Is the Devos LightRanger the New Coleman Lantern of the 2020s?

For decades, the Coleman lantern was the gold standard of portable lighting for camping, hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventures. Many of us remember seeing these classic lanterns in the hands of our parents and grandparents, becoming a symbol of outdoor experiences. But as times change and technology advances, there’s a new light on the block—the Devos LightRanger.

To explore whether the Devos LightRanger 1200 and 2000 are becoming the modern-day Coleman lantern, we sat down with Jim W. Vititow, Director of Operations and Service Director at United RV, a passionate collector of Coleman lanterns. Here's what he had to say about the legacy of the Coleman lantern and how the LightRanger is poised to become the new industry standard.

What Made the Coleman Lantern an Icon?

The Coleman lantern became an iconic piece of gear because of its reliability and widespread use across generations. According to Jim, “The Coleman lantern became so iconic because of multiple generations using them across a wide range of needs—military, camping, hunting, and fishing. I’m 50 years old, and my grandfather used them, my dad used them, and I used them until I got my first LightRanger.”

Jim notes that the simplicity and functionality of the Coleman lantern were key to its popularity. “They were simple, foolproof, easy to operate with a number of fuels, simple and cheap to repair, and safe.”

But while the Coleman lantern has earned its place in outdoor history, it isn’t without its drawbacks.

The Pain Points of the Coleman Lantern

Although Coleman lanterns were groundbreaking for their time, they come with some challenges. Jim highlights three major pain points:

1. Mantle Replacement: "Mantles need to be replaced on a highly frequent basis, although they’re very cheap."
2. Fragile Glass Globes: “The glass globes can and will break unless transported very carefully. Even with hard and soft cases, I’ve had globes break.”
3. Dealing with Fuel: "Owning a Coleman lantern means you have to deal with fuel—kerosene, white gas, LP, diesel, gasoline, and Coleman fuel."

These issues—particularly the fragility and fuel storage—make Coleman lanterns more cumbersome in today’s world of compact and efficient camping gear.

How the LightRanger Solves These Issues

Enter the Devos LightRanger. When it comes to solving the pain points of traditional lanterns, Jim is clear: “The LightRanger head unit I have is 1/3 the size of a Coleman lantern. Size matters when it comes to space—whether it’s for camping, hunting, or military use.”

The LightRanger’s compact design isn’t its only advantage. Unlike traditional lanterns, the LightRanger is:

• Fuel-Free: Powered by USB-C rechargeable batteries, you don't have to worry about carrying and storing fuel.
• Durable, Compact, and Impact-Resistant: The LightRanger head unit is not only compact but also impact-resistant. You can drop it from decent heights without worrying—it keeps working fine, making it a reliable companion for rugged adventures. Additionally, the LightRanger is weather-resistant, ensuring it withstands rain, wind, and other challenging conditions while maintaining peak performance.
• Customizable Lighting: With the LightRanger, you have full control over how much light you need. You can turn on 25% (one side), 50% (two sides), or 100% (all sides), giving you the flexibility to adapt the lighting to your specific environment or task. Whether you’re cooking dinner at camp or lighting up a construction site, the customizable lighting ensures you get exactly what you need, no more, no less.

The LightRanger even offers innovative features like a motion sensor and colored filter kit for added convenience and versatility.

Is the Devos LightRanger the New Industry Standard?

For Jim Vititow, the answer is simple: “One word, YES!” The Devos LightRanger 1200 and 2000 offer unparalleled brightness, versatility, and durability that surpass the classic Coleman lantern. Whether you're setting up camp, cooking outdoors, or just hanging out with friends and family, the LightRanger is ready to light the way—no mantles, no fuel, no hassle.

Why Choose the LightRanger over Cheap LED Lights?

In a world flooded with cheap LED lights, it’s important to understand why the LightRanger stands out. Here’s why savvy outdoor enthusiasts and professionals are choosing the LightRanger:

• Premium Build Quality: Unlike cheap LEDs from TEMU or Amazon, the LightRanger is built to last. It’s weatherproof, shock-resistant, and designed to handle all elements. Whether it’s pouring rain, freezing cold, or blazing heat, the LightRanger delivers consistent, reliable lighting.
• Convenient Charging: The LightRanger charges quickly via USB or the optional solar panel accessory, allowing you to stay powered up even off the grid.
• Versatile Mounting Options: Its variable height telescoping tripod allows you to extend it up to 9 feet tall, or you can use the hanging attachment on the top to hang it like a traditional lantern—perfect for lighting campsites, workspaces, or garages.
• Compact Storage: The included carry bag makes it easy to store and transport, whether in your vehicle, RV, boat, or gear bag. Its lightweight design ensures it’s never a burden to carry, no matter where your adventures take you.
• Superior Battery Life and Light Control: The LightRanger’s battery offers an impressive lifespan, and its viable light output/direction/height control makes it more adaptable than traditional lanterns.
• Outstanding Customer Service: At Devos Outdoor, we’re proud to stand behind our products. If something goes wrong, we’ve got your back. Jim shared how one of his friends had an issue with their LightRanger no longer charging. Devos replaced it without hesitation. That’s the kind of service you won’t find with a cheap Amazon LED.

When you buy the LightRanger, you’re investing in reliability, versatility, and superior service—qualities that cheap alternatives simply can’t match.

Final Thoughts

While the Coleman lantern will always have a place in the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts, the Devos LightRanger is proving to be the modern-day answer to reliable, versatile lighting. With its advanced features and compact design, the LightRanger 1200 and 2000 are quickly becoming the new industry standard for overlanders, campers, and adventurers everywhere.

Looking for a modern upgrade to your camping gear? Check out the LightRanger 1200 and LightRanger 2000 and see why this innovative lantern is the future of outdoor lighting.