I ran across this idea at BoingBoing — using a string of white LED Christmas lights while you are camping. You can get a 10-11 foot string of 20-30 lights for $5-7. They are powered by three AA batteries, which are easy to come by at fires and should last for four to six hours. There are at least two sources for these that a quick search found, HERE and HERE.
They could be used inside a tent or outside, and could be useful especially if you are engaged in activities like cooking, while reducing your dependence on a headlamp. You might even string them up around a portable pump servicing a hose lay, or to mark a hazardous tree, drop point, or division break. You can also get them in colors other than white, including red, purple, and green.
Here is an excerpt from BoingBoing:
I have discovered that these battery-powered LED Christmas tree lights are really great for camping. They are not really bright, lack the noise from a gas lantern, they are non flammable, use rechargeable batteries, seem pretty durable (I have had them in the back of my truck for a while now) are ridiculously cheap, and they don’t seem to attract bugs like all other lights that i have used.
I have slowed the use of my headlamp. No more blinding people when you look at them while camping. I also like not having to use the loud mantle lanterns or the hurricane type lanterns that leak oil and spill.
Does anyone have experience using these on fires or while camping?
