UCO Candlelier
By Scott Clayton

A lantern is pretty much a staple when it comes to family camping. Unless you're ready to hit the sack when the sun goes down you're going to need some type of light source. These days your options on lanterns are numerous. From propane to liquid fuel to battery power you really have a lot of choices. But have you ever considered candles? Well, if you haven't, maybe the Candlelier will change your mind.

The Candlelier is a simple, low tech light source. This triple candle power lantern is constructed with a sturdy 8 inch high, 4 inch wide, aluminum frame which holds 3 candles that are visible behind a glass window. The plastic base twists off exposing the candles for easy lighting. The candles are housed in aluminum, spring loaded tubes. The springs continually push the candles upward as they burn, always maintaining a constant flame height. Attached to the frame is a handle which is long enough to prevent you, or your tent, from getting burned. The total unit, including 3 candles weighs in at 21 ounces. The candles that come with the Candlelier have a 9 hour burn time.

The Candlelier is easy to light and produces a soft quiet light. While camping we used the Candlelier while preparing and eating dinner after the sun went down. For such detailed tasks, out in the open, a single Candlelier fell a little short of our expectations. We felt several Candlelier's, at least two, would be necessary to produce the light we're accustomed to while preparing and eating a meal with the family. On the other hand, a single Candlelier does provide a more subtle, romantic light.

After we ate the wind picked up and it started to rain. The Candlelier held up very well, never going out, under these circumstances.

As it became clear to us the rain was going to persist we reluctantly retired to the family tent. Because the kids were not tired we placed the Candlelier on a cooler and the kids played cards. Inside the tent the Candlelier produced plenty of light in order to see the cards while playing. With the sturdy base and spring loaded candles to keep the melted wax from pooling too much, we had peace of mind that if we knocked over the Candlelier we would be safe.

As always, you'll want to be careful. The top of the Candlelier gets very hot. In fact, it gets so hot you can use it to keep your food warm. It will also boil water, but this takes approximately 20 minutes.

The Candlelier comes in Red, Green, Blue, and Polished Aluminum. It retails for $31.95.

Summary:
For ease of use and maintenance you can't get much simpler than the Candlelier. All you need is candles and a match; forget about delicate mantles or bulbs, heavy batteries, combustible liquids, explosive gasses, and bulky fuel cartridges. If you're looking for a simple, quiet, light the Candlelier is a must have. It is significantly quieter than a propane lantern. The Candlelier is safe and simple to store away in your home for electrical outages, Y2K, or general emergency preparedness.

Scott Clayton is the Fly Fishing Editor at GearReview.com.

For more information, contact:
UCO Corporation
9225 151st Avenue NE
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 883-6600