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Topic: Can I ask another light question?

RachlN76

05/7/2013 at 10:53am
Location: Manchester
Outfit: Vango Maritsa 700; Isis 600 + canopy

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I didn't want to hijack the lantern thread.

I like to read or knit, or maybe even sew on holiday, but last time, I just didn't have the right kind of light once it got proper dark. Hubby likes to read as well.
We had an LED strip, and I think a clip on LED light, and torches. But we struggled to get anything pointing in the right direction for both of us.

For reading, general light is OK, and if I'm knitting something simple, general light is OK, but (and I know I'm going to sound really geeky now) if I'm knitting lace, I need good direct light, otherwise it makes me swear. A lot.

Because I drop stitches, and lace is just hard to go back on, and well, I'm sure your not interested, but honestly, I would turn the air blue.

So, what do you think the best bet is. Hubby thinks that a head torch might work well, but I'm thinking that I'm going to look daft enough knitting lace outside a tent in the pitch black without adding a miners torch to the ensemble!! But then again, in for a penny, in for a pound....

Any ideas?

feeblecat

05/7/2013 at 12:25pm
Location: Scotland
Outfit: Coachman Highlander (Amara)

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I wouldnt bother about looking daft - if you saw some of our set-ups and ensembles you'd gut yourself. Picture ponchos and midgie nets for starters! And no-one knows you anyway! I diverse............the head torch sounds like a good idea. OH uses his all the time for all sorts.

MankySteve

05/7/2013 at 1:21pm
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Are you using a ehu ? Or just batteries.

RachlN76

05/7/2013 at 4:15pm
Location: Manchester
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Thanks Teeny!

As for hook up or batteries, probably either, depending on the trip.
I would prefer hook up, for convenience, but if its not there, for a weekend away, it's not going to stop me going to a site I like.

Jax365

05/7/2013 at 7:15pm
Location: south cheshire
Outfit: VW Caddy Maxi

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If you're on EHU one of these with a decent bulb (I use a 40w/60w equivalent energy saver bulb) and no lampshade! You can clip it to a tent pole, even clip it to one right behind your head! You can buy these for a few pounds now in the cheapie shops.

Another thing I thought of was a clip on daylight lamp, which you could clip onto your chair and use in front of you if you liked. But still needing EHU I'm afraid.
Mine is likethis one

I tried the miners type headlamps for reading when no ehu - well, they are better than nothing, but still hard going for me, as I find them uncomfortable! I eventually found a halogen camping strip light with batteries was the best one.
the one I have

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RachlN76

05/7/2013 at 8:09pm
Location: Manchester
Outfit: Vango Maritsa 700; Isis 600 + canopy

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Thanks Jax.
That's like the LED strip we have. The light was great, but it was getting it into a good position that was tricky. But that might be just trial and error.

Now you mention clip on lights, I actually have a craft light that converts to a clip on thing, and that even has a battery pack. Somewhere......

Thanks for the memory jog!

l00byl00

05/7/2013 at 10:54pm
Location: Wokingham Berkshire
Outfit: Outwell Ohio L

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I won a pair of glasses with LED lights on from one of the ukcampsite competetions last year.

led glasses

They are have a x2 lens so might be good for your knitting.

My other suggestion would be to ditch the knitting and drink wine!!!

dk168

05/7/2013 at 11:21pm
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
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Head torch is very useful for close work while camping, and a lot of people wear them.

May be worth getting a good one with at least 2 level of light intensity.

Petzl is a good brand with a wide range to suit different leisure activities.

DK

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Bernie47

06/7/2013 at 12:14am
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For reading etc. I prefer the fluorescent U Tube lanterns. Mine packed in recently and I bought an LED lantern, a big mistake as I found on its first use last month.

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OldRex

06/7/2013 at 12:46am
Location: None Entered
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Nichia or Cree LED lanterns rated 300 or 400 lumens are really bright. Much better on the batteries than flourescent U Tube lanterns as well. But more expensive than a headtorch.

Jax365

06/7/2013 at 9:59am
Location: south cheshire
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Quote: Originally posted by RachlN76 on 05/7/2013
Thanks Jax.
That's like the LED strip we have. The light was great, but it was getting it into a good position that was tricky. But that might be just trial and error.

Now you mention clip on lights, I actually have a craft light that converts to a clip on thing, and that even has a battery pack. Somewhere......

Thanks for the memory jog!

You're welcome! If you have a chair with arms, it would probably clip onto that.

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Lurcher Pie

06/7/2013 at 6:56pm
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I have a Petzl Tikka Plus , and I forget it's there it's that comfortable . It's great for reading as it has different light levels , and it can be angled to suit you

cabravieja

06/7/2013 at 7:55pm
Location: None Entered
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try this which can bend anyway to fix and direct light

gorilla torch

or this - torch/lantern. hang/stand/tripod - also smaller version
alpkit

RachlN76

06/7/2013 at 10:05pm
Location: Manchester
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Oooh, so many options! Thank you everyone.
I might get one of those head torches anyway, I'm sure it will come in useful for something, even if not knitting.

And I'll be sure to pack the wine as well!

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