|
Home About Us Glossary Disclaimer Contact Links
Illumination comes in many forms. Here we discuss some of the different options to illuminate your way.
Headlamps
Headlamps and head-torches are designed to be worn on the forehead, leaving the hands free. They can be relatively small or quite large and powerful, depending on the intended application. The bulb can be an LED or a traditional incandescent bulb, often with a high-intensity option such as halogen. We have used three different types of Petzl headlamp (Zoom, Micro, and Tikka) and been happy with all of them.
Torches
Traditional torches are tough and reliable but need a free hand to operate, although you can get headbands which accept a torch to convert them into a headlamp. I have found that you get what you pay for with torches; a two-dollar torch from the supermarket will not be very reliable. We have used a variety of Maglite torches with good results.
LED Mini-Torches
LED mini-torches are very small torches that essentially consist of an LED bulb, coin battery, and switch in a case. They are small enough to be attached to clothing or equipment without much weight penalty; you can leave one permanently attached to the roof of your tent. While their light output is smaller than that of full-size AA/AAA torches, it is enough for performing basic tasks around the campsite.
Candle Lanterns
Candle lanterns burn a tea-light candle or a special long-burning candle inside a small transparent housing. They only put out a relatively small amount of light and are dangerous if used inside a tent. However, they may be useful for increasing the ambient light inside a hut. We prefer to avoid them because their weight:light ratio is not that good.
Glowsticks
Chemical lights, or glowsticks, are relatively lightweight and put out a diffuse glow similar to a candle, rather than a beam. They are not really useful for complex tasks like assembling a stove, although they could be used to increase the ambient light inside a hut or tent. They can also be used to mark locations, for example if you were camped in an open area, went for a walk after dark, and wanted to be able to find your way back to the tent. They are reasonably lightweight and very safe.
LED or bulb?
We have found that LED head-torches such as the Petzl Tikka, while long-lasting on the batteries, give out a weird, other-worldly light similar to a fluorescent bulb or glowstick. They seem to be more like a floodlight than a torch beam. However, the light weight and miserly energy consumption of LED lights makes them a sensible choice for long-distance and fast-and-light expeditions. Unfortunately, many models of LED head-torch cannot be focussed. We think the longer range and ability to focus the light on a specific area make traditional or halogen bulbs a better choice if you’re planning to be on the move after dark. If they will only be used around the campsite, an LED headlamp may be a better choice.
|
|
