Lights

There are many ways to light your way in the night. They are characterized by how much light they put out and how large and heavy they are.

For car camping, you can't beat a propane lantern. They give off lots of light and can use disposable bottles or larger propane tanks. They get very hot and cannot be used in tents. The Troop provides lanterns for each patrol, so it is hardly ever necessary for individuals to buy one. There are some small propane lanterns that fit a backpacking propane bottle. If you really need 100 watts of light on a backpacking trip, these will give it to you, as long as you bring enough fuel.

For use in tents, a battery-powered light is necessary. They range from large rechargable units to small headlamps. What you use depends on your preferences. I like a headlamp because it frees both of my hands. This is very useful when pitching a tent and eating.

Newer battery-powered lights use a light-emitting diode (LED) instead of a typical incandescent bulb. These are not as bright, but the bulbs last for years. You still need to replace batteries, but those run out at more predictable times. Some units have both incandescent and LED bulbs. You select which bulb to use depending on your needs at the time.

Use lighter units for backpacking. On extended backpacking trips, it is amazing how little light you really need. Make sure you pack your flashlight in an easily accessible pocket in your backpack. You often need to find it in the dark.

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