CAMPINGAZ BLUECAT
 

The Heater

The Campingaz Bluecat is a portable flameless outdoor heater ideal for tents, motorhomes, caravans etc.

Features

850W heat output. Runs from a CV470 disposable cartridge (not inc). Easy click plus connection enables you to connect & disconnect the cartridge in seconds. Adjustable high/low temperature setting. Instant start technology gives you fast & dependable lighting without matches. Perfect flow system means you can enjoy constant power even in cold weather, high altitudes or  when fuel is low.

Portable easy to grip handles for convenient carrying. Legs integrate into collar for easy storage.

Weight: 1.7kg CV470 cartridge lasts up to 7 h 15mins.

Verdict

This is a great little heater that really takes the chill out of the air. At 850 watt output it’s not the most powerful heater but it’s a nice ambient heat without being over bearing. I like the way the legs unfold which makes a very sturdy base for the heater.As it’s noiseless and flameless then you have to remember you’ve got it on as the front mesh can get quite hot but it cools down very quickly once switched off and it's only a matter of a few minutes before it's cool to the touch and can be packed away.Not sure how the heater would fair in some of the larger tent ie Outwell Vermont XL but it worked fine for my Cabanon Biscaya 370. Overall a great little product.                                                                               

The Cost

Around the £30 mark  

Information and Links

For further information on Camping Gaz and their products visit Campingaz

Reviewed by Camper Pete

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OCU CANDLE LANTERN
 

The Torch

The patented, USA-made UCO Candle Lantern is lightweight, compact and collapsible, and will provide nine hours of light and gentle warmth from one candle. Constant light is assured as the spring-loaded candle tube pushes the candle up as it burns. Replacement candles are sold separately and cost less than 10p per hour to burn.Industrial Revolution, Inc. was founded in 1971 as UCO Corporation. Located in Redmond, Washington, the company has been a supplier of high quality equipment to the outdoor industry. The company is known in particular for it's outstanding line of beautiful and functional candle lanterns.

 Features

9 hour burn from one candle, fully enclosed (no open naked flame) 

Verdict

 I doubt that candles will ever go out of fashion as .they provide a relaxing ambient light (can make camping a bit more romantic) and are cheap and reliable to use. I hear you say “A Tea Light will do the same thing at a fraction of the cost”, well, not exactly. The Candle Lantern is fully enclosed which means you can use it in any weather and provides a constant burn via it’s spring loaded mechanism. The Candle Lantern collapses down to half it’s open size, packs away into it’s own padded bag which makes it perfect for fitting in the rucksack for backpacking. I’ve used inside a large tent to save leaving a light on or keeping a torch with me when I’m sat outside the tent having a sip of the amber nectar and it’s surprising how much light it provides in an enclosed environment. It’s a good product but a bit on the pricey side. If this was half the price then I’d give it 10/10. 

The Cost

Around £19 - £21 (+ £2.75 for 3 pack of replacement candles).  

Information and Links

For further information on UCO and their products visit Candlelatern.com

Reviewed by Camper Pete

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SHERPA WIND UP TOURCH
 

The Torch

The Freeplay Sherpa is a wind-up torch which provides 30 minutes of ultra bright light, 5 hours of normal light (fully charged) and 8 minutes worth after a quick 30-second wind, which makes it a very useful power back up. The Freeplay Sherpa can be wound anywhere at anytime by a crank system and there's a LED indicator to indicate the best winding speed. Freeplay products have been on the market for a few years and are specialists in ‘Wind Up’ technology products incorporating torches, lanterns and  radio’s. Comes with an AC/DC adaptor. 

Features

30-second wind gives 8 minutes Normal light, 5 hours Normal light (fully charged). 30 minutes of Ultra bright light (fully charged)

 Verdict

As you’d expect from such a reputable company that specialises in these types of products it is very well made but I find wind-up torches are very useful as a backup/emergency item rather than for general use unless you can keep them constantly charged up. That said I wouldn’t be without mine as I’ve used it on countless occasions as I’m always forgetting to change/charge batteries on my other torches. It’s a bit on the heavy side but you known you’re gripping a robust product. Down side is that as there’s many other (and cheaper) brands on the market then many may be put off by the price for something that, to me, is a backup  emergency product.

The Cost

Around £21 - £29

 Information and Links

For further information on Freeplay and their products visit Freeplay

Reviewed by Camper Pete