HI EVERYONE TODAY I WAS LOOKING AT THE NEW OUTWELL RANGE OF LIGHTS FOR TENTS THE TAURI AND THE MEROPE THEY LOOK FANCY BUT HERES MY QUESTION WHEN WERE AWAY WE USE EHU AND TAKE SMALL TABLE LAMP , WE HAVE USED GAS LAMP BUT A BIT UNSURE ABOUT USING THEM IN THE TENT. I HAVE USED BATTERY LANTERNS AS WELL BUT ALWAYS FOUND THEM TOO GLOOMY , CAN ANYONE RECOMEND A GOOD BATTERY LAMP OR WHATS YOUR PERSONEL CHOICE , IM SWINGING TOWARDS THE OUTWELLS BUT UNSURE AS TO HOW BRIGHT THEY ARE . ....STEWEY
I always used the camping gaz lanterns. You get some heat off them at night when it goes a bit colder too. You can also alter the brightness and they last for ages on a gas canister.
No doubt someone will be along pointing out the fire hazard though with a live flame in a tent, but that is what they are designed for.
When camping with my parents we always used the camping gaz ones, without any problems, sensible precautions of course, plus they heat the tent a bit which comes in handy sometimes. Now I've started camping again though we've gone down the electric route, as we feel it's safer with two small children around. Plus we have some small battery lamps for overnight use if necessary, mind you these are used more at home, as we have so many power cuts!!
I'm going to go off on a slight tangent on this, for what its worth. I've toiled over this question and tried various forms of lighting and every one had its pros and cons.
While away last time I chanced on a Pezel Tikka Plus (LED) head-lamp I'd been wanting, for other purposes. That night in the tent I decided to try it out so turned out my flourescents. WOW it was great!! The vast population of flying insects that had been driving me mad all went west in seconds, I could see very well indeed everywhere I looked (including reading etc.) and the batteries last 150 hours! No need to look for the tourch to go to the loo either - its on your head already. For me this was a revelation and is the ideal solution.
I realise it won't be for everyone but now I've dumped all other lighting. I would never have thought of it as a serious answer had I pondered it before messing about. So, it might be worth testing for yourself.
I use a headlamp if necessary, but for general lighting in my tent when on EHU I use some lamps I've made myself. All they are is 5 meters of twin core flex with a through switch (like a table lamp), a standard pendant light socket and a low-wattage bulb shaped like a normal light bulb. The bulbs are light and cool enough to be suspended in the centre of the tent and give a good light.
When I'm not on EHU I use a rechargeable battery lantern, but I'm seriously tempted to buy a Lumogas lantern. I have a Tilley Lamp, but I wouldn't dare use that in my tent!