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