Great Camp Lighting Solutions For Your Next Adventure

Whether you're camping with the family or going solo in the great outdoors, no one enjoys rummaging around in the dark at night. To make sure that you're not relying on the brief flickers of the nearby campfire, we've broken down our top picks for the best camp lighting solutions for your next outdoor adventure:

Quick Links

• Camp Lighting FAQs
• Camping Lanterns
• Camping Headlamps
• Camping Torches
• String Lights

Camp Lighting FAQs

How many lumens do you need to light a campsite?

To light a campsite effectively, you'll need about 200 to 400 lumens for general area lighting. For tasks like cooking or reading, aim for 400 to 600 lumens. A combination of lanterns, headlamps and string lights can provide flexibility and adequate illumination, ensuring safety and comfort in various camping activities.

How long will an LED light bar last on a 12V battery?

To estimate how long an LED light bar will last on a 12V battery, divide the battery's amp-hour (Ah) rating by the light bar's current draw-in amps (A). For example, a 12V, 50Ah battery powering a 5A light bar lasts 10 hours (50Ah/5A). Adjust according to your specific battery and light bar specifications.

What colour light for camping?

For camping, use warm white light (2700K to 3000K) for a cosy, inviting atmosphere. Red light is excellent for preserving night vision and reducing insect attraction. Green light is also a good option for night vision without being too harsh. Blue light should be avoided as it can disturb sleep patterns and attract insects.

Is it safe to leave battery-operated LED lights on all night?

Yes, it is generally safe to leave battery-operated LED lights on all night. LEDs are energy-efficient, produce minimal heat and pose a low fire risk. Ensure the lights are in good condition, use quality batteries and keep flammable materials away to minimise any potential hazards. Always follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines.

Camping Lanterns

Camping lanterns are excellent for lighting up a campsite due to their versatility, portability and efficiency. When choosing a camping lantern, several factors should be considered. Brightness, measured in lumens, is crucial to ensure the lantern provides the right amount of light for your campsite without being overly harsh. Battery life or fuel efficiency is also important, determining how long the lantern can operate before needing a recharge or refill. Camping lanterns come in various types, each offering unique benefits tailored to different camping needs.

Battery-Powered Lanterns

Battery-powered lanterns are particularly convenient, providing reliable light with minimal effort. They are lightweight, easy to operate and often utilise LED technology, which is both energy-efficient and long-lasting. Battery-powered lanterns are ideal for general use and are well-suited for most camping environments.

Fuel-Powered Lanterns

On the other hand, fuel-powered lanterns deliver a robust and bright light, making them perfect for situations requiring intense illumination. These lanterns typically use propane, butane or liquid fuel and perform exceptionally well in cold weather, where batteries might falter. However, they require careful handling and regular maintenance due to their reliance on flammable fuels.

Solar-Powered Lanterns

Solar-powered lanterns are an excellent eco-friendly option, harnessing sunlight during the day to provide light at night. They are sustainable and cost-effective over time but depend on sufficient sunlight exposure to function optimally. When buying a solar-powered camping lantern, consider its brightness (lumens), battery life, and charging time. Check for additional features like USB ports for charging devices, adjustable brightness settings and built-in handles or hooks for easy hanging and use in various camping situations.

Camping Headlamps

Camping headlamps are perfect for not only lighting up a campsite, but also for providing light during night activities like hiking or moving around the campsite with minimal lighting. They allow you to perform tasks efficiently, whether setting up tents, cooking or navigating trails at night. LED headlamps are popular for their energy efficiency and long battery life, providing bright, reliable light. Rechargeable headlamps offer the convenience of USB charging, reducing the need for spare batteries and are environmentally friendly. Hybrid headlamps provide the best of both worlds, with the flexibility to use either rechargeable batteries or disposable ones, ensuring you're never left in the dark.

When choosing a camping headlamp, consider its brightness, measured in lumens, to ensure it provides sufficient illumination for your needs. Battery life is crucial, particularly for extended trips. Comfort and fit are also important, as a headlamp should be adjustable and sit securely without causing discomfort during prolonged use. Durability and water resistance are key features, ensuring the headlamp withstands harsh outdoor conditions. Additionally, look for adjustable beam settings, including focused and wide beams, to cater to different tasks and red light modes to preserve night vision and avoid disturbing others.

Camping Torches

Camping torches are a classic solution for lighting up a campsite due to their portability, ease of use and focused illumination. They are ideal for activities like navigating trails and reading maps at night. Rechargeable torches eliminate the need for spare batteries, providing convenience and environmental benefits through USB charging. Tactical torches are built for durability and high performance, featuring robust construction, high-lumen output and multiple lighting modes. LED torches are another great option, known for their energy efficiency and long battery life, offering bright and consistent light.

When buying a camping torch, consider its brightness to ensure it meets your specific camp lighting needs. Battery life is crucial, particularly for longer trips, and the type of battery, whether disposable or rechargeable, impacts convenience and cost. Durability is essential, so choose a camping torch with weather-resistant and shockproof construction. Additional features such as adjustable beam focus, multiple lighting modes and ergonomic design enhance usability and comfort. Finally, consider the weight and size to ensure the torch is portable yet functional.

String Lights

String lights are a fantastic way to light up your campsite, offering both practicality and a soothing ambience. They provide a soft, inviting glow that enhances visibility without overwhelming the natural surroundings. String lights are versatile, easily draped across tents, trees or picnic areas, creating a cosy atmosphere for relaxation and socialising. They are also lightweight and compact, making them convenient to pack and set up. Whether powered by solar energy, batteries or electricity, string lights offer an efficient and effective lighting solution that adds charm and warmth to your campsite.

Find The Best Camp Lighting Solutions At Anaconda Today

Make sure you've got all your camp lighting needs sorted before setting off on your next outdoor adventure at Anaconda. Make sure you check out our Adventure Centre for more helpful tips and exciting destinations that you can visit with your friends, loved ones and family. If you liked our Great Camp Lighting Solutions For Your Next Adventure article, then you might also like some of our other articles for awesome destinations and tips such as:

• Camp Lighting Buying Guide
• Essential Gear Every Hiker Should Have in Their Survival Kit
• Benefits Of Choosing The Right Camping Solar Setup
• What To Bring Summer Camping - 10 Summer Essentials

Find your local Anaconda store and check out our extensive camp lighting range for your next outdoor adventure