For many years I have been searching for the perfect tent light for my Snowtrekker. When I am stuck in the tent for a couple hours every night, light becomes an issue for me.
My first light was this, a classic:
UCO Collapsible Candle Lantern I still bring it along because sometimes sitting in the glow of a candle out in the winter woods is charming. Also, switching to beeswax candles are key.
But I needed more light. The candle lantern was too dim. So I got this one:
Streamlight 44931 Lantern This lantern is great. I can unscrew the diffused top, hang it upside down from the middle of the tent, and everything gets lit up. The construction is tough and the light is bright. Doesn't feel like I am sitting in a cave at all. But, it has 4 D-cell batteries in it, so it is pretty heavy. And the light it casts is cold white, so functional but not a cozy light.
So my search continued onto this one:
Snow Peak Hozuki Lantern Lightweight, runs on 3 AAA batteries, durable feeling, and a wonderful, warm light. But, it was too small. Two or three of them could possibly light up the whole tent, but the light wasn't strong enough for the 6' distance where I hung the light.
But then in December I found this one:
LumenBasic LED Warm Light String Warm light color, 5' length, runs off a
Anker Power Bank, lightweight, waterproof, and not too expensive. Took it out this last weekend and it was great. Not a harsh light, and the battery usage was good. It even has a light switch on it. I just remember to put the battery pack in my sleeping bag when I go to bed, or else it gets tapped from the cold.
Thank you for joining me on my saga of finding the right light for winter camping.
Now onto getting the right floor!