What do you use for a light in camp.

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What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby John Sheridan » Sat 03 Sep, 2011 4:04 am

Just wondering what all you guys and gals are using, I am amusing no fires are aloud where you are and even if it was I was thinking more of a light in your tent, to lets say read by, or just gives you some light before you go to sleep, like you might like.

I am only wanting maybe 2 hours of light per night, but it seems the head lamps I have seen have 200 hours of battery life and if you wanted 6 hours of light a night for ten days, that would only use up 60 hours of the battery, still leaving 140 hours left !!!!

If this is the case and I am not missing anything, a head lamp with 200+ battery life would be perfect right ?

Thanks for any suggestions and or helps.

Cheers.
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby phan_TOM » Sat 03 Sep, 2011 9:27 am

Hi John, I know there's endless options out there but I'm with you on just a headlamp. I've been using my 5 (or maybe 6) year old petzl tikka xp on all my camping trips and it has been more than adequate for what I need. I've considered buying a dedicated lantern but I think that's more from a desire for shiny new gear than any practical reason, I believe in keeping things simple and light. I find its not always best to have the headlamp on my noggin when doing camp chores like cooking so i find a stick and wrap the headband around it and stick it in the ground to provide light where i want it, a branch etc works just as well to hang it off or tie to. I did buy one of those brass UCO candle lanterns a few years ago but the amount of light it gives out is not worth the weight penalty, it's now relegated to car camping or power outages at home... If I were going to get a dedicated lantern now I would get one of those orbit's, they seem quite light and have a fully adjustable light output, they seem to get a lot of good reviews too.

And I agree about the battery life too, my xp seems to go for a long time, I haven't measured the actual runtime but it will be just as bright after a week of use (a couple of hours a night max) as at the start trick is to charge them 'before' you leave home, I've been out walking when its gotten dark under the rainforest canopy (and it gets real dark :shock: ) I pulled out the trusty headlamp and realized that it wasn't real bright and that the little red blinking light was saying that there was less than 10% of power left, not real bright of me :lol:
Last edited by phan_TOM on Tue 27 Sep, 2011 2:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby dannnnn » Sat 03 Sep, 2011 12:10 pm

http://www.photonlight.com/led-keychain ... -light-ii/

shine that at the roof of your tent and there is enough light to read by. it weighs nearly nothing too. always have one as a spare light on my keyring or in my pack.

it says 12hrs+ battery life but i reckon i get about 100hrs out of a battery.
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby Lindsay » Sat 03 Sep, 2011 2:08 pm

I bought an el cheapo Eveready head lamp in Wollies and it does me fine. It's had probably 10 nights in the bush and is still on its first set of (lithium) batteries.
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby etrangere » Sun 04 Sep, 2011 2:27 am

Petzl e+lite
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby MartyGwynne » Sun 04 Sep, 2011 2:08 pm

If I know I am spending time in the tent reading etc I will pack my older Blackdiamond Ion head lamp as a second back up lamp which lasts a fair few hours and weighs only 30 grams or so (could even pack a spare battery) it only cost about $20 a while ago so should be cheap now.
It is not a very bright torch but good for reading.
Otherwise I just use my .5 watt headlamp or let my eyes adjust to the darkness.
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby corvus » Sun 04 Sep, 2011 8:10 pm

Ultrafire UF-H2a total weight 81gm single AA battery " bright as " cree lighting and less than $30.00 :) can chew through the batteries so take a spare or two if you are heading out for an extended walk.
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby kozevian » Tue 27 Sep, 2011 8:54 am

Petzl tikka does me fine. At $45 you can't really go wrong. Enough light for many an adventure. I haven't tested it underwater yet, my only concern with electronic goods whilst hiking is their ability to withstand light rain, etc.
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby Bronski » Tue 27 Sep, 2011 9:41 am

I splurged on a snowpeak hozuki lantern, and I love it. It's a great camp light, lights up a general area really well. I have a few lights in my gear depending on the needs of the trip. A black diamond ion headlamp usually lives in the first aid/survival kit. I have a nite Ize domelit light for going lightweight, and for a trip where I need real lighting power I use my Ayup bike lights on their headband kits and carry the batteries required. I am tempted to buy the black diamond orbit lantern with the rechargable pack, but only because it seems to be the latest, greatest. If my hozuki was rechargable, it would be perfect.

