The Perfect Japanese Lantern - ( SOTO ST-260 )

This is a Japanese made lantern that runs on Butane fuel; made by SOTO which is one of my favorite outdoor brands. A few years ago I stumbled upon this product, had it imported from eBay and have been using it ever since. Luckily purchasing these in the US is a whole lot easier.
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:: SOTO ST-260 Butane Lantern Review ::
Materials : stainless steel construction, legs, break resistant mesh
Measurements : 5” tall 3.5” wide plus the fuel canister 4.25” wide at the legs
Weight : 9.5oz with storage bag
Cost : $75 off of Amazon
Includes : Lantern, Storage bag, 3 mantels
Output : This information I haven’t been able to get a solid answer on; I’ve seen claims that this is comparable to a 80W light bulb on the highest setting. At the highest setting, I’ve ran this for over 3 hours. At a toned down level it will go a lot longer. I’ve gotten over 6 hours with varying intensities.
Mantels : These lanterns use the ST-2601 Mantel; these come in 3 packs and I was able to locate those on Amazon and ordered some. You likely can use mantels from other companies such as coleman as well if you had to.
Shipping : When purchased from Amazon, it’s going to take some time for the product to arrive as it has to come from Japan. It is not as far as I know available in the USA so it has to be imported.
I purchased mine off of eBay a few years ago and now, they are available on Amazon which makes these even simpler. Talking about purchasing from Amazon, the listing calls this the Shinfuji regulator lantern; Shinfuji is the parent company of SOTO.
Features :
This lantern features a regulator which allows for constant performance even when the fuel is cold - without the regulator the lantern would burn less bright in cold conditions.
The regulator also provides some safety; if the unit falls over while ignited, it won’t flare up which is important.
Review Pros :
Very well made product - has a great feel and weight to it.
Fuel efficient - I’ve ran this
Always ignites
easy to use
Fairly compact design
Puts off a good amount of warm light - brighter than the Coleman NorthStar which is also a great lantern
The company does make larger lanterns if you need more light
Puts off plenty of light for a small seating area and table.
Puts off a lot of heat and in fact, I have seen some Japanese camping videos with people cooking on top of these with a grill stand
Very stable
Produces a very warm and comforting light
can be used in a variety of situations; home, cabin, vehicle, in tents and so on
Incredibly quiet
Replacing the mantels is quick and easy
The Soto mantles last a very long time; I’ve been using this one for 2.5 years
Review Cons :
The storage bag offers virtually no protection - a hard case would make more sense
No way to hang this so light is limited to what it is sitting on
Summary :
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[@papaguche]

Those are nice for ice fishing in a shanty helps keep you warm

[@sheltermonkey6065]

It should never be used in an enclosed space due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

[@honorharrington4546]

The light output does not compare to either an LED Light or a Coleman Lantern. With the awkward form factor (no hanging) it is more of a solution in search of a problem kind of item.

[@woolymittens]

I love my Coleman lantern, it hangs, casts a ton of light, warms the tent, has a reflector AND has a hard case - which these lanterns need if you're going to actually take them camping. One of the best camping (and home emergency) purchases I ever made.

[@jessekirk7473]

Agreed. Seems to solve a problem that doesn't exist. Less than 80 watt light output and it won't even last all night..... I'll take an LED lantern and some extra batteries.

[@ar110sp]

it works for me a heater for very cold weathers...

[@RotokEralil]

Of note; the ignitor arcs off the center metal; the mantle was placed over the post the ignitor arcs off of. It may or may not help, but when you burn in the new mantle you can keep it clear of the area where it arcs to (not sure if it will stay clear when it burns in, just an idea).

[@charlottejet4338]

It's nice, but I'll keep my Coleman duel fuel double mantle. Yes, it is large, but better all round and cheaper to run too.

[@fakenews7266]

yep

[@FrednDeeDee]

I am a big fan of Coleman products and have amassed over the years many lanterns, stoves, and heaters all give the choice to use liquid Coleman fuels or gas propane fuels with up to 20lb tanks. I have small tanks of propane that I can refill off the 20lb tanks and lots of extra hose lengths to maximize usage spots. The SOTO ST-260 Butane Lantern is for loading in the backpack and heading out for a day or two of outdoor adventure.

