Friday, May 23, 2025

5-Star Toileting Rating System

 




Here is some fun toilet humor for the trail. Whenever we have to relieve ourselves outdoors, it can be straining. It can be a shocking and life changing experience for those new to the enterprise, especially if things go awry. This rating system can help soften the blow of going outdoors. When someone goes number two, they can rate the experience using the following 5-star system and share their results with their group. Group members can keep track of their scores throughout the trip and compare results at the end to see who has the highest score overall.

The system works as a checklist. Start at 1-star and check off each item that was achieved during your escapade into the bushes. For example, if you: did not fall in, did not get rained on or freeze, and had a good view, then your experience was 3-stars. Additionally, the 5-star system can add a bit of humor to the task of teaching newbies how to relieve themselves properly outdoors using Leave No Trace techniques.


1 Star = Did not fall in...
2 Star = Did not get rained on or freeze.
3 Star = Had a good view.
4 Star = Saw a wild animal, also didn't get attached by said animal.
5 Star = Saw someone who didn't see you, or heard someone who didn't hear you...

Enjoy the go,

By David F. Garner

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Trail Grub: A History Of Backpacking Food

 

“When you get a little dirt in your food while camping, it’s called ‘trail seasoning’.” - Anonymous


Cooking and eating around a campfire are one of the greatest hallmarks of camping. For many, the after-meal is the best part of any hike. There is something about carrying your own food for miles and then cooking it in camp that makes it taste better. What types of food have people carried into the backcountry over the decades? Of course, food traditions have varied across cultures and time periods. This article will focus on historical trends of recreational backpacking in the United States.

At the dawn of backpacking, gear, and food were primarily borrowed from military practices. In the late 1800s, dehydrated soup mixes were commonly carried by soldiers and hunters. A broth was prepared using seasonings, meat, and a small number of vegetables, which was then expertly concentrated and dried into a solid ingot that remained shelf-stable for years without packaging. These "pocket soup" blocks could easily be carried in a pack and reconstituted as needed.

To use, one would drop a block into hot or boiling water, and within a few minutes, the hiker would have a piping-hot bowl of soup. When possible, users would forage for additional ingredients to enhance their soup, such as fresh game meat, herbs, mushrooms, or wild vegetables. In the early 20th century, soup bouillon was invented, replacing the condensed broth ingots on the trail. Grandma Gatewood was particularly fond of carrying bouillon. Soup is an excellent trail food due to its high sodium and electrolyte content.

Meat was also dried into jerky and carried on the trail. It was usually carried in rawhide pouches to protect it from moister since modern plastic pouches did not yet exist. Dried fruit and nuts were also utilized when available. Another popular menu item was dry flour and salt that could be mixed with water and cooked into bread. No additional ingredients are needed to make a trail bread; however, it was rarely the plat préféré. Today, people often add a leavening agent and spices like garlic or pepper to their trail bread. The dough could be fried in a little oil to make pan bread or placed on the end of a stick and roasted over a fire to create stick bread, a method favored by John Muir.

By the end of the 19th century, canned food and drinks packaged in glass were widely available. As a result, these items sometimes ended up in hikers' packs. To dispose of their empty cans and bottles, hikers often buried them or left them in trash heaps. This litter accumulated over the decades, leading hikers to recognize the need for better conservation practices.

As industrial packaging methods improved, canned food became increasingly popular among campers, especially among early car campers. They could simply open a can and heat it by placing it on top of the car engine, earning them the nickname "Tin Can Tourists." Canned food remained a staple on the trail for many years until lighter packaging options became more common. Today, carrying canned food on the trail is often seen as a sign of inexperience.

We cannot forget a hiker's most prized menu item—sugar. In the late 19th century, hard candy confections were all the rage. They were also perfectly suited for the trail. They came in all shapes and sizes and provided just the right energy boost during a long hike. They came in many flavors but some especially popular ones included peppermint, lemon and other citrus, butterscotch, and spicy flavors like cinnamon and anise.

Chocolate has long been popular among campers and backpackers, dating back to the early days of recreational outings. Hot chocolate, in particular, serves as a perfect sweet drink for the trail. Since its discovery, cocoa products have been a favorite for hunters, soldiers, and hikers alike. However, preparing a hot chocolate drink requires heat, making it a bit challenging to whip up on the side of the trail for a quick pick-me-up.

Historically, chocolate was primarily consumed as a beverage until the 20th century, though it was also occasionally used in baked goods and other confections. There were chocolate-flavored candies, such as Necco wafers, which gained some popularity.1 In the 19th century, chocolate often came in the form of a powder, ground, and mixed with sugar in tightly packed bars, akin to bouillon cubes. This powdered chocolate could then be added to milk or water to create a drink. Hikers and soldiers sometimes placed a pinch of the powder on their tongues for a quick energy boost, though not everyone enjoyed this treat. The powder, typically made from just cacao and sugar, often had a bitter taste due to the high cocoa content, usually 60% or more, similar to today's dark chocolate.2

Modern chocolate bars, on the other hand, are mixed with fats and milk with a 50% or lower cocoa content, resulting in a sweeter flavor. The fat also provides additional energy for the hike. The first widely available modern-style chocolate bars in the U.S. were Hershey's bars. The Hershey milk chocolate bar was introduced in 1900 and became an instant success.3

Although melting has never deterred a hungry hiker from devouring a chocolate bar, melted chocolate can pose a risk to other items in a backpack. In 1941, Forrest Mars invented a new type of chocolate candy that did not melt because it had a solid sugar coating. He called his creation M&Ms. M&Ms quickly became a favorite among American soldiers fighting in various locations around the world. After the War, M&Ms rapidly emerged as a leading competitor to Hershey's chocolate bars, and both brands continue to be popular choices among campers.

Of course, the epitome of trail desserts is the s'more. Various legends have grown around the origin of camping's greatest snack. The most convincing is that it was invented, or at least popularized, by the Girl Scouts of America. The earliest recipe for a traditional s'more is to be found in Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts published in 1927.4 The dessert was further popularized as a camping treat by Kampgrounds of America (KOA) line of campgrounds who provided the ingredients to their patrons.

In the postwar years, new foods gained popularity thanks to new preservation technology. One food item that became a trail staple was Kraft brand Mac N' Cheese, a dried macaroni and cheese dish. It was invented just before the War in 1937 and gained widespread popularity during the War as a cheap, quick, and tasty meal. It was the perfect trail food because, although it required adding milk and butter, these could easily be procured in powdered form. Macaroni and cheese can be paired with many other items to complete a meal or could serve as the foundation of a more elaborate dish with added ingredients like meat or vegetables and is still fairly popular on the trail.

Freeze-dried food processing was refined and perfected during World War II, creating a new category of food preservation. This innovation allowed for foods to be shelf-stable and enabled quicker reconstitution.

In 1951, an ill-fated Girl Scout trip inspired troop leader Ann Benedict. Struggling under the weight of canned food during the trip, she was determined to find a better solution for trail nutrition. Her idea developed throughout the remainder of the trip, and upon returning home, she began experimenting with dehydrating meals in her garage. This led to the founding of Dri-Lite Foods, which produced lighter, nutritious, just-add-water meals specifically designed for outdoor adventures. Over the following years, she continued to improve and refine the company's processes.

