CampChef XRE(4) CREE dual mode LED lantern

Everyone is familiar with flashlights, but not many people own or have used a lantern. Flashlights are a lot more common and many people think of lanterns as strictly an accessory for camping trips. However, this little guy can actually pull off the double duty. You see, this is a dual mode lantern with a single LED.
CampChef CREE LED Lantern

•  LED lantern itself
•  4x AA Duracel batteries
•  Aluminum carabiner
•  Leash

In normal operation mode a super-white LED shines towards a convex reflective surface which disperses the light all 360 degrees around. This is a standard operating mode for the lantern as expected. However, with a turn of a knob on the side of the unit - the LED turns from pointing down into the upward position where it shines through a slightly mate clear plastic. This way, you can use the lantern as a flashlight for more directional light. Pretty clever solution, wouldn't you say?

But, the features on this little guy don't stop with rotating LED, as this lantern also has three modes of operation in either position. The first mode is standard and requires only one press of the power button (from OFF state) - LED lights up with a bright white light which is handy for camp table or while walking around. The second mode does the same, but LED output is reduced by about 1/3 of maximum. Since LED inside is very bright - this is the prefer mode inside the tent, inside a car or in other situations where you are close to the source of light and don't want to be blinded. The third mode is what manufacturer lists as "S.O.S" - where light is switched ON and OFF in a rapid sequence (seems to be around 5Hz or 5 flashes per second). This is not a true SOS mode where a universal Morse code is used for signaling request for assistance, but rather a "flashing" mode. Again, all three modes of operation work in either position of the head inside the lantern. This means that all three can be engaged for directional use as if you had a flashlight, or when the unit is freestanding or handing down.

Now let me elaborate on the last phrase - most people will use this in an upright standing position. Yet, lantern provides for two different ways of using it on a string. In the bottom of the unit there is a small "D" ring which you can pull out. If you loop the included carabiner through the "D" ring - you can hang the lantern upside down from the top of your tent, from a hook in the car, from a branch of a tree, etc. A better use would be to turn the head into a flashlight mode and then hand the unit - this way it will provide very even bright light shining down - perfect for use inside the tents.

The second way is hang the lantern is to loop the included leash through a rotating swivel on the side of the top. Then use the carabiner to attach it onto something. This way the lantern is in almost vertical position. But there is still more - if you loop the lanyard through the swivel and then connect it with the carabiner to the "D" ring on the bottom - then you can hang the unit in a horizontal position (which is unlikely to be useful for most people).

But lets get back to the lantern itself and manufacturers information:

• 25 hours in High mode, 45 hours in Low mode and 50 hours in SOS mode - this seems very reasonable and should last about a 4-5 days under normal use conditions on a trip. I don't know too many people who use a lantern 25-45 hours without a break.
• Output up-to 150 Lumens - while I have no way to verify this, I can tell you that LED is very bright and gives white light
  
• Unit is water resistant - yes, I can confirm that is is water resistant as in - if you happen to be caught in a mist or light rain - this unit will operate normally (checked by spraying it with water). I took it apart and there are several "O-rings" to prevent water from entering. However, this doesn't mean that the lantern is water proof! Please do not dunk it under water, as it will start taking water. Yes, I have actually put it into my swimming pool to see if it would leak (of course I've removed the batteries and have done this only briefly). After drying the unit is operating normally, though.

This lantern will become my new companion in a an emergency set inside my car. Because it can be used in both way - free-standing upright and hand-held, it would be perfect for those times when I'm on a side of the road and need light. It can also be used to warn oncoming traffic of an emergency situation.