When you go camping in the great outdoors, sleeping under the stars is one of the best parts. But the stars can only give you so much light, and the great outdoors at night can be pretty dark, especially if you’re trying to find your way back to your tent after a night out (or a trip to the bathroom).
Because of this, every adventurer needs a good source of movable light. Since the old gas lamps, which could be dangerous, camping lights have come a long way. Head torches and LED flashlights are just two of the many ways you can light up your campsite at night.
In this guide, I’ll talk about all the different kinds of lights you can use to make sure you and your family are safe, comfy, and well-lit while camping. However, before getting into the specific types of camp lights, there are a few things you should think about when choosing, such as:
Quantity
You should always bring more than one source of illumination. For example, a simple torch that you hold in your hand is a good choice for lighting more significant areas. If you need to set up your tent in the dark, a hands-free headlamp is helpful.
Space
It’s good to bring more than one camp, but sometimes there’s not much room. If you don’t have a lot of space, choose compact and lightweight devices that you can conveniently fit anywhere.
Extra Batteries
Don’t forget to bring an extra set of batteries in case the ones you have run out, or a battery charger if you use lights that run on rechargeable batteries. But if you don’t have room for spare batteries, you can choose a torch that you wind up instead.
The Different Types of Camp Lights
Torches
When you have to go to the bathroom or can’t find your air mattress pump, you’ll be glad you brought a flashlight. A torch is a must-have for camping because it is portable and sturdy, and some types can even be used in the rain. Torches are the best way to point a light beam with accuracy and skill because they are small, light, and easy to use.
Headlights
A hands-free head torch is the best thing to have when you’re trying to set up a tent in the dark or when going for a night walk. Head torches make it easy to do many different camping jobs in the dark because you can use both hands. Look for models that can be changed so that the beam is more of a flood, and think about how comfortable the headband will be if you plan to use it for a long time.
Lanterns
You can’t go wrong with a traditional-style lantern if you want to light up your whole tent. Lanterns shine light all around them, and most of them have a hook or handle built in so you can hang them from the roof of your tent. Some types even come with a radio control, which is handy when you’re in your sleeping bag. You can still buy standard gas lamps, which give off a brighter, more natural light and burn longer, but if you’re worried about safety, you might want to go with an LED model.
Spotlights
When camping, sometimes you need something lighter, like when you’re looking for lost keys or even lost campers. This is when a good spotlight is especially useful. A flashlight sends out a narrow beam of light that can reach a long way into the darkness. Add one to your backpack for more peace of mind when you’re out exploring in nature.
Tent Lamps
Even though lamps and lanterns can be hung up or put around your tent, there are a number of other types of tent lights if you want something a little more specific. You can also buy awning lights to make the outside of your tent a little brighter.
What About the Light Bulb?
You should also think about which bulb technology is best, in addition to what kind of light source would work best for your camping needs. You can choose from a few options, such as:
Incandescent Light Bulbs
The incandescent bulb has been around the longest and still has perks that other lights don’t. For example, incandescent lights get as bright as they can right away and give off a deeper colour. They also give off a steady, nonflickering source of light.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Many fluorescent utility and camping lights last a long time and give off enough light for camping. They tend to be bigger than other camping lights, so think about how much room you have in your pack.
LEDs
LED lighting is the new kid on the block. It is very durable and doesn’t use much power. They are also the safest way to light a room because they don’t produce much heat. There are also theories that LED lights are a great way to keep bugs away.