In the 1970s, Dri-Lite Foods began using the freeze-drying process, which allowed for a greater variety of meals. In 1971, they officially changed their name to Backpackers Pantry and grew to become one of the premier companies in the trail food industry.5,6

Mountain House is a well-known brand of freeze-dried backpacking meals that began in 1969 as a subsidiary of Oregon Freeze Dry, which created lightweight meals for the military. The company recognized that the advantages of their meal products could also benefit backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. As a result, they established a subsidiary dedicated to designing meals specifically targeted at recreational customers. Alongside Backpacker's Pantry, Mountain House helped to create a niche industry focused on adventure-related freeze-dried meal products. Today, thousands of such meal items are available for purchase online.

Jerky remains a staple for those on the trail. This portable food option has been popular for thousands of years, although its production is labor-intensive. The first commercial beef jerky factory opened in the U.S. in 1926, primarily supplying the military. Since then, commercial jerky products have proliferated, and beef is no longer the only option. A variety of meats can be found in jerky form, and there are even meatless alternatives available today.

Fish has also traditionally been a common trail snack. The preservation of fish in tin cans dates back to 1824 when the first factory was established to package tinned sardines. This method gained popularity among militaries, explorers, adventurers, and later recreational campers. Historically, canned fish has been more popular than fish jerky or dried fish. However, today, it is more common to find fish packaged in plastic pouches rather than cans while on the trail. There are many varieties of fish available in numerous flavors, making it a great snack choice for outdoor excursions.

Trail mix, also known as GORP (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts), is one of the oldest trail foods. A combination of nuts and dried fruits has sustained human travel for thousands of years. The modern version often includes some form of candy or chocolate. In the early 20th century, it was common in some regions of the U.S. to add candy corn instead of chocolate.

The slang term "gorp" emerged in the 1950s or 60s. Trail mix can vary greatly, ranging from simple combinations with just peanuts and raisins to elaborate mixes with 20 or more ingredients. It can be bland, bold, salty, sweet (or both), spicy, or mild. Some adventurous individuals even add coffee beans for an extra energy boost. While trail mix is typically dry, some people choose to add water or milk to their mixes.7

The granola bar, also known as a cereal bar or, more generically, an energy bar, is now a staple on trail menus. Its close relative, the protein bar, is also quite popular. While they share a similar shape, their macronutrient profiles differ significantly. Granola bars typically contain higher amounts of carbohydrates and lower levels of protein and fat, whereas protein bars are designed to have more protein than carbohydrates or fats.

But where did they originate? Modern energy bars trace their roots back to the U.S. space program. NASA sought a high-energy snack that astronauts could consume without removing their helmets. To meet this need, Pillsbury was contracted to develop a suitable product, resulting in Space Food Sticks—essentially energy bars shaped like Slim Jims. These bars gained popularity during the 1960s and 70s.

In 1973, Nature Valley introduced the first mass-produced granola bar, their rectangular Oats N' Honey bar. Then, in the 1980s, the Power Bar emerged as the first successful protein bar, helping to popularize energy bars further. These mass-produced items were made feasible by plastic packaging, although the concept of shelf-stable energy bars is not entirely new. Cultures around the world have crafted such bars for centuries, with pemmican being a notable example.

The Clif Bar is perhaps the most iconic energy bar that one might see someone pull from their backpack. It was invented by Gary Erickson and officially launched in 1992. It was designed for outdoor activities that require a high level of energy. The bar was named after the creator's father, not as a misspelling of the rocky feature. It features higher sugar and fat content compared to other traditional energy bars of that time. Although it faces many competitors today, Clif Bar remains popular due to its variety of delicious flavors.

Another highly popular item on the trail menu is peanut butter, which has gained even more popularity in recent years thanks to its availability in single-serving sizes. Peanut butter made its first public appearance at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904 and has remained a favorite ever since. Its enduring popularity is largely due to its versatility; it pairs well with many other ingredients or can be enjoyed on its own as a convenient snack.

Many of the foods discussed here clearly require a fire or stove for cooking. Recreational campers have traditionally relied on fire to prepare their heartiest meals. However, in the 1990s, a new trend emerged that focused on carrying as little weight as possible. Ultralight backpacking emphasizes reducing pack weight to make hiking easier, sometimes at the expense of other comforts on the trail. One such method is cold soaking.

The widespread availability of partially cooked, dehydrated, or freeze-dried food allows backpackers to quickly rehydrate their meals at camp. Eventually, many backpackers realized that heat is not essential for reconstituting their food. By simply soaking the dried food in water for several hours, it can become palatable again. Cold soaking has gained popularity among dedicated ultralight backpackers because it eliminates the need for a stove and fuel, saving several ounces of weight. However, many of these backpackers admit that this weight-saving method often results in a loss of flavor in the food.

Caffeine is an essential item for many people when they are on the trail. The modern coffee percolator was invented in 1889 and quickly gained popularity, becoming the standard method for preparing coffee while camping. Before its introduction, Americans typically boiled coffee grounds directly in water. After boiling for a certain amount of time, the grounds would settle at the bottom, allowing campers to sip the coffee from the top. This method is known by various names, including cowboy coffee and Turkish coffee.

In Turkish coffee preparation, a small amount of cold water is sometimes added after brewing to help the grounds settle at the bottom. These brewing methods were common throughout the 19th century, while percolation became the norm during the 20th century. In the 21st century, numerous brewing methods have emerged to cater to diverse tastes. For example, Stanley offers a durable metal French press, and there are many options available for pour-over coffee. Instant coffee has been around since the 1890s but often received criticism for its lackluster or bitter taste. However, in recent decades, methods for processing instant coffee have improved, leading to brands with significantly better flavor. One popular choice among campers is Alpine Start, which began in 2016 with the goal of enhancing instant coffee’s taste.

Tea, coffee's little sibling, is also popular on the trail. Lightweight copper teapots have been used in mountaineering and on the trail for centuries. Aluminum teapots became available in the late 1800s when the price of aluminum dropped, making it more competitive. Today, compact aluminum or steel teapots are available that nest neatly with other cookware to save room in a pack. The disposable teabag rose to popularity in the early 20th century, simplifying backcountry tea brewing even further.

Today, caffeine is also extracted and added to foods and supplements. The first caffeine-laced energy bar, called the First Strike Bar, was introduced to the market in 1996 and was developed for the U.S. military. Today, there are many caffeinated snacks readily available.

In the late 20th century, plastic packaging largely replaced metal cans and glass as the preferred food storage material. The plastic pouch emerged as a lightweight alternative to the tin can, which greatly benefited backpackers who carry their groceries over long distances. As a result, shelf-stable, partially cooked foods became widely available in various options. Backpackers enjoyed an unprecedented variety of quick, affordable, and lightweight meals.

