Streamlight Siege Lantern 50/100/200 Lumens AA (3) Coyote/Black Review

First Thoughts on the Streamlight Siege Lantern 50/100/200 Lumens AA (3) Coyote/Black

The Streamlight Siege Lantern 50/100/200 Lumens AA (3) Coyote/Black promises a compact and versatile lighting solution for a variety of situations. From camping trips to power outages, a reliable lantern is an essential piece of kit. The Streamlight brand has a solid reputation for quality and durability, so I was eager to see if this little lantern lived up to the hype. The promise of easy-to-find AA batteries and multiple lighting modes made it especially appealing.

I was in the market for a new camp lantern. I needed something lightweight, durable, and most importantly, battery-powered (no proprietary chargers to worry about). I’d had a few close calls with headlamps dying on overnight treks, and a good area light felt like a vital addition to my pack. I also wanted something that wouldn’t break the bank.

The Streamlight Siege Lantern arrived in a simple, no-frills package. The coyote/black color scheme is functional and understated. It feels sturdy and well-built despite its light weight. The outer globe feels reasonably robust, and the handle is comfortable to grip.

I considered the Black Diamond Apollo and the Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge. The Apollo seemed a bit bulky, and the Goal Zero relies on USB charging, which I wanted to avoid. The Streamlight Siege Lantern’s use of AA batteries, combined with its smaller size and Streamlight’s reputation, won me over.

My initial impression was positive. I was excited to test its performance in the field. The compact size and seemingly robust construction immediately instilled confidence.

Real-World Testing: Putting Streamlight Siege Lantern 50/100/200 Lumens AA (3) Coyote/Black to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Streamlight Siege Lantern on a weekend camping trip in the Allegheny National Forest. The weather was mild, but the nights were dark and the forest was dense. I used the lantern primarily inside my tent and around the campsite for cooking and general illumination. It easily lit up my 2-person tent on the 50-lumen setting.

The lantern performed admirably in these conditions. The different brightness levels were useful for different tasks. The red light mode was perfect for preserving night vision. The lantern was easy to use straight out of the box. I did not experience any issues or surprises.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Streamlight Siege Lantern continues to perform well. It’s accompanied me on multiple camping trips, fishing expeditions, and even a few unexpected power outages at home. I’ve also used it as a work light while tinkering with my truck engine at night.

The lantern has proven to be durable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear. It’s been dropped a few times on hard surfaces, and the globe has held up without a scratch. Cleaning is simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all it takes.

Compared to my previous experience with cheaper, no-name lanterns, the Streamlight Siege Lantern is in a completely different league. It’s brighter, more reliable, and far more durable. It’s outperformed my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Streamlight Siege Lantern 50/100/200 Lumens AA (3) Coyote/Black

Specifications

• The Streamlight Siege Lantern features a C4 power LED for white light and two red LEDs. This provides versatile lighting options for different situations.
• It offers five output modes: 200 lumens (high), 100 lumens (medium), 50 lumens (low), a red LED steady mode, and a red LED SOS mode. These multiple modes are extremely useful.
• The lantern is powered by three AA alkaline batteries (included). This makes battery replacement easy and affordable.
• It is constructed from a tough polycarbonate thermoplastic construction with elastomer over mold. This enhances durability.
• The outer globe is removable for more directed light. This gives the lantern versatility for different lighting needs.
• The integrated D-ring allows for hanging the lantern upside down. This improves area lighting capability.
• A built-in battery level indicator on the on/off button shows battery status. This feature avoids unexpected power loss.
• With the globe in place, the lantern floats. This is an excellent feature for water-based activities.

Performance & Functionality

The Streamlight Siege Lantern performs its job exceptionally well. The light output is consistent across all modes. It is more than adequate for most camping and emergency situations. The red light modes are very effective for preserving night vision and signaling.

Its strength lies in its versatility and ease of use. The battery level indicator is a welcome addition, preventing the frustration of dead batteries. A potential weakness could be runtime on the highest setting.

The lantern meets and exceeds expectations. It’s become an indispensable part of my outdoor gear.

Design & Ergonomics

The Streamlight Siege Lantern boasts excellent build quality. The materials used are durable and feel substantial. The weight is manageable even when fully loaded with batteries.

The lantern is designed to be user-friendly. There’s no learning curve involved. The single button operation is intuitive.

Durability & Maintenance

The Streamlight Siege Lantern appears to be built to last. The polycarbonate construction and robust globe should withstand considerable abuse.

Maintenance is minimal. Keep it clean and dry, and replace the batteries as needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Streamlight Siege Lantern does not come with a plethora of accessories, and there are limited customization options. This emphasizes its simplicity and focus on core functionality.

The lantern is compatible with standard AA batteries from various brands. While not a customization option, users can choose the brand of battery they prefer.

Pros and Cons of Streamlight Siege Lantern 50/100/200 Lumens AA (3) Coyote/Black

Who Should Buy Streamlight Siege Lantern 50/100/200 Lumens AA (3) Coyote/Black?

The Streamlight Siege Lantern is perfect for campers, hikers, and anyone who needs a reliable area light for outdoor activities. It’s also an excellent choice for emergency preparedness kits and power outages. The Streamlight Siege Lantern is a great companion for pro anglers.

Anyone needing extremely high lumen output or advanced features might want to consider other options. This lantern prioritizes simplicity, durability, and ease of use.

A spare set of AA batteries is a must-have accessory. Consider a small carrying case to protect the lantern during transport.

Conclusion on Streamlight Siege Lantern 50/100/200 Lumens AA (3) Coyote/Black

The Streamlight Siege Lantern 50/100/200 Lumens AA (3) Coyote/Black is a fantastic little lantern that delivers on its promises. It’s durable, versatile, and easy to use, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications.

The price is more than justified considering the quality and performance. It’s a solid value for the money.

I would absolutely recommend this lantern to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable area lighting solution. Don’t hesitate – add the Streamlight Siege Lantern to your gear collection today and be prepared for anything!