Camping Accessories
Camping Accessory Information
Archive for the ‘Headlamps’ Category
The olive drab Predator head lamp is a great way to light up what you are doing without using a hand to hold it. Made by Princeton Tec this is a lightweight, affordable, incandescent headlamp. Straps attach it comfortable around your head, securing it in place where you want it.
The Predator is perfect for the novice or occasional outdoor enthusiast or the home improvement or fix it project. It also works quite well for exploring caves as it lights your way but your hands are still free to climb with. It is not going to be dropped and get broken or lost. The incredible quality and value is perfect for everyday needs, from weekend camping trips to home improvement projects. The Predator includes 1 high-output bulb and 1 long burn bulb. It uses 2 AA alkaline batteries. The high output bulb will shine for about 3 hours on one set of batteries and is perfect when you need lots of light in one spot. The long burn bulb will last for 8 hours, perfect for camping trips or hiking back after dark.
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In the area I live in there is a growing desire for organic foods and living like people did years ago. I am not sure that throwing away years of technological advances is worth the small pleasures people gain by not using them. However, I don’t think there is much question about the value in LED camping lanterns for most camping needs. Convince and lower cost of operation eliminates any possible desire for older methods.
The greatest value with LED lanterns is being able to turn them on and off as needed without prep time. Store them in the trunk of your car and you will have them in case of emergency. Just one time will pay for a life time of carrying them.
I never was a big believer in a camping lantern. The big reason was you spent so much time taking care of it didn’t use it unless you needed it for a number of hours. Adding fuel, changing mantels, lighting it and keeping the hot lantern away from anything that might burn was enough to keep you from using it. In addition it either ran out of fuel or you needed to relight it shortly after shutting it off and had to redo the steps you did the first time. The fuel was fairly expensive preventing you from leaving it on when you didn’t really need it.
That changed with the new LED camping lanterns. They are inexpensive to use and you can turn them on or off as you please. The only problem I can see is the batteries don’t help with fire building. Oops I didn’t say that did I?
I think that the camping gear that has changed the most over the years is camping lanterns. Years ago Colman lanterns and then propane lanterns were the only real way to get light. Now with LED lanterns and headlamps our options are much greater. The nice part is with the new lanterns we don’t have to worry about mantles that need replacing so we can use them as needed.
I also suggest carrying them in the car in case of a flat tire. We don’t get flats as often as we used to but the saying of you won’t need on until you need it real bad is true. Have fun and enjoy camping.
Years ago the only option for camping lanterns was the Colman fuel based camping lanterns. After a while the propane based lanterns became popular. They worked ok but there were two issues with them. Number one the mantels always burned just when you needed the light the most. In addition there was the risk of spilling the fuel just when it would be the most inconvenient. There was one big advantage to the Colman fuel based lanterns. The fuel worked great at starting fires. A little dangerous though if you added too much.
LED camping lanterns solve both problems but of course don’t help start fires. Starting fires with Colman fuel isn’t something you should do anyway due to the risk of an explosion.
I don’t know if you have ever had the experience of making camp just before dark and before you are used to the campground you go to bed. During the night you need to get up and find the restroom. The problem being that once you are headed back your have trouble finding your camp site. I think the problem might be related to age but let’s not go into that.
One use for camping lanterns is to turn them on when you leave at night and they will mark the spot for your return. The LED camping lanterns are perfect for that since all you have to do is turn them on. The drain on the batteries is small so they last for hours.
I was cleaning out the garage recently and came across our Coleman fueled camping lantern. Camping lanterns used be powered by white gas and then propane fueled camping lanterns became popular. Like the old kerosene lanterns of years ago I suspect they too will not be around in force in the future.
The reason is the LED camping lanterns. I think many people are like me. It becomes too much like work to take care of the fuel based lanterns. The work great when working but who would light one just for a trip to the bathroom or raiding the cooler. The LED camping lanterns also work great as emergency indoor lighting and you don’t have to worry about them spilling.
Many years ago my dad complained that I didn’t have a light with me when I drove at night. He stated that someday I would be sorry because if I had a flat I would wish I had a light with me. Improvements in tires kept him from proving his point but I do now carry a light with me. A better idea is one of the camping lanterns from Brunton. Not only do they work great in camp but you can leave it in the car for an emergency.
The LED camping lantern is strong enough to light a considerable distance and with the LED technology the batteries last a long time. The old fuel based lanterns worked great but needed new mantels and the need to carry fuel was present. Sometimes new things can be a good idea.
Planning for the camping season we think in terms or what sleeping bags and possible a camping tent that might need replacing. Yet camping accessories play a big role in our ability to enjoy camping. Take for example a camping lantern. A good camping lantern can be the difference between feeling that you have a great site and feeling like it is a little on the dingy side.
The nice part about an LED camping lantern is you no longer need to carry fuel. In addition you can turn them on and off easily. Great for having kids around as they can turn it off and on. Well at least on!
Despite the fact that my dad told me to always carry a flashlight I never did. The reason is whenever I needed it the batteries were dead and the light burned out. I tried many different types with the same result. That changed when the LED flashlights came out. You can get LED flashlights, headlamps, and other lights for almost nothing but the ClipMate has a couple of nice features.
The ClipMate is a great light where there is a possibility of it getting wet. It is water resistant and you can slip it to almost anything to be able to get the light where you need it. Sounds great for night fishing or taking care of children.