[@anandrew6641]

It would be really inconvenient for backpacking. Might burn your tent down, and it's too heavy to carry. Might be good for cabin table.

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

@@anandrew6641 The item on it's own is not particularly heavy, I've carried much more up small mountains backpacking, although I was much more fitter and stronger back in those days...I found water to be a pain to carry, that's why we walked near rivers and streams 😆 Serious ultralight backing these days is a different story, when shaving grams of everything is taken to extremes for usually big £$'s, So with that in mind; this lantern ways a hikers tonne 😲

[@amfearliathmor9747]

Ordered one a few days ago on eBay along with a couple of other parts (Campingmoon Z13M and a EN417 remote steel braided line hose) so the Soto Lantern can also be used with remote gas cartridge's such as Coleman 16 Oz Propane, Isobutane Extreme EN417, CFH or Gosystems G2350 350gram 70/30 mix etc. Great for keeping a tent warm in freezing conditions.

[@gregsalerno1434]

Perfect mini heater !👍

[@sheltermonkey6065]

NOOOOO. It should never be used in a tent or enclosed space. Carbon monoxide has killed plenty of campers.

[@devan2462]

A clean burn does not produce carbon monoxide. Idk if this is a clean burn

[@sheltermonkey6065]

@@devan2462 All gas stoves / lanterns produce carbon monoxide, though the amount produced can very dramatically, dependent on many factors.

[@masato3981]

@@sheltermonkey6065 Open the vents in your tent, then?

[@C-Henry]

Grew up using an old Coleman white gas lantern that used the same kind of mantle. I think is was the advent of cheap LED lanterns that finally put into retirement. While having our stove and lamp use the same fuel was handy, having to pump it up periodically and having to keep replacement mantles handy meant it lost out to more light and only needing to keep a couple spare AAs around. Still, I like the idea, if only for the nostalgia of it.

[@terrym1065]

SOTO: Japanese for Outside. Great products, quality all the way. Nice lantern and they have more. Thanks.

[@alexgeorge2993]

We used to use an old Primus gas lantern for many years.

[@scowler7200]

I like the idea of using a single fuel source or light, cooking, and heating.

[@krifenbark]

There will always be a need for those type of lanterns but in my opinion, LED and battery lanterns far surpasses fuel style lanterns now days. They are much more versatile, cost effective, longer lasting and will withstand much more punishment than the old mantel style lanterns.

[@shouldhavenotshouldof2031]

The Coleman compact propane lantern runs off the one pound canisters, stands taller, can be hung and is less than half the price. I’ve used one for years and it is my go to for simplicity. The aesthetic of that Soto is really cool but it doesn’t seem as practical. Just my humble opinion, but worth a look if you’re shopping for a lantern.

[@messagedeleted1922]

I was thinking likely its like that, because of a tradition of Japanese being VERY cautious about fire safety, because so many of their buildings are old and wooden.

[@MG-ze3lf]

If you are car camping sure. Who wants to carry a one pound propane bottle hiking though?

[@anthonyromano8565]

I will stick to my Uco Candle lantern. The only original gear I still use.

[@chiraldude]

I used to take gas lanterns on camping trips but I find this sort of thing mostly obsolete. Led head lamps and lanterns are so much more useful. You can use alkaline batteries or rechargeable lithium. Mount a solar panel to your pack and charge during the day or just bring a power bank.

[@Meibeon]

Back in the 1980's the Anchor Lamp was King . The thrill of a cheap Chinese petrol lamp not exploding in your face and burning with the energy of the Sun was amazing.

[@davidfritsch9052]

Awesome I guess I gotta look for it thank you again much love much respect catch you later

[@therealdrecu]

I kinda like it for the mood factor but in that case im rather taking my uco lantern, smaller form factor and well longer burn time and i just can take those candles to extend easily ^^

[@LiberalsCauseCancer]

Considering the price, weight, size etc.... it never made any sense to me to go with a butane lantern. Electric options are better in just about every way.

