Setting Up the Tent

• When setting your tent up in the dark, setting up sleeping equipment or performing other activities that may require the use of both hands, a headlamp is the best source of light. A headlamp will direct light where you're looking and will allow you to concentrate on the job you're performing without having to worry about finding a place to hang your light, adjusting the light or trying to hold it with one hand. Headlamps are small, lightweight and can be powered by either disposable batteries or rechargeable packs. They are generally LED-based, which makes for durable, long-lasting lighting.
  
  

Lighting the Campsite

• While you may be able to get sufficient light from a campfire alone, a lantern will provide a good ambient light source for the campsite. Fluorescent and LED lanterns are also excellent for lighting a tent. Some lanterns also use fuel, which are fine for use outside but should not be used inside a tent---ditto for candle-powered lanterns.
  
  

Nighttime Walk

• No matter how hard you try to prepare, there's a good chance that the cold temperatures and extra water that you drank throughout the day will combine to necessitate a moonlight trip to the bathroom. The best option for lighting when walking is a flashlight, as it will direct a strong beam in front of you, allowing you to see exactly where you're going. Lanterns are not effective in casting a beam and headlamps can work effectively, but inexpensive models can be weak. Flashlights are also the most useful type of lighting should you need to quickly light up a specific area---to look for a pet or person, for instance. A flashlight is one lighting source that will benefit any camper.
  
  

Equipment Lighting

• There are lights designed specifically for tents and other equipment like coolers. Coleman is a company that offers some innovative lighting solutions, including a tent and cooler light. These dedicated light sources will serve to augment the more general lighting that you bring camping and will add a touch of convenience to the campsite.
  
  

Fire Lighting

• Don't forget a firestarting kit for making your campfire. In addition to matches, lighter, flint or other lighting agent, be sure to have the other components of a fire: tinder, kindling and firewood. Check with the forest service for the area where you're camping as to regulations on firewood---some places don't allow you to bring in firewood as not to spread bugs and disease, while other places don't allow you to harvest firewood from the wilderness. Tinder can be as simple as some scrap papers or can be a more advanced firestarting agent---it should be dry and capable of quickly lighting by applying a flame or spark. For wet conditions, bring a waterproof firestarter.