When it comes to camping, things can easily go from fun and adventurous to dangerous. This is especially true for beginner campers who might not be aware of where exactly danger lurks, as well as those who don’t exactly know the terrain pretty well so doing your homework and finding out as much as you can about the specific place where you intend to camp is the least you can do to prepare.

You’re also supposed to get the needed equipment that comes in handy in unpredictable situations. Since light is of the essence at the campsite, any camper can benefit greatly from a light source in the form of glow sticks.

Also known as glow sticks, the function of this type of lighting is based on a process called chemiluminescence, which translates to emission of light not caused by heating but by a chemical reaction from the chemical elements in glow sticks. This reaction results in light and happens thanks to the two liquids generally present in such sticks: hydrogen peroxide and tetr-butyl alcohol.

How Do You Get a Glow Stick to Work?

One of these two liquids is contained in a fine glass tube within the stick and that’s why you’re required to bend it in order to break the inside tube and get them to mix and create the light. The colours come from fluorescent dyes added to the alcohol.

Regarding the question for how long do glow sticks remain functional, it all comes down to the types of liquids inside, as well as the temperature. Some can work for several minutes, others for hours (6-12 hours with no need for batteries!). In warmer temperatures, the light glows brighter but for a shorter period. Though you can’t switch it off once it’s on, if you want to prolong the use, you can put it in a freezer to slow down the process.

Ways you Can Use a Glow Stick

Emergency – Packing up light sticks for your camping adventure is a great solution for worst-case scenarios because they’re lightweight, weatherproof, non-toxic and reliable as a light source that would show you the way even when the sun goes down. They can also be helpful in a rescue situation by enabling you to make a buzzsaw signal. They’re also durable, can withstand falls up to three metres, and can easily be hung by carabiner, hook or string.

Light Tool – If you’re the kind of person who gets up at night to go to the loo, then you could certainly make use of glowsticks to show you the way and this way you’d be able to clearly see the tripping hazards. Or you can make a trail with the sticks so you don’t even have to carry a light with you.

You need to repair something inside your tent? Use a glowstick! Got a four-legged friend you don’t want to lose sight of? Attach a glowstick on its collar! Got a child afraid of the dark when it comes to sleep? Add a light stick inside his or her tent!

What’s great about them, other than the amazing light they provide, is the fact they neither attract insects nor bother people around you. In case you want to dim the light a bit, simply cover up a side of it with duct tape.

Fun – Yes, they make the perfect camping equipment because they serve for fun as well. Kids love them a lot and you could have the camping experience of a lifetime by organising some glow-in-the-dark games in the likes of glow bowling or a scavenger hunt.

Recreation – Want to stay active and do your favourite sport once the sun is out? Buy glow sticks and you can enjoy night-time cycling, hiking, running, fishing or even hunting, without the worry of not being able to stay visible and safe. If you want to make it more challenging or entertaining, you could organise some sort of a race after dark, marking the whole route with light sticks.

Home Use – Since they’re durable and don’t require batteries, these sticks have got a long shelf life so don’t fret if you end up buying more than you plan on using. Besides, apart from being the ideal camp equipment, even if you don’t get to go on as many outdoor adventures as you’d like, you could still make use of a glow stick at home.

Whether it comes to camping, creating a romantic ambience for dinner time with your sweetheart or repairing something in the garage or for in bed without disturbing your partner, there’s no doubt that glowsticks are going to be of help.