However, by the early 21st century, a significant issue came to light: many of the pre-packaged food choices were not particularly healthy, often containing unhealthy or even harmful preservatives, additives, and other chemicals. Additionally, much of the pre-packaged food available at the turn of the millennium did not accommodate individuals with food allergies.

Two major trends emerged in the 21st century: a shift towards healthier foods that are less processed and contain fewer questionable or harmful ingredients, as well as an increase in options for those with allergies. Allergy-sensitive food choices included dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free products. These changes were evident across general grocery store brands and among those specifically targeting backpackers.

When it comes to a topic as diverse as food, it's impossible to cover every type available. We have highlighted some of the most popular foods among hikers in the U.S. over the decades. One of the greatest aspects of backpacking or camping is the endless variety of menu items that can be enjoyed. There are always new foods to try and new flavors to experience. You never know what someone might pull out of their pack to satisfy their hunger. However, one thing is certain: meals always taste better in the great outdoors than at the kitchen table.


By David F. Garner


Other Articles You May Enjoy:









Sources

1. Sam Bilton, The History Of Chocolate, English Heritage online, accessed May 22, 2025 from https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/easter/the-history-of-chocolate/

2. Virginia and Michael Mescher, "Period Chocolate," Ragged Soldier Sutlery and Vintage Volumes, accessed May 22, 2025 from https://www.raggedsoldier.com/chocolate.html

3. "Milk chocolate," Wikipedia, accessed May 22, 2025 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk_chocolate

4. "The Gooy Story of S'mores," National Geographic online, Aug 14, 2015, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/the-gooey-story-of-smores


5. "Our Story: Through The Decades," Backpackers Pantry online, accessed May 22, 2025 from https://backpackerspantry.com/pages/our-story

6. Erika Haugen-Goodman, Then and Now: Trail Food, Aug 19, 2016, Washington Trails Association, https://www.wta.org/news/signpost/then-and-now-trail-food

7. David F. Garner, "An Etymology of Gorp," May 18, 2025, Lessons from The Outdoors, https://www.outdoorlessons.org/2025/05/an-etymology-of-gorp.html 

Friday, May 16, 2025

An Etymology of GORP

 



It is often said that this funny term for trail mix is an acronym for good old raisins and peanuts. It is less commonly argued that it instead means granola, oats, raisins, and peanuts. This latter meaning appears ironic as granola typically contains oats. Also, I have never seen anyone put granola in their trail mix. I'll have to try that on my next hike.

Neither alleged definition of GORP (capitalized when used as an acronym) captures the true origin of the word. Instead, these are backronyms-- meanings that have been added after the word became popular to explain its origin. According to the Wikipedia article for "trail mix" a 1913 edition of the Oxford English Dictionary provides a definition for gorp of "to eat greedily". However, I cannot find the original 1913 edition anywhere to confirm. Also, the Oxford English Dictionary online article for gorp has no such reference and cites its first known use to 1970. 

The word gorp is in fact much older than 1970, and so is the snack itself. A writer for the REI blog found examples of a similar snack going back to the 1830s.1 Some recipes for gorp from the late 1800s and early 1900s call for candy corn in place of chocolate. Gross!

Gorp has held different meanings in the past. An 1888 glossary of words used around Sheffield, England lists the word as a synonym for gapeyawn, or stare. The glossary spells the word as "g-a-u-p" but gives the pronunciation as "gorp". This may be an example of an intrusive R sound which can be common in some English dialects.2 Another England-based text from 1875 uses the term as a synonym for gape. This text spells the term phonetically "g-o-r-p". So, it seems this word had regional use in England in the late 1800s, but the spelling varied.3 Gorp was also a term for an unfledged baby bird in the late 19th and early 20th century. This makes sense as baby birds spend much of their time with mouth wide open awaiting food from their parents.4 

So how did the term come to refer to trail mix? The origin of this definition is foggy. The earliest mention of gorp referring to trail mix is from 1958 in an article detailing a hike in Olympic National Park. The author gives the recipe which includes raisins, nuts, and M&Ms—the classic mix. This gives us a clue that the term may have originated in the Pacific Northwest. 

Perhaps the most extensive research on this topic was done for a 1995 Backpacker magazine article. The author, Hannah Holmes, interviewed several linguists and food historians for the piece. The conclusion of her research was that the term arose in the 1960s as part of the health food craze. One of the experts interviewed was a spokesperson for Websters New World Dictionary who declared, "We claim its impossible to know where it comes from." referring to the origin of gorp as a synonym for trail mix. However, Holmes notes that this dictionary reports that gorp as a verb means "to eat greedily." Despite an extensive search at my local library of older dictionaries, I was unsuccessful at finding one listing this meaning for the word to corroborate these claims.6

If this was the case and gorp was used as a verb in the first half of the 20th century to refer to eating greedily, we can imagine a rational progression. First, gape changes to gorp via regional accents. This wide mouth facial expression would look similar to someone eating greedily with their mouth opening widely. So, the term becomes synonymous with eating quickly. One frequently eats trailside snacks greedily. So, the verb finally becomes a noun to refer to the otherwise nameless trail snack that is often eaten greedily. 

Another article written by an etymologist confirms the likelihood of this hypothesis. He references several other dictionaries from the first half of the 20th century that purportedly give the definition of "gorp" as "to eat greedily". He also makes a connection to the older term gaup and similar sounding words like gawk and gawp that all indicated a wide-mouthed expression of surprise. He notes that this hypothesis is plausible but unproven with the current evidence.7 Whatever the case, we will all shamelessly continue to gorp our GORP like a little gorp.

By David F. Garner

Other Articles To Explore:


Sources
  1. Ashley Brown, "The Origins of GORP," March 9, 2020, REIhttps://www.rei.com/blog/hike/the-origins-of-gorp.
  2. Sidney Oldall Addy, A glossary of words used in the neighbourhood of Sheffield. [With] A supplement, Volume 22, Issue 1, English Dialect Society, 1888, pg 86, accessed from https://books.google.com/books?id=IXoKAAAAIAAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=%22gorp%22&pg=PR7#v=onepage&q&f=false.
  3.  E.H. BickerstethEvening hours, Volume 2, 1875, pg 562, accessed from https://books.google.com/books?id=eBoFAAAAQAAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=%22gorp%22&pg=PA562#v=onepage&q&f=false.
  4. Sir Alfred Edward PeaseA Dictionary of the Dialect of the North Riding of Yorkshire, Horne & Son, Limited, 1928, pg 53, accessed from https://books.google.com/books?id=NPo3AQAAIAAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=dictionary%20gorp&pg=PA53#v=onepage&q&f=false.
  5. Grant Conway, "Hiking the Wild Olympic Shoreline," National Parks and Conservation Magazine 1959-01: Volume 33, Issue 136, pg 8, accessed from https://archive.org/details/sim_national-parks_1959-01_33_136/.
  6. Hannah Holmes, "The World According to GORP," Backpacker, Dec. 1995, pg 40, accessed from https://books.google.com/books?id=4d4DAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA40&dq=origin%20of%20term%20gorp&pg=PA40#v=onepage&q&f=false
  7.  Michael Quinion, "Gorp," World Wide Words, April 9, 2005, https://www.worldwidewords.org/qa-gor1.htm.




