Your priorities for a source of light while camping might be low down on the list of priorities but boy does it go to the top when you all of a sudden find yourself in the dark. Two main requirements for camp lighting are for them to have an easily obtainable source of fuel and it needs to be durable. There are many ways to light your camp site and you need to consider what your needs are so you can purchase the camping lights that are right for you and your family. I’ve compiled a list of the various types of camping lamps available in the marketplace today and listed their various benefits and disadvantages.
Gas Lanterns
Gas lanterns have the advantage of providing the brightest light out of all the camping lights currently on the market. If you camp in the cooler months the lantern will even provide a bit of warmth with a clean burning flame. Never leave your lit gas lantern unattended. The flame burns hot and could cause a fire if tipped over. Also, little ones like to touch bright shiny things so they could get burnt fingers if you’re not careful.
Kerosene Lanterns
You can get kerosene lamps as the pressure variety or the wick variety. Due to the way they work and through the use of a mantle the pressure lamp is able to produce the brightest light out of the two types. Advantages of kerosene lamps as camping lights are it’s easy to get fuel for them and they are cheap. Wicks are also easy to obtain and are very cheap. A major disadvantage is that they can cause fires if they are tipped over. Kerosene lamps also need to be watched carefully to avoid a fire breaking out.
Butane Lanterns
Butane lamps are an excellent source of light for the weight conscious backpacker. In the weight versus light output ratio they come out a clear winner. When you see one working you can be quite surprised at the amount of light they produce. It is possible to purchase a butane lamp that produces the equivalent amount of light to a 60W globe.
Battery Powered Lamps
A battery powered lantern is perhaps the safest form of camping light. As there is no flame there is little to no chance of a fire. You also avoid having to deal with dangerous flammable liquids. Another advantage is that many battery powered lanterns can be charged up from a 12 volt source. With a good solar powered system set up to recharge the batteries you will never be without light again. Battery powered lamps in the past have been unable to produce light in any great quantities. The new technology producing super bright LEDs has been changing that as they use little power, produce very little heat and can produce quite a bit of light for their size.
Solar Camping Lantern
Most 12 volt battery lanterns can be charged via the cigarette lighter socket but what if you are worried about getting caught with a flat battery. A solar camping lantern might be the solution. You could even charge your mobile phone depending on the model you choose.
Leigh is passionate about camping and enjoys sharing his hobby via his website. If you need some lighting on your next camping trip why not check out the page on camping lights at the author’s website.
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