| Good, reliable lighting is essential for | | | | light is only as good as its power supply-the |
| camping safety and comfort. Good lighting is | | | | best bet here is really the dual-powered |
| an absolute necessity that should top every | | | | option. |
| camping equipment checklist (right after | | | | |
| 'tent'). | | | | Know What Kind Of Lighting You Want & Need? |
| | | | |
| So what type is better, and how do you choose | | | | It all depends on what you do at night while |
| one? | | | | you are camping. |
| | | | |
| First off, one is not really better than the | | | | For small and flexible, targeted (as for |
| other; for most campers, having both a | | | | reading maps, etc.), and emergency lighting, |
| lantern and a flashlight is a good idea (the | | | | choose a flashlight. |
| exception, possibly, is backpacking where | | | | |
| transport becomes an issue). | | | | For hands-free function, choose lanterns and |
| | | | headlamps (worn on a band around the head). |
| Flashlights provide fast, portable, | | | | |
| lightweight lighting easily taken off-site. | | | | For those hiking individually, or in a small |
| | | | groups of two or three, a flashlight and |
| Flashlights spot the light directly where you | | | | headlamp might be best; this keeps the size |
| need it to be. | | | | and weight down in the pack. |
| | | | |
| Lanterns are larger and bulkier items, but | | | | Larger groups tend to socialize more in the |
| they are very good at casting all-around | | | | evenings and enjoy being able to light up |
| light for sizable distances. | | | | their site; for this function, lanterns are |
| | | | necessary. |
| They also stand alone and are hands-free. | | | | |
| | | | Other Camp Lighting Features to Consider |
| The right camp lighting will depend on your | | | | |
| style and longevity of camping. | | | | To help you choose between similar models, |
| | | | think about the features you might use and |
| What Kind of Camper Are You? | | | | enjoy. |
| | | | |
| You'll need camp lighting that lasts as long | | | | Multi-functioning camp lighting-you can |
| as you do and can handle your kind of | | | | better justify the size and weight of a unit |
| camping. This directly impacts the kind of | | | | if it doubles as a lantern/flashlight, radio, |
| lantern and flashlights you should buy. | | | | GPS, etc. |
| | | | |
| Battery operated and fuel burning lanterns | | | | Back-up power source-such as solar, |
| risk running out of power and require you to | | | | batteries, or rechargeable, as talked about |
| carry extra batteries and fuel; these are | | | | earlier . Hooks for hanging (from trees, |
| good for short camping trips or for people | | | | etc.) |
| camping near to re-supply sources and for | | | | |
| those at camping grounds. | | | | Weatherproof/waterproof-as camp lighting |
| | | | always should be |
| They are more economical in price, but you | | | | |
| should also take into consideration the cost | | | | Durability-you don't want Dollar-Store cheap, |
| of replacement fuels and batteries. Also, | | | | you want something shock-proof, strong, and |
| fueled lanterns may be more reasonable | | | | scratch-resistant that can take a beating |
| choices if you are already packing fuel for | | | | under the elements |
| camp stoves and the like anyway. | | | | |
| | | | Adjustable beams-to give you just the light |
| Solar powered flashlights and lanterns can | | | | you want |
| recharge everyday; they're good for long | | | | |
| trips where back-up supplies are limited or | | | | And last but never least, factor safety into |
| non-existent. | | | | your camp lantern and flashlight purchases. |
| | | | (Especially for fuel-burning lanterns) |
| Solar powered lighting may cost a little more | | | | |
| in the beginning, but the cost can even out | | | | Consider how hot the unit will get and |
| over the life of the light as there are no | | | | whether it will be safe for use in and around |
| batteries and fuels to replace. | | | | flammable tents and camping gear. |
| | | | |
| Rechargeable camp flashlights and lanterns | | | | If you camp with children, safety is of |
| (such as those chargeable in car jacks, etc.) | | | | particular importance. When all things are |
| are sort of middle-of-the-road options; | | | | considered, however, you'll find it easy to |
| often, rechargeable are more useful as a | | | | choose just the right camping flashlights and |
| back-up feature on a battery or solar unit. | | | | camping lanterns to light your way safely and |
| | | | effectively on every camping trip. |
| Always remember, though, that a rechargeable | | | | |