Tuesday, March 11, 2025

From Lanterns to Headlamps: A History of Portable Light On The Trail


In the early days of recreational camping, most campers relied on the natural light provided by their fire, or the moon on a bright night to see after dark. A modest fire can provide light equivalent to about one hundred candles. Until modern times, many tents were made of white or light-colored canvas, and the campfire was often built near the tent to provide warmth all night. The light-colored material reflected some of the fire light, amplifying its brightness. Although fires provide enough light for most after-dark tasks, they are not portable.

Candles and oil wicks filled the role of portability and were most useful inside lanterns or tents. Although they could be extinguished with a strong gust of wind, they were more resilient than many who live today assume. Lanterns, while commonly used, were heavy, bulky, and often fragile.

Soldiers, hunters, and mountaineers often carried lanterns and preferred designs with durable construction and small-size or folding parts for better portability. Some examples include pocket folding lanterns (pictured at right), skater-style lanterns, and punched tin lanterns, which had a tin frame with small holes punched to allow the light through in lieu of glass or mica.

Skater lanterns were simple oil lanterns with a compact design and thick glass which made them popular with ice skaters who used them to light their path as they glided across the ice. This term eventually became synonymous with a small oil lantern. In contrast, punched tin lanterns were not intended for nighttime travel. They were intended as candle transporters such as between the house and barn or between two tents in camp. The holes provided just enough illumination to walk carefully while preventing the candle from being extinguished by the wind.

All these lanterns could typically use oil or candles and often featured foldable components to improve packability. Despite these advancements, they remained bulky by today’s portable light standards.

Lighting technology was advancing rapidly at the dawn of recreational camping. In less than a century, portable outdoor lighting evolved from ancient methods to the electric flashlight. Lighting technology had historically depended on burning fat, oil, or beeswax. Before the Civil War, beeswax candles were quite expensive, especially for working-class individuals. Whale oil was also usually too expensive for the working class. So, they typically relied on tallow, vegetable oil, or some other animal-derived fat.

Advances in refining crude oil transformed the lighting landscape in the nineteenth century. By the mid-century, paraffin and mechanized manufacturing had significantly lowered the cost of candles. Kerosene emerged as a new, low-cost alternative to animal oils eventually supplanting them by the 1870s. Lantern technology progressed quickly over the second half of the nineteenth century.

Outdoor recreation brought new demands that required specialized lighting technology. The journey from lanterns to headlamps happened more quickly than you might expect. We will begin by looking at the early authors who first informed city dwellers about how to camp for fun.

William H.H. Murray published Adventures in the Wilderness in 1869 and launched the outdoor recreation movement. His book was part adventure narrative part guidebook. He writes to a broad audience and recommends they hire a guide to lead them into the wilderness. Thus, his instructions are limited on the topic of gear. He assumes the professional guide will manage many of these things. So, he does not mention lighting options for camp.

Instead, Murray spends a few pages discussing a light source for night hunting and fishing as he knew this was a popular reason many of his readers would hire a guide. He describes his invention of a headlamp used for hunting deer only, not hiking. Here is an excerpt.

“Having in seasons previous experienced the disadvantages of the old jack [synonym for lantern], I determined to invent and construct one which should absolutely overcome all these imperfections. This is what I hit upon. I took a common fireman's hat, and, having the rim removed, had the crown padded with wadding, and lined with chamois-skin. I caused a half-moon lantern of copper to be made with a concave bottom which fitted closely to the hat, and was fastened thereto with screws. Through the top of the hat a hole was made large enough for the burner to pass; the lamp itself, containing the oil, was fitted and held by brass studs to the crown, between it and the head. In the back side of the lantern was placed a German-silver reflector, heavily plated. The screw which lifts and lowers the wick was connected with a shank that projected through the side of the lantern, so that by a touch of the finger the light might be let on or cut off. A large, softly padded throat-latch buckled the jack firmly to my head. Observe the advantages of this jack over the old style. Being enclosed by an air-tight glass front, it might be used in a tornado. When floating for deer you could turn the wick so low down that no light was visible, and when one was heard you could run down toward him, and, with your finger on the adjusting screw, turn on the light just when you wanted it, and not an instant before, and this too without a moment's pause. If the deer was on the jump, it made no difference. The reflector was so powerful, that, if you turned the wick well up, it made a lane some three rods wide and fifteen rods long as light as day, and the jack being on your head, the blaze was never off the leaping deer, whose motion your eye would naturally follow, and as your head turned, so, without thought or effort on your part, turned the jack.”1 (edited for grammar to improve readability) Here we see Murray experimenting with a head-mounted light. His contraption was never patented so far as can be found, but he was well ahead of his time.

John M. Gould authored a comprehensive camping guide How To Camp Out, published in 1877. He was not too keen about the lanterns available in his day. He recommended candles to his readers. He advised packing a candle stand or if unavailable, “…use your pocket-knife, putting one blade in the bottom or side of the candle, and another blade into the ground or tent-pole.”2

In 1873 John H. Irwin patented his cold-blast tubular lantern. The Dietz Company licensed the rights to sell Irwin's design and sold it as the now-famous Hurricane lantern (pictured at top). It used a flat wick--a novel concept at the time--to burn kerosene. Its safety features and ability to remain lit in higher winds made it extremely popular for outdoor lighting, earning its hurricane moniker. It became a popular choice of lantern for campers until the Coleman came along.

Another notable Dietz model designed for portability was the Boy lantern released in 1879. This one was fashioned after the skater-style lantern. 

George Washington Sears, known as Nessmuk, also commented on portable lighting options. By the time Woodcraft and Camping was published, sportsmen could purchase ready-made oil lamps that could be mounted on hats. Sears referenced Murray's description in his book. However, it is unclear what Murray’s light looked like. It likely resembled the reflector oil lamps common in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

One example of such a lamp is the Ferguson Excelsior Universal Lamp (above) which was designed to be small and bright. It had a reflector behind the flame to concentrate the light in one direction. It was universal because various mounts could be purchased to attach it to a boat, a bicycle, a carriage, or a hat. It could be easily carried to light the trail as Sears recommends. It could also be hung from a pole to light a tent.

One fascinating element of this story is the Hitchcock lamp (below). Although it is not well known today, it uniquely addressed some of the problems of oil lamps. The lantern globe offers a decent barrier from crosswinds that could extinguish the flame. More importantly, it acts as a chimney providing an updraft of air that comes from below the flame allowing it to burn cleanly and brightly.

The downside of globes is that they are made of fragile glass. The Hitchcock lamp eliminated the need for a globe by incorporating a wind-up fan beneath the flame. It was advertised in Ladies Home Journal to women as a sturdy lamp suitable for camping.3

The Handbook for Boys published in the U.S. in 1911 includes a candle in the camp packing list. It also warns against reading by candlelight in bed due to the risk of fire if the user falls asleep. The Handbook suggests a carbide lamp, specifically the Baldwin Camp Lamp, for group camping. This style of lamp burned acetylene gas and was invented in 1900 by Frederick Baldwin.

