Getting your campfire started can be one of the most frustrating outdoor activities, especially when the kids are waiting for their Smores with roasting sticks in hand. Following is a summary of various types of home-made Fire Starters. You will find a little thought and preparation goes a long way when getting your campfire started.
Use pine cones covered with wax**
Place a piece of charcoal in each section of a paper egg carton and cover with melted wax. ** Tear apart and use as needed. You can also use sawdust, dryer lint or Pistachio shells instead of the charcoal.
Take 100% cotton balls and thoroughly rub Vaseline into them. Keep in a zip lock bag and use as needed.
Use newspaper cut into strips (3"-4" wide). Roll up and tie with string and cover with melted wax. **
Use lint from your dryer as a fire starter.
Bundle about 10-12 Diamond brand "strike-anywhere" wooden kitchen matches together with waxed dental floss. The heads of the matches should all be pointing in the same direction. Generously soak the bundle of matches (except heads) in melted paraffin wax** to waterproof and to provide a long burn time. Dip the match heads, lightly only, into the wax to waterproof them. Simply strike on a flat rock to ignite.
Cut a cotton cord into 1" lengths and soak in melted wax. ** Let dry and store in empty film container or zip lock bag.
These are called candy kisses. Use the small 6" emergency candles and wrap them in waxed paper. Tie/twist both ends of the waxed paper to seal in the candle (looks like a salt water taffy candy). Light an end when you are ready to start your fire.
Cut waxed milk cartons into strips to be used as kindling for your campfire.
Stuff paper towel or toilet paper rolls with paper.
Newspaper crumbled into a ball. Don’t ball the paper too tight and use several pieces and be sure it is very dry.
Use dried pine needles.
Soak a piece of charcoal in lighter fluid and coat with wax. **
Use small condiment or "sample-size" cups. Add a long wick to each cup and fill with melted wax. ** You can also fill them with sawdust.
Use stacks of small pieces of cardboard covered in wax**
Waterproof your matches by dipping them in wax** or coating them with clear nail polish.
Use cotton string about 3-4" long, put in a wax paper bathroom cup with about an inch hanging over the edge. Fill the cup nearly to the top with saw dust and pour melted wax into the cup. The saw dust will compact and become waterproof. The extra string length is a wick to start burning the starter, but can also be tied to another starter string through a pack loop to carry outside your pack.
*Never use liquid igniters such as gasoline or lighter fluid on your campfire
** When melting wax, only use a double broiler set up consisting of two pots, one which sits on top of the other. The bottom pot containing boiling water, the top pot contains the wax. You can improvise a double boiler by placing the items to be cooked in a metal bowl, which is placed over a pot of boiling water.
Melted wax can easily ignite so always have a fire extinguisher handy in cause of emergency.
They’ve thought of everything in this light and durable, ultra comfortable Arc’Teryx Arrakis 50 Pack. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves to hike and always wishing for just one more pocket, your wish has been granted. Arc’Teryx Arrakis 50 Pack has definitely designed their 420 advanced Composite Textile VaporTight™ nylon pack with the avid sportsperson in mind; probably the only pack you’ll ever own where there will be pockets to spare. It’s also quite easy to pack all your gear and clothing using the convenient top-loading main compartment with the dual-stage roll top closure. Climbers who hope for moisture-free mountain gear won’t be disappointed either, with the Arc’Teryx Arrakis 50 Pack because of its weatherproof VaporTight™ nylon casing. Even the zippers and seams act as water barriers for worry-free containment. Arc’Teryx Arrakis 50 Pack brings a whole new meaning to “no fear” sealed for those of you needing the warmth, comfort, and freshness of dry item storage.
The Arc’Teryx Arrakis 50 Pack is as comfortable as it is convenient, including adjustable sleeves that create a truly personalized, custom-made fit, and you’ll feel like the pampered camper when you notice the reservoir sleeve with an opening for your drinking tube. Not only is your water easy to reach, but so are all the items you can stash in your side-access kangaroo pocket and your zipper top pocket. The best thing about the Arc’Teryx Arrakis 50 Pack is that you won’t have to suffer hours of discomfort when you load it to the max, because of the Transfer Disc™ that provides quick release action from your pack along with a motion range that is far superior to most other packs in its price range. The Arc’Teryx Arrakis 50 Pack offers hip belt suspension that allows optimum motion—all you do is give the Transfer Disc™ a gentle twist to tighten or release, and viola, the weight of your pack sits snuggly where it belongs.
