UCO Original Candle Lantern Kit

Inside this little aluminum lantern, a spring keeps pushing the candle upward as it burns, so the flame stays put behind the glass for up to nine hours per candle. It’s a wonderfully low-tech idea, and UCO has been selling it long enough to call it the Original.

To light it, you slide the glass chimney down, touch a match to the exposed wick and slide it back up; the chimney keeps the flame going in wind. The lantern collapses to 4.25 inches tall for packing, and this kit adds two 9-hour candles, a light reflector and a protective cocoon case. A carry handle, hanging hook and heat shield make it easy to hang from a branch or a camp kitchen pole. UCO pitches it for backpacking, mountaineering and snow camping, since the candle gives off a little cozy heat and helps fight dampness.

It suits the camper who prefers a real flame to a blue-white LED, and anyone who wants a light with no batteries in the emergency kit at home.

The catch: it’s candlelight, so it sets a mood rather than lighting up a whole campsite, you’ll be buying replacement candles, and any open flame needs an eye on it near tent fabric.