VERY heavy when loaded with 8 DD batteries. Definitely not for backpackers. I have only played with it in the house and it seems to work well. Real world use will be the test! Just a bit too expensive. Nice and bright, even on low.
I had a previous version of this lantern and have found significant upgrades in this new one. First, the battery compartment is much easier to manipulate and, although I don't know if I would use it (with 4) the device is capable of operating on 4 or 8 batteries. Second, the lights are much brighter (don't yet know how much this will affect run time) and the panels are affixed via magnets rather than a physical latch. Overall a much improved product from a well respected manufacturer.