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Camping Lanterns

Although man can deliberately function in the dark as shown by our predecessors, at present times when we have the means to make life a little easier, why not make it so? Even in far-off areas, particularly outdoors when we go on a trek or a camp, a lantern could come in handy. For safety purposes, more than anything else, having a camping lantern to take along in long trips, in camps and in unfamiliar terrains is a must. Setting up a tent, cooking your meals, organizing your things are just some of your must-do that may be made easy when you have with you a portable camping lantern.

The question now is how to choose a camping lantern. Fact is there is no best camping lantern. Although the common options now for campers are either gas powered or the camping lanterns that are powered by electricity. Choosing from these options will depend on you, the user, primarily. In selecting which camping lantern to bring along, take into account the following considerations; (1) which lantern provides greater lighting capabilities? (2) Which lantern or lantern component is accessible or readily available? (3) Which is safer to use?

Gas powered lanterns provide greater lighting capability as compared to electrically powered camping lanterns. You can also adjust its intensity and lighting level when extreme lighting is not needed. In so doing, you get to save fuel. Gas lanterns can also keep power on its peak even in extreme cold condition. Fuel varieties are also available such as butane, kerosene, dual fuel, and propane. Fuels compressed in steel bottles are usually used by campers. Still, dual fuels have been the popular choice because use of traditional gas method is possible. Here, you can use the same kind of fuel you use in your gas stove to power your lantern. One thing to note on gas lanterns however is that they could become very hot. It's important to determine its proper placement. Always keep it out of children's reach. It is advised too, that you keep spare sheets and a waterproof ignition source for your lanterns. As for extremely combustible fuels , always keep a certain distance away from open flame when refilling your tanks to keep you safe. Although newer types of lanterns have built-in electric igniters, it is always advisable to take with you additional lighting sources like matches or gas lighter.

There are other optional equipment to go with your camping lanterns such as protective carrying case, a lantern reflector which is used to redirect light coming from the back of the lantern, and a hanging post so you can hang your lantern in a strategic place in the camp.

However, due to these components of gas lanterns which are most likely too bulky to bring along, campers sometimes opts to use electrically powered lanterns. Battery powered lanterns are preferred because these are more convenient or easy to carry. Variants of battery operated lanterns are available and are using batteries of different types and styles which you can find in most convenient stores. Their biggest advantage probably is that they are generally safer to use than gas powered lanterns. They are safe when used inside tents, cars, and other enclosed places. They don't get too hot and are safe to use around children. It is not advised though to use these battery powered lanterns in cold weather trips.

If you go for light packing however, particularly for hiking expeditions, there are flashlights that have camping lanterns like features that could probably be the best option for you. Other accessories to bring along with this are spare batteries, auxiliary light bulbs, and perhaps a lantern stand.