Light Up Your Campsite with Gasmate

Camping has always been a favourite travel option for Australians and a perfect way to experience our stunning scenery, recreational activities and incredible landmarks. Whether you love sleeping in a swag under the stars or prefer a luxury ensuite-fitted caravan, there is a camping style for everyone. Camping locations and facilities can also vary and we are so lucky to be able to choose a free campsite on a riverbank in the middle of nowhere, or a five star holiday park with all the facilities you could need for a comfortable holiday.

For a few months now, life has not been as we know it, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Australia is rather fortunate, having not been impacted to the same extent as other countries and now our lives are beginning to regain some kind of normality.

The latest information from the Department of Health is encouraging: isolation restrictions have eased, enabling people to begin to move further from home. Travelling in Australia is becoming possible again as camping grounds reopen and larger groups are permitted to gather. Accommodation bookings will increase as people are eager to visit the great outdoors again.

Having the right equipment definitely enhances your camping experience, so ensure you have everything you need before you head off on your next adventure. At the top of the list is bedding and cooking equipment. If it’s time to choose a new BBQ, read theGasmate buyers guide and check out our range. Chairs, recreation equipment and bikes may also be on your camping list.

Lighting Options

Another important camping item to consider is lighting, which comes in a wide range of options such as torches, headlamps and lanterns. Lighting is essential if you’re camping on an unpowered site or somewhere remote, but even if you have mains power in a park to light up your caravan, portable lights are perfect for finding your way to the loo in the dark, cooking outside or even a bit of wildlife spotting after dinner. Lighting is not only convenient, it also makes your campsite safer.

Each lighting solution has its own handy functions. Headlamps are perfect to light your way while keeping both hands free so you can cook or read, directing the light exactly where you need it. LPG lanterns or butane camping lights are great for lighting larger areas. Floodlights are ideal for communal campsites and are often waterproof. Battery operated torches and lanterns are best for inside your tent.

Camp lighting can be run on batteries, gas, mains electricity, the 12V socket in your car or portable solar panels. The development of LED lights has been a huge breakthrough in recent years, increasing your options.

When purchasing new lights, firstly give some thought to the purpose you’ll use it for; such as lighting up a table or a whole seating area. With this in mind, consider the following:

• Light output brightness.
• Size and weight of the light.
• Ease of use.
• Different modes such as a dimming function.
• Power consumption and charging.
• Quality of the item.
• Power source.

LPG and Butane Lights

Gas lighting is still one of the best options if you’re looking for a very bright light that is efficient to run. These lanterns are useful on a table, or to light a larger campsite area. Two common power sources for outdoor lights are LPG and butane gas.

Overall advantages of gas lamps are:

• They are affordable to purchase.
• The brightness of the light can be adjusted easily.
• The light they emit is warm and soft, not casting sharp shadows.
• They don’t attract insects like other lights.
• They are long lasting and durable.

While LPG and butane camping lights have a lot in common, the pros and cons of both are as follows.

• Gas bottles can easily be swapped or refilled.
• Different sizes are available in the LPG outdoor lighting range.
• Some have an easy ignition.
• The lantern can be hung at a height, or mounted on a pole off the gas bottle.
• These lanterns are fragile and require spare mantles.
• They can burn hot and cannot be used indoors or inside a tent.
• In very cold weather the gas can stay in liquid form, which can cause a weaker flame and therefore a dimmer light. If this is happening and you want a brighter light, it can help to warm the gas bottle up.

• A very compact light source, ideal for table tops.
• Very light to carry and safe to use.
• These lanterns burn very cleanly and are very easy to ignite.
• Can be hung at a height from a shelter or tree, creating a large circle of light.
• The gas canisters are light and easy to store and readily available.
• Empty canisters need to be disposed of correctly.

View Gasmate’s camping lighting range or contact our team for helpful advice. Gasmate products are available in a wide range of stores across Australia. Find your local stockist, update your camping gear and look forward to enjoying the ability to visit our beautiful outdoors again with a renewed enthusiasm!