OuTask Telescopic Lantern Review

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Let’s get one thing straight: adventure doesn’t clock out when the sun does. But few things ruin a good night under the stars faster than fumbling for a headlamp with dead batteries, a flashlight too weak to cut through the dark, or a campfire that’s barely doing more than smoldering. That’s where the OuTask Telescopic Lantern steps in—a piece of kit that promises to turn nighttime chaos into a well-lit masterpiece. But does it deliver? Let’s break it down.

First Impressions

Includes stakes, reflective stickers, lanyard and charging cord.

Unboxing the OuTask Telescopic Lantern felt like unveiling a piece of tactical gear—sleek, solid, and built to perform. When collapsed, it’s about the size of a small thermos and immediately exudes durability with its aviation-grade aluminum and PC/ABS plastic construction. It’s not a featherweight (we’ll get to that), but it’s clear this lantern isn’t about cutting corners.

The telescopic mechanism glides smoothly, extending the lantern from compact to commanding with no awkward jerking or cheap-feeling friction. Once extended, it transforms into a versatile light source capable of handling everything from a quiet campsite to a full-on emergency. The base feels secure, it even comes with stakes ensuring it’ll stay put whether it’s sitting on uneven ground or clinging to metal surfaces via its magnetic base.

Build Quality and Durability

This lantern isn’t just tough; it’s nearly bombproof. Built with anodized aluminum and reinforced plastic, it’s designed to handle the bumps and bruises of outdoor life. Rain? No problem. The head and pole boast an IPX7 rating, meaning they’re waterproof enough to survive full immersion. The body holds up with an IPX6 rating, laughing in the face of heavy downpours. I have kicked it, dropped it, and accidentally left it out in the rain – not a single issue.

But let’s talk weight. At just under two pounds, it’s not winning any awards for ultralight portability. For thru-hikers counting ounces, this might be a dealbreaker. However, for RV trips, fishing outings, job sites, or emergency kits, the heft translates to rugged reliability – a fair trade in my book.

Light Performance and Features

This lantern isn’t just about light; it’s about total customization. With a 720° rotating head, it effortlessly lights up any corner, giving you three-dimensional illumination that adapts to your environment. Whether you’re spotlighting a trail or setting the mood for campfire stories, its three lighting modes – warm (3000K), white (6500K), and adjustable brightness levels – ensure you’ve got the perfect glow for any scenario. And with adjustable pole height and shape, the OuTask adapts to your exact needs.

Battery performance is solid, with 40 lumens running for a marathon 65 hours, 250 lumens giving you 17 hours plus an additional 3 hours at 40 lumens, and 500 lumens powering through 6.5 hours with 7 hours at 40 lumens as backup. The USB rechargeable battery not only keeps the lantern going but doubles as a power bank, ready to rescue your gadgets when they’re on their last legs.

The magnetic base is functional but could use a bit more grip to elevate its utility. It’ll hold on flat metal surfaces but could benefit from extra strength for more demanding setups.

Versatility in Action

The OuTask isn’t just a lantern; it’s a multitool of light. Extend the pole, and it becomes a campsite beacon. Retract it, and you’ve got a bright handheld flashlight. Hang it from a tent loop, use it as a work light under your car hood, or stick it to your truck’s door while setting up camp—this thing adapts to your needs.

However, its flashlight mode has a minor drawback: the design is front-heavy, making it uncomfortable for prolonged handheld use. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting if you’re planning to rely on it as your primary flashlight.

Value for Money

Here’s where things get a little tricky. The OuTask Telescopic Lantern feels premium, and it performs like it too. But the price tag reflects that quality, and it might feel steep for budget-conscious adventurers. If it included extras like a carrying case, the cost might feel more justified. As it stands, it’s a durable, high-performing piece of gear – but if you’re pinching pennies, there are cheaper options out there that can get the job done, albeit with fewer bells and whistles.

Final Thoughts

The OuTask Telescopic Lantern is built for those who demand more from their gear. It’s durable, versatile, and dependable – the kind of light that doesn’t just brighten your path but adapts to your every need. Sure, it’s not the lightest option, and the price might make you wince, but if you’re willing to invest, this lantern will repay you with years of reliable performance.

It’s not perfect – a stronger magnetic base and a carrying case would be welcome improvements. But for RV trips, car camping, fishing adventures, job sites, or emergency prep, the OuTask earns its spot in the lineup. It’s not here to play games; it’s here to win the night. For more info or if you would like to check one out for yourself, visit amazon.com.