Spotlight on Hardkorr’s Camp and Canopy Lights

We know you’re probably sick of us talking about all the cool things we spotted at The National 4X4 Outdoor Show in Sydney but the truth is, we can’t stop. Another awesome range of gear that we had to check out was Hardkorr’s Camp and Canopy Lights.

Let there be light

There’s nothing worse than arriving late at your campsite and setting up in the dark. I think most of us have had a situation where maps have stopped working or you took a wrong turn and ended up extending your trip by a long shot. As you watch the sun going down, your heart starts to pump faster as you panic and picture yourself trying to deal with setting up camp in pitch black darkness. If only you had some Hardkorr lights in tow…

The cool thing about these lights is their versatility. They can be used to illuminate your campsite to avoid poking yourself in the eye with a tent pole while you set up in the dark. They can also be used as ute canopy, cargo area or tailgate lighting.

How did we get to LED lighting?

In the past, many keen campers have used gas lights. Why? They’re a flexible lighting choice, allowing you to have a golden dimmed light that goes well with a cosy campfire or a bright, white light to guide the way. However, these are a no-no when it comes to lighting the inside of a tent due to the risk of fire or emission poisoning. Neither of those outcomes sound appealing to me.

Fluorescent lights were also commonly used during the 1990s as a safer alternative to gas lighting. One plus was that they do not emit any poisonous substances when lit, so you could have these ones inside your tent during the night. Unfortunately, if you do have these on in the tent, you’ll likely end up with sore eyes as they don’t have the option to dim. Say goodbye to mood lighting. They also gradually dim over their lifespan so they need to be replaced more often if you want quality lighting.

Enter the LED light! Considered a superior light source in comparison, LED lights have awesome efficiency and draw a very low current. Ideal for camping at non-powered sites, they also produce almost no heat and reach ultimate brightness as soon as they’re switched on. 

How and what do I install?

If you’re a keen do-it-yourself-er and you have a reasonable working knowledge of or experience with 12v power, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to install the lights on your own. 

You can use LED Camp Light Bars to illuminate your cargo area or canopy. With the help of cabling, dimmers and accessories to make installation quick and easy, the light bars can be purchased as a LED Camp Light Kit.

There’s also the option of LED Tape Lights. These are backed with strong 3M double-sided tape and are easier to mount in comparison to the bars. This more cost-effective choice is popular with those on a budget as well as those planning to mount to glass or a curved surface.