Survival Review: Coghlan's 36-Hour Survival Candle (6-Ounce)

 

When it comes to survival gear, reliable and versatile tools can mean the difference between comfort and crisis. The Coghlan's 36-Hour Survival Candle is a compact and lightweight option designed to provide long-lasting light and heat in emergency situations. Here's a full review covering its performance, usability, and overall value.

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Key Features

1. Burn Time: 36 hours of total burn time, divided among three wicks.
2. Size: Compact and portable at 6 ounces.
3. Wicks: Three separate wicks for adjustable lighting and heat.
4. Container: Durable metal tin with a secure lid to prevent damage and spills.
5. Use Cases: Light, heat, and emergency cooking or warming.

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Performance

1. Burn Time and Efficiency
The 36-hour burn time is impressive for such a small candle, especially when used strategically. By lighting one wick at a time, you can extend the total usage time. If higher brightness or more heat is needed, lighting multiple wicks simultaneously works effectively, though it reduces the total duration.

2. Light Output
The candle provides a steady, warm light suitable for small spaces like tents, cabins, or shelters. While it won't replace a flashlight or lantern for outdoor navigation, it excels at creating ambient light for indoor use or close-quarters tasks.

3. Heat Production
The heat generated is modest but sufficient to warm hands or a small area. In an insulated space, such as a tent, it can provide some relief from the cold, but it isn't a substitute for a proper heat source in freezing conditions.

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Usability

1. Portability
The small size and light weight make it easy to pack in emergency kits, bug-out bags, or car survival kits. The metal tin is sturdy and protects the candle from damage during transport.

2. Versatility
The three-wick system allows for flexibility in use. One wick is ideal for conserving fuel, while two or three wicks provide more light and heat for short-term needs. The candle can also be used for basic cooking tasks, like warming water or heating canned food.

3. Safety
The contained design reduces the risk of fire compared to open-flame candles, but care is still required when using it indoors. Always place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface, and keep it away from flammable materials.

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Durability

The metal tin is durable and well-sealed, preventing the wax from melting or leaking in storage. The wicks are easy to light and extinguish, and the wax burns cleanly with minimal soot.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Long burn time (up to 36 hours with careful use).
• Compact and lightweight for easy storage and transport.
• Versatile three-wick system for adjustable output.
• Durable tin for safe and secure storage.

Cons

• Heat output is limited for colder climates.
• Light output is weaker compared to LED lanterns.
• Not suitable as a primary light or heat source in extreme conditions.

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Who Is It Best For?

The Coghlan's 36-Hour Survival Candle is ideal for:

• Emergency preparedness: A must-have in survival kits for natural disasters or power outages.
• Campers and hikers: Great for low-light and low-heat needs on trips.
• Vehicle kits: Handy for roadside emergencies or unexpected overnight stays.

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Final Thoughts

The Coghlan's 36-Hour Survival Candle is a reliable and versatile tool that shines as part of a well-rounded survival kit. While it won't replace flashlights, lanterns, or high-output heaters, it offers a lightweight and convenient backup for light and warmth in emergencies. Its affordability and efficiency make it a valuable addition for both casual campers and serious preppers.

Get The Coghlan's Candle On Amazon!

Review of the Camp Chef EX60LW Explorer 2-Burner Outdoor Camping Modular Cooking Stove

The Camp Chef EX60LW Explorer 2-Burner Outdoor Camping Modular Cooking Stove is a versatile, rugged, and reliable piece of equipment designed for outdoor cooking, camping, and emergency situations. Whether you're tailgating, grilling in your backyard, or preparing meals off the grid during a power outage, this stove provides the kind of performance and portability that outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preppers alike will appreciate.

