Camp Lighting
Good lighting makes a campsite safer and more comfortable once the sun goes down. Our range covers everything from a hands-free head torch on the trail to a lantern that lights the whole tent, led by trusted names like Ledlenser, Zempire, Black Diamond, Kiwi Camping and Wildtrak.
Most campers want three things: a head torch for hands-free jobs and night walks, a bright torch for spotting and packing up, and a lantern to light the tent or dining area. Add strip lights for ambience and to mark guy ropes. Look at brightness, run time and whether you prefer rechargeable or replaceable batteries.
Not sure what to light your camp with? call into the Land & Sea concept store at 36 Pollen Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland for a hands on look before you buy, or shop online with fast, tracked delivery right across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about camp lighting
What is the difference between a torch, a head torch and a lantern?
A torch throws a focused beam a long way, best for spotting and walking. A head torch does a similar job hands-free, which is why it is the camper's workhorse for cooking, night trips and setting up. A lantern spreads soft light in all directions to light a tent, table or living area rather than a distant point.
How many lumens do I need for camping?
More lumens is not always better. Around 30 to 100 lumens is plenty for reading and moving around camp, a few hundred lumens suits a head torch for walking and chores, and higher output is for spotting or big areas. Just as important is having low modes, which save battery and keep light gentle at night.
Rechargeable or battery camp lighting, which is better?
Rechargeable lights are cheaper to run, brighter for their size and save you buying batteries, but they need a way to recharge on longer trips, such as a power bank. Replaceable-battery lights let you carry spares and keep going indefinitely off-grid. Many campers carry one of each to cover both situations.
What is the best way to light a whole campsite in the dark?
Use layers of light. A lantern or two lights the living and cooking area, a head torch handles close-up jobs hands-free, and a torch covers anything further out. Hanging a lantern high spreads light more evenly, and strip lights along an awning or gazebo give soft, even light without harsh shadows.
Are strip or string lights actually useful, or just for looks?
They are both. Beyond the friendly atmosphere, running strip lights along an awning or gazebo gives even, glare-free light to cook and eat by, and a lit guy rope is far less of a trip hazard in the dark. They are low-draw, pack down small and make a campsite feel like home.
Will my camp lights attract insects?
Bright white light does draw insects. To reduce it, use warmer or lower light near where you sit and eat, position a brighter light a little away from the group to pull bugs toward it, and choose lights with a warm or amber mode. Pairing lighting with insect repellent makes summer evenings much more pleasant.