The carbide lamp (below) was primarily used by miners and cavers, but it also found popularity among backpackers and outdoorsmen well into the 1970s. Notably, Gene Epsy, the second person to through-hike the Appalachian Trail carried one instead of a flashlight.4

Another popular lantern model in the early twentieth century was the Dietz Scout, which was based on the earlier Boy model. The Scout was a small oil lantern first sold in 1921. It was designed for portability and was popular among Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, hunters and backpackers. Learn more about them here

W.C. Coleman began his lamp business in 1900. He did not invent the technology behind his lamps, the incandescent mantel. It was first patented by Carl Auer von Welsbach, an Austrian inventor, in 1884. Mantel lamps that burned pressurized gas began appearing first in Europe and then the United States shortly thereafter.

In 1914 Coleman released the Model L (also referred to as Model 316) as their first lantern. The model quickly gained a glowing reputation among farmers and campers alike. This and other early models of lanterns were large and so preferred by auto and canoe campers as well as backpackers traveling in groups.

Coleman began making single mantle lanterns in the early 1930s. The number 242 Coleman Junior (left) was first marketed in Boy’s Life magazine in 1933. It represented a major upgrade for camp lighting compared to prior lanterns like the Dietz, boasting 150 candlepower of brilliant white light.8 It appears to be one of the first Coleman models marketed especially for backpacking. Coleman continued to manufacture single mantle models in the following decades.

Despite the development of brighter lighting options, candle lanterns remained popular throughout the years. They are almost as old as the candle itself. Mountaineers have preferred foldable pocket lanterns for a couple of centuries and were first used in the Alps. Candle lanterns have been manufactured by many companies over the years, including Coleman. Coleman's model 828-525 burned tea candles which can burn for a surprising four to five hours.

Among all the candle lanterns manufactured, few have been truly ground-breaking. In 1919, Danish patent number 24,426 was issued for a candle lantern that featured a spring under the candle pressing it upward into a funnel. This innovative design allowed the flame to remain stationary and ensured more wax was consumed.

By the 1950s, the spring candle lantern had matured into a small, compact, and collapsible design. These were more compact than prior folding pocket candle lanterns and replaced them as the new standard. They gained popularity in France and the U.S. among mountaineers and backpackers.

Around 1980, Gary Klees identified several shortcomings in existing designs and set out to make improvements. His enhanced model was inspired by a French-made candle lantern, often branded as Le Grand Tétras, which was sold in R.E.I. catalogs in the U.S. Klees collaborated with Early Winters, a camping equipment company, to market his new design. They partnered with UCO, another manufacturer, to construct the new candle lanterns in 1981. Eventually, the Klees design dropped the Early Winters label and became the UCO lantern. While it has undergone some minor updates, it is still one of their most popular products. At one point, R.E.I. partnered with UCO to sell candle lanterns under the R.E.I. label using this established design.

Despite their popularity, candle lanterns have some drawbacks. When hung in a small tent, they are prone to being bumped and jostled which often results in wax running down into the spring mechanism, gumming it up. This necessitates frequent cleaning to remove wax buildup. One effective solution is to replace the candle with an oil reservoir converting the packable candle lantern to an oil lantern. This requires the owner to purchase the reservoir in addition to the lantern.

Today, many people prefer LED lanterns for their simplicity and low risk, resulting in a decline in candle lantern's prevalence in camp. The UCO candle lantern has remained one of the most popular spring-loaded candle lanterns for over forty years, helping keep candle lanterns from being extinguished by newer technology. Candle lanterns still offer several benefits, which help explain their resilience. One, they warm a small tent. Two, they offer the ambiance of a classic flame lantern with more simplicity, a smaller learning curve, and less weight.28

One of the most convenient flame lanterns ever produced may have been the Coleman 5154 A 700 which operates on propane or butane fuel. It entered the market in the early to mid-1980s and featured a piezo igniter. It had two mantles and could be ignited without a match or lighter in just one half-turn of the knob making it nearly as simple to use as an electric lantern.

Propane lanterns provide more light relative to the fuel weight, than liquid fuel lanterns, although they require thicker-walled containers, which diminishes most of the weight advantages. The main appeal of propane lanterns is their simplicity. This was especially true in past decades since propane was more expensive when first introduced.

In contrast, liquid fuel lanterns require pouring and regular pumping to pressurize the tank. The liquid fuel also poses a risk of leaking into the pack. Propane is more convenient and has a smaller learning curve. It’s hard to determine which fuel type sold more units. Both propane and liquid fuel lanterns were popular through the late 80s, 90s and 00s.

In 1981, Coleman released an updated miniature lantern, the model 222, which was part of the Peak1 line of adventure-focused gear. This single-mantle lantern was had many improvements over the original model 242. It was about half the size of a standard Coleman model. This lantern came as backpacking was exploding in popularity, so it saw good success. Renowned guidebook author Johnny Molloy, who has written over 80 guidebooks, carried one in his pack for years.5

Primus also manufactured small lanterns over the latter decades of the twentieth century. The 2220 (below to right) is mentioned by Fletcher in The New Complete Walker as the clear winner among available backpacking lanterns. It weighed one pound four ounces including the fuel tank. It was a compact single-mantle propane lantern.

Coleman later produced a competitor named the Compact (model 2000026392) which boasted 300 lumens as stated on the box. This model experienced some success and is still available. These small propane lanterns offered two advantages to backpackers: convenience and space savings. However, they offered minimal weight advantages over liquid fuel lantern models due to the heavier propane tanks.

Butane canisters were generally lighter thanks to thinner walls. Converters could be purchased that enabled propane lanterns to connect to butane fuel tanks beginning in the 1970s. Butane has one major drawback: it does not function well at temperatures below the mid-40s Fahrenheit, which leads many campers to prefer propane lanterns for their versatility.

An obvious solution would be to mix the fuels into one canister. Unfortunately, U.S. law prohibited this until around 1989. Mixed butane/propane canisters had been commonplace in Europe and other regions for many years prior to that change. When the law was amended, European manufacturers were ready to enter the U.S. market.29 These canisters became popular in the 1990s thanks to the ultralight movement and updated laws. They offered all the advantages of propane while being lighter than the standard one-pound propane canisters. An early example of these lanterns sold in the U.S. is the Camping Gaz Bivouac 270.6

Today, Primus sells a couple of models using these canisters and Fire-Maple makes a model also called Orange. These have not achieved widespread popularity as most people prefer LED lanterns or classic two-mantle flame lantern, which provides more light and a nostalgic look.


Electrification

Readers may know the first electric flashlight was invented by David Misell and patented in 1899. Conrad Hubert purchased the patent to be sold by his company as the no. 1, even though he had been selling the flashlight for a year before the patent was issued. This company would later become the well-known Ever Ready, which was eventually shortened to Eveready. Misell’s design featured a tubular shape that was easy to hold, with a body made of stiff cardboard covered by leather.

