My First DIY project, Homemade Lantern

[specialk198305]

I made this a few Months ago when I started getting in hiking and Hanging but couldn't afford a nice lantern with the cost of all the other equipment needed.
It consists of a small opaque bottle that fits in my oil sample machine at work (free).
The nice thing about the bottle not being clear is that it helps spread the light evenly.
A nine led flashlight from Harbor Freight tools (free with coupon).
A foot of 1/8 amsteel left over from whoopies.
A $3 battery holder that holds 4 AAA batteries and has a small on off switch built in. I picked up some rechargeable ones from wally world.

I fed the wires from the battery pack through the amsteel. Then cut out the led board from the flashlight and mounted it inside the lid of the bottle. I put a permanent loop on the top of the amsteel and fed it through a small hole in a sunglasses bag. then added a biner to hang it.
A few people from the Richloam trip got to see it in action. It's plenty bright enough to walk around in the woods at night.

[flatline]

cool deal man, it looks like it gives off a lot of light.

[jbo_c]

Good thinking. I like it.

Jbo

[GaHammockGuy]

Daddy like... must make one now... save the headlamp power for outside.... COOL PROJECT..

[Cranky Bear]

Very cool idea! Looks like a great solution hang from the ridgeline and have a great camp light!

[specialk198305]

I also made a few prototypes where i just cut the hole in the lid of the bottle big enough for the head of the flashlight to push in tightly. Then added a little gorilla glue. It was much simpler but to boring. I just have to much time on my hands I guess. I also store a spare set of batteries inside the bottle for longer trips and it barely noticeable how much light they block from getting out.
Not sure if anyone got in on those $1 headlamps, but I'm waiting for mine to come in. hopefully they fit right in the lid so the battery pack is mounted right on top to make it a one piece unit. I will post some pics if it works.