Your next travel plans need not be limited to daytime hours – with the right lighting, all 24 hours are yours. Whether you’re backpacking for weeks or backyard camping for hours, you’ll need lighting that keeps up with your plans. Read on to discover the essential, adventure-ready lighting that’s earned its place on your packing list.
Keep Your Adventure in Clear View with a Rechargeable LED Headlamp
You don’t need to be a cave explorer to prioritize packing a headlamp. This hands-free illumination is one of the most versatile, convenient, and practical forms of lighting.
Wear it to keep your hands free while gathering wood for the fire. You’ll keep unfamiliar terrain in view and choose the best log for your crackling fire. LED headlamps make early-morning hikes possible and are comfortable for the whole family.
With adjustable straps and detachable bases, you can charge one lamp while switching to your second unit. These LED lamps last for several hours on a full charge and even longer when in low power mode.
Some of the best options have multiple settings, including red light, flash, and even strobe. Your LED headlamp can also be used as a traffic flare, strapped to your backpack, or attached to a tree.
For less remote use, LED headlamps are fun to use at home and are one of the most practical tools for a homeowner. Trips to the dusty, dark attic are much easier when wearing a headlamp. Plus, focused work in tight spaces like home improvement, projects, or car repair allows light to be pointed in the right direction.
Clip-on Lighting for Gear, Nighttime Reading, and 24-hour Essentials
When the sun goes down, your entertainment options diminish unless you have the right lighting. That’s why a clip-on light source is a must-have.
Small lights that clip onto books or maps with a flexible arm allow for reading and route planning. Catch up on your favorite book or review tomorrow’s hike without wasting daylight otherwise spent on your adventure.
Larger clip-on lighting can clip to picnic tables, tree branches, or be adjusted to support its own weight. These lights can run on their rechargeable battery or be plugged into a power bank for longer spans of illumination. They pull triple-duty as a work light, dining light, and can light up an entire tent.
Adjust the flexible arm upward to cast a warm blow inside your tent, rustic cabin, or recreational vehicle. Once outdoors, face it downward to reduce potential disruption to wildlife.
USB Charging Lighting with Reliable Solar-Power Backup
Most often, you’ll see rechargeable lighting with a USB-C to USB-C port. This charger cord has become nearly universal and makes it easier to keep devices charged. Without a proprietary charging cord, your phone charger can pull double duty for your rechargeable light.
Even better, is a rechargeable light that also has solar backup. You’ll find this option most frequently on lanterns, as their typical placement puts them in the path of sunlight. Additionally, certain flashlight types will have a solar component, especially flashlights designed for emergency use.
A Rechargeable LED Flashlight with a Range of Settings
A good flashlight is an essential piece of equipment for home and travel use; a miniature flashlight, the size of an AA battery, stashes in your purse, glove box, and backpack.
Many of these miniature lights include a clip and are contained in a glow-in-the-dark surround. The clip feature allows you to secure your flashlight anywhere and to keep it charged by the sun.
The glow-in-the-dark feature is more than just fun — it ensures you can find it even in the darkest conditions. Flashlights can also include a glass break tip, seatbelt cutter, and side-facing flasher for emergencies.
Rechargeable lighting is a must, as carrying batteries adds unnecessary uncertainty and weight. Second to rechargeability is charge life, which determines the length a charge will last you. Flashlights that can transition to low mode can last up to 20 hours, compared to just three or five on high mode.
Magnetic Pen Lights for Adventures Anywhere.
Most often, magnetic pen lights are found in the garage, but they deserve more appreciation. These telescoping lights penetrate small crevices and the magnetic tip extracts tiny components.
Whether you’re fixing your car or locating a toy, this tool gets the job done. The stakes you need to secure your tent can be extracted from a brush pile. The charger cord for your LED headlamp can be picked out of an unstable rock pile. When you’re done, these lights return to pen size until the next time you’re in a tight spot.
A Packable Rechargeable Lantern Keeps the Fun Going Well After Sunset
No adventure is complete without a rechargeable lantern. They are easy to carry, attach to a post or hook, or place on a relatively flat surface. Bring your lamp to the fireside, top your table, or illuminate your sleeping area.
These lanterns are safer than their flammable counterparts and their battery life lasts longer than you’ll need to use them. Reduce the risk of fires that an open flame or a torch or a candle could start. Plus, you’ll pack lighter without everything you’ll need to support flame-based lighting.
Look for waterproof options that can handle a pop-up shower or overnight downpour. Lanterns that also include a solar panel or glowing housing components increase their reliability if you’re unable to access power. At home, these lanterns make patio time extend well into the night and can be fun for kids to use in imaginary play.
Travel Smart With Flexible, Portable Lighting
Choose your travel lighting wisely, considering your upcoming plans, likelihood of reuse, and reliability. Keep lighting lightweight, adaptable for your needs, and easy to maintain. Prioritize lighting that uses the same charging cord, most often a USB-C, to reduce the need for multiple cords.
Examine lighting for its durability and look for drop ratings, especially if you’re planning for a rugged adventure. With easy-to-care-for, rechargeable lighting at the ready, the only question is: where to next?