Initial models had limitations, as they provided brief "on" periods lasting a moment or two. The switch had to be held in the “on” position, and if released, would revert to “off.” They were initially popular with city police who patrolled on foot to search alleyways and streets at night. They were advertised to the public and the first catalog described them as useful for minors, hunters, plumbers, physicians, etc.9

These handheld flashlights had moderate success from the beginning despite their limitations. However, the number 1 only had a brief time in the spotlight and was quickly overshadowed by upgraded models.

In 1903, Eveready added another model to their line called the Comet (below), designed by Morris Newgold. This flashlight had an all-metal construction and a unique spring blade switch that could be held down to provide momentary light or be turned 90 degrees to the “on” position. The Comet was the first light marketed directly to outdoor enthusiasts with an ad appearing in Field and Stream Magazine on May 2, 1903, under the heading "Sportsman’s Flashlight." It sold for $2.00 and stayed in Eveready’s catalog until about 1920 as an “economy” model. (Flashlights pg 109)10 The Comet remained virtually unchanged through this time, making it a significant model on the road to electrification of personal lights.




 
In 1907 Eveready introduced a tungsten filament bulb to their line of flashlights. These new tungsten filament bulbs lasted longer and produced a brighter beam compared to prior carbon filament versions. Eveready also introduced several models with metal bodies, significantly improving durability over the original paperboard construction. Despite these advancements, the early models were still limited by the technology of the day, or instance, the batteries had a shelf life of only nine months. Nevertheless, campers took to these newfangled electric torches quickly despite their limitations.11 

By 1915 Eveready boasted 75 different models in their offerings. So it is unlikely a single model can be identified as the most influential or responsible for converting the masses to electrify their camp lights. This same year, Eveready began a marketing campaign strategy that targeted campers by regularly placing ads in outdoor recreation-focused publications like Field and Stream, Outdoor Life, and Rod and Gun in addition to publications with a broader audience. Most of the ads feature a different model in their line.

Some advertisements claim that all their models are water- and oil-proof. However, today it might be more accurate to refer to them as water-resistant as few of their models were watertight enough to withstand full submersion.

The brand marketed to both men and women. The model 4706 (right) was advertised in Ladies Home Journal as compact enough to fit in a handbag yet powerful enough for any nighttime needs, even in camp.7

Two models featured prominently in the advertisements are particularly noteworthy because they are easily recognizable as flashlights. Models 2659 (left) and 2633 both have a cylindrical body with a flared head where the bulb sits. This form factor eventually became the standard design for nearly all handheld flashlights. Plus, these models seem to be featured most often in advertisements across both the United States and Canada.

Outdoor Life magazine printed a lengthy article in 1916 that illuminated readers of the merits of an electric flashlight in camp. The piece was authored by famed outdoor writer Robert Page Lincoln. Endorsements from popular outdoor writers like Lincoln fueled the transition from flame to filament.12

Various Scouting magazines ran ads for flashlights, and some camping guidebooks of the interwar years recommended them alongside other lighting options. By at least the 1930s, Boy Scout leaders expressed concern that young people and some adults were unfamiliar with operating flame lanterns because they primarily used electric portable lights. Full electrification of all light sources in camp was still many decades away, however.13

One of the most recognizable and iconic flashlights in history is the World War II-era angle-head GI flashlight. It was the standard issue light source for U.S. troops during that global conflict and proved to be durable, continuing to serve throughout the Vietnam War. Where did it originate?

The inspiration for the light begins in 1923 when a man named Charles Osean filed a patent for a flashlight with an elbow design, as described in his patent. He added a clip on the back of the head so it could be hooked on a pocket or mount.

Osean’s design became the Eveready model number 2694 and was made of brass. The Eveready flashlight was released around 1925, and the Boy Scouts quickly adopted the light for their camping and backpacking trips. It could easily be carried hooked on the belt or pack strap to provide light for the trail, or it could be set on the ground to illuminate nighttime tasks in camp. It was so popular among the Scouts, Eveready released a Boy Scout branded model in 1927, model number 2697 (left).

The lights' popularity grew over the next ten years. In the late 1930s, the U.S. military released the TL-122 which was a copy of the Eveready number 2697 designed for Boy Scouts. Then in 1939, Eveready updated the Boy Scout model giving it a brighter bulb, altered switch design, and nickel plating for improved durability. This was model number 8527. In the same year, the military released the TL-122A, a new model painted in dark colors to prevent glare. This is the model that went to war with U.S. troops in 1941.

The U.S. military issued the TL-122B flashlight made with Bakelite plastic in 1943. This light quickly became the new standard issue flashlight of the U.S. military and soldiers coyly nicknamed it “moonbeam." During the Vietnam War, several significant upgrades were made and introduced in the 1960s under model number MC-99/U.14 This new model was manufactured by Fulton Industries which continues to make it today.


 
In the post-war years, these various military models were sold as surplus. They were cheap, reliable, and versatile. Thanks to their popularity with the Boy Scouts and veterans, they were one of the most popular electric lights in backpacks. This can be seen in camping guides of the era such as The Golden Book of Camping published in 1959 by Gordon Lynn.

Earl Shaffer carried an electric flashlight on his long trek as the first person to complete a long-distance through-hike in 1948. It is possible that he used a surplus GI flashlight, although his gear list in his book does not specifically mention a flashlight. His diary, however, reveals he carried one.15 

The TL-122 was more heavy-duty than many of its contemporaries. Most tubular flashlights made through the 1970s were constructed of metal. While metal construction provided sturdiness, it often made the flashlights susceptible to specific types of damage. The metal was frequently thin, easily bent, and prone to corrosion. As part of my research for this article, I purchased a flashlight made in the 1940s. When I showed it to my grandfather, I casually remarked, “They don’t make ‘em like that anymore.” He replied, “Thank God!”

Some flashlights were heavy duty. Colin Fletcher mentions he carried a Ray-O-Vac Sportsman, which used C batteries. The Sportsman appeared in ads beginning around 1953 and was slightly more rugged than most models.16 It remained a popular model for over twenty years.

Fletcher also mentions a new all-plastic model he tested shortly before publishing The Complete Walker in 1968. This model, called the Mallory (below), had a rectangular body powered by 2 AA batteries. He acknowledges that the larger C- and D-powered lights of the day were better for nighttime trail travel, but the Mallory was one of the lightest options and performed well in camp and tent. The Mallory became quite popular among backpackers through the 1970s.17

Fletcher reports the Sportsman would last one and a half hours on standard carbon-zinc batteries. This was quite short for a multiday trip. Some campers continued to carry candle lanterns for use in tents because they offered a good combination of low weight and long burn time. A flashlight and candle lantern were a common midcentury light strategy for solo hikers or small parties in lieu of a liquid fuel lantern.

Not everyone desired the higher weight of C and D battery-powered lights. Even before the Mallory, penlights were widely available and some backpackers found these sufficient when carrying a candle too. The 1962 book All About Camping recommends only a penlight and a candle in its packing lists, no other light source.

