Camping is one of the few outdoor pastimes that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. But whether you choose to sleep under canvas at the height of summer or in the depths of winter, starlight isn’t always enough and one piece of equipment which is indispensable is the torch. The answer to navigating a campsite after dark, or just to provide some extra light in the tent, a torch should be at the top of your list when packing to go away. Here, we run through the types of torch available on the market and what you should look out for when buying one.
Things to think about before buying a torch
How many do you need? Before buying your torch, think about having more than one with you so that you have more than a single light source to rely on.
How big should it be? Consider the size of the torch; whether it is small enough to fit in your pack and whether you will need extra space for batteries.
How heavy will the torch be? Make sure the torch (with batteries) will not be that heavy once you have carried it all day that you will want to throw it as far as you can!
How durable does the torch need to be? No one expects to drop their torch in a river or see it crushed under the car tyres but if that did happen, would your torch survive?
What purpose will the torch serve? If you want to provide illumination within your tent, a flashlight might not be sufficient and you may need to consider other light sources.
How bright do you want it to be? The brightness of torches and lanterns is measured in Lumens and generally speaking, the higher the Lumens, the greater the light output.
What power source will you choose? Batteries are easy to replace, but you will need to carry extras with you; battery powered torches give out a steady light up to the end of the battery life. Rechargeable torches feature a rechargeable battery pack that will need to be plugged into a power source. This is fine if you have a vehicle or are not too far from civilization. However, if you are camping off-grid, this may not be a viable option.
Types of torch
Hand-held torches – the most essential of equipment, a hand-held torch no longer has to be big to be powerful. The Draper Aluminium torch is manufactured from lightweight, quality aluminium and is supplied with batteries. Compact enough to store away in your pack, this flashlight features a 100 Lumen LED bulb, with a 50m beam.
Head torches – the perfect solution for setting up your tent in the dark when you cannot hold a flashlight. A head torch will leave your hands free to carry out camping tasks in the dark, providing pinpointed light. The Kampa Dometic Signal Head Torch features a super bright LED bulb with an adjustable angle for precision illumination.
Lanterns – safer than a traditional gas lantern, a lantern will emit a circle of light which is ideal for illuminating the middle of your tent. The Kampa Dometic Beacon Lantern has a hanging hook, allowing you to suspend it inside the tent and the round, clear glass body will provide a 360-degree area of light.
Spotlights – a spotlight emits a concentrated beam of light which can be far reaching in the dark, making it a useful addition to your kit. Perfect for casting light when looking for lost keys or in any situation where you might need to see that bit further. The Draper Rechargeable Spotlight is supplied with a 230V mains adaptor and has a 150m beam, emitting 200 Lumens.
Whatever purpose you have in mind for your torch on a camping trip, BEC Ingoldmells has a selection for you to choose from, and our staff are always happy to advise.
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