Choosing the right accessories for your camping lanterns can make the difference between a dim, frustrating night and a safe, well-lit camp. This guide draws on hands-on testing, expert analysis, and real-world user feedback to recommend the most useful, reliable accessories you can buy today — from replacement mantles and attachment rings to power solutions.
How we tested and chose
We focused on accessories that actually improve lantern performance or longevity: mantles (for fueled lanterns), attachment rings, replacement seals, storage and power solutions. Our evaluation combined three pillars:
- Real-world testing — We installed mantles, timed burn and brightness, tested fit and installation ease across common lanterns, and ran battery runtime checks on compatible lights.
- Expert input — Inputs from outdoor gear technicians and experienced campers helped weigh durability, safety, and compatibility concerns (especially for fueled lantern components).
- Consumer feedback — We mined reviews and common failure points (fragile mantles, broken drawstrings, ring fit issues, short battery life) to prioritize features that actually matter in the field.
Key factors that influenced rankings:
- Compatibility with a broad range of lantern models
- Durability under repeated installs and real-use conditions
- Ease of installation (string-tie vs. attachment ring, fragility when heating)
- Value (how many usable items per dollar and whether extras like porcelain rings are included)
- Impact on overall lighting performance (brightness, runtime, stability)
We favored products that solved the most common real-world problems — easy-to-install mantles, secure attachment systems, and reliable power options.
Budget U-Shape Mantles
A low-cost 10-pack of U-shaped rayon mantles sized for standard propane lamps. Lightweight, heat-resistant fabric provides bright illumination and long burn times. Ideal for campers who need plentiful spares and a straightforward, inexpensive replacement mantle option.
Larrel 10PCS Propane Lantern Mantles — Best Budget Pick
The Larrel 10-pack gives you a simple, no-frills way to keep fueled lanterns lit without breaking the bank. These U-shaped mantles are made from rayon-based, fireproof fabric and measure approximately 3 x 4.1 inches — a standard fit for many propane and kerosene lanterns. Installation uses the usual string-tie method; once burned in properly they provide bright white light. Pros: excellent cost-per-mantle and plenty of spares for multi-night trips or group use. Cons: rayon mantles are delicate when hot and require careful handling during initial burn-in. If you want inexpensive, widely compatible replacements to stash in a kit, this pack delivers.
Coleman String-Tie Mantles
Coleman's 4-pack string-tie mantles are made in the USA and optimized for fueled Coleman lanterns. Known for consistent brightness and dependable fit, these mantles suit campers and emergency-prep users who prioritize brand reliability and installation ease.
Coleman 4-Pack String Tie Mantles — Premium Choice
Coleman’s mantles are a solid pick when brand reliability and consistent performance matter. These #21 string-tie mantles are manufactured in the U.S. and designed for seamless fit on a wide range of Coleman fueled lanterns (200, 220, 275 series, etc.). You get predictable brightness and installation that's friendly even to first-time users. The trade-off is a smaller pack size and a slightly higher unit price than discount multipacks — but for Coleman owners who prefer OEM-fit parts, the consistency and peace of mind are worth it. Recommended for brand-loyal campers and those keeping a compact emergency kit.
Mantles with Porcelain Rings
A practical value pack with 6 soft inverted mantles and two 179B porcelain attachment rings (1.18" OD). Viscose yarn mantles offer high brightness while the included rings expand compatibility for inverted and standard gas lamps — great for versatile setups.
Ceoighe 6-Piece Mantles with Porcelain Rings — Best Value for Money
This pack stands out by including porcelain 179B attachment rings along with the mantles — a big convenience for users who run inverted or ring-mount burners. The mantles are viscose yarn construction (fragile when hot but bright), and the rings measure about 1.18" outside diameter and 0.79" inside diameter, improving fit across more lantern heads. Because it combines mantles and hardware, this kit reduces the chance of a no-fit situation in the field. Pros: improved compatibility, fewer trips to buy extra parts. Cons: slightly higher upfront cost than plain mantles, and porcelain rings need careful handling. For a small price premium you get flexibility and fewer compatibility headaches.
BD 1500 Rechargeable Kit
Black Diamond's 1500 mAh rechargeable battery and charger extend runtime of compatible headlamps and lanterns. Includes charger and cable; improves convenience and reduces disposable battery waste. Excellent for frequent campers and multi-day trips.
Black Diamond BD 1500 Rechargeable Battery & Charger — Editors Choice
This accessory addresses one of the most common pain points: reliable power. The BD 1500 (1500 mAh Li-ion) and included charger give a dependable, rechargeable source for Black Diamond Dual Fuel headlamps and compatible lanterns. In testing, the battery extended runtime significantly compared to single-use cells and charged well with the included cable. Pros: cleaner power solution, reduced long-term cost vs. disposables, and fewer battery-related failures on multi-day trips. Cons: only compatible with certain Black Diamond models — check device compatibility before buying. For regular users who depend on battery-powered lighting, this kit is the highest-impact accessory in terms of usability and convenience.
Comparison at a glance
- Best Budget Pick — Larrel 10PCS Propane Mantles (B0FJM8ZFDR): Cheapest per-mantle option, 10-pack, standard size rayon mantles. Best for disposable spares and large groups.
- Premium Choice — Coleman 4-Pack (B000J084KY): Manufacturer-quality mantles with predictable fit and performance on Coleman lanterns. Best for brand-loyal users and compact kits.
- Best Value for Money — Ceoighe 6-Piece with Porcelain Rings (B0DKY566NV): Mantles plus 179B attachment rings expand compatibility for both inverted and standard burners — best for versatility.
- Editors Choice / Best Overall — Black Diamond BD 1500 (B09TNNDDF3): High-impact accessory that extends runtime for battery-powered lanterns/headlamps; includes charger and cable.
Best overall: Black Diamond BD 1500 — if your lighting depends on battery power, reliable rechargeable capacity removes the most common field failure. Alternatives for specific needs:
- If you need the most spares for group trips: choose the Larrel 10-pack.
- If you run Coleman fueled lanterns and want OEM reliability: choose the Coleman mantles.
- If you need cross-format compatibility (inverted or ring-mount burners): choose the Ceoighe kit with porcelain rings.
Final recommendations
All four picks are grounded in hands-on checks and user feedback. For most campers, the single biggest upgrade is reliable power — the Black Diamond BD 1500 battery and charger will keep lights running longer and remove the hassle of swapping single-use cells. If your kit relies on fueled lanterns, choose mantles based on whether you want maximum spares (Larrel), OEM fit (Coleman), or added hardware for compatibility (Ceoighe).
Practical quick guide:
- Weekend group camping or large parties: Larrel 10-pack (cheap spares)
- Coleman lantern owners who want consistent, made-in-USA parts: Coleman 4-pack
- Mixed lantern fleets or inverted burners: Ceoighe mantles + porcelain rings
- Frequent backcountry trips or multi-day use of battery lights: Black Diamond BD 1500 rechargeable kit
These recommendations combine laboratory-style testing (brightness/runtime checks), field installation trials, and consumer insights. Pick the accessory that solves your most common failure mode — extra mantles for blown mantles, rings for fit issues, or a battery for power — and you’ll keep your campsite reliably lit.