I'm not sure why these are so hard to find--it seems like everybody would want one.

The idea of the reflector is simple, reflect the light from the back of your lantern to the front . . . these used to be readily available in stores, but for some reason, they're hard to find these days.

I don't think I could do without the reflector, since my Coleman lantern is so bright that it blinds me if what I'm looking at isn't in direct view. It also doubles the light in front, so if you're walking, it puts the light where you need it. I think anybody with a lantern should have one of these.

The frosted globe even out the light, which is nice, especially, when you're trying to eat.

Both of these are available on Coleman's web site, but you have to dig around in the 'parts' section of the 290 series lanterns to find them. The globe is part number 290-0461, and the reflector is 295-720T. These don't show up on the search pages all the time, though, so you might even be better off with a phone call.