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Whether heading to the remote forests of Dartmoor National Park or the coasts of Sennen Cove, the proper lighting can make or break your camping trip. In the unpredictable British weather and when the sun goes down, having the best camping light is essential for visibility and creating a cosy, safe atmosphere.
This guide will walk you through choosing the ideal camping light. You’ll be ready to select the best ones before heading off on your next adventure, from the different types of lights and factors to consider to the kinds of bulbs in them.
Types of Camping Lights
Tent Lights
Tent lights are compact and designed for indoor use. They provide soft, even illumination for reading, relaxing, organising, and eating inside your tent. They are often battery-operated or rechargeable.
The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station fits comfortably in tents while providing plenty of outlets to recharge batteries in lights, phones, and laptops. After charging, hang the lights from one of the tent support poles for better illumination.
Head Torch
A head torch is a light attached to an elastic band that fits around your head. It’s a hands-free option for cooking, hiking, or setting up camp at night. The light is focused directly on the task at hand. Head torches are extremely compact and lightweight, so they won’t take up too much space while backpacking.
Lantern
Lanterns offer 360-degree illumination to illuminate a whole area. They are available in battery, rechargeable, and solar-powered models. Lanterns with adjustable light settings can double as tent lights. Some come with remote control access, so you can turn them off once you’re snug in bed.
LED Torch
Compact and versatile, LED torches are the classic flashlight. They provide a focused, high-intensity light for navigating trails or searching for gear. Furthermore, LED torch lights are effective self-defence tools. Torch lights have a high-lumen output (usually 1000), enough to temporarily blind or disorient an attacker, giving you more time to escape.
The light’s tactical design includes an impact-resistant body and bezel edges that can be used for striking. Look for heavy-weighted ones for extra impact. The bezel edge can also be used to break glass in an emergency.
Decorative Lights
String lights are not the best choice for illuminating an entire campsite, but they can provide a low-light, cosy atmosphere. They’re a great addition to lantern light while cooking or hosting friends at the campsite.
For plug-in ones, power them with an EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator. This dual freezer-fridge cooler keeps drinks and food chilled with handy outlets for charging electronics. You can find them with USB charging, remote control, or multiple colour options to suit your taste and needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Camping Lights
Portability
No matter the type of camping, you’ll need to look for portable lights. For backpacking, portability is essential. Lightweight, easy-to-set-up lights are necessary. You may decide to pack several smaller ones. A pen-sized light is handy for quick tasks or in an emergency. The type of lights chosen is more flexible if you travel to the campsite by vehicle. Larger or more robust lights are more practical to bring.
You can also rely on lights integrated into the caravan. The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max is great for powering appliances inside the van and lights on the outside. It makes for a convenient and comfortable camping trip.
Brightness
Light brightness is measured in lumens. More illuminance means more light is emitted over the same physical area, leading to higher perceived brightness. For inside tents, 100-200 lumens are sufficient for reading, organising, and relaxing. For campsite lighting, stick to anywhere from 200-600 lumens. It will light up areas designated for cooking, eating, or socialising.
For extra brightness, 600+ lumens is the best. This level of illuminance is good for signalling or navigating in very remote areas. Many lights come with adjustable brightness.
Weather Resistance
Nearly all outdoor lights are made of weather-resistant materials. Read the level of water resistance. IP (Ingress Protection) ratings define how much water a light can handle. IPX4 is splash-proof, while IPX7 or higher is waterproof and can handle heavy rain or submersion.
Consider the weather conditions while camping on this trip and future ones to pick the best one. Then, read reviews from other campers for an informed decision. Watch videos of campers reviewing lights in the conditions you will use them in to understand how well they perform in real-world scenarios.
Power Source
Every light requires power. The most common and portable type is battery-powered, and most use AA or AAA batteries. Small lights and lanterns can run for several hours on these batteries, but bring extra to replace them. Rechargeable lamps are also battery-powered, but the battery is recharged, not replaced, like a cell phone.
These are great for campsites with charging access or if you have a portable power station. With its multiple outlets, many electronic devices can be quickly recharged while on the go. Solar-powered lights recharge their battery from the sun. These are eco-friendly but may require a long time to recharge.
Of course, you can also opt for outdoor plug-in lights. An EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator makes it easy to power these lights. With attached solar panels, you can recharge the power station during the day to power the lights throughout the night. Of course, you’ll need to know how many watts the lights require for this arrangement.
What Are the Different Bulb Types for Camping Lights?
Fluorescent Bulbs
Fluorescent bulbs have been around for a while and are found in older camping lanterns or larger bulbs. They produce a cool, bright light and use less energy than incandescent bulbs. However, they are not as efficient or durable as LED bulbs.
Fluorescent bulbs are bulkier and fragile, making them inconvenient for camping. They also don’t perform well in extremely cold or wet environments.
LED Bulbs
LED bulbs became commercially standard in the 2000s. They are the most popular choice for camping now because of their energy efficiency, durability, long lifespan, and colour-changing features.
LED bulbs are energy efficient because they don’t produce much heat, allowing the bulb to be made of plastic. Most LED bulbs come with adjustable brightness settings for flexible use, and the colours can change.
Incandescent Bulbs
These were once the standard camping bulbs, but they are now less commonly used because they are energy-inefficient and have short lifespans. They consume more power and generate more heat than the other two bulbs. While they provide a warm, soft light, they are not ideal for long trips.
They drain batteries, and the bulbs need to be replaced frequently. The bulb is made of glass, which is tricky to handle in rugged camping environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
LED-based lights are the best option for any camping trip. The best type of camping light, though, will depend on your needs. Head torches are hands-free and practical, while lanterns provide 360-degree illumination. Torch lights provide straight beams of light and can double as protective weapons.
Final Thoughts
The right lighting is essential for a successful and enjoyable camping trip. Whether you prefer the practicality of head torches, the 360-degree illumination of lanterns, or the eco-friendliness of solar lights, each type has its advantages. You don’t have to pick only one; choose multiple to meet all your needs.
Consider your camping environment, the trip duration, and the power source you’ll use. EcoFlow Portable Power Stations are lightweight, robust, and convenient for powering appliances, electronics, and lights, making them an ideal addition to your camping gear.