Every now and again, if you're a gear head like me (I know you are, you can admit it!), you come across a a useful product that makes you say, "Hey, I could really use that!"

So it is with the LED Micro Lantern from the folks at Coghlan's, long-time suppliers of good quality camping and outdoor stuff.

The Coghlan's LED Micro Lantern weighs under an ounce, perfect for backpacking!
Carey Kish photo

For years now I've been looking for an extra light source for the tent or lean-to, something other than a candle and in addition to my headlamp. And something that doesn't weigh much.

Turns out the Micro Lantern is just the thing. It weighs in at less than one ounce (0.83 oz. for you fanatical ounce-counters), is pretty tiny (1" x 1" x 2" in size), and runs on regular Lithium batteries (included).

For it's small size and weight, however, the Micro Lantern packs a pretty bright punch, perfect for us readers and journal writers who enjoy late evenings on the trail. And it'll provide 25 hours of light on one set of batteries, good enough for a number of good novels for sure. Maybe even a game of cribbage or two. Who knows?!

The Coghlan's Micro Lantern really throws out plenty of light for the tent or lean-to.
Carey Kish photo

I like that! All good.

The Coghlan's Micro Lantern is cheap, too. Just $7.99. You can find it at just about any place that sells camping gear.