I am a HEAVY user of LED lights... have built my own, modified many (put them on guns) and a few years ago Sofirn made THE best lantern money can buy (***and it was designed by the BLF forum members who USE these for off-grid living to professional camping (guides, wilderness biologists, etc.). The LT-1.
I have several and have dropped one from 7 ft up onto SOLID concrete and it survived the fall. It's waterproof (as in submersible), and built like a tank. You can't find a better rated lantern because there isn't one made (unless it's military maybe?).
Best way to buy is direct from Sorirn (with batteries) where pricing is WAY better than Amazon. Sofirn is a SOLID, honest seller with ruggedized designs for good money. ***I also see they have them in stock in Canada so shipping might be faster there Vs. China direct which can take months. Batteries are GOOD 3000MaH lithium 18650s with button tops- get them with the lantern unless you know your 18650 batteries and have slightly longer capacity batteries you could otherwise use.
Barry Lee (who runs the main store) is honest and stands behind everything he sells. They also make a 1000 yard light I use on my coyote gun and a wider C8F light I use for my "pig rig" (I posted my AR15 6.8 SPC rig with that light on it here a few years back). NO plastic, the reflector is milled from a single solid piece of aluminum- and polished to a mirrow smooth finish. Glass is AR coated-- just high quality everything with any light they sell.
You won't need another lantern in your lifetime (unless you lose it). I bought MANY, have gifted them to other hunters and a few farmers around here in Kansas who use them daily. I've given away 10 or more of the D25L (or S) also... best headlamp I own (and I own about five different ones). You can't beat the price for quality with these guys.
LT-1
Headlamps
- and get the carry case for the lantern, it's a perfect fit and keeps the lantern clean.
Good stuff
EDIT: I now see they are selling out of California-- here is the link and I'd just buy from this location and probably get it within a week! AND it's on sale!!!
California Lantern