Camping through the warmer months remains one of the best ways to slow down and reconnect with whānau, friends, and the outdoors. Long evenings, warm air, and clear night skies invite you to spend more time outside the tent. When the sun finally dips and the Southern Cross comes into view, the right lighting becomes essential for safety, comfort, and atmosphere.
The lighting you choose can shape your entire campsite experience. From practical task lighting to soft ambient glow, knowing what works best helps you camp smarter and enjoy the night for longer.
1. Headlamps: Hands-Freedom
Headlamps will always remain a summer camping essential. They provide reliable, hands-free illumination for everything from pitching tents at dusk to cooking dinner, checking gear, or heading out for a late evening walk.
In warmer months, when activities stretch well past sunset, a comfortable and versatile headlamp is invaluable.
We recommend:
MH3
A classic, uncomplicated headlamp designed for adaptability. The innovative mounting system allows the light to be worn on the head or clipped to clothing and gear, making it ideal for camp chores, short night walks, or reading around the fire.
HF4R Signature
Delivering up to 600 lumens, this highly capable headlamp offers red, green, and blue front light options alongside white light. These modes help adapt lighting to different tasks and conditions, though it is worth remembering that blue light tends to attract insects. Dual light sources provide both close-range and longer distance illumination, giving you flexibility around camp.
2. Lanterns: Setting the Campsite Mood
Lanterns are still the heart of campsite lighting. They provide broad, diffused light that brings people together, whether you are sharing a meal, playing cards, or winding down inside the tent. For summer camping, warm-toned light is especially important, as cooler light can draw moths and mozzies toward your setup.
We recommend:
ML4 Warm
Compact yet powerful, the ML4 Warm Light lantern emits a gentle white glow that creates
a relaxed, cosy atmosphere. Micro Prism technology ensures efficient, glare-free lighting, while the built-in carabiner makes it easy to hang in tents, shelters, or trees.
ML6 Connect
Ideal for unpowered sites, the ML6 Connect combines a powerful 360-degree lantern with power bank functionality. It suits campsites, boats, and tents alike. The additional red light mode helps preserve night vision and keeps the light comfortable for long evenings spent outdoors.
3. Torches: Focused Light When You Need It
Even with headlamps and lanterns, a dedicated handheld torch remains a campsite staple. Torches provide a strong, focused beam that is perfect for navigating tracks, checking surroundings, responding to unexpected noises after dark, or a cheeky game of Spotlight.
We recommend:
P3R
So small and lightweight you can carry it on your keyring, meaning you'll never be without light, from the campsite to late nights back at the office. This rechargeable torch delivers a powerful 200 lumens, leaving your phone light in the dust. Dual power options offers unrivalled flexibility, running off either the rechargeable USBC port, or replaceable AAA batteries.
P7R
If you need one torch to do it all, this is it. Durable, reliable, rechargeable, and ready for just about anything! IP68 waterproofing gives confidence to withstand that slippery river crossing, and a massive 2000 lumens of boosted brightness and 320 metre beam range to spot every possum in the bush. The torch you'll never want to lend out, because it's too good to share.
Bonus Lighting for Young Campers
Kidled range
Designed with children in mind, the Kidled range brings fun and independence to family camping. From lanterns that hang inside tents to headlamps for exploring and handheld torches for games, these lights are perfect for reading, storytelling, and making memories after dark.
Lighting That Makes Summer Nights Better
Choosing the right lighting for summer camping is about balance. Headlamps and torches provide personal, task-focused light, while lanterns create a shared, welcoming glow for the whole group.
With a thoughtful lighting setup, you stay safe, comfortable, and relaxed, while turning warm summer nights into moments worth remembering.
Pack smart, embrace the long evenings, and enjoy the quiet magic that arrives when the campsite lights up just as the stars take over.