Lighting for our trip?
 

We are taking our Landcruiser to Mali from UK for 7 weeks in Autumn. We plan to camp and cook for ourselves when possible so will need some form of lighting. What do people recommend? have looked at Coleman lanterns and we are planning to use a Coleman stove, so will have petrol, but they look a bit easy to smash!! Anyone used a 12 volt light - if so which type? Or what else?

Let there be light
 

Some sort of area light is nice but for sure have a LED headlamp for each person. Great for cooking and reading with light just where you need it and hands free.

I have a couple of wind up Eurohike led lanterns that also charge off the car battery - found a 2 for 1 offer at one of the camping chains. They have done well over the summer but it's been a bit wet for exhaustive testing. They also collapse for storage and being battery power are safe in the tent - try to find a model that has normal AA rechargables for when they die some day.

Another vote for a good quality LED headlamp. Good batteries last ages and the headlamp has endless uses: tent, toilet, playing games, vehicle inspection, even seeing what you're eating!

I wouldn't want to travel without one.
Stephan

Thanks! Yes, we agree over the head torches - we already have those! No votes for the Coleman lantern then? The wind up one sounds really interesting - will look into that, defo. Anybody used anything else good?

and me!
 

would'nt leave home without my head torch with rechargable batteries i charge in cigarette lighter socket. you could fit a leisure battery with a split charging system(through a relay) and then use any 12v light without flattening your main battery.

See the light
 

Hi, I use a small camping strip light with some hooks on and a long lead, you can then move it over the cooker in the tent or wherever. Very small drain on the battery and instant. Also a candle in a jam is good for mood lighting.
Have fun
Bruce

Fenix L2D
 

My travel light, suitable for ANY kind of situation:

- Fenix L2D torch (2AA batteries, VERY bright LED light, lowest power setting it runs for 60h on one set of AAs)
- Fenix diffuser attachment: small bit of plastic, lightweight, cheap... turns the torch into a light bulb - perfect!
- Nylon headband with elastic bit to put the torch through: turns any torch between 1-2cm diameter into a head torch.

Bjorn

camplight
 

i think this is good if a little pricey!

Touratech UK Webshop

I certainly agree with the head torch, they have a multitude of uses and I wouldn't go away without one.
However, most of the time i find it far easier to use a uv strip light powered from the Land Cruiser's battery, it gives a much better spread of light and uses next to no power (has never struggled to start in the morning)

Sam