There were also electric lamps and lanterns available. Some chose to carry them whether for safety or convenience. Electric lanterns have been around since the 1910s. Eveready produced one of the first which was a kerosene lantern body with a lightbulb and battery compartment in the bottom rather than a wick and fuel tank.18 Electric lanterns were most frequently used in situations where they did not need to be carried far on foot. This is less to do with total weight and more to do with the light-to-weight ratio as the weight of available models was roughly similar.

Flame lanterns provided more light output per pound of weight compared to their electric counterparts. Additionally, batteries are more susceptible to cold temperatures than fuel. Modern batteries are better but still have this same limitation. Research by Phil Harris at classicpressurelamps.com indicates a typical tungsten filament incandescent bulb emits about 1.25 Candlepower (CP) per watt, although this could vary depending on many factors.

During the 1960s, an average electric lantern used a bulb of around 0.75 to 1.5 watts, such as the Mazda number 27. Using this conversion, a battery lantern from that era may have emitted less than 2 CP. Research from voltlighting.com and the Federal Trade Commission website suggests that a typical tungsten filament bulb produces about 15 lumens per watt. That means these lanterns were only producing about 20-25 lumens total.

Ads for the single-mantle Coleman lanterns claim they produce around 150 CP and around 400 lumens. Thus, it is easy to see why flame lanterns were the first choice for backpacking. This also explains why directional electric lanterns were more common than omnidirectional ones as the limited light output could be concentrated where desired.

The Eveready Dalphin (left) is a very influential model of a directional electric lantern. It was first introduced in 1967 as an orange, waterproof, floating, lantern with an all-plastic construction. It used a large battery like other electric lanterns of the era to increase run time. A couple of years later, the color was changed to yellow and has remained so ever since. Over the years, it has been improved and updated and still has a following more than 50 years later, thanks to its high durability and low cost.19

Eveready introduced the first mass-market fluorescent lantern in 1968. Fluorescent tubes are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs, meaning they could produce more light. These lanterns gained some popularity among campers. From the 1970s to the early 00s, Coleman and various other brands also produced fluorescent lanterns.

Some of the first mass-market heavy-duty and water-resistant flashlights went on sale in the 1970s. Kel-Lite was one of the pioneers in this category. MagLite models hit stores in 1979 and quickly gained a widespread reputation for durability. One of its main advantages over Kel-Lite was its adjustable focus beam. Additionally, MagLites had rubber-protected switches, making them less susceptible to water damage than previous mass-market models.

In 1984, the Mini MagLite revolutionized personal flashlights. Unlike the Kel-Lite and prior MagLite models, which were large and heavy because they ran on C- or D-size batteries, the Mini MagLite was made from milled aluminum, used two AA batteries, producing approximately 5-8 lumens of light. It was also waterproof and it a unique twist-on mechanism instead of a traditional switch. This meant it was truly waterproof, at least to a couple of feet.

The Mini Mag, as it came to be known, quickly became a favorite among backpackers. Accessories arose, such as a head strap, to make it even more versatile. The Mini Mag enjoyed widespread popularity for decades as a favorite among campers, rescue personnel, and national park rangers alike.20 Additionally, in the 1980s and 90s, it became popular as a weapon-mounted light with U.S. special forces, including those involved in the Battle of Mogadishu, popularized by the film Black Hawk Down.21 The Mini MagLite was truly a lightbulb moment in the annals of personal lighting.

As the 1970s turned into the 1980s plastic gradually displaced metal in most flashlight bodies. This shift was often to lower production costs rather than to improve the product. Plastic did have some benefits. For instance, it was not as cold to the touch when camping in chilly weather. The primitive plastic of the era often resulted in fragile flashlights that struggled to withstand frequent use.

The popularity of heavy-duty lights like MagLite compelled other manufacturers to improve the durability of their products. Some companies remedied this by adding a rubber casing around the plastic housing, like a rubberized cellphone case. Notably, Coleman made a few popular models with this approach including the Armor Clad flashlights in the 1980s and 90s, and Ray-O-Vac followed suit as well. Thankfully, plastic technology progressed and became much more durable, negating the need for a thick rubber layer.

In the 1990s, tough plastics enabled waterproof tubular lights to proliferate. Some were more lightweight than the Mini Mag. Ray Jardine favored the AA model of the Ray-O-Vac Roughneck, which was about half the weight with similar performance.22 

Fernand Petzl invented a modern design for the outdoor recreation-focused headlight in the 1970s. He and his wife modified a mining headlamp by reducing the size of the battery pack. They mounted the lamp and battery pack to an elastic band, which was a garter Catherine found at a lingerie store. How French! It is unknown if these homemade models were sold widely. Petzl’s first mass-market headlamp, called the Zoom, came a few years later in 1981. It was specifically designed for caving and mountaineering, but backpackers also benefitted from the hands-free design. The Zoom was water-resistant and represented a significant advancement in headlamp design.

Electric headlamps had been around for decades for both mining and recreational use. However, the limited battery technology meant large and heavy batteries. The batteries were so large they were mounted on a hip belt or in a pocket. One example is a the Hedlite model by Barney & Berry sold in the 1920s. While some backpackers lugged these into the wilderness, most preferred the more common tubular handheld variety.

Headlights were more of a specialty item used for mountaineering, fishing, and other sports that always demanded two hands. Petzl’s light was an upgrade as it used lighter batteries allowing the battery pack to be mounted on the head strap, eliminating a cord running to the hip belt that could get caught easily. Although, headlamps had some popularity among backpackers during the latter half of the twentieth century, tubular lights remained the dominant choice for several more decades.

In the early 2000s, a remarkable technological innovation illuminated the world: white LED bulbs. These bulbs significantly improved energy efficiency, enabling the use of smaller batteries and extending runtimes, making them a powerful ally in the fight against darkness. Another key advantage of LED bulbs is their longevity; they can last for thousands of hours, unlike traditional bulbs that typically last only dozens of hours. 

LEDs had been around for decades as small blue, red, and yellow lights, commonly found in compact flashlights used for reading maps or books. However, the invention of white LEDs presented a challenge for engineers for many years. In the late 1990s, there were a few white LED tubular lights available, but they were primarily the size of penlights and lacked the brightness needed for trail use.

Finally, in 2000, Princeton Tec, a company known for its dive watches and flashlights, debuted the Matrix model (left). This is believed to be the first mass-produced headlamp with LEDs. The model was waterproof and featured three high-output white LEDs. Although lumen ratings were not advertised routinely until a few years later, it has been estimated that the Matrix emitted about 25-35 lumens in total. While this is poor by modern standards, it was truly impressive for the time, especially considering it only needed two AA batteries. The real selling point for most consumers was the increased battery life. When using alkaline batteries, older technology, it lasted up to 40 hours. With more expensive lithium batteries, it lasted 90-100 hours. The days of carrying spare batteries and bulbs were numbered, at least for weekend trips. The Matrix model retailed for $49.99.23

When this model was first released, headlamps only accounted for a fraction of flashlight sales. However, thanks to the LED, headlamps have quickly closed the gap and now rank as a close second to traditional tubular style flashlights.24

The introduction of waterproof LED headlamps has established them as the preferred choice for trail lighting. Over the past twenty-five years, there have been significant improvements in LED and battery technology. A search on the REI website reveals that headlamps with light outputs of 350-400 lumens are available for around $50. The Petzl Tikka Core, for example, provides 450 lumens for $59.95. Most headlamps in the $20-30 price range offer 200-300 lumens, which is sufficient for trail use. Another advantage of LED technology is the ability to easily switch between output levels. Most flashlights come with 2 to 4 settings, with low settings around 7-10 lumens, medium settings around 100 lumens, and a maximum output for brighter needs. Additionally, many headlamps now come equipped with rechargeable lithium batteries, further enhancing their performance. The LED really flipped the switch on what a flashlight could be.

