Nepoznáme väčšie dobrodružstvo, ako táborenie v lese alebo turistika po tme. Občas je potrebné si na tú neskrotenú prírodu posvietiť. Správne osvetlenie je nevyhnutné pre turistov akéhokoľvek druhu a v akomkoľvek prostredí. Aj vy by ste so sebou mali mať vlastný zdroj svetla. Možností osvetlenia je veľa, a preto dnes na tému vrhneme nejaké svetlo.
How to choose a hiking light?
It is important to clarify in advance what type of light you want and why. Before buying a light, ask yourself these questions:
- Will this light be for you only, or are you planning group use?
- What type of hiker are you? Will you be sleeping at night, or are you planning a long night hike?
- Type of beam - do you want a floodlight type or a directional beam?
- What weight of light can you carry?
- What size of light can you pack with you?
- What is your budget?
1. Lanterns
Lanterns are certainly known to all of you, and you might even have one at home. They are a very popular light source, especially for campers, when it is necessary to make more light for a group of people, or as a light in a tent. If your funds are limited, invest them instead in a better quality sleeping bag, and a classic flashlight or headlamp can help replace the role of a lantern. However, if you are choosing a lantern, we recommend looking for one that has a waterproof casing. You never know when rain will surprise you.
Most hikers use lanterns as a secondary light source, and they are most often used by car campers or larger groups as shared lighting. A disadvantage of lanterns can be their higher weight and also impractical size.
Gas lanterns can also work as a burner, so they can also serve as a small stove.
2. Flashlights
Most of us will have at least one flashlight at home, so if you are just starting out with night hiking, you don't need to invest in a new flashlight and can make do with what you have at home. When choosing a flashlight, however, pay attention to size and choose a smaller one with LED lighting. There are also flashlights available with different lighting modes, from the weakest light to the strongest. You may also come across SOS flashing.
Sometimes you need to use both hands, so the disadvantage of a flashlight is clear - you probably won't be climbing rocks with it. It is difficult to do some things when you have a flashlight in one hand. Holding a flashlight for a long time can be tiring.
With flashlights, you may encounter three types of light beam dispersion:
- fixed beam – a uniform wide beam of light suitable for everyday use
- spot beam – a uniform beam of light concentrated into a reflector, allowing it to reach great distances
- adjustable – the width of the light beam can be adjusted from wide to a narrow focused beam
3. Headlamps
Headlamps are the number one lighting choice for most hikers. They are usually small, compact, lightweight, and will go with you anywhere. When wearing a headlamp, you have both hands free for any activity, which makes them the best choice for individual lighting. If you are planning a night hike, this is the best choice for you. Headlamps can also have different lighting modes.
Headlamps have only minor disadvantages. Their light points wherever you look, so you may blind your companions. Some hikers complain of headaches when wearing a headlamp for a long time. To avoid this, it is a good idea to invest in a headlamp with quality straps and adjust them properly to the correct size.
4. Chemical light sticks
A very interesting lighting solution for your adventure could be chemical light sticks. Light sticks or lightsticks might be familiar to you from a disco. They are also very popular among hikers and were even used in the army!
They do not need any power source, as the light is created on a chemical basis. The advantage is that they do not take up much space and are lightweight. You just need to bend them firmly or shake them, and mixing the liquids with a fluorescent dye creates light.
Lightsticks also glow underwater, they do not emit heat, so they can also be used in places where there is a risk of fire or explosion. Light sticks can glow for approximately 8 hours and come in a wide range of colors.
Have you already chosen a light source for your adventures? Take a look at our offer, and if you have any questions, we will be happy to help you with your choice.
