UCO Sprout LED Lantern
Published · Researched 2026-09-21
Identifier: UCO Sprout LED Lantern (model ML-SPROUT, black). | Lineup note: UCO's collapsible mini LED lantern — 100 lm, 3× AAA, 64 g.
SUBSTITUTION BANNER: The originally planned item "UCO Airstar lantern" does not exist. Searches on 2026-09-20 found no evidence of any UCO camping lantern named "Airstar" — results for that name concerned industrial balloon lights. It was replaced with the UCO Sprout LED Lantern, UCO's current collapsible mini lantern. This substitution is recorded in the correction ledger (tables/lighting-r3-notes.md).
All prices and spec claims dated 2026-09-20.
Lineup & lineage (2023–2026)
The Sprout is UCO's long-running collapsible LED lantern, unchanged in concept through 2023–2026: collapsible polycarbonate body, 100 lm, 3× AAA, hanging hook. Do not confuse with the Sprout+ (ML-SPROUT-LI) — the rechargeable variant with an included Li-ion pack (or AAA option), different runtime and weight.
Overview
A 64 g collapsible lantern delivering 100 lumens from 3× AAA batteries: 5 h on high, 60 h on low. Collapses flat for packing; integrated hanging hook. The simplest possible camp lantern — no charging, no modes to learn.
Complete specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Max output | 100 lm |
| Runtimes | 5 h high / 60 h low |
| Weight | 64 g / 2.26 oz |
| Battery | 3× AAA (not included) |
| Features | Collapsible body; hanging hook |
Prices (2026-09-20)
- $17.99 — ucogear.com official product page (ML-SPROUT, black).
Box contents / warranty / support & parts
- Lantern, instructions. Batteries not included.
- UCO warranty: limited warranty against defects — confirm current terms at purchase (UNVERIFIED exact terms).
Community verdict
Quietly popular as a tent lantern and kid-friendly camp light: cheap, light, collapsible, and bright enough for tent interiors. Nobody expects more than 100 lm from it. The AAA format is both the appeal (no charging logistics) and the criticism (ongoing battery cost).
Durability & warranty-claim reality
Simple electronics in a collapsible plastic body — the hinge/collapse mechanism is the wear point. At $17.99, most owners replace rather than warranty-claim. No documented systemic failure pattern.
Year-by-year history
- 2023–2026: Unchanged in UCO's lineup; the Sprout+ (rechargeable) exists alongside as the premium variant.
Closest existing catalog rivals
- specs/goal-zero-crush-light.md — collapsible solar lantern; the Sprout's edge is simplicity and AAA power.
- specs/mpowerd-luci-outdoor-20-pro.md — inflatable solar lantern; brighter options, heavier.
- specs/uco-candle-lantern.md — UCO's classic candle lantern; the Sprout is the LED sibling.
Care
Remove AAA batteries for long storage; wipe the collapsible body clean before collapsing to avoid grit in the hinge.
Buying traps
- Sprout vs Sprout+ trap: the rechargeable Sprout+ (ML-SPROUT-LI) is a different product with different runtime/weight — verify which you're buying.
- 100 lm is tent-scale light, not area light.
- Batteries not included; factor 3× AAA into the real price.
Additional community voices
- Frequently recommended as a first lantern for kids and scout use because it's nearly indestructible in normal use and cheap to replace.
Spec gap-fill
UCO's exact current warranty terms — UNVERIFIED. All core specs verified from the official product page.
Images
- images/uco-sprout-led-lantern-1.jpg — studio: black, UCO EST. 71
- images/uco-sprout-led-lantern-2.jpg — studio: black, LI-ION badge
- images/uco-sprout-led-lantern-3.jpg — studio: black
- images/uco-sprout-led-lantern-4.jpg — OFFICIAL: red, in packaging
- images/uco-sprout-led-lantern-5.jpg — studio: black
- images/uco-sprout-led-lantern-6.jpg — studio: blue variant
All six verified 2026-09-20 (Sprout). Manifest: images/IMAGES-lighting-r3.md.
Research footer
Researched 2026-09-20. Sources: ucogear.com official product page (specs/price/model). Substitution from "Airstar" documented above and in the ledger.