Camping Lights

i still use the gas mantle light , hard to go past!

After trying a few, the Versalite is one of the best. Certainly the brightest 12 volt flouro on the market. Unfortunately it's not cheap although I have seen them for about $85 at the 4x4 shows. I believe they have a yellow anti-insect type globe available now as well as a 12/240 interchangeable model. Never really bothered about them attracting insects too much myself. Repellent for the mozzies does the job.

If you're looking for a bloody good led rechargable, have a look at the Ironman rechargeable. Brightest l.e.d. I've ever seen and has a hook to use as a camp light. Cigarette lighter cable charger as well.

Cheers. Mick

12v CFL in a holder of your choice. You can use a cheapie 240v lead light, change the globe and plug or make up your own with a batten fitting etc.
Very low current draw and last for years.

LED's, Topcat, LED's are the bees knees for all things camping. We started out with fluoro's, battery and 12v, with a couple of small LED torches/headlamps but after being attacked by every flying thing after dark and trying to eat while surrounded by bugs, I will only have LEDs from now on. Whether battery or electrical they don't use much power, so very energy saving. We still have original batteries in headlamps bought 2 years ago. I buy cards of 4AA batts @ $2 at the dollar shops and that's all they require, no mantles, bulbs, gas cans, cords. They throw a good white light and now they are getting a lot cheaper and more affordable, you can afford one for every occasion/site.
The last ones I bought are circular, white, 6inch disc type with 24 bulbs. They have 20 around the outer edge with four in the centre, and can be used with all bulbs alight, four bulbs or the outer 20. There is a magnet on the back with a recessed ring which can be used to hang the light up high.
They are also good for taking night photos with too. I use a LED torch and my flashless phone/camera on the spur of the moment and have taken some unusual photos in the dark.
OzeSheila.

Try the guys at www.gobushcamping.com.au they stock a yellow filter to use with Versa lights (really good Aussi light)

I have three camping lights I currently use.

The Versalite fluro (Piranha actually, but identical) produces a good level of illumination, but does attract its share of insects during certain conditions. Rated current draw is 1 amp.

The Evakool Torpedo fluro produces a similar level of light as the Piranha, but also attracts insects under certain conditions. Rated current draw is .5 amp.

The LED "worklight" is not as bright as the others but does not attract anywhere near as many insects as the fluros and I use this at the "cooking" end of the annex. This lamp, about the same length as the Piranha has 20 rows of 3 LED's and draws a mere 2.4 watts.

To qualify this, I should state that I usually use both the LED and the fluro, one at either end of the camper annex. Perhaps the brighter fluro attracts all the insects away from the LED, but I recall on occasions, I only have the LED light on and don't notice more than one or two insects being attracted to it.

I'll have these in operation at "The Gathering" in July and people can judge for themselves how good/bad each light is.

Bill.
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Thanks for all the replies. I'll try a yellow filter arrangement as I believe the colour yellow cuts down the ultra violet rays which tend to attract the insects. Cheers.

We have a Piranha 12V fluoro - an excellent light, but haven't used it for years ! In my view, the smartest thing we ever did is move to LED headlamps (one of the best I have was $10 at Aust Post - probably lots better than my $80 Princeton Tec unit) - they use very little power and are always pointing at what you want to see...... we have an LED lamp on the side of the Camper for our work / cooking area - that's it. We discovered over time that we just don't need to flood the camp area with light. At times, extra lights may go on for short periods if a special task arises etc. - with kids in the equation, safety factors would dictate more light I expect.

I'm a Versalite fan as well but with this accessory you don't even have to worry about the insects if you place it in the right spot. It's like having your own street light.

Warfer,

I am intrigued by your comment.
Would you care to elaborate ?



Hiya Bud

I thought the light it puts out was poor compared to my Arlec Flouro..You know the one the mechanics use so that's what i put behind my back seat in the Hilux...

I came across two brand new ones so i threw one to Willem when we had a coffee a coupla months back,Wonder what he thinks of it..


Cheers