Key Features

• Dual Burners: The Camp Chef EX60LW features two high-performance, adjustable burners that can produce up to 30,000 BTUs of cooking power each. This gives you the ability to cook multiple meals at once, whether you're boiling water, frying, or simmering.
• Modular Design: One of the standout features of this stove is its modular cooking system. The 60,000 BTU output from two burners allows you to add various accessories to enhance your cooking experience. You can attach grills, griddles, pizza ovens, and more, making this stove adaptable to any outdoor cooking style.
• Durability and Construction: Built with a powder-coated steel frame and robust stainless steel burners, this stove is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. It is weather-resistant, easy to clean, and made to last through harsh environments.
• Portable Design: Despite its heavy-duty construction, the Camp Chef EX60LW is relatively easy to transport, thanks to its compact size and removable legs. It’s designed for portability, with enough cooking space for large groups but still small enough to pack into a car for camping trips or emergency situations.
• Versatile Fuel Options: The stove uses propane fuel, with an easy-to-attach propane tank connection (typically a 20-pound tank). This makes it a reliable option in emergencies where gas may be the most available or only option for cooking.

Performance

The stove offers excellent heat control thanks to the adjustable dials on each burner, which allow you to fine-tune your cooking temperature. Whether you’re searing a steak over high heat or simmering a pot of soup, the burners provide enough power to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

The burners have wind guards to minimize the impact of wind on your cooking. This makes it more reliable in outdoor settings where conditions can change quickly, especially in a camping or emergency situation.

Emergency Use: A Lifesaver During Power Outages

The Camp Chef EX60LW Explorer 2-Burner Stove is especially valuable in emergency situations. If you live in an area prone to power outages due to storms, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events, this stove could be a lifesaver when you need to prepare hot meals.

1. Reliable Cooking When the Power Goes Out: In situations where your kitchen appliances are rendered useless due to a power failure, the EX60LW can take over the cooking duties. It runs on propane, which can be stored for long periods, making it a great backup for power outages. You won’t have to rely on canned or pre-packaged food alone—you can still cook fresh meals on this stove as long as you have a supply of propane.

2. Flexibility for Emergency Meals: Because of the stove’s dual burners, you can cook multiple dishes at once, which is helpful when you're trying to feed a family during a stressful situation. Whether you need to boil water for sterilization, cook soup, or fry food, the EX60LW provides ample space and power to get it all done in a relatively short time.

3. Cooking Outdoors to Avoid Hazards Indoors: In cases of house fires, smoke damage, or hazardous gas leaks, cooking indoors may not be an option. The Camp Chef stove can be used outdoors in such emergencies, keeping your family safe while still being able to prepare hot meals.

4. Portable and Ready for Use: In case of evacuation, you can easily take the stove with you. Its compact design, portability, and the ability to hook up to a standard propane tank mean you can set it up virtually anywhere, whether you’re in a shelter, a campsite, or even a temporary outdoor setup in your backyard.

Pros

• High cooking power (60,000 BTU) allows for efficient cooking in emergency situations.
• Versatile modular design lets you customize the stove with other Camp Chef accessories.
• Portable and easy to store, making it a great choice for both camping and emergency use.
• Durable steel construction ensures long-lasting performance in tough conditions.
• Wind guards ensure more consistent heat output when cooking outdoors.

Cons

• Size and weight: While portable for a stove of its power, it is still a bit bulky compared to smaller camping stoves, so it may not be ideal for those looking for ultra-compact gear.
• Propane dependency: The stove requires propane, so you’ll need to have an adequate supply on hand, which may require additional space for storage in preparation for emergencies.

Conclusion

The Camp Chef EX60LW Explorer 2-Burner Outdoor Camping Modular Cooking Stove is a highly versatile and powerful stove that excels in both outdoor and emergency situations. Its high output, modular design, and portability make it a great choice for campers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone preparing for emergencies. In times of need—whether it’s during a power outage or natural disaster—this stove ensures that you won’t go hungry and can still cook hot, nutritious meals. Its reliability and flexibility make it an excellent addition to your emergency preparedness kit, offering peace of mind in challenging situations.

For those who enjoy outdoor cooking or simply want a dependable, emergency-ready stove, the Camp Chef EX60LW Explorer is an excellent investment.

Get Your Camp Chef Explorer On Amazon!