[@stillnocouch]

Exactly. Lite weight lantern: Fine. Two pounds of fuel ? I’m a hard pass in this. Not to mention the waste !

[@apsynto]

Butane cans are cheap as chips, store forever, aren't bothered if they get wet, can also be used in devices for cooking and heating...still doesn't make sense? No one said that you have to take it hiking with you..

[@laidbacktraveler2580]

Until you have to dispose of the canisters, far more going into the landfills than other light sources readily available.

[@Joey-ee7wp]

Anyone want to buy a buggy whip?

[@floyd2386]

The only time gas makes sense is when you need heat and light.

[@raynman67]

I have a Coleman backpacking lantern isobutane, gives light and can keep you warm on a chilly night outside, just set it on the ground in front of you put your hands over it. It is safe to say I have used this as much as a heater as a light. (not in your tent obviously) 100% concede LED lantern and light are brighter but the bonus of heat output plus the old comfort of a gas mantle lantern burning has me still using it. Who says you can’t have both. LED weight next to nothing.

[@lindawoody8501]

Looks very nice and would be handy. Thanks for the nice review. Good to know about the little Butane Lantern.

[@carrievornkahl6442]

I prefer the strip of led lights that you did a vlog on. I loved the bag you can put them in to make them a hanging lamp!

[@phasmata3813]

In addition to the sentiments about the superiority of other kinds of lanterns/area lighting, I've found that I just don't care about even using lanterns at all. When I NEED brighter light at night, I use my headlamp, but most of the time bright light just isn't needed like people think. Even when I do use my headlamp I usually keep it quite low. Eyes adjust to lower light given a little time, and I enjoy the dark for what it is rather than trying to fight and reject it. My only area lighting anymore is my Luminoodle because it is so small, light, and doesn't cast harsh shadows. The only time I seek a heat source is winter camping, and then I have my wood stove. If I want extra light I have some candle lanterns that aren't bulky, don't have empty cans to pack out, and don't care how cold it is to function.

[@parts_unknown]

It has 150 Lux (150 lumen per m²) (written down on the package) and it has a connection for a bayonet valve (Type MSF 1A), you need to look for a cartridge with a cut-out for connection. Paid 15,49 € for eight cartridges in Germany. Nice light, changig a bit from cold to warm, depending on flow. Haven`t found an english manual, but the drawings in the japanese have been sufficent. Love it.

[@mariamaldonado3275]

I like the idea of me having one for my house. So when the lights goes out, because of the weather ☁️.

[@amfearliathmor9747]

Gosystems G2350 350 gram 70/30 butane/propane canisters cost around £40 or $46 for a pack of 12. The 8oz 227 gram Butane Cartridges would require a 18 count for the equivalent of $54 (REI was showing the cost at $3 per cartridge). Multipacks will probably be cheaper. Using a Campingmoon Z13M adapter with the SOTO and the G2350 canisters would allow operation down to around -12C or 10F A Campingmoon Z23-OD Rocket stand can also be used with a SOTO Windmaster Stove and remote Canister G2350 Cartridge as well.

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

I have a compact lantern with a permanent metal mantle and sides that fold out as a reflector. Works pretty well and just about as small as a pocket rocket stove.

[@ktownc936]

Where can I get one ?

[@fp4man542]

@@ktownc936 That would be the Soto SOD-250. You might be able to find them on Amazon (depending on which country you're in), or eBay. I've got a short video of one on my channel, if you would like to see it in action.

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

I bought mine a long time ago and has the Brunto name on it, but it looks exactly like the SotoSOD-250 and was nowhere near the Amazon price. Maybe was $75.

[@fp4man542]

@@markswishereatsstuff2500 I believe that a few Soto products were sold under the Brunton brand, in the USA.

[@fp4man542]

@@markswishereatsstuff2500 Have you ever had to replace the platinum mantle on your lantern?

[@sc.hoover]

Just thought I'd drop a line. New viewer from Elkview WV. Really enjoy the videos and am getting ready to set my truck up and start camping myself.

