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Camping Lantern - Adding Some Light For Safety and Fun


A camping lantern is simply a portable lighting device.

The type of device and the source of light vary, along with its durability, safety, and light output.

Although the lantern has existed for most of recorded history, household electricity is used to brighten up outdoor activities, such as camping.

There are several different types of camp lighting units used by outdoor purposes.

You can probably remember your grandparents or maybe even your great-grandparents using lanterns for light. You may have one that was passed down to you.

Either way, they have always been a popular means of lighting.

Most of them still work with a gasoline of some sort and a wick. The wick is fed down into the bowl at the bottom which is filled with the fuel.

When the wick is lit, it is consumed as it burns. You have to "roll" up some more wick when it gets low or the flame will go out.

They are not hard to operate. Each one is different, so be sure to read the manufacturers instructions before attempting to use any gas camp lighting.

Be especially cautious around children or any open flame. Any type of fuel is flammable and can cause serious injury.

Let's look at some different types of camping lantern sources:

Kerosene Lanterns

Also called a hurricane lantern, the kerosene lantern has been in use since the nineteenth century.

It is a simply but resiliently designed lantern, and generally consists of a glass globe with metal handles and chimney.

The shape and design allow for good air flow, which makes for the brightest camping lantern, with uninterrupted light.

The drawbacks are a considerable risk of fire and, when used in an enclosed area, possible carbon monoxide poisoning.

Propane Lanterns

Most famously made by the Coleman Company, bottle pressurized propane lanterns have replaced kerosene lanterns because they have less danger of fire and emit the brightest camping lantern light.

Because propane is still highly flammable and may cause carbon monoxide poisoning, these lanterns are not recommended for small, enclosed spaces such as tents and cabins.

Despite this, they are very convenient and are very popular brightest camping lanterns because they light a very large area with a clear, steady light.

Many campers and outdoors enthusiasts attach a degree of nostalgia to propane lanterns because they have been a popular choice in camp lighting for several generations.

Fluorescent Lanterns

Fluorescent lanterns, powered by batteries, are beginning to replace fuel burning lanterns because they are so much safer. Although they produce a dimmer and slightly yellowed light, they are much easier to use and can even be worked by children. Because they do not get their light from combustion, they can be used inside tents. They are popular camping lanterns.

LED Lanterns

Also battery powered, LED lanterns produce a much brighter, whiter light than fluorescent lanterns and use far less energy. As with fluorescent lighting, LED light is safe, durable, and easy to use. Although LED lanterns were originally more expensive than the other choices, the average price has dropped sharply in the last few years. They are currently in the same approximate price range as fluorescent camping lanterns.





Choosing a camping lantern

When choosing the brightest camping lanterns, there are several factors to be considered. First, in what area do you want to use this lantern?

If you need an indoor light, fluorescent or LED lanterns are the safest choices. If you are planning to light an outside area, any type will suffice.

Second, how available are the three different fuel sources where you plan to camp? Batteries are readily available throughout the United States, as is white gas lantern fuel.

Kerosene, while easier to find in third world countries than the other two types of lantern power, is growing scarce in some areas of the United States.

Last, you should consider overall cost. Although all four types of camping lanterns can be found in almost any price range, LED lanterns will cost the least to operate over their lifetime.

They use only a fraction of the power of any other type of lantern and do not usually require replacement parts.

Convenience is another factor. Batteries cannot evaporate, as kerosene or white gas does, and they do not require the special storage that liquid fuel would. They are also easier to transport and therefore an obvious choice for backpackers.

Although kerosene and white gas lanterns are not difficult to light, the battery powered variety is the easiest to start, requiring only the push of a button.

Last, safety is an important concern. Although many outdoor enthusiasts prefer the nostalgia and tradition of old-fashioned kerosene or white gas flame lighting, using these types of lanterns requires tolerating a great deal of danger.

If camping with children, either type of battery powered lantern is an appropriate choice. A child will be able to take an LED or fluorescent lantern into their tent, light it with no help, and use it without any danger.

People enjoy a traditional fuel lantern but need a safer choice for indoor areas. You may want to consider having several different types of lanterns.

A white gas lantern can safely illuminate the outdoors, while an LED lantern provides safe indoor lighting.

Although choosing a lantern seems like a small decision, it can have a huge impact on your camping trip. Concerns like safety, cost, convenience, and usability affect the day-to-day rituals of an outdoorsman.

As with every other camping purchase, it is important to evaluate your needs and choose wisely.


From Camping Lantern to Battery Lanterns | To Flourescent Lanterns | To Kerosene Lanterns | To Propane Lanterns


 




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