Hand powered flashlight

I've used kerosene lanterns because they are a lot quieter, though I do have a power gas [four season] type. There are especially great for winter camping as they provide some immediate heat in the tent when you are starting up. But like I said, there are all kinds of options today including home made ones. I'm sure you have seen this lantern idea -



This is a great light

 

My gas lantern is really for lighting purposes but surprisingly it produces a lot of natural heat too. I had a large Coleman propane lantern and gave it away because it took up to much space. [Noisy] I'll use the small gas lantern in the tent in the winter because it is just like having a regular light bulb. I don't use it inside in the summer because it just contributes to the heat.

I've experimented with some other stuff - but only for fun. Light the water jug, filled with water, and have head light attached around it as shown above. Gives some good light - but it is a novelty.

This is my inventory [used for what ever circumstance deemed necessary].

FOR CAMP AND TENT LIGHTING

• Eight hour burning tea lights that accommodate a variety of holders.
• 1 hanging candle light in case
• 3 homemade lamp stands that accommodate the round lights [purchased at Dollar Store]
• 2 large round lights that attach to a centre pole [made for outdoor patio shade umbrellas]
• Goal Zero [escape 150 model] solar lights that can be used inside or outside
• 4 different Kerosene Lamps
• PERSONAL - depending what I'm doing
• 1 bright long range hand held flashlight [with shoulder case]
• 2 bright long range head lights
• 1 small bright back up flashlight
• 1 red emergency light that is attached to a pack
• 1 solar flash light

Even if you didn't ask I bet you are sorry that you asked????

 

I had one of those million candlelight spot lights - yep, I gave that pain in the neck away too. Among other issues it was to bulky and I learned that a good headlight was far more effective and practical.

 

There are people who tell me that I can get side tracked, mainly students.

 

They all look keen and neat....I just can't be bothered.

 

I am a fan of the Eton Red Cross series of hand cranked flashlights that that they carried a few years back. I was sorry they discontinued them. The Road Torq roadside flashlight was exceptionally bright.

 

I make sure that I have spare batteries including camera batteries.

 

Outside in my yard, I have solar powered colored lanterns. I have pink ones and blue ones. They are round when they are open; but then you take them down or move them, they just fold up into a flat disk. They would actually be easy to carry along because they fold up so flat, but they do not put out much light because they are colored, they just look pretty (which is actually why I bought them).

However, I found this neat little square one that also folds flat, and it has a larger solar panel, so it would probably store more energy and shine brighter than mine do. I have a little radio with a hand crank and it also has a flashlight; but you have to do a lot of cranking to keep it running.

http://www.campist.com/archives/soul-cell-solar-powered-lantern.html

 

Great @happyflowerlady isn't it amazing what they keep coming out with? I have a goal zero power pack (150 Boulder Adventurer power pack) that I use primarily for lighting at base camp. A bit of a novelty I suppose, but it does give a lot of light. (You can use it to power small appliances, phones, lab top etc.) I have a goal zero flash light too that is powered entirely from the sun.

For decoration I have those automatic candles that I put inside a kerosene lantern. They come on at 9 P.M. and turn themselves off again at 1 A.M. The batteries will last the whole summer and longer. Not a lot of light of course but really great for amorous look.


I had two lanterns similar to the ones shown - I took out the wicks and put in the two automatic on/off candles - about $6.00 each at Walmart (in our neck of the woods). I bought a couple of those plant posts from Dollar star and they look great. I'll take a picture tomorrow and post it.

When I'm out [coming this weekend] I use the headlight - it actually provides that level of lighting. It also has a read flair light one can use - you can see clearly in the dark but it doesn't attract bugs.

 

My daughter has one of those Goal Zero setups, too. she often goes out exploring in the woods on the arsenal, and uses the powerpac to keep her gadgets running. She also takes it along when she is in the car and needs an extra power pack for something.
As for the little headlamps, those are awesome ! I have only ever had a cheapie one from Harbor Frieght Tools; but I used to wear it every noght when i came home from work in the dark and had to be outside feeding the horses and doing outside evening chores. It left my hands free and was always ppoinging where I wanted light to be shining. I loved it, and always kept the batteries charged and ready to go in case I had to go outside for a nighttime emergency.

 

Understanding Flashlights And Headlamps: Specs




There's a lot more to flashlights than meets the eye, but understanding a few specs will help you make an informed purchase. Read More... online gear junkie This is a really good article - thoughtful too.

Gear Junkie is another free download site that is one of the best (along with 50 Campfires (the free online mag.)