[@stephengomme777]

Hello Luke great little tent heater more practical as a winter tent heater than a light source.for short periods of time say 10 20 minutes to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning in a tent with slight ventilation openings not to be used in total enclosed tent situations.

[@BEARMC27]

Btw, Shinfuji is the parent company of Soto. If you find a product with Shinfuji branding and it looks similar to Soto's, don't worry. Product example: torch lighter and more

[@timhayes45]

Wants and needs always my conundrum, very cool any way you look at it.

[@luisalbertoarellanoarevalo5922]

Dont burn the mantle with gas, burn it with a match and wait until its done, you will notice the change.

[@andrewskowronski6283]

Slow and easy at that, i like an even crisp to my mantles, only use Peerless Mantles, blows the others away. Cheers!

[@IMDARKFIRE007]

Yea I'm not too keen on can fuel, I use my wood burning flat pack rocket stove and my UCO 3 candle lantern I converted to oil...that thing is super bright and lasts about 8 hours before needing a refill. Also puts out good heat in winter. The Mr. Buddy heater has my attention though I'll admit.

[@andrewskowronski6283]

UCO Candle Lanterns are awesome, burn time easily around 10-12 hours. Bought the brass ones years ago, classic illumination and enlightenment. Cheers!

[@IMDARKFIRE007]

@@andrewskowronski6283 Yea, the candles from UCO are insanely long lasting, I converted mine to oil for two reasons, oil is much cheaper than the candles, and no wax mess. All you lose is like 3 hours burn time. My conversion kit wasn't cheap at a hundred bucks, but it's already paid for itself if you calculate what I would have paid out by now in those candles.

[@ychuen5753]

Thank you for sharing this review, I was thinking about buying this item so this review really comes handy, thank you so much.

[@Olyphoto7]

Very cool lantern, thanks for sharing!

[@johnf2379]

I love Soto and have one of their stoves, but a good LED lantern beats this in just about every way I can think of.

[@mando8000]

Unnatural LED light sucks. I hate it nothing like real light of fire.

[@laidbacktraveler2580]

There is nothing natural about gas powered light, no matter how much you or I may like it.

[@floyd2386]

@@mando8000 You haven't seen a good LED.

[@wykeykey1]

Exactly my thoughts, I came to the comments to see the benefits of laterns over led's....and apart from "natural light" .which can easily be replicated on led's using a piece of colour correction gel. So they're not brighter, don't run as long, less practical where they can be placed and dont have the additional aid of being able to charge other devices. As you say they certainly lead when it comes to their portable stoves.

[@johanedenberg3533]

Primus has a similar product that you conect to a regular 230 gram gas canister for hiking.

[@mantass7094]

Lovely Japanese camp lantern👌

[@justinbabbs6120]

The make a stand thing for those cans of fuel the can slides into it. Get that and strap it or nail to something sideways andbthen slide the can inside it. That's how you hang it from a tree

[@larryfolloway6335]

After the first burn the new mantle will be just as fragile as the old one.

[@tompinnef6331]

Looks handy but a hanging one would be my choice. Take care - hope you and everyone are having a great weekend.

[@MegaSusanc]

Hey Luke, thanks for the review 😀 😊. God bless ya!

[@microtyger]

Yes, Amazon says 10-14 business days to allow for shipping from Japan. 😉

[@WilliamStout27]

I can see it being a great backup for power outages along with a Gas One stove, cheers S & H

[@raymondeldridge6068]

There’s a hundreds gas lantern butane, propane, and gas for a 1/4 of that price I’ve been using my Colman lantern,campstove, and catalyst heater for over 50 years when truck camping or deer hunting in my cabin

[@3095Alex]

Looks good just wish it was a little brighter.

[@jonathantan2469]

With rechargable LED lanterns & lights, these types of mantle lanterns are basically obsolete for camping & hiking. They're heavier & more fragile, and more expensive to run as they use canister fuel. The only type of mantle lantern that would be somewhat practical will be those larger Coleman ones which use gasolene, kerosene, or propane piped from those larger BBQ gas tanks. And in situations where LED lanterns would be at a disadvantage... like a long term off-grid stay in a remote area where you can't get enough sunlight to recharge batteries with solar because of the forest canopy above, constant overcast or rainy weather, or short daylight hours in wintertime.

