Let There Be Light, Part 1 - The Camping Lantern
The only thing worse than setting up a tent in the rain is
setting up a tent in the rain in the dark. That is a lesson I
learned all too well while trying to set up camp in the middle
of the night during a cold New England thunderstorm. Having the
right camping lantern can be the difference between a camping
trip you'll never forget and one you wish you could.
A good camping lantern is usually one of two styles - gas or
battery - and the right one for you depends on the type of
camping you'll be doing, the amount of gear you can afford to
take, and what you'll be doing while you're camping.
Gas Camping Lanterns
Gas-powered lanterns typically provide the brightest light of
the two types, though most are adjustable so you can conserve
fuel when you don't need as much light. They usually do better
in the cold than do battery-powered lanterns. There are a number
of different types of fuel available, including propane, butane,
dual fuel, and kerosene. If you live in an area where white gas
(butane, propane, etc) is not readily available, dual fuel
lanterns are probably the best option because they allow you use
unleaded gas. You usually can't go wrong if you choose a lantern
that uses the same fuel as your camp stove.
Though it may seem obvious to most, it is worth mentioning that
all of these fuels are extremely flammable, and any time you
change or refill tanks you should be far away from any open
flames or flame sources. Also, because of the nature of system,
gas camping lanterns can become very hot, and while in use they
should be kept out of children's easy reach.
Necessary equipment besides the lantern and fuel includes spare
mantels and a way to light the lantern. Most new lanterns come
with electric ignitions, so you won't have to worry about
including matches or a barbecue lighter in your supplies for the
lantern (don't forget them if you plan on having a fire or
cooking something!). You'll need to get a protective carrying
case as most lanterns don't come with one included. Optional
equipment includes a lantern reflector to redirect light
escaping out of the back of the lantern, and a stand to hang
your lantern in a central place in camp. Gas camping lanterns
are not practical options if you'll be hiking to where you'll be
camping, so you'll need to consider another lighting option.
Battery-Powered Camping Lanterns
Battery-powered camping lanterns make up in convenience anything
they may lose in other categories. With a little bit of
searching you'll be able to find lanterns that use every size
and type of battery, and you will be hard pressed to find a gas
station or convenient store that doesn't sell batteries. Though
not as bright as their gas-powered counterparts, battery-powered
lanterns put out plenty of light. On many you can adjust the
brightness.
One of their biggest advantages is that they are safe to take
inside tents, cars, or other enclosed space. You should never
take a gas-burning lantern into a tent or car because of the
risk of fire. Depending on the type of light bulb,
battery-powered lanterns don't ever get very hot, so they are
safer to use around children. They don't do as well in the cold
as gas lanterns, so if you're planning any cold weather camping
trips, you'll need to consider whether you should have a gas
lantern available.
Battery-powered camping lanterns, though sometimes less bulky
than gas lanterns, typically are a little larger than you would
ever want to carry with you on a hike. Some flashlights feature
a lantern option - you sacrifice quite a bit in the way of
brightness, but you lose a lot of the bulk, which makes them
good hiking options. Additional equipment you should have on
hand in addition to the lantern includes extra batteries, spare
light bulbs, and optionally a lantern stand that you can put in
a central spot in camp.
Which Brand Should I Get?
The brand of lantern you should get depends on what you need and
how much you're willing to spend. There are a lot of quality
camping lanterns out there. Some have a few more bells and
whistles than others. Some cost more than others. The best way
to shop for a lantern is first, decide which type of lantern
you'll need; and second, shop around for the best price. You'll
usually find the best deals online, though retail stores and
outdoors warehouses also have great prices sometimes. The most
important thing to remember is to get out and enjoy the great
outdoors, even if it's dark.