Who can say that "I saw the light? "

[watson1990]

Hi all,
I am looking for a good source of light ..actually "THE BEST " source...
I would appreciate any advice on what or which lights/lanterns you have found to provide the very best reading light .
I will also use this in my house if fumes are not a factor.so when we lose power in our lovely New Hampshire due to ice covered power lines I can at the very least ,read.
Please tell me your opinions on the best lighting fixture for reading or simply just to be able to " SEE " ...I mean really see..
all tid bits of wisdom will be appreciated
Thanks
Watson

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

Bialaddin pressure kerosene lamp; see cabin tables thread in "Design" for a picture).

British Army "surplus" in our case. One is in the boat and the other, never yet used, is at home in case of a power cut.

This is a really well made bit of kit - robust and reliable.

A note of thanks to P I Stazzer-Newt for recommending it.

[floatingkiwi]

No I am sorry, but I have the best source of light, for sure. I can see really well any time of day or night. It weighs next to nothing, you don't have to handle it, I got sick of grovelling around in the dark, bangin' my shins, not being able to find stuff.
It is a Petzl headlamp, it costs 70 bucks and I will never ever go without one, God willing, for the rest of my time on this sweet, well lit, Earth.

[Bob Cleek]

I'm with Andrew if the fuel is oil (kerosene), although the Aladdins, pressurized or not, in fact all oil lamps, if they are bright enough to read by pose the downside risk of chasing you out of the cabin with the heat they can produce! It's always a trade off.

http://www.nauticalia.com/images/dynamic/380x350_4deee997.jpg

This is British Army issue. A hundred and thirty-nine pounds sterling... so probably close to two hundred and fifty bucks US, considering import duties and so on.

However, much as I cling to my oil lamps for their "homey glow," I'd have to say that the latest LED technology, given its low battery demand and high light output, is really the "best" from a purely utilitarian perspective.

[Vince Brennan]

No I am sorry, but I have the best source of light, for sure. I can see really well any time of day or night. It weighs next to nothing, you don't have to handle it, I got sick of grovelling around in the dark, bangin' my shins, not being able to find stuff.
It is a Petzl headlamp, it costs 70 bucks and I will never ever go without one, God willing, for the rest of my time on this sweet, well lit, Earth.


You mean this baby?

http://media.rei.com/media/979427.jpg

[peter radclyffe]

I'm with Andrew if the fuel is oil (kerosene), although the Aladdins, pressurized or not, in fact all oil lamps, if they are bright enough to read by pose the downside risk of chasing you out of the cabin with the heat they can produce! It's always a trade off.

http://www.nauticalia.com/images/dynamic/380x350_4deee997.jpg

This is British Army issue. A hundred and thirty-nine pounds sterling... so probably close to two hundred and fifty bucks US, considering import duties and so on.

However, much as I cling to my oil lamps for their "homey glow," I'd have to say that the latest LED technology, given its low battery demand and high light output, is really the "best" from a purely utilitarian perspective.
we used these pressure lamps as kids, growing up on an 1878 yacht Payne 's, Sorceress, a small copy of Galatea, but there so noisy , the aladdin chimney lamp with mantle is quiet & the best we could find

[floatingkiwi]

Close. I use the MYO XP. The kind. I remember, years ago, back in NZ we would go hunting or bashing around in the sticks and we used to have to carry a small pack just to contain the necessary battery power to run our neck breaking, tree catching, ray wobbling jolly great headlamps. I thought they were so cool, all the same.
Now it is 1 LED and 3 AA rechargeables and I have over 100 lumens at 50 or more yards.
I really do not understand why everybody does not have one of these. Do yourself a favour. Just for once, stubborn ones, take my word for it.Get lit. http://www.trailspace.com/out/images/aHR0cDovL3M3b25kZW1hbmQxLnNjZW5lNy5jb20vaXMvaW1hZ2 UvTW9vc2VqYXdNQi8xMDA0NDEzMV96bT8kcHJvZHVjdDQ3NSQ

Petzl Myo XP Headlamp (Spring 2009) The Myo XP Headlamp by Petzl is a high-output headlamp, 3 lighting levels, Boost mode and Wide Angle lens. Specifications: CE Wide Angle lenses made of impact resistant polycarbonate Water resistant for all-weather use Operates on 3 AA/LR6 batteries (included) 3-year guarantee Weight: 175 g including batteries Features: new LED : 3 times brighter, shines up to 97 meters, 150 lumens (Boost mode), 85 lumens (Maximum level) Headlamp can adapt to your lighting needed ability to adapt the lights brightness to the activity : 3 lighting levels maximum, optimum, economic) Wide Angle lens allows to quickly switch from flood beam proximity lighting to focused long-distance lighting in a single movement Boost mode increases power if needed, while optimizing energy consumption and weight (175 g including batteries) perfect for endurance-oriented activities: 180 h light duration at economic level light body is tiltable to direct the light beam where needed Comfortable and stable compact design adjustable elastic headband top strap included (not attached on the MYO XP) to increase stability if needed Reliable and durable battery charge indicator light : warns when batteries are 70% and then 90% discharged buttons are protected when light body is in up position bulb does not need to be replaced water resistant for all-weather use"

[Wiley Baggins]

I imagine the original intent of the question was for general lighting as addressed by the posts on lanterns. I will also chime in on the utility of headlamps, especially the ones featuring a red filter or a separate red bulb, particularly for watch changes at night.

[ishmael]

I've got both flat wick lamps and an Aladdin. The flat wick lamps are much simpler, but provide maybe a third the light of the Aladdin. Marginal reading lamps. The Aladdin, though a bit fussier, throws the light of a sixty watt bulb, and also is more efficient so there are virtually no fumes. The flat wicks, if the wick is properly trimmed, don't throw many fumes, either.

The only pressurized lamps I've used were the Coleman's. White gas, not kero. Fine for a camp lamp, but maybe a bit noisy for a reading lamp at home. I really like this Aladdin. They're still made, so all the bits are still available. I paid twenty bucks for this one at a yard sale. With a new wick and mantle the total was probably thirty.

Good luck.

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

I'm with Andrew if the fuel is oil (kerosene), although the Aladdins, pressurized or not, in fact all oil lamps,.....

Andrews'd Bialaddin is also known as a "Vapalux" and made by Bairstow Brothers - some of (most of the critical) the spares are interchangeable
http://www.bairstowbrothers.co.uk/vapalux/index.htm


However, much as I cling to my oil lamps for their "homey glow," I'd have to say that the latest LED technology, given its low battery demand and high light output, is really the "best" from a purely utilitarian perspective.

Yup - I have and love a small collection of pressure lamps - but for genuine emergency use - a hand cranked dynamo driven LED torch hangs on its hook by the door - and its friends the battery operated ones are easily accessible.

[PeterSibley]

we used these pressure lamps as kids, growing up on an 1878 yacht Payne 's, Sorceress, a small copy of Galatea, but there so noisy , the aladdin chimney lamp with mantle is quiet & the best we could find

Seconded , pressure lamps produce a wonderful light but I have endured the hissss for months on end as a young man and would rather not do so again .

[watson1990]

Thanks to all ... I will be buying an Aladdin soon. I already have the
Petzal that I use for canoe trips "Way Up North" [Jasper,calgary/edmonton ...the Athabasc river ]

Tanks and anymore thoughts please chime in
Watson