[@sheltermonkey6065]

Not to mention that they produce carbon monoxide, so they should never be used in enclosed areas.

[@duckman12569]

That is Really cool

[@romeras600]

I am always looking forward to your reviews. Always real and to the point. Possible purchase hahahha till the next one

[@ArielleViking]

This is really nice even just for the nostalgia reason (it reminds me of the old Coleman gas lights). Nice review. 👍

[@jerryfife2015tacoma]

Hi Luke hope all is well and a great review as always. I like it, simple as that and I want one, lol Thanks

[@ryang5668]

Thanks, was eyeing this off in one of your videos I watched recently. $119 Amazon AU, added to wishlist 👍🙏🙏

[@BackroadFreedom]

I think it looks good. That would come in handy for sure. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@niklashall5969]

Because of Luke's agenda free review of this gas lantern I shall be buying the Soto lantern and with Luke's assurance of quality throughout the Soto range I shall be buying many Soto products in the future. Thank you Luke!

[@greenpanda7121]

Not going to start carrying a butane canister camping or backpacking, I admire your unwavering positivity but I don't see the situation where this lantern is a great choice.

[@jimcoyle1752]

Hi Luke I am going to buy one of these I will let you know what I think of it but your review has convinced me it will work well

[@Mr300zx90]

looks awesome thanks luke

[@lindahouser9814]

I watched your video on your camper cabin you put on Wolf Mountain and you asked for suggestions on how to come up with a bed for two. Have you ever thought about a type of Murphy Bed that raises on each side? You can have one side that you could raise or leave for a like couch seating and the other side is raised when you do not need it for sleeping, when lowered it would meet the other side kind of in the middle to make sleeping for two. I hope this makes sense I am afraid I do not explain well.

[@カルボキシ]

It's true that LEDs are more convenient and comfortable. By the way, there's something even more comfortable than camping. It's called home.

[@granitesand78]

The Northstar, both propane and wg, is probably 4 times brighter than this I’d imagine. This is neat though!

[@kke]

The mantles in fuel lanterns are very brittle after first use

[@TMNT3388]

Thanks Luke! the price as of today 11/08 is now $80 bucks 🙂

[@DK-bs6mu]

Cool factor is a ten

[@ridgerover8347]

Cut and put a shiny pie plate under the globe for more light and heat.

[@larrymelton8359]

Wildholics, sells this lamp and state the brightness is 150 lm. I suppose you can interpret that to mean 150 lumens. Also, they list this lamp for HK$499 (on sale from HK$599) which is equivalent to $63.67. Larry from Texas

[@richardshoat8711]

I like it.

[@davidallen4555]

Hey great review I have a camping gaz uk lantern like this but upright great bit of kit. Could you do a review of the Coleman Dual fuel, twin burner stove, I've had one for years and love it its obviously a big stove for backpacking but would love to hear your thoughts on it, cheers Dave, Newcastle, UK.

[@Nicholas-V]

Interesting note "Soto" in Japanese means "outside" which is pretty clever.

[@lostsheep664866]

Cool little lantern but two much for the little light it makes maybe if u get stuff on the side of road need some heat

[@kipsinc.-ottawaks9242]

This is off topic regarding your lantern review. Within the last few months I've been watching your KZbin channel and trying to catch up. I've noticed you enjoy dehydrated meals and am curious to know whether you've done a review on the Kelly Kettle? I'd enjoy hearing what your thoughts might be.

[@steveswartout7408]

I don't see me changing from my hurricane lamp to that.

[@bryanhutchens1812]

i think a led battery power lantern would last longer and be brighter and cheaper

[@edwardkenny2356]

A big con would be the dedicated fuel bottles. Without the Soto fuel, it becomes a paperweight, just ask anyone who years ago purchased the Coleman Xpert and style backpacking stoves. It only used the Coleman fuel bottles. Coleman discontinued the fuel bottles and instead sold an adapter for regular fuel cannisters, then, they discontinued the adapters. Thanks Coleman. Anyway... dedicated only fuel cannisters is not the way to go.

