The Complete Guide to Lighting for Hiking, Camping & Expeditions
Lighting is one of the most important pieces of outdoor equipment. It helps you stay safe on the trail, keeps camp life practical, and provides a reliable backup in emergencies. From hands-free head torches to lanterns for groups and compact glow markers for marking kit, the right choice depends on what you are doing and where you are going.
This guide explains what to think about when choosing lighting and how each option in the Lifesystems range fits different situations.
Why Lighting Matters
Safety
On the trail, good lighting helps you pick out hazards, avoid slips, and stay on course. In poor conditions or on uneven ground, a reliable beam can prevent accidents and keep you moving with confidence. In an emergency, lighting also allows you to signal for help or make yourself easier to locate.
Visibility
Being able to see is one thing, but being seen is just as important. Lighting helps you stay visible to others, whether that’s other walkers, traffic near trailheads, or rescuers. Glow markers and light sticks are especially useful for this, providing a steady point of reference even when conditions are poor.
Practicality
Camp life after dark is easier with the right lighting. Cooking, reading, or sorting kit all become simpler when you have a steady light source. A lantern in camp, paired with a head torch for personal tasks, makes evenings far more efficient and less frustrating.
What to Consider When Choosing Lighting
Brightness (Lumens)
Lumens tell you how bright a light is. For camp tasks, 100–150 lumens is often enough. For hiking or running at night, look for 200+ lumens. Some head torches and lanterns now push far beyond this, but higher brightness drains batteries faster.
Beam Type
Think about how you use your light. A flood beam spreads light wide, which works well for cooking or pitching tents. A spot beam focuses further ahead, which is better for navigation. Many modern torches and head torches let you switch between the two.
Battery Type
Rechargeable batteries are convenient and reduce waste. Disposable batteries are still useful on longer trips where charging may be difficult. If you rely on rechargeable units, carry a power bank.
Weight and Pack Size
Weight matters if you are moving fast and covering distance. Ultralight head torches are ideal for running or minimalist trips. Larger lanterns make sense for group camps where pack size is less important.
Durability
Outdoor lighting takes a beating. Look for units that are water resistant and built with strong casings. If you expect rough weather, durability is as important as brightness.
Light Colour
The colour of the light makes a difference to how you see and how your eyes adjust in the dark.
| Light Colour | Best For | Why It Helps |
| White | Navigation and general use. | Clear light that shows detail and distance. |
| Red | Map reading, preserving night vision, use in camp. | Stops your eyes adjusting back to darkness. Reduces glare on reflective surfaces. |
| Green | Camp use softer on the eyes. | Gentler than white light and less disruptive at night. Useful for close tasks. |
Types of Lighting in the Lifesystems Range
Head Torches
If you want hands-free lighting, a head torch is the best option. They are versatile, lightweight, and reliable in almost any environment. Use them for hiking after dark, trail running, climbing, or even reading in your tent. Look for models with adjustable brightness and multiple beam settings. Rechargeable options cut down on disposable batteries and give you flexibility if you already carry a power bank.
Hand Torches
Hand torches provide a powerful, focused beam that is easy to direct. They are useful for spotting detail, signalling, or as part of an emergency kit. Compact models fit neatly in a rucksack pocket and are a sensible backup to a head torch.
Lanterns
Lanterns are best for shared spaces. They provide broad, even light for cooking, group meals, or kit sorting. A lantern can transform camp life, making evenings more comfortable and practical. Many modern lanterns fold down for easier packing, and rechargeable options are now common.
Glow Markers and Light Sticks
These products are designed for marking, signalling, or providing backup light when you need it most. They are compact, reliable, and easy to carry as part of your core kit.
- Glow Marker: A durable marker that provides constant visibility in the dark. We also offer a rechargeable version with multiple colour settings, giving you flexibility for different uses.
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Light Sticks: Simple, single-use sticks that activate instantly and last for 8-15 hours. They are lightweight, disposable, and ideal to keep in a first aid kit or survival pack as a backup.
Which Light for Which Situation
You will often need more than one type of light. Here’s a simple guide:
| Activity | Best Option | Why? |
| Hiking after dark | Head Torch | Hands-free with a focused beam. |
| Camping | Lantern + head torch | Broad light for camp, focused light for tasks. |
| Emergency kit | Hand torch + light stick | Reliable backup and signalling |
| Trail running | Lightweight head torch | Bright beam, stable fit, long run time. |
| Marking kit or tent | Glow markers | Always visible, no batteries needed. |
Care and Maintenance
Lighting works best if you look after it.
- Charge or replace batteries before trips.
- Carry spares or a power bank if you use rechargeable units.
- Check seals and casings for cracks or wear.
- Wipe lenses clean to keep beams clear.
- Store glow markers and light sticks in a dry bag until needed.
Final Thoughts
Lighting is one of those categories where small kit makes a big difference. A head torch keeps you moving after dark. A lantern makes camp practical. Glow markers help you stay visible when conditions turn. And a hand torch or light stick is a reliable fallback when you need backup.
Choosing the right lighting depends on your activity and conditions, but it always pays to carry something you can trust.
Explore the full Lifesystems lighting range to find what fits your trips this season.