Hozuki Lantern (100 Lumens, battery life 4-40 hours 4xAA batteries) http://www.snowpeak.com/lanterns/backpacking/hozuki-lantern-es-010.html

Ayup Lights (400+ Lumens, different setups frovide 3, 6 & 12 hour rechargable batteries, AUSSIE Made!) http://www.ayup-lights.com/

Black Diamond ion headlamp (not very bright, weighs almost nothing, the model I have is discontinued, the current one is probably better)

Nite Ize Domelit lamp (again weighs next to nothing, 20 hours battry life, uses 2 tiny 2016 batteries, adequate light inside a tent) http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/nite_ize_domelit_tent_light.html
Last edited by Bronski on Tue 27 Sep, 2011 10:51 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby forest » Tue 27 Sep, 2011 10:09 am

Petzl e+lite for most trips, enough light for camp chores and it's great for reading, Has a little clip that goes onto the hammock ridge line so I can lay in the hammock and read without a direct reflection for the kindle :D
Not a great light for night nav, If I need that the Ay Up comes out and lets make night day !!
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby sailfish » Tue 27 Sep, 2011 10:27 am

I carry 2 lights, to make it easier the change batteries in the dark.

Main one is a Ledlenser H7. This is a single LED that puts out 170 lumens and is focusable from flood to spot and dimmable to save power. It is handy to walk out of fishing spots and night cos the spot option is powerful enough to help locate you in the terrain. Have to be careful with this around other people, turn the power down etc.

The other one is a 4 Led that uses a button battery and clips under a cap brim.

I saw some caps that have an unbuilt LED and solar charger. Specifically designed with camping in mind. The LED is angled down to prevent shining in other people’s eyes. I like the idea but not so much the caps themselves.
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby johnw » Tue 27 Sep, 2011 2:02 pm

Princeton Tec Aurora. Used many times, an oldie but goodie. No longer made I think.
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/princetontec_aurora.htm

Earlier this year I also picked up a Princeton Tec Byte for about $30 on sale. Much smaller, 2 X AAAs. Vey compact and light. I've used it on one overnight walk and found it more than adequate. Will probably use it again on a trip this weekend. http://www.princetontec.com/?q=byte
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby amc4012 » Mon 03 Oct, 2011 8:10 pm

Hi, I am looking for a rechargeable LED lantern for car camping, has anyone got a recommendation?

this coleman range seem to get decent reviews

http://www.colemanaustralia.com.au/Gear ... /CPX6.aspx
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby Toohp » Mon 03 Oct, 2011 8:39 pm

I just picked up a Petzl Tikka XP today , just tried it tonight & I LOVE it !!! :D
I have several other's Black Diamond , Led lensor , but this is lighter feels great on the head ,the other' feel little too bulky with the battery pack on the rear of head .
I also like the defuser Idea too .
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby Mark F » Mon 03 Oct, 2011 10:29 pm

Usually a Petzl eLite if I am only using it in camp, otherwise a Petzl XP2 for wildlife spotting or if there is a likelihood of night walking. One thing I really want is a red led to help preserve night vision which I get with both these lamps. The red led is also good for observing wildlife prowling around the camp as they do not react to it.

I selected the XP2 for the spot/diffuser option and got a Core battery to go with it to get the regulated light output. I am just starting to play with this but the ability to adjust the light output for the white led at both the high and low setting should allow getting the maximum run time while ensuring sufficient light for the tasks undertaken.
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby JohnM » Tue 04 Oct, 2011 7:23 am

Just a head torch if I'm going light.