With the Arc’Teryx Arrakis 50 Pack, you don’t have to sacrifice quality and durability for comfort; instead, you can be assured that the enjoyment you’ll experience will be for many trips to come. Taking a look at the molded components and a unique suspension system, it’s obvious to see the care of the Arc’Teryx Arrakis 50 Pack manufacturers, but their over-the-top design has raised the bar in quality and excellence by laminating and bonding it for a long-lasting, waterproof hold. The MonoFrame™ bag with EVA foam and two aluminum stays is just one more reason to choose the Arc’Teryx Arrakis 50 Pack—you might say they have created the pro pack for those on the go.
For those of you who are challenged by climbing snowing cliffs, it’s good to know you won’t be challenged by your pack as well. The Axio™ ice-tool holder accommodates an ice axe with rip-and-stick fasteners, snowboards, skis, camping gear, along with all your clothing, and all can be attached, zipped, or fastened while wearing heavy gloves. So, for you “go fast” kind of guys and girls—a trip to your local sports store–$15! Purchase of the Arc’Teryx Arrakis 50 Pack–$450! Its guaranteed protection—priceless!
The Coleman 4-in-1 Quickbed is a wonderful alternative to a hammock or sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag. The quickbed can either be one twin bed, two separate twin beds or one king size bed. It is also 15% more puncture proof than competitors’ air mattresses. This unique air mattress has an included wrap-and-roll storage system which allows you never to have to look for the right size bag or box in which to store your 4-in-1 Quickbed, which is a definite convenience factor.
The double lock valve opens extra wide for the mattress to quickly inflate. There are twin-size mattresses for many arrangements. For instance, it can be used as two separate twin-size beds, or you can connect both smaller mattresses together to make one king-size bed. You can even stack both twin-size mattresses on top of one another to form an extra-high twin bed further off the ground. The Coleman 4-in-1 Quickbed’s exclusive PVC method also makes it much more puncture resistant than similar products. The quickbed can withstand up to 600 pounds of pressure, and the air mattress is about 13.2 pounds and measures 5.5 x 11 x 14.8 inches.
This specific air mattress is unlike any other because of its multi-functional configurations. The fact that his bed can change into four different types of beds is perfect for almost every occasion. If you are camping alone, then one of the twin-size mattresses will do the job. However, if you are camping with one or two people you can blow up the bed to become the king-size mattress. You can also use this indoors if you have company at home or if your kids have a sleepover and there is not enough room for sleeping arrangements, since you can just roll out the Coleman 4-in-1 Quickbed to provide enough room for everyone. Also, because it’s 15% more puncture proof, you can take this bed almost anywhere and can be sure that it will be intact. Furthermore, you can have pets and animals around or on the bed and rest assured that they won’t be able to puncture the mattress.
The most reliable and convenient air mattress on the market today would have to be, hands down the Coleman 4-in-1 Quickbed. This is because of the wrap-and-roll storage and that fact that it does fold out into many different sizes of mattresses.
Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Fundamentals First-Aid Kit
This lightweight, bright blue nylon Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Fundamentals First-Aid Kit is an absolute must for containing your supplies in a well-organized, easily accessible manner. Because of its distinctive color and reflective trim, there’s no danger of losing it in a crowd of camping gear or seeing it at dawn or dusk. The Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Fundamentals First-Aid Kit enables you to stock up on supplies for every type of injury and contains everything in clear vinyl pockets so that all items are visible and easy to locate. Its Easy Care™ system conveniently separates items in your Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Fundamentals First-Aid Kit by injury needs, which will increase valuable response time when treating a more serious problem. The contents divided by injury are as follows:
Essentials
From daily needs to treating an eventful one-time injury, the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Fundamentals First-Aid Kit includes essentials such as a digital thermometer, EMT shears, splinter removal forceps, duct tape, pill vials, and safety pins.
Bleeding or Open Wounds
Included in this compartment are a CPR face shield, trauma pads, gloves, 20cc irrigation syringe, iodine, wound closure strips, benzoin, and triple antibiotic ointments. Also contained within the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Fundamentals First-Aid Kit are After Cuts and Scrapes® antiseptic wipes, pads, non-adherent sterile dressings, stockinet bandage, gauze bandages, tape, strip and knuckle bandages, and cotton-tipped applicators.
