We leave out a couple of cheap solar lights during the day attached to the poles of our tent using a peg like clip which grips the pole. I wouldn't leave them in other parts of pitch unless very close to tent in case someone drives over them. The hanging solar light looks better as you would be able to hang them in the tent in the evening and leave the shepherd's crook bit outside the flysheet. I haven't been able to find these cheap enough yet so still use the stick in mud variety.
Woolworths sell rechargeable fluorescent lanterns which are quite cheap. Argos probably do similar. Unfortunately we always seem to forget to take it out in the car with us to recharge again - or forget to plug it into charger if we do!!!
I bought a hang up inspection light from Lidls for £4.99 the other week which is showerproof and ok for the electric hook up on site. I won't leave it on when we go to sleep though. The solar lights are nice inside the tent in case you get up to use the loo or to help you find the winebox once the kids are asleep!
I wouldn't really like a tent next to ours using headlights for lighting unless it was just for a short while although we've seen it done lots of times. It spoils the camping experience a little. I always feel a bit vulnerable camping with so many cars about especially if they are coming and going after the children go to sleep about 8pm. There's only a bit a fabric between my family and those big heavy cars. I know it's handy having a car next to you but I personally think I would prefer cars to keep their distance from tents after unloading and pitching that is. If you are miles away from any other campers I'm sure no-one would be bothered about you using headlights.
The place we're going lets you park right by your tent, which is good for my sis and myself as we're always forgetting things - like charging things! Also sis just reminded me that my car has those low-down spotlights in the front spoiler and I can use them independent of the main beam. They're not as bright so probably aren't as irritating as headlights.
Thanks for the advice about the rechargeable lanterns. I assume you can just use them with a standard car-to-plug adaptor and don't need any special kit. I like the sound of the hanging solar light, w'ell have to get one.
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We have just bought our 3rd rechargeable lamp today. This one is a Coleman, last for 9 hours on full and 6 hours and half. Wouldnt be without them, the battery operated ones cost a fortune in batteries.
Hi there, I'm a newbie at all this. Not camped much since scouts.Lol.
Just ordered a quite expensive LED lantern called an Indigo by Freeplay. You charge it at home and wind it up to charge it when it runs out. Looks good, will keep you posted!!
We too have just invested in a new lantern and a small torch, both of the "wind up" variety. No more batteries or remembering to charge them up. They both appear to last for ages on a one minute wind up.
Car headlights are ok to use for pitching or striking your tent after dark, but if you use them as tent lighting all evening then you may have trouble starting your car in the morning.
You can get 12v strip lights, but I would suggest you get the ones with crocodile clips to fit directly onto the car battery. If you use the cigar lighter socket then you would have to leave a car window slightly open for the cable.
We use a couple of solar lights, simple stick in the ground ones to light where the guy ropes come to at the front of the tent, just so nobody will trip over them at night. Although if you only want ambient lighting in the tent during the evening, solar lights would be okay.
Citronella candles are great for lighting during hot summer evenings, as they deter insects.
Was hoping someone would give me positive on my purchase! The solar lights sound a cool idea. Trying to be eco friendly where possible. I love the citronella candles, they smell wonderful.
The list is getting shorter. Tent, Cooker, Picnic table, chairs, water carrier and lantern... Just Double bed and Cooler to go. Any ideas folks? Or shall I nip to the other end and start a new thread?
Quote: Originally posted by DanDrufff on 20/2/2007
The list is getting shorter. Tent, Cooker, Picnic table, chairs, water carrier and lantern... Just Double bed and Cooler to go. Any ideas folks? Or shall I nip to the other end and start a new thread?
Your lucky Dan, Our last 4 berth van was written off in an accident and our new 2 berth one has not arrived yet. We have still to start our list but as the new van is tiny (about the size of a pup tent) we will need to wait until it arrives to see what room we will have.
Quote: Originally posted by DanDrufff on 20/2/2007
Thanks JK and Lobey,
Was hoping someone would give me positive on my purchase! The solar lights sound a cool idea. Trying to be eco friendly where possible. I love the citronella candles, they smell wonderful.
The list is getting shorter. Tent, Cooker, Picnic table, chairs, water carrier and lantern... Just Double bed and Cooler to go. Any ideas folks? Or shall I nip to the other end and start a new thread?
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Topic: Lamps