But for trips with my daughter, or more relaxed trips with mates, I use a Black Diamond Apollo lantern. Fits in the palm of your hand, puts out between 80 and 10 lumens (has a dimmer), takes 4 AA batteries, and has a hook for inside tent or on branches, and fold-out legs so it spreads the light across a bigger radius when on the ground. And like all the black diamond lanterns, it slides closed so it can't be accidentally turned on in your pack. They reckon 16 hrs on full brightness, and 60+ on min setting. Can't vouch for that, I don't really time these things.

It's a ripping little lantern, and beats the hell out of a group of people shiny their headlamps into each others faces around the campsite. Also have its big brother, the Titan, for car camping and general use. Same principle, only 250 lumens. Again, really well designed piece of kit.
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby Earthling » Tue 04 Oct, 2011 8:28 am

The Petzl Tikka 2 was an old fav, but after killing two (first one strap stretched and then case broke, second batteries leaked and died within hours), I went to the Princeton Tec Quad which has been a great headlamp. Ive also got a Black Diamond Spot that I have been using whilst car camping and Im finding that a *&%$#! marvelous headlamp....it does take a bit to get used to the different settings, however its starting to win me over with its super brightness on Spot mode and its lighter than the Quad.
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby etrangere » Tue 04 Oct, 2011 7:36 pm

A good little light to use to hang inside your tent is the Primus Mini LED lantern

http://www.productreview.com.au/p/primus-mini-led.html

Its tiny and also has the benefit of using the same battery type as the Petzl eLite I also use. Saves carrying two different types of spare batteries.
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby South_Aussie_Hiker » Tue 04 Oct, 2011 8:22 pm

Zebralight all the way. I'm waiting for the H502 to be released, will definitely be my next hiking headlamp.
They make the brightest single AA headlamps available (up to 300 lumens), waterproof, light, heaps of modes. Seem to get great reviews on candlepowerforums.com

zebralight.com

No, before you ask, I don't work for them. Just really impressed with their gear!
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby andrewa » Tue 04 Oct, 2011 9:19 pm

Depends on what sort of trip it is - in NZ in summer, when it gets dark at 9.30pm, I'd only take a Black Diamond Ion, as we only use a light for eating, and the finalities of going to bed. On a winter trip to Bogong, where I'm walking up at night, I need a better light so I can see the track, and have previously used a Petzl MYO which was great, but I lost it (or the kids did - probably the latter!), so I've just bought a LedLenden???HP7, which I hope will be even better.....

Despite having other headlights, these 2 styles would seem to cover most situations for me.

Someone mentioned the Ultrafire Cree lights - I have't used the headlight, but got some 200 lumen torches a while ago for bike lights, They run on rechargeable CR123 batteries, and were very cheap (~$15), light, small (about 1.8 x 8cm),unbelievably bright (I use 2 on my bike, and a flashing one on helmet), and the CR123 battery seems to last very well (??about 4hrs per charge). I tried using one at work to look in patient's mouths/throats (I'm a GP), and the light was so bright and the reflection so great, that I couldn't see properly!

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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby Bronski » Mon 24 Oct, 2011 8:18 am

Snow Peak's just released a headlamp that doubles as a lantern. Mine's on order, can't wait to get it :)

http://www.snowpeak.com/lanterns/headla ... ntern.html
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby cdg » Fri 28 Oct, 2011 6:44 pm

I was given an ETON brand dynamo led lamp/torchradio. its pretty neat. About the size of two marsbars. One good vigorous winding provides light and radio for a few hours. i really like the fact that i dont have to replace its batteries. i wish i could put the dynamo on my camera...
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby ninjapuppet » Tue 15 May, 2012 12:40 am

this is one of my best buy's for 2012! yes, its that good.
Picked up one of those snowpeak snowminer lanaterns/headlamps a while back and just got it today

when going in groups, i really like to have a lantern so you dont blind your mates when looking at them.
Ive been using a Black diamond orbit for a lantern, and to be honest, pretty unimpressed with its battery life on high, even with lithium batteries!.
The snowminer is just simply awesome as there is a hook that hooks onto your tent roof and its actually brighter and lasts LONGER than the orbit using only 3 batteries instead of 4. Not sure how they managed to achieve this but i guess its due to an improvement in led technology.
I really like the fact that the ambient light it difuses gives it a nicer glow than the orbit too. The orbit lights well to the side, but doesnt light very well directly down.