Burns & Blisters
From brush burns to more serious third-degree burns with blistering, the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Fundamentals First-Aid Kit has included aloe vera gel with lidocaine, GlacierGel blister pads, and precut and shaped moleskin pieces.
Fractures & Sprains
Even though you will definitely need treatment after the initial care provided on site, the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Fundamentals First-Aid Kit does offer a frontline defense for just such occasions, with its SAM® splint, elastic bandage with VELCRO® closure, and triangular bandage.
It’s hard to believe that all these supplies could be contained in the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Fundamentals First-Aid Kit, weighing just over two pounds and sized at a mere 9.5 inches x 7 inches x 4inches. Some necessary medications have also been included, such as acetaminophen, antihistamines, aspirins, and ibuprofen; however, these are limited and of a rather common variety that are most effective when relieving minor pain. Other medications to treat severe injuries will need to be applied at a medical facility after the initial care has been given.
Medical supplies for up to eight people taking a one to fourteen-day trip have been provided for in the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Fundamentals First-Aid Kit—and all for under $100. It’s simply a great choice for adventuresome backpackers who want to camp and hike in the wilderness yet still be close to supplies that could make them less susceptible to infection, pain, and the long-lasting after affects from improperly treated wounds or injuries.
Even if you never need to use the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Fundamentals First-Aid Kit, the peace of mind it will offer will give you one less thing to worry about when preparing for a long trip that takes you far from the medical conveniences of home.
Car camping stoves, found anywhere from outdoor stores to the sporting goods sections of your local discount stores, are usually much larger and much heavier than backpacking stoves and are reasonable in price for the job they do. The tabletop models weigh around 10 pounds without fuel, while the free-standing models can weigh several more pounds. Car camping stoves usually run on propane or white gas, have multiple burners, and burn hotter than backpacking stoves. They also burn fuel faster.
Advantage of Propane versus Gasoline
1. With propane there is no pumping/priming necessary. This saves time and effort, and in general makes the cooking go more smoothly.
2. Propane provides a constant heat source. Because the pressure is not user-regulated (yes, the flame is) propane stoves provide a much more constant heat level. Make sure the propane stove you buy is "regulated," in that it provides constant pressure.
3. Propane fuel is cleaner and easier to refuel. Instead of adding a liquid gasoline which could overflow onto your hands or something else, with a propane stove you merely change coupling.
4. Can be hooked up to a bulk system. There is no convenient way to do this with a gasoline-fueled stove.
5. With a propane stove, there is never any generator to change; if the generator goes on your gasoline stove you better have a spare, and the tools to change it. (However, generators last a long time.)
Safety and Tips for Using a Propane or Gas Stove
1. Read and follow instructions that come with stove and propane cylinder.
2. All stoves consume oxygen. Do not use in unventilated areas.
3. Use a stove as a cooking appliance only. Never alter a stove in any way. Never use stove as a space heater. Never leave stove unattended while it is burning.
4. Never allow tents, sleeping bags, clothing, or any flammable material to come close to a stove that is operating.
5. Never install or remove propane cylinder while stove is lit, near flame, pilot lights, or other ignition source or while stove is hot to touch.
6. Never store propane near flame, other ignition sources, or where temperatures exceed 1200F.
7. Keep all connections and fittings clean.
8. Propane is heavier than air and will accumulate in low places.
9. Always let your gas stove cool before refilling.
10. Always test the stove before you leave home to be sure it works and you know how to use it.
When planning a family camping adventure, you may want to consider a two or three burner stove. The extra burner(s) will come in handy when cooking larger meals. Also, most multi burner stoves can use (liquid) unleaded fuel, standard Coleman stove fuel, or propane. Brands like Coleman typically offer a couple versions of each two-burner stove, with the difference being the space for the pots. The "standard" sizes are adequate for most small families, and with a little creativity and planning, can function well for up to ten persons.
The “standard” size stoves can be a good choice for even larger families if there will be a campfire which could be used to heat some dishes. Otherwise, you might want to try the extra large size stove, as it will accommodate larger pots and may even put out more heat.
