Maybe you can already imagine that how much it can be tough in the wild darkness without a good light or lantern! You may think of carrying a light, but have you thought that is it good enough for your tour! Yes, there are lots of options for making light, but which should be the best for you!

Well, here we have explained all the facts which can matter for choosing better ways to light up your campsite.

The best light and lantern options for enlightening your campsite

 

Headlamp:

This could be your best option if you want to keep your hands free. However, if you are busy like setting up a fire or searching something which you dropped somewhere, you may need to focus on specific thighs than this may come handy.

Check before you choose :

The perfect light for camping:

• Type of beam: Flood beams are good for reading books or writing something, but it does not focus so long where spot beams are best for focusing on long distance. However, you can also find adjustable beam type.
• Lumens: Lumen means the quantity of light can be produced from a light source. So, the higher the lumens, the more the light, but know that higher lumen cost more energy than the lower. Remember 20 lumens is good for reading books.
• Beam distance: Beam distance can make you determine that how far the light can reach. It is important when you navigate any signal.
• Runtime: How long the light can steady or how long it takes to drop 10% brightness with new batteries.
• Batteries: Lithium batteries are most popular for a headlamp in cold weather. However, you will find rechargeable nickel metal hybrid batteries also, but they lose power. So, it is good to take alkalines for back up which can hold their charge.
• Additional features: Boost/Zoom ( this feature will allow you to focus more intensely for around 20 seconds), Regulated output ( this feature will help you to fix a steady light ), Redlight mode, water resistance, On/Off switches.

• Flashlights: Flashlight can be another option for you when it needs to focus on something strongly or pass any signal from far.

Check before you choose:

The best camping light:

Besides the above-described facts in a headlamp, you must check the below:

• Mechanism: How easy you can make on/off wearing gloves in cold! How it feels in your hand! Does the size suite with your hand! is the weight uncomfortable! Does it require changing batteries!
• Bulb type: You may still find krypton bulbs, but we suggest you take LED technology just because of its brightness option, impact resistance, runtime.

• Lantern: When you are in the tent and you need a light for lightening up inside the tent, a lantern is a must. You may want to play chess or cards, but would it be possible without a lantern! Now, let’s know the categories of lantern:
• Types of the best camping lanterns:

Electrical:

•  Pros:
  – Does not need any fuel,
  – Safe to use, LED does not generate heat,
  – Does not make noise,
  – Steady brightness and good light output,
  – Easy to handle,
  – lightweight,
  – Flameless,
  – No smock,
  – Rechargeable using solar.
  Cons:
  – Changing batteries or recharge batteries,
  – Batteries disposal,
  – Electrical damage possible.

Fuel:

• Pros:
  – Does not need any electrical source,
  – Lots of fuel option like Propane, Butane, White Gas, Cerosin.
  – Fuel tanks of Propane are refillable and fuel efficient,
  – Butane canisters are easy to use, compact.
  Cons:
  – Comparatively heavy,
  – Comparatively bulky,
  – Makes noise,
  – Generate heat,
  – Not exhaust free needs ventilation.

Candle lantern:

• Pros:
  – No fuel cost,
  – Sweet natural light,
  – No noise,
  – Weigh light.
  Cons:
  – Brightness is minimal,
  – Generates heat,
  – Keeping it besides flammable materials can be dangerous,

• Notes:
• Do not use lithium or lithium-ion batteries without the recommendation of the manufacturer.

• Take several mantles with you if you are going to use Fuel for Lantern.
•  Alkaline batteries lose strength in below 20 degrees F. So keep it in your sleeping bag while sleeping and carry under clothing.

•  Besides a lantern, it is safe to carry a headlamp or flashlight just because of an emergency.
•  Check your light and lantern before you go.

 

You need to think before you buy light and lantern for camping:

• Size and weight: If you are camping in a car than this should not be your concern, but if you are backpacking then you must think of your space for the lantern as well as the weight.
• Appropriate selection: If you are planning for hiking, a Gas lantern is not for you. However, if you are planning for climbing, you may need a headlamp. So choose your category, according to your activities.
• Fuel selection: If you are planning for Fuel lantern than It will be wise to choose what kind of fuel which is similar to your stove fuel.
• Climate consideration: You may already know, a battery can get damp in freezing condition.
• Safety issue: Electric lanterns are safe to use in the tent just because they do not generate heat as well as noise free and exhaust free.

GAS Lantern or Electric Lantern?

It is really tough to say which is comfortable for you, but most campers like the electrical types for its simplicity. However, when there is a question of winter, make sure you have enough battery as well as you will have to maintain them carefully.

On the other hand, Gas lanterns are still popular for it’s the best service in winter. If you are on a long trip then you must have a camping stove with you which needs fuel. So, if it is winter and if you don’t bother for fuel than Gas can be a good choice for you.

Though Gas lanterns are little hazardous the service is good and on the other hand, electric lanterns are hazard less but they have some limitations in winter. Now, you know which one really supports your trip!

Headlamp or Flashlight?

These two types of light perform almost the same but the main difference is when you use a headlamp, your hands will remain free. So, it is handy for climbing, cycling, kayaking, or while doing something with hands. However, it always follows your eyes.

On the other hand, flashlights are really good for strong focusing. However, if you get lost in the dark, you can make a signal with it.

Since, these are both good at their specific task, you know which you actually need or both of them.

Lantern or headlamp/flashlight?

Camp lantern is a must for lightening the tent for its equal output around itself, but it is smart to have a headlamp or flashlight for outdoor activities besides a lantern. However, a single source of light is never safe. Think, your partner wants to go for sanitation and he needs the light, will you want to stay alone in the dark!

We hope, now you know which type makes the most sense for you! However, try to make a fire outside of your tent just because wild animals are afraid of fire though you have lights or lanterns. Pick the best camping light and stay safe.

It seems that you are so much passionate about your camping otherwise you would not be so much interested about decorating your campsite with lights and lantern. However, You should not miss that which five furniture will make your trip more comfortable.

Enjoy!