several outings over the summer and didn’t baby it. So far the white finish has held up. We’ve imparted some scratches and blemishes, but nothing devastating.
Unfortunately, the glass globe around the light cracked when it fell off a table at camp. It wasn’t our first drop but it fell just right and broke off a few chunks. Luckily Barebones sells a replacement lens for $22.50. Just remember that it’s not the most rugged camp light on the market.
If there are downsides to the railroad lantern, it’s the lumens and charge time. This light is great for general recreation, camping, or as additional outdoor mood lighting. But it won’t be your single light source in complete darkness. But I don’t think that is what it’s meant for. This lantern is great in the center of the action on the table or hanging on a line above the group.
The total charge time from a completely dead battery using a larger Goal Zero charger is at least five hours. We recorded faster charge times when plugged into a wall outlet – between three and four hours. You’ll need plenty of time to charge up to 100% if you’re using a portable battery pack or a car charger.
Barebones sells replacements if you eventually wear out the battery. The batteries appear to be proprietary so you’ll have to buy directly from Barebones.
There are cheaper alternatives that offer brighter light. But we love the Railroad Lantern because it’s easy to use, plenty bright, and brings a subtle element of fun to camp. The battery is replaceable which means you’ll get more out of the lantern when the included battery dies.
If that’s not enough to convince you, Barebones Living is also a certified B Corporation. In broad brush strokes, that means that Barebones strives for, and has met, higher standards for the impact of their production, source materials, and supply chains. B Corps also focus on charitable giving, community support, and a better working environment for their people. Barebones has to consider the quality of their products and the impact they have on their communities and people. I don’t think you will regret supporting them.
The Railroad Lantern probably shouldn’t be your only camp light. If you’re on the hunt for that one ultra-bright light that illuminates your end of the campground, this isn’t it. But if you appreciate a very usable light with some style, the Barebones Railroad Lantern should be in your camp kit.
There’s no shortage of different types of lanterns and headlamps to choose from. So, we reviewed the Barebones Living Railroad Lantern to see if it’s worth our dollars and yours.
There are plenty of other options to choose from, but save yourself some time and just buy the LaCrosse Alpha Deck Boots. Their shape feels more like a shoe which I didn’t even know I wanted in a boot.
Cotopaxi’s Allpa 35L pack is a convenient and well-thought-out option for travelers who want organization and comfort. And, it might just be one of the best unintentional diaper bags on the market.