[@esotericcommonsense6366]

Aesthetic tho

[@kevinatkinson9390]

I'm wondering if you could do a review on the Primus Micron Lantern? it looks comparable to this lantern. I did like the review, will look at getting one for emergency light source for when the power goes out.

[@jayburke2798]

I don't like the holes in the lid, it seems like a raindrop can take out the mantle. I have a Brunton Lucy, very similar lantern but out of production, and the holes are further out. The Primus EasyLight looks ideal.

[@scottlomas5509]

I love it.

[@kurtjensen7264]

I have to be honest Luke. I will stick with the tried and true Coleman lantern

[@Moonman0769]

Hey Luke , hello from Australia , i have soto stove with an adaptor that utilises the cans as fuel.i see u have a cover for the can.. do you know where to get a quality one of those. cooking sometimes covers the can and of course a cover can be washed... love the channel - Bill

[@ar110sp]

soto platinum lantern sod-250, no mantel needed, try been using for few yrs

[@jan6293]

Luke 👍

[@neonsamurai1348]

It is a lot of light, yet you need to use your headlamp to cook with. I am surprised at how low intensity it is. I know the modern gas mantles are not as good as the old thorium ones, but wow. I would rather go with a UCO Candle lantern to be honest.

[@samhill3496]

Wonder if Coleman mantles work with it?

[@kearnsey64]

Could you heat up a cup of water on top of the lantern? Just wondering.

[@mikerobinson6606]

Why am i so doubtful that this is brighter than the Northstar latern?

[@fernaureason7150]

Hey Luke, I hope you're doing well. I was wondering what ever happened to that $1000 Osprey backpack? Love your videos!

[@raymondeldridge6068]

Eoocvt looks to be a better choice at 25.00

[@1stRanger]

So I wonder if you put a cup of water on top will it boil eventually?

[@kathleenshoup2394]

Luke do you look at. tents lantern from store s to what you get on Amazon just would like to see what you think of some of the there tent and lantern you

[@SeaDog5951]

Don't like the fact you cant hang it, I use a similar Mini Portable Camping Lantern that can be hung that I run on a propane conversion adaptor. Its probably made in China but I have used it most everyday for 9 months and it still works, it was $ 23.00.

[@samuelkeystone]

I believe the mantles have asbestos, so special care needed. It needs a hard-shell case. It looks fragile for camping. The mantle would break easily with rough handling. Strength and honor.

[@johnlang9763]

Mantles are made of silk and a number of oxides, no asbestos

[@stevekwiatkowski2535]

Older mantels do contain asbestos, and are ACTUALLY considered radioactive. Newer ones are safe.

[@floyd2386]

Actually some mantles are slightly radioactive. Never heard about asbestos.

[@kathleenshoup2394]

Luke I remember a Christmas lunch you and Susie went on will you maybe a than giving one or Christmas

[@karelianprepper]

Good video. A cool looking lantern. There's a lot of good stuff in that lantern. I have a question about stoves. If war breaks out, which stove would you take with you if you were a soldier?

[@rthompson884]

Need to find out how and where we can order mantles????????

[@16D]

Is carbon monoxide a concern when used in an enclosed space such as a tent?

[@sheltermonkey6065]

Of course. This product should never be used in a tent or enclosed space.

[@Studat]

I don't think much of it tbh. Bulky to carry. Prefer to battery powered light. The heat is a neat feature.

[@garystern4441]

How long will that cannister last?

[@FR0MUNDA]

Soto is “outside” in Japanese. Sometimes Japanese companies are not very original with their company names.

[@adamp185]

Is it going to work in winter? Will the butane evaporate in low temp?

[@fratecucodrul9474]

Does it work as a tent heater?

[@Funkteon]

Would rather own a LedLenser ML6 'Warm'. It pumps out the same warm coloured light as this thing but it's rechargeable and only 10% the size...

[@moorejl57]

That just looks awkward, would take a LED lamp over this 10/10. Also, probably not safe as a tent heater given the CO potential.

[@sheltermonkey6065]

Definitely not safe. Very strange that he didn't mention it.