Talk to me about lighting

[Permanentlyexhausted]

Looking for advice about lighting set ups.

I've done a lot of camping over the years and go away several times a year. We tend to go to the sort of sites that are more 'rustic' (I.e. no electric hook up) and up to now have always managed with a gas lamp and torches/headtorches. It was fine when the children were younger as they went to bed when it got dark and I either sat out with friends or, when I was on my own with them, went to bed at the same time. However, I'd now like to have electric light at night as the children are older and want to stay up later.

So, I need some advice. What should I get?

Leisure battery? Pros, cons, safety

Solar panel? How big, what sort? We tend to go off site during the day so not sure how long I'd be able to charge it for.

Light itself/fittings? What bits do I need?

Any advice gratefully received.

[Permanentlyexhausted]

bump

[dangermouseisace]

I have lots of cheap battery powered fairy lights from ikea. We string them around the tent. I've also got some waterproof ones for outside.

The advantage of having lots is that if one set fails then it's no biggie.

Our tent is always really well lit!

[Wishiwasmoiradingle2017]

We got some funky coloured 'bulb' lights on strings to hang from trees etc. Home bargains I think.

[SwearyBerry]

We have 3 or 4 of the small led lantern type things from decathlon. They're v small and portable, and clip into the loops on the tent roof. There are also slightly larger versions. www.decathlon.co.uk/bl-40-camping-lantern-blue-id_8330593.html
Only drawback is that being led the light is quite harsh.

[Permanentlyexhausted]

Perhaps I should explain better what I already have. We have a couple of sets of fairy lights, several of these www.gooutdoors.co.uk/handy-heroes-orb-bulb-light-p321385, and a gas lamp. The area we need to light is 15sqm (our tent is humongous). Ideally I'm hoping to avoid the current situation where I'm having to go around switching on an array of lights every evening.

[BiddyPop]

We have an Ikea light - similar in idea to this but it is a wooden top, metal handle and white plastic lamp underneath, with the solar panel to charge. I have taken it camping before and it works ok, can charge reasonably well too (pop it in light as soon as you get up, leave it in tent while you're out but once you get back you should still get a bit extra). It would probably light about half the space you are talking about enough to move around in, and read etc up close.

I don't know what the one I linked to is like - just that seemed the closest to what I actually have.