7 Important Things to Know before Choosing the Right LED Torch for Camping
Camping is a relaxing activity, mainly because it takes you away from the city’s hustle-bustle. It’s amazing to sit or sleep in an atmosphere where there are no artificial sounds or lights.
Still, the calm and quiet offered by camping is not risk-free. There are hidden dangers like pits, furrows, trenches and ditches, and big trees standing in your way, and of course wild animals. To sense the danger on time, you need a powerful light especially at night and there can be no better choice than LED torches.
LED (light-emitting diode) torches and battery have come a long way in terms of technology and efficiency and today’s LED torches are much lighter, smaller and brighter than before.
But different camping adventurers may have different needs and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Hence, it’s important to think upon how to choose the best LED torch for camping for your particular needs. Here are some useful tips to help you in this.
What are Your Choices?
You may be daunted to see the variation in prices of LED torches when you would start finding a good one.
They range from under $200 to more than $200, although their size may be the same.
The biggest factor to look for is brightness. A more powerful torch may be pricier as it would feature advanced bulb, battery and technology. The cost might still go up if it’s a rechargeable battery, multiple lighting modes, effective heat dissipation and water resistance.
Most torches are tested and rated similarly to comply with the standards. Manufacturers do their own testing. However, most reputable brands nowadays include performance data on their packaging.
What to Compare between Different Torches?
The main factors you should consider while comparing the choices available are:
Light Output: Lumen or brightness of light is the key factor you should consider while choosing a camping torch. This will determine how much you can see in the nighttime, thus may even determine whether your nighttime walk would be safe or dangerous.
The higher the lumens, the brighter would be your torch. A standard 60-watt light source produces around 750-850 lumens of light. A 1000 lumens flashlight can produce a beam range of 150-200 meters. So, you can decide what number of lumens you need:
- Under 100 lumens is perfect for lighting a tent
- For the tent site, around 200 lumens would be perfect
- For a campsite soiree, over 300 lumens would be great
If you plan a night walk, a brighter torch would be great. These days, several LED lights have many lighting modes to change the lumens. A lower lumen number will help you save the battery.
Beam Length
Beam length or beam distance is how far the light will shine before its brightness reduces to the equivalent of the light from a full moon. Light from a full moon is considered sufficient for safe outdoor travel. This length will differ with the brightness setting you choose. Calculating it in feet is quite easy. 1 meter = 3.2808 feet. Thus, if your beam length is 10 m, it’s 32.084 feet.
Running your torch on highest settings will give you brightest light, but it will also soon drain your battery. So, running it on a lower setting is preferable, because though it gives you less brightness, you’ll get more beam distance.
Size and Weight
These two also are important factors to consider while choosing a LED torch for camping, especially if you’re a backpacker. The best small camping LED torch is the one that provides you a lot of light but still remains lightweight.
Also, don’t forget to check the weight of the rechargeable battery while considering the total weight of your torch.
Water Resistance
A camping adventure is unpredictable when it comes to rain. If you need to use your torch on a rainy night, water resistance is another prime important factor to consider while buying your camping torch.
Overall, the torch that guarantees waterproof 1.5 to 3 meters is sufficient for a camping trip.
Impact Resistance
Lights are tested for impact resistance by dropping them 6 times onto concrete at the rated distance, to decide their impact resistance which is measured in meters.
This test is basically done to make sure the light continues working after any occasional accidental falls. It is not a test of resistance for a light being run over or being struck with other objects.
How many Torches will You Need?
If you camp with friends or family, it’s better to carry more than one camping torch. Usually, it’s better to have a handheld torch, a lantern and a headlamp.
Max Beam Australia is a renowned shop for LED torches in Australia. They specialize in LED torches and other lighting equipment. Their products are highly in demand among campers, security agencies, military and government agencies. Along with powerful lights, their lighting devices also feature ruggedness and durability needed by camping enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The right LED torch selected using the above criteria will be a great relief during your camping adventures. It will assure the safety and comfort of you and your loved ones. If the above tips are of help to you choosing the right camping light, let us know in the comments below. Also read other articles on this website for your various camping needs. Have a great camping!