Lanterns for Bicycle and Motorcycle Camping

The Need for Light at Night

Motorcycle Headlamp

• age and condition of the battery
• starting requirements for the motorcycle
• power consumption of the lights
• capacity of the battery

Most motorcycles light the tail lights as well as the headlamp; so the power used by the tail light must also be considered. If the headlamp is 45 watts and the tail light is 8 watts then the current (for a 12 volt system) will be (45 + 8)/12 = 4.42 amps. If I was camped where roll starting the motorcycle would be easy, I might be comfortable running using the headlight as a light source for about one and a half hours.

It is sometimes difficult to shine the light onto the area requiring light. Other campers might object to the "stray" light. I have frequently use the headlight to light the area if I have to set up the tent after dark.

Personal / Portable Light Sources

I tried a 100mm fluorescent lamp powered by 2 AA cells. For reading it was superior to incandescent bulb light because the light was more evenly spread. However the lamp was of fragile construction and broke when it fell on a stone/concrete floor.

LED torch / flash lights and bicycle headlamps are now reasonably prices. Some operate from a single AA battery. These seem to provide the more light per gram than other personal light sources. 

Gas - Mantle Lanterns for General Lighting

I sometimes use a Coleman Micro Lantern (model 3112HPH) - the technical information describes it:

• direct pressure butane propane mixture
• container uses self sealing valve
• mass 97 grams
• fuel cartridge approximately 150 grams
• fuel consumption up to 48 grams per hour.

In my experience, the fuel flow can be adjusted to reduce gas consumption and light output - a small cartridge would last six hours and a large cartridge at least twice as long. Its light output is rated at 75 watt. It uses a small dual tie mantle. Based on my experience this is considerably more durable than single tie mantles.

The lamp glass is small and curved in 2 planes. This makes it much less fragile than larger cylindrical shaped lamp glasses. The glass shape is similar to older hurricane (oil and wick) lanterns - clear replacement glasses are available at some outdoor equipment stores.

The main advantages of the Coleman Micro Lantern are: it is small, light and reasonably durable (by lantern standards). The main disadvantage is that the fuel is not as common a unleaded petrol and it is not supplied with a carrying bag.

If space is at a premium the gas micro lantern frequently does not earn a place in the baggage. However, on the occasions when I have stayed in Heysen Trail hiking huts, I have enjoyed having the lantern, in the evenings.

Candle Lantern

The "Uco" collapse-able candle lantern consists of a:

• base incorporating a spring loaded candle holder - to maintain wick height
• sliding / extendable upper body
• sliding lamp glass housed between the upper and lower body
• bail/ handle used to hang the lamp

It weighs about 220 grams including the candle which lasts over 9 hours. It takes up less space than the the gas lantern, it provides much less light but is quick and easy to put into operation. It gives off less heat than the gas lantern, so can be operated in closer proximity to the tent. 

I have used the candle lantern for motorcycle camping, but still used the small AA cell LED torch.

Last modified 13/06/2009