Ridge Line Lighting.....Clever solutions?

**Sphinx** · 03-09-2016, 18:58

I have always used my zebralight headlamp, and that is very convenient. But its like having earbuds in, it just kinda gets to me after a while. I want a lantern type thing to hang from the ridgeline. But i am a gram-counter of the highest caliber, so i need to just modify my headlamp to have a lantern globe or something to diffuse the intense LED light. I have some little tricks that get the job done but i still feel the need to improve the situation.

Anybody have any clever lantern type things that you are happy with?

**Tumbleweed** · 03-09-2016, 19:20

I found a 3 inch piece of junk white plastic tubing slipped over the cheap LED flashlight creates enough light to see with. The problem I've found is that a bright light is never illuminating what I want to see. Seems like it gets directly into my eyes easily though. You might need to take your preffered light to a hardware store to get the correct sized tubing.

**Sphinx** · 03-09-2016, 20:03

The little white pipe might be just about right. Like schedule 20 pvc with a shiny plug/reflector on one end.

Its hard to turn a bright LED spot into diffused ambient light for around camp. It tends to always have a hot spot no matter what. There must be a way though.

**joker421** · 03-09-2016, 21:01

I use a Petzl E+Lite headlamp. It's not a lantern but I hang it from the ridge line over my head pointed toward my feet and it lights the area nicely. It's super lightweight at 0.9 oz...

**Billy Goat** · 03-09-2016, 22:08

Love these little guys.

http://www.amazon.com/Batteries-Requ.../dp/B013TEEKOK

**TheYoda** · 03-09-2016, 22:09

Nemo tents incorporate a sheer white panel in their gear loft and wall pockets that are meant to diffuse light from a lantern or headlamp. Works pretty well. I suggested this panel idea to 2QZQ a while back, thinking it would be easy to work into their ridgeline organizer. Maybe if enough folks ask them for this option they will make it available. Or I could suggest the same to HG or another organizer maker. Seems like it would be easy enough to stuff a small white fabric square into an existing ridgeline organizer as a DIY diffuser too.

Snow Peak also makes a headlamp that converts from hard/focused light to soft/ambient light. I believe it even comes with a hanger so it can be used as an overhead lantern.

**TheMushroom** · 03-09-2016, 22:58

My Marmot tent had a similar diffuser, did a half decent job. Incorporating one into a ridgeline organizer seems simple enough, and a great idea.

**gfortune** · 03-09-2016, 22:58

Try wax paper rolled into a cone. May be tricky to attach to the Zebralight though

**TheMushroom** · 03-09-2016, 23:00

I also have a 6' string of the lights BillyGoat recommended. I love them. I wrap around a branch while setting up (I always seem to set up in the dark), then wrap them around the ridgeline when I go in to lay down.

**2Questions** · 03-09-2016, 23:14

Originally Posted by TheYoda

Nemo tents incorporate a sheer white panel in their gear loft and wall pockets that are meant to diffuse light from a lantern or headlamp. Works pretty well. I suggested this panel idea to 2QZQ a while back, thinking it would be easy to work into their ridgeline organizer. Maybe if enough folks ask them for this option they will make it available. Or I could suggest the same to HG or another organizer maker. Seems like it would be easy enough to stuff a small white fabric square into an existing ridgeline organizer as a DIY diffuser too.

Snow Peak also makes a headlamp that converts from hard/focused light to soft/ambient light. I believe it even comes with a hanger so it can be used as an overhead lantern.

Send us a PM or email...if you still have our email address. We can discuss this again. I do remember something about it...but I have been overwhelmed for quite a while and might not have had the time to even consider it. I am still semi overwhelmed...as always...but lets discuss it.
Donna