Topic

Black Diamond Orbit or Uco Clarus

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Bill Segraves BPL Member
PostedOct 4, 2013 at 4:04 am

I'm planning a group trip when daylight will be short enough that we'd like a good non-fire light source for evening activities. Black Diamond Orbit and UCO Clarus both look decent, are about same price and close enough to same weight. I don't care too much about modest differences in battery life (it will not be a routine part of my kit, and won't be used on particularly long trips – 10 hours battery life on high should be enough). It won't be used as a flashlight, so that capability of the Clarus isn't a significant plus. It just needs to be dependable and to put out enough light for people to set up camp, cook, eat, play cards, etc.

Could those who have practical experience with these lanterns (or with an alternative I may have overlooked) provide info that might suggest one vs the other?

Thanks!

Cheers,

Bill S.

Andy Stow BPL Member
PostedOct 4, 2013 at 6:45 am

I have two Orbits, still going strong after several years. After I'd had one a year or so, I got the rechargeable battery system from REI. I ended up returning it as after only a couple years of occasional (3-4x/year) use it would only hold enough charge to run the lantern for 5-10 minutes.

I use Eneloops now, and for a 2-3 day trip I don't even take spares.

I like that the telescoping design makes it very unlikely for unintended activation to occur.

PostedOct 5, 2013 at 9:09 am

I have an orbit too, and I really like it. Its tiny, and even on the lowest, longest running setting, its plenty bright once the sun goes down. To get the most out of it, it does need to be hung or elevated in some way (the telescoping base is neat, but isn't practical for actually throwing light). A tree branch or a stick is usually all you need.

I've also found that its nice to hang from the inside of your tent, if your tent has gear loops. It makes going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, fumbling around in your pack, and reading very simple.

M BPL Member
PostedOct 5, 2013 at 9:29 pm

I've also had an Orbit tough out several years without any issues. It's more than enough light for your tent, and hung from a branch it throws out an area around camp I've been impressed with. On the table it doesn't throw the light too far, but it gives a more intense, useable light for the immediate area (for cooking, cards, whatever.) 'Flashlight mode' isn't a priority for you, but the Orbit has worked just holding it out in front of me.

Size and weight are perfect for my needs, usually for car camping, but it's been convenient enough to tuck it away a few times when backpacking with a group.

Like Andy, using Eneloops I've been happy with the battery life for 3+ days, and keeping the button hidden when collapsing the lantern does give me peace of mind. Never had it die on me.

And actually, my favorite use for the Orbit – power outages at home.

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