Lights

Recent Light Reviews

BioLite SiteLight XL

Great globe light for basecamp. I pair mine with an Anker PowerCore 26800 and Anker PowerPort Solar for a total solution. For a bonus, add BioLite SiteLight Mini.  Full review

Petzl Reactik +

A total pain in the ass to get all lights at max. Total pain to use buttons. And why did I buy a light with an app? Full review

Petzl Bindi

A small, rechargeable headlamp that takes up minimal space. Modes and Run Times: Three white beams: 5 lumens (50 hours run time), 100 lumens (3 hours run time), and 200 lumens (2 hours run time) Two red beam options: solid and blink For a small, compact headlamp, these modes are pretty good, with my only complaint being the noticeable difference between 100 lumens and 200 lumens of the white beam is very minor. I’d personally prefer to see the 100 lumen option nixed for something more akin… Full review

Ledlenser P7.2

Not cheap, but you will have a first class flashlight for life. I've used it regularly for at least two years now. Tough cylinder of aluminum, it resists anything that you (your kids, dog, or car) can do to it. The lens is kind of plastic and recessed, so it won't break if the torch tumbles down the mountain. It even resists operating its switch under water for some minutes... though the maker only calls it "weather/splash resistant". The "little flashlights just in case" are almost free. But if… Full review

Ledlenser P5.2

Great pocket-sized flashlight—easy to use, high quality, and compact. But there's better performance out there in similar sized packages. LED Lenser P5.2 Pocket Torch  The P5.2 is a great torch. It's lightweight and fits in a slim-fitting jacket or pair of trousers without being noticeable, which in my opinion is a real plus because it's far more practical for everyday carry (EDC) than, for example, my older LED Lenser P14 which is about 190mm long and has a 40mm head. That said, it's nothing… Full review

Renogy E.TUNES Solar Bluetooth Speaker

A powerful speaker that produces great sound with the ability to charge while out on adventures. Also has a large capacity battery that can be used to not only play music but also charge your phone. As a member of another website, I get new and interesting products to try out at campgrounds I visit in exchange for a review. On a recent bike camping trip, I tried out the Renogy E.TUNES Solar Bluetooth Speaker. My takeaways from using the combo speaker/solar charger are: The solar panel actually… Full review

Petzl Actik

It's your definitive all-purpose headlamp, plus two red modes (solid and strobe). The manufacturer specs are as follows:   Range: I think the manufacturer overstated the high-power distances. I'm going from the following baseline: back-country camping far away from urban light pollution, on a dark night without much moonlight, in a dense area with forest canopy above, and no campfire or other lights... so pretty dark. At the lowest setting (5 lm), I'd say it's similar to the 10m (30 ft) advertised. Full review

Princeton Tec Fuel

This is just one of the models of theirs I've owned. All had switches go out and drain batteries when not on. POS, go with anything else. Crappy products. All models I've had drain batteries when turned off and switches fail. Full review

Ozark Trail Two-Mantle Propane Lantern

DANGEROUS PRODUCT!!! I purchased this lantern yesterday. Set it up accordingly with new mantles, etc. Overnight the gas leaked out of the gas cylinder (that is VERY strange). This morning, put in a new cylinder, burned it for half hour, turned it off to cool, came back in half an hour and you can hear the GAS LEAKING from the lantern body. DO NOT BUY THIS MODEL!!! LIFE THREATENING PRODUCT!! DO NOT USE IT!!! Besides the gas leak, the propane bottle sticks so hard in the plastic base, it is impossible… Full review