Camping Lights Buying Guide

One of the best things about camping in the great outdoors is sleeping under the stars. However, starlight can only provide so much illumination, and in reality the great outdoors can be a pretty dark place at night – especially if you’re trying to navigate your way back to the tent after a night out (or a trip to the loo).

Read more: One Man Tent Buying Guide

Therefore, every camper needs a good, portable light source. Camping lights have come a long way since the old – and sometimes dangerous – gas lanterns. These days, there are a whole range of ways to light up your campsite at night, from head torches to LED flashlights.

In this guide, we’ll outline all the different kind of lights available for creating a safe, comfortable and well-lit camping environment for you and your family.

Things to consider when buying camping lights:

When it comes to buying the perfect lights for camping, there are few things you should take into consideration first, such as:

Multiple lights – It’s always advisable to pack more than one light source. For example, a basic hand-held torch or lantern is a good option for lighting larger areas, whereas a hands-free headlamp comes in handy if you need to set up your tent in the dark.

Space – Whilst it’s a good idea to pack more than one camping light, sometimes space is at a premium. If you don’t have much room, opt for a compact, lightweight torch that can be hung from your rucksack.

Spare batteries – Remember to pack plenty of batteries in case they run out. However, if you don’t have room for spares, you can also choose a wind-up torch which doesn’t require batteries.

Types of camping lights:

Torches

When nature calls or you can’t find your air mattress pump, you’ll be pleased that you packed a torch. A torch really is a camping essential: it’s portable, durable, and some models are even water-resistant. Lightweight and simple to aim, torches easily outshine the competition when it comes to pointing a light beam with precision and dexterity.

Head Torches

When you’re trying to put up a tent in the pitch black, nothing comes in handier than a hands-free head torch. With both of your hands free to use, head torches allow you to easily perform many different camping tasks in the dark. Look for adjustable models that allow you to widen the beam into more of a flood, and consider the comfort of the headband for periods of extended use.

Lanterns

If you’re looking for a way to light up your whole tent, you can’t go wrong with a traditional-style lantern. Lanterns throw out a 360-degree flood of light, and most include a built-in hook or handle so that you can conveniently hang them from the roof of your tent. Some models even feature a remote control – useful for when you’re all tucked up in your sleeping bag. You can still buy the traditional gas lanterns, which offer a brighter, more natural light and longer burn times, but if you’re worried about safety you may want to opt for an LED model.

 

Spotlights

Some camping situations, such as searching for lost keys (or even lost campers), call for something altogether brighter. That’s where a good spotlight comes in handy. A spotlight delivers a concentrated beam of light that penetrates the darkness far into the distance. Add one to your rucksack for greater peace of mind during your adventures in the great outdoors.

 

Tent Lights

Although spotlights and lanterns can be hung up or placed around your tent, if you're looking for something a little more specialised, then there are a number of types of tent light available. For example, the one featured here is the Coleman Magnetic LED Tent Light that can be moved around your tent as needed. You can also buy awning lights to give you a bit extra illumination outside your tent.

What about the bulb?  

As well as thinking about which kind of light source would suit your camping requirements, you should consider which bulb is best. There are a few options to choose from, including:

Incandescent Bulbs

The incandescent bulb has been around the longest and still offers benefits that other bulbs cannot. For instance, incandescent bulbs reach full brightness immediately and produce a warmer-coloured light. They also provide a steady beam of light that doesn’t flicker.

Fluorescent Bulbs  

Many utility and camping-style fluorescent lights are quite durable and provide ample light for camping. They do tend to be larger than other types of camping lights, so consider your packing space.

LEDs

The new kid on the block, LED lighting is incredibly rugged and uses very little power. They are also the safest form of lighting, as they only generate a minimal amount of heat. What’s more, it’s rumoured that LED lights are also a great way of warding off bugs!  

What are the best camping lights?

Winfield's recommends

Best for brightness – Coleman Dual Beam Torch

The Coleman Dual Beam Torch uses a blue tipped Xenon bulb which gives off a fantastic amount of light. It also uses a patented carabiner end cap which can be clipped to rucksacks, belts and tent hooks, making it a really versatile camping torch.

 

Best for tents  – Vango Light Disc

The unique and versatile Vango Light Disc is great for illuminating your tent. Whether hung from a hook or placed on the floor in the centre of your tent, it uses 48 LED bulbs to create a bright light that lasts for hours.

 

 

 Best for kids – Regatta Animal Keyring Torch

If you’re looking for a torch to keep the little ones entertained, the   Regatta Kids' Animal Keyring Torch is a fun and reliable solution. Super bright LEDs give off a good amount of light, and it even makes a cute animal noise when lit up. It's available in dog, duck and lion varieties.

 

Whatever you’re looking for, from torches to lanterns, we hope our illuminating guide to camping lighting will help ensure you never get left in the dark again.

Winfields Outdoors stock a huge range of camping lights, so if you need any further help or advice on lights, or any kind of camping equipment, feel free to pop into your local Winfields Outdoors store and chat to a member of our in-store team.