Nighttime hiking needs the best gear for safety and to see where you’re going. This guide will show you some great LED lights for hiking after dark.
Good outdoor lighting makes a huge difference. It helps whether you’re walking on uneven paths or cooking at your camp. The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 and the FENIX PD36R PRO are great. They offer bright light that lasts long, perfect for night hikes.
Choosing high-quality lights improves your hiking experience. They are perfect for hiking early or late when it’s dark. Good gear also helps in emergencies, making your trip safer and fun.
The right lighting is key for a successful night hike. There are many options, from lanterns for big spaces to flashlights that show a specific spot. The market offers something for every hiker.
We’ll now look at some of the best flashlights and lanterns for hiking at night. Keep reading to find out about the best options for your next adventure!
Introduction: Why You Need a Reliable Light Source
When you hike at night, you need to be safe and have fun. A good light source is key. Whether it’s a bright flashlight or a lantern, having good light is crucial for trail safety.
A good light makes it easier to see where you’re going. It helps avoid trips and falls. In an emergency, a strong light can help rescuers find you. Think about setting up camp in the dark or moving on rough paths; without light, it’s dangerous.
Modern LED flashlights last longer and use less power than old bulbs. For example, the Olight Seeker 3 Pro shines really bright at 4,200 lumens. The Olight Baton 3 can go up to 94 days on one charge, which is great for long trips.
Lanterns are also important for good lighting. LED lanterns last a long time and don’t use much energy. Solar-powered lanterns are good for the environment, and battery-powered ones are reliable. Gas lanterns make campsites feel cozy with their soft light. And headlamps are great because they let you use both hands.
It’s also good to think about night vision. Lights with a red setting help you see in the dark without ruining your night vision. Using both flashlights and lanterns makes sure you have enough light after the sun goes down.
Having strong lights is a must when you hike. They help you enjoy the night and stay safe on tough trails. A good light source is essential for a great adventure.
The Best Overall Lantern: Goal Zero Lighthouse 600
Prepping for an outdoor adventure means needing a reliable light. The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 is a top pick for a camping lantern. It shines with high-lumen lighting, rechargeable features, and is ready for emergencies.
Features and Benefits
The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 offers a strong 600-lumen output. It’s great for lighting up big spaces, like a 20’x20′ area. This lantern has a 5200 mAh rechargeable battery. It gives you plenty of power for nighttime explorations.
It charges up in about six hours from a USB or a Goal Zero solar panel. It also has a hand-crank for charging. With just one minute of cranking, you get ten minutes of light. This makes it a trusty lantern for emergencies.
It’s sized at 4.5 x 5 x 6.5 inches and weighs 1.1 lbs. This makes it fairly easy to carry. You can switch between 180 and 360-degree light modes. On its lowest setting with one side lit, it lasts over 320 hours. Plus, it can serve as a power bank with its USB output. This adds even more value when you’re out in nature.
Drawbacks
The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 isn’t without its downsides. Its price is higher than many other lanterns. Some people find its outer covering a bit fragile, which might affect how long it lasts. The emergency red lights are not very strong. This could be disappointing if you need it for serious emergencies. Also, its size and weight might not be the best for backpacking. But, it’s still an excellent choice for car camping or staying at a base camp.
Specifications
- Battery capacity: 5200 mAh with Li-ion NMC cell chemistry
- Brightness: 600 lumens using 2x3W warm white LEDs
- Recharge times: 6 hours via USB
- Hand crank: 1 minute of cranking = 10 minutes of light
- Weight: 1.1 lbs (498 g)
- Dimensions: 4.5 x 5 x 6.5 inches
- Lighting modes: Varying runtimes, up to 320 hours on low power with one side lit
- USB output: 5V, up to 1.5A (7.5W max), regulated
- Warranty: 2 years
- Charging interval: Recommended every 3-6 months
The Best Bang for the Buck: Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma
The Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma is a top pick for affordable camping gear. It’s perfect for those who love the outdoors but are watching their budget. With its compact size and useful features, it’s a great option for any adventure.
Features and Benefits
The features of the Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma are impressive:
- Budget Camping Lantern: It’s priced well, making it a great choice for budget-minded campers.
- Solar-Charged Lantern: It can recharge with sunlight, perfect for trips off the beaten path.
- Compact Outdoor Light: At only 3.2 ounces, it’s super light and easy to carry.
- Versatile Lighting Modes: It has a candlelight mode and color-changing options to set the mood.
- Long Battery Life: It lasts over seven hours on high, a standout in its class.
Drawbacks
But, it has a few downsides:
- Limited Brightness: Its max output is 60 lumens, which is less bright than some competitors.
- No USB Output: You can’t use it to charge other devices, which might be a drawback for some.
- Extended Solar Charge Time: It needs about 20 hours in the sun to charge fully, which isn’t ideal in all weather.
Specifications
Here are the quick specs of the Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma:
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Maximum Lumens: 60
- Battery Life: Lasts over 7 hours on the highest setting
- Charging Time: Less than 2 hours via USB, or 20 hours with solar power
- Dimensions: It’s compact and folds up easily
Overall, the Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma is a standout choice for a reliable, budget-friendly camping lantern. Its light weight, long battery life, and versatile charging options are perfect for camping and backpacking.
Maintaining Night Vision with Dimmable Red Lights
Enjoying outdoor activities at night is special. It’s important to keep your night vision. This is where dimmable and red light flashlights help. Red lights don’t ruin your night vision like white lights do. They’re great for nighttime fun.
Red lights are a top choice for first responders and emergency workers. They help keep night vision sharp and cut down on light in dark places. The eye adjusts quickly to red light, thanks to rhodopsin. This is why red light is good for reading maps or moving around in the dark.
Red light also means less light pollution. This is good for looking at stars and keeps animals calm. Unlike white light, red light doesn’t scare away wildlife. It also draws in fewer bugs. This makes your night outings better and free from insects.
There are many gadgets with dimmable red light options. For instance, the Nitecore NU25 red light head torch lasts 68 hours on low. The Fenix HM70R lets you choose from different red light settings. Petzl head torches even offer red, green, and blue modes. Red is the best for keeping your eyes used to the dark.
To sum up, red light flashlights change the game for outdoor lovers at night. Whether hiking, camping, or any adventure after dark, these lights help you see well. They do this without messing up your night vision.
Best Hiking Flashlights and Lanterns for Night Adventures
Night hiking requires the right light to guide your way. The choice of a durable flashlight or lantern is key. It ensures safety and visibility, whether on tough trails or at camp. Here are my top picks for your next trip outside: the FENIX PD36R PRO, ThruNite Archer 2A V3 Cool White, and Nitecore EDC33.
FENIX PD36R PRO
The FENIX PD36R PRO shines bright with an output of 2,800 lumens. It lights up to 380 meters ahead. This durable flashlight has a rechargeable battery and stands up to the elements. It’s perfect for any adventure after sunset.
ThruNite Archer 2A V3 Cool White
Looking for something cost-effective? The ThruNite Archer 2A V3 Cool White is your best bet. It offers 500 lumens and reaches 93 meters. It’s lightweight at 1.69 ounces and works on AA batteries. Ideal for hikers who watch their budget.
Nitecore EDC33
The Nitecore EDC33 packs a punch in a small package. Its 4,000 lumens light up the night while staying compact. This flashlight suits those needing bright, portable light. It’s durable and powerful, making it a great choice for outdoor use.
All these flashlights meet the tough needs of outdoor use. They offer reliable light for any night journey. Whether you pick the FENIX PD36R PRO, ThruNite Archer 2A V3 Cool White, or Nitecore EDC33, you will have a trusted light for your hikes.
