Solar-Powered Camp Lighting

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Types of lanterns

Lantern fuel types

Light output

Other key considerations

Batteries: Need to carry extras; Alkaline batteries lose power below 20°F; lithium handles cold better; carry extras

Choose your beam type

Flood (or fixed): A single short-focus beam works well for general tasks in camp or while walking.
Spot (or focused): Spotlight that penetrates a long distance. Best for route-finding or quick activities.
Adjustable: Can shift from a fixed to spot beam.

What to consider when shopping

Regulated output: Option that maintains light at steady brightness level throughout battery life—then dies quickly.
Light output: Measure (in lumens) of light intensity on highest brightness setting.
Beam distance: How far the light will shine before the brightness diminishes to equivalent of light from a full moon.
Run time: How long the battery will last at various settings.
Controls: Some lights have safety locks to prevent accidental switching on.

Brightness

Typically, the higher the number of lumens, the brighter the light.

A headlamp with a high lumens count will consume energy at a higher rate than one with a lower lumens number.
Most headlamps offer several brightness levels like low, mid and high (max). Others may offer an emergency strobe or red-light mode for nighttime vision.

Consider the power source

Lithium battery–powered headlamps are a good choice for cold-weather use, since lithium batteries outperform alkaline batteries in cold conditions.
Rechargeable batteries can be used repeatedly but tend to lose power when sitting idle.

Understand headlamp beam type and distance

Flood (or wide): This spreads the beam wider and is for general, close tasks like cooking dinner or reading.
Spot (or focused or narrow). A tight beam for longer-distance viewing, such as navigating a trail at night.
Flood and spot: Adjustable headlamps are the most versatile.