Emergency lighting is always important when the lights go out in an emergency. For example, California residents deal with rolling blackouts, and the Midwest and south have to deal with severe weather that can disrupt their lighting source. At one time, flashlights and lanterns were only essential for certain aspects of life, such as:
- Campgrounds
- Construction sites
- Crime scenes
- Garages
- Mines
- Workshops
Today, every household could benefit from mobile lighting. However, knowing which one is best for you can be difficult. The decision of the type to get is determined by the circumstances you have.
- Flashlights – ideal in cases where you’re always on the move and can’t carry bulky items.
- Lanterns – Better light source for a large area and have room to pack and store it.
Need a bit of help in deciding which one is best for you and your situation?
Flashlights vs. Lanterns: They Don’t Work the Same Way Besides Offering Light
A Look at Flashlights
Traditional flashlights only offer one direction light – to cast the light beam in one direction but over an extended area. Flashlights use specially-created lenses or reflectors that ensure the light focuses on one direction, producing the “hotspot of light”.
In most cases, you hold the device in your hands. Flashlight manufacturers have realized the limitations of traditional flashlights, creating accessory mounts that allow people to place the light on their heads, arms, chest, helmet, etc. These accessories are usually clip-on that can be put on walls, packs, etc. There are also magnetic accessories that will stick to a metallic surface.
A Look at Outdoor Lanterns
On the other hand, lanterns produce light that goes in every direction. Lanterns have an LED or bulb that lights up an entire area. In most cases, they have a handle on the top for easy carrying. In the past, a glass-enclosed lantern included a candle or was powered by fuel. While some of those are still made today, they are not as common. Today, most get their power from batteries, the sun or electricity.
Newer lanterns use an LED or incandescent light source.
Simply put, the main difference between the two types include how the LED or bulb releases light. The light intensity is gauged in lumens. While both a lantern and flashlight can have the same lumen, the light output, how that light is used and their benefits are not the same.
2 Key Advantages of Flashlights
- Precision Control – Most people still go with handheld flashlights because it allows them to manipulate where the light needs to be shined. For instance, it can help with quickly carrying out a task or flagging someone. For too long, these were the reasons flashlights were used. Today, flashlight designs include light output differences, hands-free, flood, and spotlight options.
- Portability – Flashlights offer mobility, allowing you to inspect anything immediately. Flashlights, often known as Every Day Carry (EDC) lights, are always available to be used but carried discretely in pockets is not always feasible. However, minute sizes of EDCs are available and can be stored in cars, bags or other places. Micro-flashlights are ideal even if a person has a cell phone that has a light on it.
Advantages of Camping Lanterns
Lanterns are pretty useful in cases of blackouts, as they will light up an entire space or the outside in the dark. It gives you the ability to do the things you need in the dark that light is necessary for – cooking, reading, etc. Directional light, which flashlights produce, does not offer this ability. Lanterns can be used at campsites or in tents, lighting up a large area of space (something flashlights cannot do). You can also do what you want without holding a flashlight.
You want lanterns that are durable, long-lasting and emit a bright light while withstanding the most brutal elements.
Lanterns are great for when an emergency arises, and there is no power available. This kind of lighting can last much longer than actual flashlights, as they don’t consume as much power as quickly. If the power is out, you don’t know how long you’ll need the lantern to work, so getting a lantern with a long run time is essential.
Lanterns, which produce a softer lighter, provide stability and offer enough reflection that light up an entire surface. LED lanterns also do not generate a lot of heat, making them safe to be around pets and children even in the space is crowded. While some powerful LED lanterns generate heat, the manufacturer will use a material that causes it to dissipate and keep you from being burnt.
Lepro 1000lm Camping Light with Flashlight Combo
If you want the best of both options, Lepro has designed its 1000lm camping light to become a flashlight and lantern. It comes with two detachable flashlights that you can use as a lantern. You can use the hook to put the lantern up so it can illuminate an entire area. The flashlights have a magnetic bottom that works together as a mobile lamp. The camping light can be useful for all kinds of reasons, meeting the need for a torch and lantern during a camping, fishing and hiking trip.