It will be easier for your first few trips if the stove has at least two burners. This will allow you to use nearly all the same food as at home. With two burners, you can have a typical two-pot meal, like pasta on one burner and sauce on the other.
The main thing with a family camping stove is that it allows you to cook meals that are like the meals you cook at home. However, I believe to make it a true camping experience, especially if you are camping with children, some cooking should be done over an open fire. Even if you are just using the fire to heat water for tea, coffee or hot chocolate use of a fire warms more than just the water, it creates memories!
Remember, even if it is raining, operate your stove outside, not inside a tent, or anywhere else with poor ventilation which could lead to fire or asphyxiation and don't ever fill the fuel tank to the brim. Leaving a small air space in the tank will help prevent spills and ensure that the stove holds pressure better. Place your stove on a stove base made of a square of closed-cell foam wrapped in duct tape or a piece of plywood. This will improve stability and help conserve fuel. Once you are sure your stove is stable, check all fuel lines, valves and connections for leaks before lighting. Other safety tips include lighting your match before you turn on the stove, waiting until any spilled fuel or food dries and is cleaned before lighting and keeping your liquid fuel away from the stove and cooking area. Also, if you are using a picnic table as a stand for your stove, be extra sure it is stable before anyone sits down at the table, and never have them sit in front of the stove.
The wilderness can be a scary place. This is especially true when you’re caught in a life-threatening situation without the proper tools. For instance, one tool that might be of assistance is the Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival Fire Starter. This device will take away the frustration of trying to start a fire for any occasion from scratch.
Weighing in at about 1.5 ounces, the Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival Fire Starter is not only small in size ( ¼’’ x ¼’’ x 3’’ ) and lightweight, but it also includes a keychain to further enhance its convenience. As the product name indicates, the Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival Fire Starter is, in fact, made entirely out of magnesium and comes with a striker, making it that much easier to effectively start a fire regardless of the conditions or circumstances in which you find yourself.
There are many different types of gear that can provide help when a fire is needed while out in the wild, including the comparable Swedish Firesteel, Blastmatch Fire Starter and Storm Proof matches. However, the Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival Fire Starter stands out from the rest on many accounts – one being that it works when wet, will light wet kindling, and works for years. This specific fire starter will work the very first time you use it and will light the magnesium shavings quickly and efficiently every time. The only thing a person would need alongside this tool is a knife or something with a hard edge to scratch the magnesium into a pile. In addition, the Genuine Issue Magnesium Survival Fire Starter is government issued to all U.S. military pilots, which further indicates its effectiveness and durability.
If you have had trouble with fire starters before, you will definitely be satisfied with the Genuine Issue Magnesium Fire Starter. Not only does it work every time, but it will last for years to come.
Light weight, compact model backpacking stoves easily tuck into a backpack, usually have only one burner and weigh less than 2 pounds without fuel. Some even weigh just a few ounces, making them ideal for lightweight backpacking and the single burner feature is great when cooking a one course or one skillet meal. Additionally, these stoves are a wonderful value for your camping dollar and will last a long time if properly cared for. Coleman has some great single burner stoves as does Campinggaz , Texsport and MSR. The price for a dependable backpacking stove generally runs from $50.00 to $100.00.
Forget about killer sunsets or jaw-dropping summit views to grab your attention. No backcountry event will set off your alarms quite like a backpacking stove that has burst into flames and is sending a pool of flaming white gas over your campsite. Among all the gear you take into the wilds, a stove is probably the most dangerous item you'll possess short of a rifle in polar bear country and it's by far the most temperamental. Follow this hard-won advice for using a lightweight backcountry stove safely and for ensuring that it fires up when you need it.
Word to the wise: always test-run your canister or liquid fuel backpacking stove at home before a backcountry trip. This advice applies double for stoves using liquid-fuel.
Liquid-Fuel Stoves
White-gas, or liquid-fuel stoves are much fussier than canister stoves, hence they need extra tender loving care. Carry a maintenance kit, specific to your stove, and know how to use it. It helps to tote along the instruction manual, preferably in a zipper-lock plastic bag. If the fuel line can be disassembled, periodically clean it with a rag dipped in white gas. Use the rag and gas to wipe carbon residue off the burner; otherwise it may get into the jet. White gas breaks down gradually while in storage, yielding balky stove performance. Replace old fuel in your stove and if you've stored old white gas or a dirtier fuel like kerosene in a fuel tank or fuel bottle, rinse it with fresh white gas. Liquid-fuel stoves also have a tendency to clog or otherwise go on the fritz but with a repair kit, regular maintenance and a touch of MacGyver-like knowledge you can fix these stoves in the field.
