In order to end up with the camping light best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.
Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of camping lights are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in a camping light.
Research the market: Camping Light essentials
The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the camping light market. The range of options can seem overwhelming, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:
Type: Not every light will meet your camping or hiking needs. If you are hiking, a flashlight might be suitable. However, if you are spelunking or using walking poles while hiking, then a headlamp would be the better choice. Alternatively if you want to illuminate the centre of your camp site a lantern might be what you're looking for.
Size: Torches or flashlights come in different sizes. Some are heavy and use size 'D' batteries. They might even be waterproof or shatterproof. Alternatively, some are 'mini' in design and lighter, but perhaps not as durable. Headlamps are designed with weight and light efficiency in mind. Many of them now use LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights, which burn hundreds of times longer, are more energy efficient, and are shatterproof. Modern day lanterns also come with LEDs and are ideal for lighting in tent. The older larger gas powered models are more suitable for lighting your camping ground.
Features: Most lights are rated using candlepower. Some headlamps have three small LED lights, while others might have up to six or more. These types of units can usually be controlled using a push button or slide switch that will control the number of lights you want to use, thereby controlling the candlepower of light that is emitted. Also, these lights emit blue light, closer on the spectrum of regular daylight, rather than yellow, such as those used with regular, single-bulb flashlights.
Weights & Models: The weight of different lights vary. When dealing with headlamps, you want something lightweight. Many models use triple 'AAA' batteries placed directly behind the bulbs. This may cause the head unit to become front-heavy and slip down. So, you will notice that some models use a strap over the skull to prevent this. Other headlamps use a battery pack placed at the end of the strap and connects to the front light via small cable. Still, others have a battery pack that slips into your pocket. The power cable will then have to run through your clothing up into the unit.
Cost: A good quality flashlight can be found for half the cost of a top-notch headlamp with varying light controls. A regular-bulb flashlight bought at a department store will cost six times less than a quality headlamp, but will burn a hundred times less.
Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself
Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a camping light. For example, will you use the camping light only for the annual family camping trip or do you venture into the wilderness regularly?
You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.
| Have I used a camping light before? |
| | If you have used a camping light, work out what you did or didn't like about the camping light. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient. |
| What do I want a light (headlamp or flashlight) for? |
| | You might want to use it for camping, for reading inside your tent, or for walking trails at night. |
| How often will I use a light? |
| | Perhaps you are going on a weekend camping trip for the first time, or going away for a few days. You may be an experienced hiker or backcountry camper and need a reliable light for frequent trips. |
| What are the conditions like where I camp or hike? |
| | Maybe it is generally foggy or damp where you camp. You might hike in the woods or spend more time exploring the desert. |
| How much do I want to spend? |
| | The prices of headlamps and regular flashlights differ greatly. Consider your budget at this point in time. |
Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.
Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of camping lights and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.
Video Links
Buyz123.com Research Links:Choosing a FlashlightSelecting a flashlight for camping tripsChoosing a HeadlampBuying a headlamp? What you need to considerChoosing a LanternSelecting the right lantern for campingTips on choosing a camping lanternFuel burning lanterns for campingCamping lanterns - what you should knowWhat type of lanterns are there?Lantern, Headlamp & Torch TypesLantern mania