Lanterns also adopted LED technology, a bit more slowly. A truly ingenious innovation in lantern technology came in 2010 with the LuminAID inflatable LED lantern (below right) that could be recharged with a built-in solar panel. It was originally designed by Anna Stork and Andrea Sreshta for deployment following natural disasters. The inflatable nature allowed more units to be delivered per shipping container.26 

Backpackers quickly saw the benefits of an inflatable lantern and the LuminAID saw some popularity among backpackers and adventurers. However, another lantern with a similar design concept overcame its popularity. The Luci came on the market just two years later. It became the more popular option, thanks to clever to marketing. The most current model, the Pro 2.0, emits 150 lumens and can recharge from sunlight alone in twelve hours.

Lastly, I will mention the cellphone flashlight mode made possible by LED and lithium-ion battery technology. The LED flashlight mode was first introduced on the Nokia N90 in 2005 and later popularized on the Apple iPhone 4 (below). I have encountered backpackers who ventured into the great outdoors armed with no other light than their smartphone. Usually, they made this choice under the influence of ultralight philosophy. Why carry two flashlights? 

I have tried using a smartphone flashlight alone, and while it is functional, I find it less practical. It is cumbersome to hold while trying to cook or set up camp in the dark, even more than a traditional tubular light. If the battery dies or it gets lost, this could spell disaster. One has lost their light, and if dedicated to this ultralight philosophy, they have also lost their camera, map, compass, and means of calling for aid. Combining these tools into an electronic Swiss army knife does save weight but at considerable risk for minimal gain.

As a result, the smartphone’s built-in flashlight will not replace the standalone light just yet. I admit that I do use my phone light a lot in camp. When inside the tent, I reach for the phone light more often than the flashlight. This practice is common among thru-hikers as well.

Perhaps in the future, we will see all these features will be packed into smart glasses. This could allow us to all leave our “heavy” headlamps at home and still have two hands to set up our tent or roast our marshmallows.

Honorable mention: In 2013, Ann Makosinski, a 15-year-old student, invented a flashlight with no power source. Her invention used only body heat transmitted from the hand holding the device to power the dim LEDs. This was a fascinating feat of engineering. However, it was not very practical as it only produced a maximum of 24 lumens and was sensitive to ambient temperature.27 It is an honorable mention because it has received much publicity inspiring future research and may represent the future of portable lights.

Advances in energy efficiency will continue to be made in the next 100 years. Future lights may be so efficient they never need recharging. They may be able to run on minuscule nuclear batteries or even ambient energy. Whatever the future holds, it will be bright.30


Other articles to explore on the history of camping:





By David F. Garner

Disclaimer: this article primarily discusses influential technology within the United States.


Sources:



  1. William HH Murray, pg 172-173
  2. John M. Gould, How To Camp Out, 1877.
  3. Ladies Home Journal 1892-12 Vol 10 Iss 1 pg 38 see at Internet Archives. jeffcowiki.miraheze.org/wiki/Hitchcock_Lamp
  4. https://thetrek.co/appalachian-trail/backpacking-gear-changes-through-decades/
  5. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Trial_by_Trail/KMGyqfdrEbYC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=coleman+lantern+backpacking&pg=PA76&printsec=frontcover
  6. https://books.google.com/books?id=5d4DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA61&dq=campingaz+bivouac+270&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiW87GB87uKAxUGm7AFHS7nBA4Q6AF6BAgEEAI#v=onepage&q=campingaz%20bivouac%20270&f=false pg 61
  7. https://archive.org/details/sim_ladies-home-journal_1915-04_32_4/page/n95/mode/2up?q=eveready 
  8. https://books.google.com/books?id=Qt0cbt2XzGgC&pg=PA40&dq=No.+242+Coleman+Junior&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiru9T955iKAxU8STABHYWCFQ8Q6AF6BAgGEAI#v=onepage&q=No.%20242%20Coleman%20Junior&f=false
  9. (Flashlights pg 73)
  10. Ibid. (Flashlights pg 109)
  11. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Autocamping/lhbTaAHGFOYC?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=flashlight pg 105
  12. https://archive.org/details/sim_outdoor-life_1916-06_37_6/page/586/mode/2up?q=eveready+tungsten+flashlight
  13. https://books.google.com/books?id=5qXQAAoGynwC&pg=PA35&dq=eveready+kerosene+lantern&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjBgZXzzoqKAxXm5ckDHW8HKS8Q6AF6BAgGEAM#v=onepage&q=eveready%20kerosene%20lantern&f=false see pg 35
  14. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fulton_MX991/U_Flashlight
  15. https://americanhistory.si.edu/documentsgallery/exhibitions/appalachian_trail_1.html
  16. https://archive.org/details/sim_progressive-farmer_1953-02_68_8 see pg 46
  17. The Complete Walker 1968 pg 221-225
  18. https://gotalight.net/lanterns.htm
  19. https://www.dolphintorches.com/about/
  20. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Teewinot/Sm5-lJmZAeQC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=mini+maglite+war&pg=PA32&printsec=frontcover
  21. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Day_of_the_Rangers/8ThpDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=mini+maglite+black+hawk+down&pg=PT240&printsec=frontcover
  22. Ray Jardine, See his 1992 guide to hiking the PCT.
  23. https://princetontec.com/about-history/
  24. https://books.google.com/books?id=jpUs-DO5QkUC&pg=PA133&dq=headlamp+gaining+popularity&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj0wsbD85iKAxXCQTABHdCzFTsQ6AF6BAgMEAI#v=onepage&q=headlamp%20gaining%20popularity&f=false
  25. https://books.google.ie/books?id=3OEDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA144&dq=LED+headlamp&hl=en&sa=X&ved=
  26. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LuminAID?wprov=sfti1#
  27. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/this-flashlight-is-powered-by-the-touch-of-your-hand-180950226/
  28. Fire and Ice Cream: A History of Making Happier Campers by Bruce Johnson and Keith Jackson, Industrial Revolutions Inc, 2022.
  29. "Gear We've Tried," Backpacker Magazine, June 1991, pg 68, accessed from https://books.google.com/books?id=geIDAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover&rview=1&lr=#v=onepage&q&f=false
  30. Tuan C. Nguyen, "This Flashlight Is Powered by the Touch of Your Hand," Smithsonian Magazine, March 24, 2014,  https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/this-flashlight-is-powered-by-the-touch-of-your-hand-180950226/
  31. Source of Coleman model years. https://intlccc.net/information/modelyear-reference/by-model/