Troubleshoot the most common problems:
1. Weak or non-existent flame: Usually this is due to a clogged jet. Some newer stoves have a built-in wire for cleaning the jet. Otherwise, poke carbon residue out of the jet with a wire. If that doesn't work, unscrew and remove the jet, soak it in white gas, and wipe it clean.
2. Leaky pump: Try lubing the rubber O-ring with maintenance-kit oil or your own saliva if nothing else is available. If that fails, replace the O-ring.
3. Fuel bottle won't pressurize: Same remedy as for a leaky pump.
4. Eyebrow-singeing flare-ups (yours): Probably the result of over priming. Prime just enough to squirt fuel from the jet for about three seconds. Turn the stove off and light that fuel, then wait until the fuel nearly burns away and the yellow flame is barely lapping the burner before slowly turning up the gas. You can also let the flame burn out completely, then open the fuel valve slightly and hold a match to the burner.
Fuel Choice Tip
With a multi fuel stove, burn white gas whenever possible; it won't clog your stove as quickly as will kerosene, gasoline, and other fuels.
Canister Stoves
Canister or cartridge stoves are virtually foolproof and maintenance-free. Still, some sensible precautions will keep them that way. Always keep your stove clean of spilled food, dirt, and mud. Store stove in its stuff sack. Guard against damaging the all-important valve connecting the fuel canister or fuel line to the burner. Always attach fuel canisters with care, and cushion the stove from potential damage while in your pack or in transit to the trailhead. Some canisters are designed to stand upright during stove operation; others lie flat. Know which type you have. Avoid jostling or tipping the canister while cooking, which can cause the stove to flare up.
Cold Weather Tip
In below-freezing conditions, keep canister stoves running hot by warming the cartridge with your gloved hands or standing it in an inch of cool (never hot) water. Better yet, keep a spare canister in a warm place, like stuffed between your long undershirt and your jacket, turn off the stove, swap canisters, and fire it up again.
Remember to always carry your empty canisters out of the backcountry with you. Never, Never, Never, place empty canister in your campfire to burn them, they will explode.
Paper plates and plastic silverware just don’t cut it when you are out and about in the great outdoors. Thankfully, there is the Coleman 24 Piece Enamelware Dining Kit and Cutlery Set to take their place around the campfire. This set is perfect for family camping not only because it washes clean easily, but also because the pieces are reasonably sturdy. Nothing’s worse than spilling a bunch of hot food on you, but with this enamelware that just is not going to happen.
The Coleman 24 Piece Dining Kit and Cutlery Set is made completely out of enamel, which makes the pieces good and strong for outdoor use. The kit comes with four each of spoons, forks, knives, dinner plates, coffee mugs and bowls. These dishes will surely keep all your meals warm because the enamel retains heat for quite some time. The dining set comes in a small storage bin that can be easily packed and carried along with the rest of your camping gear. The cutlery set also has a roll-up cover for storage.
In many cases when they buyers of this dinnerware and cutlery set received their new dinner and utensil sets, they were disappointed when the merchandise was chipped or damaged in some way; consequently, many sent them back. But those whose sets weren’t broken in anyway went on to use them and discovered them to be quite useful. One buyer pointed out that the handles on the utensils are loose and food and other things can get into the crevices, allowing bacteria to grow. Others stated that the handles were so weak that they would simply fall off. The set claims to be dishwasher safe, but if any of the enamel has chips, holes or scratches in them, the water from the dishwasher might end up rusting or otherwise deteriorating the dishes and utensils. However, most found that the set was a very good buy and liked how sturdy and easy the dinnerware and cutlery sets are to clean.
If you are looking for a sturdy dinnerware set and utensils, then the Coleman 24 Piece Enamel Dining Kit and Cutlery Set is just the thing for you.
With the exception of a tent or Recreation Vehicle, the next biggest expense for camping is usually the sleeping bag.
