Energy Saving Bushcraft Gizmos

[Old Guard]

Hi Chaps (and Ladies)

Can anyone recommend reliable Torch / Lamp, that use solar & hand cranking, that actually work well !

I have for some time (since LED technology has become mainstream) been trying to find equipment that negates the use of disposable batteries.

Mainly interested in Torches & Radios

But most of what torches I have seen / bought have been failures, Once you have totaly exhausted them they require massive hand cranking, for little light ... or hours & hours of sunshine.

Anybody got a favourite that works ?

Cheers :)

[shepherd]

I have a cheap one like this which has never let me down, taken it camping all over the place! - not super bright but for afew quid it could be worth a punt for you? - i expected mine to break quickly but just keep going! - only difference is the branding - mine is a gelert i think


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-Wind-Up-Lantern-4-LED/dp/B005DQ8Z5I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1381162439&sr=8-3&keywords=wind+up+lantern

[Kernowek Scouser]

The stuff made by the old wind up merchant Trevor Baylis is pricey but is built to last.

There used to be a site with all the wind up / solar powered stuff hw made (inc. torches, radios, mp3 players, TVs, other stuff and combinations of each) which was very good... but I can not find it :ashamed:

You could google Trevor Baylis, then click on shopping and a couple pop up.

Or, you could have a look at this site Windup-Products (http://www.windup-products.com/index.php?route=common/home) as they seem to have a decent range.

I had a Baylis torch and it was pretty bomb proof, but sadly lost it.

Now I've got a couple of the Poundland jobbies and they are ok, but I've never used them for any length of time and I doubt if I did, the build quality would prove to that good.

But I did get one from Lidl a couple of years ago, cost no more than a fiver and I have given that a fair battering, Still going strong.

Anyway, hope that helps or at least points you in the right direction.

Atb.

Colin

[Old Guard]

many thanks chaps .... all avenues will be investigated *#*