The Coleman 274BH uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that charges through a USB-C port on the lantern itself

The Coleman 274BH is a battery-powered camping lantern with a built-in rechargeable battery. You charge it by plugging a USB-C cable directly into the port on the bottom or side of the lantern — the same type of cable used for many phones and tablets. There is no separate battery to remove or charger to buy. The lantern charges while sitting on a table, in your tent, or anywhere you have access to power.

A full charge from completely dead takes roughly 4 to 6 hours, depending on the power source. Once charged, the lantern runs for 8 to 40 hours depending on which brightness setting you use — higher brightness drains the battery faster. You can charge the lantern while it is on, though it will charge more slowly.

Key Takeaways

  • The 274BH charges through a USB-C port using any standard USB-C cable and a power source like a wall outlet, car charger, or power bank.
  • A full charge takes 4 to 6 hours from a standard wall outlet, and longer from lower-power sources like a car charger or power bank.
  • The lantern will charge while powered on, but charging stops or slows significantly once the battery reaches full capacity.
  • You do not need to fully drain the battery before charging — plugging it in whenever convenient will not damage the lithium-ion battery.

What power sources work for charging

Any USB-C power source will charge the 274BH. The fastest charging happens with a standard wall outlet using a USB-C to USB-C cable plugged into a power adapter rated for at least 2 amps. Most phone chargers sold in the last few years meet this requirement. If you are charging from a car, use a USB-C car charger rated for 2 amps or higher — a low-power car charger will charge very slowly or not at all.

Power banks also work, but the lantern will charge slowly if the power bank is low capacity or old. A modern power bank with 20,000 mAh or higher capacity will charge the lantern in roughly the same time as a wall outlet. Older or smaller power banks may take 8 to 12 hours or longer. If you are camping and plan to charge from a power bank, bring one with enough capacity to charge the lantern at least once.

Charging time and what affects it

From a standard 2-amp wall charger, the 274BH reaches full charge in 4 to 6 hours. The exact time depends on the charger's actual output — a 3-amp charger will be faster than a 2-amp charger. Temperature also matters: charging in cold weather (below 50°F) slows the process significantly, sometimes by several hours. If you are camping in cold conditions, charge the lantern indoors or in a warm vehicle when possible.

Charging while the lantern is on uses some of the incoming power to run the light, so the battery charges more slowly. If the lantern is on at high brightness, charging may take 8 to 10 hours or longer. Turning the lantern off or switching to low brightness will let the battery charge faster. Once the battery is fully charged, the lantern stops drawing power from the charger, so leaving it plugged in overnight will not overcharge or damage the battery.

How to tell when charging is complete

The 274BH has an LED indicator light that shows charging status. While charging, this light is usually red or amber. When the battery reaches full charge, the light turns green or stops blinking — the exact behavior depends on your lantern model, so check your manual for the specific indicator. Some models also have a small display that shows battery percentage.

If the indicator light does not change after 8 hours of charging, the charger or cable may not be working properly. Unplug the lantern and try a different USB-C cable first — cables fail more often than chargers. If a different cable does not work, try charging from a different outlet or device to rule out a problem with your power source.

Caring for the battery during storage

If you store the lantern for more than a month without using it, charge it to about 50 percent before putting it away. A lithium-ion battery stored at full charge or completely empty will lose capacity over time. Storing it at half charge keeps the battery healthy for years. Before your next camping trip, charge it fully and let it sit for a few hours to stabilize before use.

Keep the lantern and charging port dry. If the USB-C port gets wet, let it dry completely before plugging in a charger — moisture in the port can cause a short circuit. If the lantern gets wet during use, wipe the port dry and wait at least 24 hours before charging. Store the lantern in a cool, dry place — heat degrades lithium-ion batteries faster than cold storage.

What to do if the lantern will not charge

Start by checking the cable. Unplug the USB-C cable from the lantern and inspect both ends for bent pins, corrosion, or debris. If the port or cable looks dirty, use a dry cloth or a dry cotton swab to clean it gently. Do not use water or compressed air. Plug the cable back in and try charging again.

If the lantern still will not charge, try a different USB-C cable. Many charging problems are caused by a failed cable, not a failed charger or lantern. If you do not have another cable, borrow one from a phone or tablet. If a different cable works, you know the original cable is the problem and needs replacement.

If multiple cables do not work, try charging from a different power outlet or device. A wall outlet, car charger, and power bank will tell you whether the problem is with your original power source. If the lantern charges from one source but not another, the lantern is probably fine — the original charger or outlet is the problem.

If the lantern will not charge from any source and the port looks clean and dry, the battery or charging circuit inside the lantern may have failed. Coleman lanterns come with a limited warranty that usually covers battery defects for one to two years from purchase. Check your manual or Coleman's website for the warranty period and how to contact their support team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge the 274BH while I am using it?

Yes, you can charge while the lantern is on. The battery will charge more slowly because some power goes to the light, especially at high brightness. Turning the lantern off or to low brightness will speed up charging. Once the battery is full, the lantern stops drawing power from the charger.

How often should I charge the battery?

Charge whenever the battery gets low — you do not need to wait until it is completely dead. Lithium-ion batteries last longer if you charge them regularly rather than letting them fully drain. For camping trips, charge the lantern the night before you leave and whenever you have access to power during the trip.

What if I lose the USB-C cable?

Any standard USB-C cable will work — you do not need a Coleman-branded cable. USB-C cables are inexpensive and widely available at electronics stores, drugstores, and online retailers. Make sure the cable is in good condition and the charger you use is rated for at least 2 amps for reasonable charging speed.

Will the lantern charge from a solar panel?

Some solar chargers and solar power banks have USB-C output and can charge the 274BH, but charging will be very slow — often taking 12 to 24 hours or longer depending on sunlight and the solar panel's wattage. A solar panel rated for 10 watts or higher will work better than a smaller one. For reliable charging on camping trips, bring a wall charger or power bank instead.

Is it safe to leave the lantern plugged in overnight?

Yes, it is safe. Once the battery reaches full charge, the lantern stops drawing power from the charger. Leaving it plugged in will not overcharge or damage the battery. However, unplugging it when fully charged saves a small amount of electricity.