Camping is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and spend time in the great outdoors. However, as much as we all love the serenity and tranquillity it provides, the lack of electricity can be a challenge, especially when it comes to lighting.
A good camping light not only illuminates your surroundings but can also add to the overall camping experience, making it more comfortable and enjoyable. In this article, I’ll be exploring the different types of purposeful lights available for camping and how they can enhance your experience.
Tent Lanterns
Tent lanterns are a must-have for any camping trip, providing a bright, portable light source that illuminates the inside of your tent and the surrounding area. They offer several advantages over other lighting sources, such as:
- Brightness: Tent lanterns are designed to provide a bright, wide beam of light, illuminating your entire tent and surrounding area if needed.
- Convenience: These lights are portable and easy to carry, making them ideal for camping trips. They also have a long battery life or are rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about changing batteries constantly.
- Weather resistance: Most tent lanterns are weather-resistant or waterproof, ensuring that they will continue to provide light, even in inclement weather.
When choosing a camping lantern, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences and compare the features of different models before making a purchase. However, for a multi-purpose tent light, considering the following factors can help you make the right choice.
- Lumens – For camping, a lantern with a brightness of 250 to 600 lumens is typically sufficient. You will require enough light to see well at night, but not so much that leaving it on the ground to illuminate everything will cause everyone to become blind.
- LED bulbs – There are many reasons to buy a tent lantern with LED bulbs over traditional models, including brighter light, long battery life, durability, lighter weight, and being environmentally friendly.
- Price – While a tent lantern LED model may be more expensive upfront, it will be more cost-effective in the long run due to its long battery life and durability.
Headlamps
Headlamps are a staple of camping gear, providing hands-free lighting that’s ideal for a range of activities. Whether you’re hiking, fishing, cooking, or just need to find your way around in the dark to reach your camping tent, a headlamp is a must-have. Some of the benefits of using headlamps for camping include:
- Hands-free lighting: With a headlamp, you can have your hands free to perform other tasks, such as setting up camp or cooking dinner.
- Versatility: Headlamps come in different beam patterns, from spotlights to floodlights, making them ideal for a range of activities.
- Convenience: Headlamps are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, making them ideal for camping trips.
When choosing a headlamp for camping, there are several features you should look for:
- Brightness: Look for a headlamp with a brightness level of at least 200 lumens, which will provide enough light for most camping activities.
- Battery life: Consider a headlamp with long battery life, so you don’t have to constantly change batteries. To make sure it never runs out of power, get one that can use rechargeable batteries.
- Water resistance: If you’re camping in a damp or wet environment, look for a headlamp that is water-resistant or waterproof.
- Adjustability: Choose a headlamp with adjustable brightness levels and beam patterns, so you can customize it to your needs.
String Lights
String lights, also known as fairy lights, are a popular option for camping, providing a warm, ambient light that creates a cosy atmosphere in and around your tent. String lights come in a variety of lengths and styles, making them versatile for different camping setups. And when you’re not on your outdoor adventures, you can also use these lights to set the mood for your home’s outdoor space.
One of the key benefits of string lights for camping is that they provide a subtle, non-intrusive light source that won’t disturb your neighbours or wildlife. String lights are also energy-efficient, with many models featuring LED bulbs that use minimal power and have a long battery life.
When choosing string lights for camping, it’s important to consider factors such as length, brightness, battery life, and weather resistance. Some models come with a built-in battery, while others require an external power source.
To Sum Up
Camping is an adventure that allows you to connect with nature, spend quality time with friends and family, and recharge your batteries. However, in order to fully enjoy your camping trip, you need to have the right gear, including a reliable source of light.
Camping lights have come a long way over the years, with advancements in technology resulting in more efficient, practical, and stylish lighting options. The focus on purposeful lights has made camping more convenient, enjoyable, and safer.
