Lighting is always a concern when we talk about power outages. To that end, we preppers stock up on flashlights, headlamps, and batteries by the dozens. In addition to all those high-power LED torches, I also like to use candles, both in an emergency and, well, just because. I like the soft light a candle gives, relaxing and calming. Tea lights, in particular, burn for at least a few hours and are incredibly cheap.

The UCO Micro Candle Lantern is a great option for those who, like me, prefer candles to battery powered lights.

Very small and compact, the Micro Candle Lantern is the perfect size for using when camping as well as in the kitchen during a power outage. Closed, the lantern measures just a couple of inches high. Sliding it open adds a whopping inch, making the whole thing about 3.5″ tall.

The Micro Candle Lantern has a glass chimney protecting the tea light, preventing light breezes from blowing out the flame. A very cool feature is it holds not one but TWO tea lights. The spare is contained in the bottom of the lantern.

The base slides out from under the chimney housing. You touch your match to the wick and then slide the chimney back over the base, twisting it slightly to lock everything in place.

The UCO Micro Candle Lantern does give off a bit of heat in addition to light. It is a candle, after all. It isn’t enough heat to boil water or anything but you could certainly help loosen up frozen fingers after hauling wood in for the fireplace or wood stove.

As you can see in a few of the above pictures, the lantern has a bail and chain so you can hang it rather than set it on a table, if that’s your preference.

The aluminum housing is made to last, but I suggest popping extra for the neoprene cocoon case that is available. It adds quite a bit of cushion and protection if you’ll be packing the lantern in your bug out bag or camping gear.

I bought both the UCO Micro Candle Lantern and the neoprene cocoon at Survival Resources. The lantern runs $11.95 and comes with two tea lights. It is available in three colors – green, red, silver. The cocoon comes only in black and runs $5.95.