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Spending a night under a starry sky in the wilderness is one of life’s simplest pleasures. Gazing at constellations, embracing the warmth and cosiness of the campfire, sharing stories with loved ones, or simply feeling at peace away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
However, the great outdoors at night is not to be taken lightly. Upon nightfall, familiar trails and landmarks can vanish, peaceful silence can become eerie, and familiar noises can take on a different note. Was that just the wind rustling the leaves or there’s a curious nocturnal creature getting closer than it should?
Light Up the Night
Perhaps it’s time for a bit more light. When hiking or camping at night, lights are essential for navigating the trails and grounds safely and confidently. And in addition to a sturdy powerful torch, it’s advisable to have several backup options at hand, in case your main source of illumination malfunctions. To ensure you’re ready to light up the adventure, here are some tips on how to choose camping lights, including three steps to diversify your lighting arsenal.
Illuminate the Way Hands-Free
A trusty and versatile rechargeable headlamp is an invaluable tool for nighttime adventures. Having a reliable source of illumination on your head ensures you can see clearly and move safely while keeping your hands free. Thanks to this wearable, hands-free design, a rechargeable head torch can prove itself useful in various scenarios. Whether you’re navigating rugged trails, setting up camp, tending to your vehicle, or reading a book, this ingenious light has many uses.
But that’s not the only reason why you should buy a rechargeable headlamp. As the name suggests, these wearable torches allow you to power up your light source as needed, instead of relying on batteries. Even when you’re camping, you can use a USB cable to recharge your headlight using various power sources, including portable power banks, solar panels, or car power adapters.
Since running out of batteries in the middle of the night while exploring a remote location is the last thing you want, rechargeable options are a superior choice. Some of these headlamps, like the high-performance Fenix HP30R V2.0, even include separate battery packs that double as power banks for charging other devices.
Speaking of the Fenix HP30R V2.0, it’s worth mentioning that apart from boasting one of the longest runtimes on the market, this headlamp features 3 LEDs to provide both spotlight and floodlight illumination, making it super versatile for a wide range of activities.
The Klarus HL1 is another feature-packed option offering high lumens and multiple lighting modes. For the cost-conscious adventurer, this headlamp offers a compelling combination of features at a budget-friendly price.
Apart from the features, when choosing your head torch you should also focus on fit and comfort. Since this is something you’ll wear on your head, look for weight-optimised models and adjustable headbands to ensure a snug fit that won’t dig into your forehead or bounce around during use.
Rip a Hole in the Darkness with a Powerful Handheld Torch
Handheld LED torches are another essential addition to your lighting kit. Compact and versatile, these come in handy for tasks like inspecting your engine, searching for dropped items in the dark, or signalling for help in emergencies. Tuck one away in your backpack, glove compartment, or even your pocket to ensure you have a bright, dependable light source within reach at all times.
From long-range thrower torches for illuminating large areas to feature-rich tactical flashlights for survival and search and rescue operations, there are a variety of options to suit your needs and preferences. Even if you are a light packer, there are extremely lightweight and compact yet powerful pocket torches that can turn a frustrating fumble in the dark into a quick, efficient solution.
Bask Your Camp Spot in a Warm Pleasant Glow
While LED headlamps and flashlights provide essential task lighting for specific activities, LED lanterns are responsible for creating a pleasant ambience at your campsite. Offering a soft, diffused glow, these energy-efficient lights provide long-lasting illumination, perfect for camping or backyard relaxing.
That’s not to say that these battery-powered lights won’t come in handy in emergencies. Some higher-end models, like the Fenix CL30R, provide multiple brightness levels and modes to suit different situations. The Fenix CL30R is also cold-weather resistant and durable, suitable for use in any environment.
To Summarise
Lack of preparedness can overshadow the beauty and serenity of the night, so when making a list of essentials to bring on your camping adventure, make sure to include quality, dependable lights. A headlamp, a torch, and a lantern – with these three companions by your side, you’ll be better prepared to conquer the darkness and truly enjoy your camping experience. With that being said, you can now start building your lighting kit and get ready to embrace the magic of the night.