and the best part? its also a headlamp!

by the way: order it at e-omc and use the code SHIP12 to get 25% off (only for the next 24 hours) (costs $37 bucks with discount)

BD orbit ......... vs..... snowminer
10-24 hrs ........vs ..... 55-140 hrs
45 lumens ..... ..vs...... 8-80 lumens
2meter radius .. vs ..... 7-40 metres
4 AAA ............vs ....... 3 AA
both costs and weight are similar



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its new technology like this that renders older stuff useless. in my opinion, the orbit now is obsolete compared to this.
ofcourse for car camping, i still use my 20 year old dual fuel coleman northstar, at 1180 lumens! nothing else comes close to this baby. http://www.colemanaustralia.com.au/gear/lighting/lpg-and-dual-fuel-lanterns/northstar%C2%AE-ei-dual-fuel%E2%84%A2-lantern.aspx
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby Dale » Tue 15 May, 2012 9:30 am

Thanks for the heads up Ninja have been contemplating a lantern but this looks like the go.
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby John Sheridan » Tue 15 May, 2012 1:30 pm

IS the Snow Miner available in Australia ????


Cheers.
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby Strider » Tue 15 May, 2012 4:11 pm

John Sheridan wrote:IS the Snow Miner available in Australia ????


Cheers.

Don't think so, but this makes little difference when buying online.
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What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby oyster_07 » Tue 15 May, 2012 5:52 pm

Woah! At the risk of being that annoying guy who takes an off topic tangent, SnowPeak also have a titanium hip-flask.

Enough said.
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby Mountain Rocket » Tue 15 May, 2012 6:24 pm

I just got a Zebralight H31. It will run for nearly an hour on full (220 lumens) and something like 21 days on the lowest setting (0.5 lumens).
One of the best things about it is there are three settings, each with 2 sub settings. It is hard to explain how it works in a few words, but it is a unique and brilliant bit of design. It is also waterproof to 1.5m for a period of 30minutes (IPX-8 standard?). Oh and did I mention the total weight (of mine with batteries) is 69 grams. :lol:

http://www.zebralight.com/H31-Headlamp- ... _p_25.html

I highly recommend it (or one of the many other Zebralight models). 8)
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby corvus » Tue 15 May, 2012 7:56 pm

Robert H wrote:I just got a Zebralight H31. It will run for nearly an hour on full (220 lumens) and something like 21 days on the lowest setting (0.5 lumens).
One of the best things about it is there are three settings, each with 2 sub settings. It is hard to explain how it works in a few words, but it is a unique and brilliant bit of design. It is also waterproof to 1.5m for a period of 30minutes (IPX-8 standard?). Oh and did I mention the total weight (of mine with batteries) is 69 grams. :lol:

http://www.zebralight.com/H31-Headlamp- ... _p_25.html

I highly recommend it (or one of the many other Zebralight models). 8)


Brilliant light bushwalking mate owns one.

I have an UltraFire UF-H2b copy of this light which weighs 75g with battery and headband and at at about half price good for those of us on a budget :) IMHO it does the job for us however I took a punt and bought at a cheap price (under $10.00 delivered)online an UltraFire Cree Q5 hand held torch and it is the best (Flashlight/Torch ) I have ever owned ,one AA and it Zooms and Floods weighs 84g ,and it will most probably fit the Maglight headband if you have one :)
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Re: What do you use for a light in camp.

Postby ofuros » Wed 16 May, 2012 3:38 pm

Just an el-cheapo headlamp for me, which has surpassed my expectations....
...for those calls of nature that just won't wait ,in the 'wee' early hours,
...or when a wallaby's thumpity thump scares the be-jesus out of me, in the middle of the night. :shock:

And....one of these for setting the ambience, for a romantic evening's soiree. :wink:
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