Hand powered flashlight

I would normally consider tools such as a hand crank flashlight or radio as disaster preparation tools, but they could certainly be useful for camping as well. They would be especially good when you're way out or out for a long time. Are there any other types of hand crank tools that don't require batteries to operate? Do you use any for camping?

 

I do not try to get to the point of a flashlight. If I feel I the called the PMC's I would have a middle size I would give up camping.

 

Getting around in the dark with no light sounds like a challenge. I would not want to be in that circle when disaster hits.

 

A hand crank flashlight would be a good auxiliary tool for camping to function as an emergency light in case the main flashlight stops working. I remember giving these types of flashlights to each camper attached to a lanyard during one of our family camps. It's something you would want to have in an emergency tool kit as well. I would not recommend these as the main camp flashlight because these are not really durable perhaps due to the moving parts.

 

I didn't mean don't bring a flashlight at all. I just meant the hand crank one is usually reserved for emergencies but could be useful in camping as well, especially if things didn't go according to planned (which I have found happens when camping

 

We always took flashlights, and made sure the batteries were good, and probably had extra along, just in case. Usually, we didn't have to use it a lot at night, but it was good to have it when we did need one. It was one of those big spotlight ones that would shine quite a ways, so we could shine it out into the woods if we heard an animal moving around out there, or just needed to walk out into the woods to go to the bathroom. I now have one of those radios that work on either batteries or a hand crank, and if I went camping , I would certainly take that along. Also, my iPhone has a flashlight accessory, so when I just needed a little light for something, then that would work fine.

As was mentioned, the crank radio/flashlights need a lot of cranking for not much playing time; so having good batteries in them is definitely the best plan, and use the crank when necessary.

We didn't have any of the fancy knives with all of the blades; but my dad and grandpa always had their pocket knives along, and they were kept sharp. We also had a good hatchet, hand saw, or even the axe along in case we had a big tree limb across the road, and had to cut it in order to get through and out to the lake.

 

I stay away from gadgets that need cranking. It really is a matter of choice though. I have an excellent head lamp and a flashlight that hangs in a holster. I do have solar power for base camp and use two different lighting systems. There are so many excellent choices in the market place you have to decide what you need and how you intend to use them. I've been amazed at how powerful they have become. You don't have to go expensive either - it all depends upon what you need. And then again - there's always candle power.

 

Actually, you younger folk probably don't remember it, but when I was little , and we went camping, even the one flashlight that we brought along was innovative. What we usually used in camp was an old kerosene lantern, one that looked like they used to use when walking along the railroad tracks back in the days when railroads had people that did that.

My grandfather was one of those people, and one of my earliest memories is of waiting in the car (47 Nash) with my mom, and seeing that lantern in the distance as my grandfather came walking back down the track. Later, my folks got "hi-tech", and we had a Coleman lantern, and even a Coleman camp stove for making coffee in the mornings, and cooking breakfast. That made for a lot faster breakfasts than having to wait for the campfire to get going good enough to cook on it!!

 

I didn't allow myself to be tempted as I was last year. I have in mind only one piece of equipment but I'll wait to early spring to make a final decision. I feel a bit guilty on occasion when I check out the inventory - how did I accumulate so much? I'm needing to go easy and make due with what I have - and I have a lot of it. My rationalization, if I was called to testify against myself, this is the only thing that I really do.

 

I usually give away stuff at the All Sections Scout Camp in the Spring. [I have a no money auction with items put aside for different groups including leaders.] One year I had a camp supply store give me three new backpack tents to give away. I asked why they did that, I quote, "Because you are one of our best customers."

Actually - I have two basement rooms - one for bagged equipment - tents, cots, sleeping bags, and other items that come in containment bags. The other room has all the small stuff - dishes, kitchen stuff, flashlights, batters, food stuffs, pots and pans, grills & stoves, lanterns etc. etc. etc. There are items in the shed too - grill sets, campfire rings, and so on.

I know I know...it's a bit much. I didn't accumulate all this overnight.

 

I'm organized don't you know. Things are on shelves that are well marked, [dishes, pots and pans. stoves etc.] tags are on all larger pieces of equipment like tents with the date last checked, tents are stored off the floor, and I have an inventory list that is seasonally divided. I even have a shelf for do equipment.

 

I hate anything hand cranked. We had a radio and flashlight, first off... the charge did not last very well. Had to keep cranking until our hands hurt to keep it working, and the handle kept breaking off of them. So finally I went with solar and have been trying to create a small wind turbine to attach to one. I'm not very technical so it is slow going. I'll get there though. I'm making the turbine to be water proof too so that if you have one nearby you can dip it into flowing water to power it also.

That would be me. No matter how hard I try, I just can't keep it organized. I know where everything is at though... does that count??

 

I agree with you. The reality there are so many products out there it really isn't necessary to crank much. Though - I have gone into some solar systems and they have worked well for me as well.