Light for Camping/Hiking

[pretzelcoatl]

Before you read anything, I might as well tell you that I'm basically a complete flashlight novice. I've spent most of the day today reading reviews on lights, but other than that I've had little to no experience with them.

Anyways, recently I've been catching the camping/outdoors fever. I spend way too much time all day cooped up in a classroom (I'm a wee senior in high school) or at home, and I really want to start spending time outdoors. Of course, time outdoors isn't nearly as fun when you don't stay overnight, so I figure that I should probably get a light.

Somewhat unfortunately, I'm one of those that has to get the best possible within my (seemingly always expanding) price range. I'd like to not shell out more than $130-$150 (and that's pushing it). That said, I like fancypants stuff that not only accomplishes its purpose but looks cool and has a couple bells and whistles along for the ride. I was looking at the ArmyTek Predator since it pretty much exactly fits the bill. :hitit:

Extreme throw isn't necessary. I need to illuminate a camp ground, its surroundings, a trail for a good 200 feet (at least), and have some kind of SOS feature. Strobe would be neat, I guess, but it's not a necessity. Small(er) size would be preferable as I don't want to lug around a MagLite-sized nightstick flashlight while hiking. If I need to use a light as a weapon I'd rather have it be small and sturdy with a scalloped front than a large metal rod.

I have no preference with batteries, but I guess it'd be nicer to have a single larger battery than 2 cr123as or whatever they're called. Rechargables are obviously preferred.

Also, it should be seriously durable. If I drop it in a river, it should still work. If I drop it down a ways on some rocks, it should still work. It doesn't seem like durability is a real problem with most modern taclights but it's still worth mentioning.

For what it's worth, I live in central California, so my destinations of choice would be Yosemite National Park or Sierra National Forest. I'd like to go soonish (maybe over Thanksgiving break) and it gets down past 20F at night. I don't think that really matters at all, but I suppose it gives some shape to the dude behind the screen.

Anyways, after all that reading, recommend me a light gents. :laughing:

 

[Seb71]

You need two lights: a headlamp with more flood for around the tent lighting and a handheld torch with more throw (and preferable with a warm light) for using during walking on trails (or off trails if you became lost).

 

[Gunner12]

Personally I find the "Disco" modes (strobe, SOS, etc.) relatively useless. For something small and bright, 18650 batteries work well, but you'll have to include batteries and charger into your budget.

For outdoors use, a neutral/warm white LED would be nice. The Zebralight SC600 could be a nice light for you if you don't mind the lack of blinky modes. Small light that can be really bright or really dim and can come in warm/neutral white.

For AA powered lights, if you want cheap, Shiningbeam's Caveman, I-mini, and Spark can all come in neutral white. The Spark has Strobe mode but the others don't. ALso look at Fenix's LD series and 4seven's Quark lights. 4seven's lights can come in Neutral white too.

:welcome:

 

[reppans]

You seem to be looking for a powerful bright light... My $0.02 for camping is that having long runtime dim modes work much better since they preserve your night vision (you'll be able see much more than just whats in your beam), and they conserve batteries (you'll use lights continuously all night). Also don't know many that like hiking in the dark, but I'm bit older than you.

I typically use small single cell lights in the 100-200 lm max range, but rarely need more than 0.3 or 3 lumens for camping, which is great for ultra-light backpacking since 2-3 oz of lighting lasts me for weeks.

 

[Ezeriel]

I'm a simple AA battery guy, and I like Fenix lights....

The LD22 has a nice floody beam for walking , and you can attach a 21mm diffuser tip for sitting around the campsite, or if you want to hang a lightbulb
http://www.fenixlight.com/viewproduct.asp?id=161
http://www.fenixlight.com/viewproduct.asp?id=53

The E25 is very nice as well. it has more throw, and a 24mm tip will fit, but it lacks the ultra-long runtimes of the LD22

 

[weez82]

I highly recommend a light that fits a diffuser cone like the Fenix or Xeno diffuser cones. Turns the light into a lantern and saves on space cause you can leave the lantern at home. When I camp/backpack I use a Fenix ld10 with diffuser cone and a 47's MiNi ML with the Fenix headband. Highly recommend bringing two lights, should one fail you'll have a spare.

 

[pretzelcoatl]

I'm liking the idea of diffusers. I'll definitely look into some Fenix lights because I'm fairly sure my local REI carries some. Hopefully they're the ones you guys are talking about :thumbsup:

 

[bostonbob]

You need two lights: a headlamp with more flood for around the tent lighting and a handheld torch with more throw (and preferable with a warm light) for using during walking on trails (or off trails if you became lost).

Double ditto on the headlamp as your first priority camping. Don't skimp! You will use it the most.