JOHN L Joe, i think they turn off after prolong unuse,the tiny led will not kill your batteries at all,when not in use i just remove them and put in a ziplock bag with the lantern,just to keep them from getting acid leaks. i use rechargble batteries, and take a spare set when camping. i love my lantern/flashlight.
Joe B Thanks John. I have just purchased the product from Sunnysports. Your advice was the deciding factor.
Joe
JOHN L JOE , I THINK IT STAYS ON , JUST SO YOU CAN FIND THE LANTERN IN THE DARK, READING UP ON THE POWER IT USES, AND FOR AN LED LIGHT THAT SMALL, IT WOULD TAKE YEARS TO KILL THE BATTERIES, JUST PULL THE BATTERIES WHEN NOT CAMPING. I OWN TWO, I LOVE THEM!!