The Basics: Sleeping Bags
The buzzword surrounding sleeping bags these days is lightweight. Outdoor manufacturers are continually innovating new bags with both down and synthetic fills that are extremely warm, but weigh little, and pack into a small stuff sack that can easily fit into your backpack.
New innovations circulate around designs made specifically for women – and we're not talking about pretty colors. Manufacturers like Sierra Designs and The North Face have a whole line of bags that are tapered and shorter to fit a woman's size. They also have more fill in the torso and foot-bed areas since women tend to run colder than men while sleeping.
Like other outdoor gear, manufacturers realize sleeping bags are an investment. With that in mind, they offer warranties against manufacturer's defects. Be sure to check their catalogues for further information and company warranty department phone numbers. It has been my personal experience that reputable manufacturers and outdoor stores are always willing to honor their warranties, without question, because they want your repeat business.
How to Shop
Let's face it, when you're buying a sleeping bag one of the most important things to consider is warmth. After all, there's nothing more miserable than sleeping in a bag in the wilderness and being cold. You'll have two options: a down or synthetic-fill sleeping bag. Both have their pros and cons. Synthetic-fill bags dry quickly and keep their insulation properties if they get wet, down-fill bags don't. Down-fill bags require more care than synthetic bags, but they are easier to compress and offer a higher warmth-to-weight ratio than synthetic bags. Each bag also comes with a temperature rating which states the lowest outdoor temperature at which the bag will keep you warm. Be aware that sometimes these ratings are not completely accurate so if you are concerned about warmth, take a good look at the rating, it is always better to go for more warmth as you can always unzip the bag to cool off.
To decide on which one you'll need, again it's important to consider where and when you'll be camping. When you're comparing bags, pay attention to their foot sections, hoods and draft tube. Does the insulation have any cold spots? Down-fill bags should be firm and not soft since the insulation could shift in spots and create a draft. Also, it's important to consider the material the bag is made with. Outer shells that are coated to be water-resistant and windproof are a plus, but they can be more expensive than those that aren't. Insulation is another important factor. The more high-tech the insulation, the higher the price attached to the bag.
Other cool features include a bag that is lined with a soft taffeta or a fuzzy fleece for increased comfort; a bag that has a hood that can be cinched comfortably around the face to prevent drafts; and a bag that's gender-specific. I like sleeping bags that can zip together so I can cuddle with my wife on those cold nights in the woods. Even modern modified mummy bags can be zipped together, while square bags are easiest and best for RV camping.
Sleeping bags can cost as little as $14.00 for those used at an indoor slumber party, all the way up to several hundred dollars for an ultra lightweight, extra warm mountaineering bag used for extreme outdoor adventures. Whatever you decide to buy, be sure it fits the camping experience and have a warm cozy night!
When night comes and you’re about to set up your tent, what could be more helpful than a tent light? Without one camping can be a bit difficult when you can’t see who you are about to step on in the tent, but thanks to the Coleman Tent Light and its very powerful magnet you can place the light inside and illuminate the entire tent. This allows you to put out your sleeping bags and what-not without a hitch.
Since the Coleman Tent Light has an extremely powerful built-in magnet, you can place the light just about anywhere in the tent and be able to see everything. The magnet will not damage any of the tent’s fabric when you secure it to one of the tent poles, and because it’s secured on the tent there is plenty of space on the ground – unlike with the average lantern. The light runs on 4-AA batteries, and the bright Krypton light bulb is replaceable. Also, there is an easy on/off switch. The Coleman Ten Light won’t take up too much space in your bag and weighs only about two pounds, which makes it convenient to carry along with you for any occasion.
The Coleman Tent Light, though not extremely bright, is still useful when there are toddlers or other children on the camping trip. It can act as a nightlight for younger children but is dim enough not to disturb other campers. Also, there is enough light to talk to the other people in the tent or play games and even read if held close enough to the book. The built-in magnet is located on top of where the batteries are put in, and though it is a very strong magnet it can sometimes pull off the cover to the batteries, leaving the batteries to fall to the ground. Furthermore, the light itself is a bit heavy and with the weight of the batteries it’s even heavier. In one case the life of the batteries was quite short, staying lit for only about four hours with brand new batteries.
The Coleman Tent Light is a good buy if you are not looking for anything excessively bright and need just a small light to help you around the tent without hurting yourself or anyone else.
