Choosing the Best Camping Lights and Lanterns

Choosing the Best Camping Lights and Lanterns by David Camp

Good, reliable lighting is essential for camping safety and comfort. Good lighting is an absolute necessity that should top every camping equipment checklist (right after ‘tent’).

So what type is better, and how do you choose one?

First off, one is not really better than the other; for most campers, having both a lantern and a flashlight is a good idea (the exception, possibly, is backpacking where transport becomes an issue).

* Flashlights provide fast, portable, lightweight lighting easily taken off-site.

* Flashlights spot the light directly where you need it to be.

* Lanterns are larger and bulkier items, but they are very good at casting all-around light for sizable distances.

* They also stand alone and are hands-free.

The right camp lighting will depend on your style and longevity of camping.

What Kind of Camper Are You?

You’ll need camp lighting that lasts as long as you do and can handle your kind of camping. This directly impacts the kind of lantern and flashlights you should buy.

* Battery operated and fuel burning lanterns risk running out of power and require you to carry extra batteries and fuel; these are good for short camping trips or for people camping near to re-supply sources and for those at camping grounds.

* They are more economical in price, but you should also take into consideration the cost of replacement fuels and batteries. Also, fueled lanterns may be more reasonable choices if you are already packing fuel for camp stoves and the like anyway.

* Solar powered flashlights and lanterns can recharge everyday; they’re good for long trips where back-up supplies are limited or non-existent.

* Solar powered lighting may cost a little more in the beginning, but the cost can even out over the life of the light as there are no batteries and fuels to replace.

* Rechargeable camp flashlights and lanterns (such as those chargeable in car jacks, etc.) are sort of middle-of-the-road options; often, rechargeable are more useful as a back-up feature on a battery or solar unit.

* Always remember, though, that a rechargeable light is only as good as its power supply-the best bet here is really the dual-powered option.

Know What Kind Of Lighting You Want & Need?

It all depends on what you do at night while you are camping.

* For small and flexible, targeted (as for reading maps, etc.), and emergency lighting, choose a flashlight.

* For hands-free function, choose lanterns and headlamps (worn on a band around the head).

* For those hiking individually, or in a small groups of two or three, a flashlight and headlamp might be best; this keeps the size and weight down in the pack.

* Larger groups tend to socialize more in the evenings and enjoy being able to light up their site; for this function, lanterns are necessary.

Other Camp Lighting Features to Consider

To help you choose between similar models, think about the features you might use and enjoy.

* Multi-functioning camp lighting-you can better justify the size and weight of a unit if it doubles as a lantern/flashlight, radio, GPS, etc.

* Back-up power source-such as solar, batteries, or rechargeable, as talked about earlier . Hooks for hanging (from trees, etc.)

* Weatherproof/waterproof-as camp lighting always should be

* Durability-you don’t want Dollar-Store cheap, you want something shock-proof, strong, and scratch-resistant that can take a beating under the elements

* Adjustable beams-to give you just the light you want

And last but never least, factor safety into your camp lantern and flashlight purchases. (Especially for fuel-burning lanterns)

Consider how hot the unit will get and whether it will be safe for use in and around flammable tents and camping gear.

If you camp with children, safety is of particular importance. When all things are considered, however, you’ll find it easy to choose just the right camping flashlights and camping lanterns to light your way safely and effectively on every camping trip.

David Camp is a staff writer for Northwest Backpack Specialties. They specialize in camping and hiking equipment for the outdoor enthusiast, featuring all the major brand names.

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