Hard Korr Lighting | Keeping the campsite illuminated

When traveling overland, the days don’t end just because the sun sets. In fact, some of the best times occur when only the stars and moon grace the nighttime sky. Whether it’s accessing a remote location after sunset or drinking with friends around a fire, having the best lighting is a key component. Since 2008, Australia based Hard Korr Lighting has been attacking the competition with high quality, reasonably priced LED lights designed for vehicles, boats and campsites alike. Additionally, Hard Korr is pioneering the manufacture of rugged portable solar panels to help keep your lights on while off the grid.

Our trusty Tundra and Tepui tent allow us to explore some pretty remote areas. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is an outdoorsman dream come true. It’s our backyard. Vast swaths of untouched forest paint a landscape ripe for exploration. Rocky hills force rainfall into winding rivers and gushing waterfalls that cascade into the Great Lakes. Yet a recent trip took us out west to the high mountain passes of the Rockies and into the Martian landscape of Moab. Either way, when we unwind after a day of exploring, keeping our campsite and tent illuminated is important. We’ve experimented with several different lighting solutions this past season and I believe this to be the best option from Hard Korr Lighting.

Hard Korr 4‘ Easy Fit Light

Inside our cozy 3 person tent, we now have a 4′ Easy Fit Light Kit from Hard Korr installed. Encased in a durable Cordura sleeve, this flexible LED kit includes velcro tabs and carabiners on each end. Hence the term “Easy Fit”. Providing several mounting options make these a snap to install anywhere. Utilizing the velcro tabs make attaching the 4′ strip to the horizontal tent beam a snap. The available 1100 lumens provide an even light throughout our tent. Before, I was using a pair of hanging lights that hung down 4″ creating a bit of a head obstacle when sitting. The low profile and high output of the Easy Fit Light Kit is perfect for this application. And when I fold up the tent, I just tuck the power cord into a side pocket and leave the 4′ Easy Fit Light installed on the tent pole.

Included with the kit is a 12 volt dimmer switch. One that can turn off the lights completely as well as toggle between white and orange LEDs. I didn’t know this but orange light is less likely to attract bugs. A nice feature to help thwart those ridiculous mosquitos that we encounter in springtime. My wife Brandie, is a huge fan of the dimmer function. Where I prefer the tent lit up so I can see anything and everything, she practices tactical light discipline.

 

4′ Easy Fit Light Specifications

• OUTPUT 1,100 lumens
• INGRESS PROTECTION IP68 (excl. dimmer)
• BEAM ANGLE 120 degrees
• CURRENT DRAW 12v/1.44A per hour
• COLOUR TEMP 6000K
• LIFESPAN 50,000 hours
• MSRP $77

Hard Korr UNILIGHT Dual Colored Lantern

Another brilliant lighting product from Hard Korr is the new Unilight. This little wonder is so versatile, I predict several of these in my future. A common theme with Hard Korr seems to be mounting versatility. And the Unilight is no exception. This pocket-sized 155 lumen battery powered dual colored lamp can attach to just about anything. Built-in magnets on the back allow an easy solution when attaching to ferrous metals. Like the underside of my hood at night to check oil levels. But it won’t stick to my aluminum tent poles! No worries, a concave back along with an integrated bungee cord make attachment to tentpole as easy as it gets.

Powering the Unilight is a trio of included AAA batteries or an optional proprietary Lithium Ion rechargeable pack. Also of note are the four different light modes. Full output 100 lumen white light is the first mode. Followed by a 5 lumen white light that maximizes battery life. Then a 50-lumen bug-reducing orange light and finally an orange strobe for signaling. Available in a single unit package for only $29.

Hard Korr Unilight Specifications:

• Powerful 155 effective lumens light output
• Inbuilt Li-ion battery
• Solid battery life (4-6 hours on high / 90+ hours on low)
• Switchable orange and white light
• IP66 waterproof
• Inbuilt magnet and strong, long lasting elastic band
• High-quality materials and sturdy construction
• MSRP: $29

It’s very clear to me that Hard Korr produces well thought out camp lighting products. But I’ve only covered the tip of the iceberg in this article. This company from down under offers a wide variety of LED lighting options for both automotive and marine applications. In addition to some of the coolest portable solar panels I’ve come across. Take a look at this article covering the Hard Korr 200 Watt portable solar panel. Keeping the batteries in good order while adventuring off the grid.