Snap Light Sticks are a great safety device to carry camping, hiking, and in the car. They provide 12 hours of a glow which can be used from having a little light in the tent to reading a map or compass. The individual sticks have 12 hours printed on them but 8 hours is printed on the outer package and is a more useful number. The intensity decreased in time and the first couple of hours has the most useful light.

They can also be used as emergency markers for road side assistance, but the light given off is much less than that of a flare. They come in a variety of colors. These chemical light sticks from Coghlans come in red, blue, green, orange, and yellow. Other vendors have even a wider variety of colors. White light versions are also available from Firefly, Rothco, and others. Be sure to check out the various vendors links below.

To activate the light, one simply slightly bends one of the sticks. They make a "snap" and that allows for the chemicals inside to combine to create the light source.

The sticks are also a fun and much safer alternative to traditional Forth of July fireworks. The vendor, however warns that they should not be used by children under five without parental supervision. More pictures coming soon.

The Coghlan’s SNAPLIGHT Lightsticks provide 12 hours of glow but the intensity does lesson over time.  A more realistic use time is around 8 hours. The brightness and duration is affected by temperature variations.  The colder the temperature, the dimmer the light source but with longer duration.  Temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit ( 27 degrees Celsius) will result in brighter light but for a much shorter duration. Light sticks can be used for dozens of applications.  They can be used for camping, backpacking, patio lights, tent lights, RV and camper lights, fishing, hunting, hiking, and as an emergency light source to keep in first aide or emergency kits for homes.

From Coghlan's packaging: ”Important:  Keep the lightstick in its original foil wrap until ready to use.  Do not puncture or cut the plastic container.  Ingredients of the Coghlan’s SNAPLIGHT lightsticks are non-toxic and non-flammable, but may permanently stain clothing or furniture.  Contact with skin or eyes may cause temporary discomfort.  In case of skin or eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water.  Do not drink or ingest contents.  After activation, do not bend lightsticks.  Do not leave lightsticks in direct sunlight or expose to high temperatures.  After use, dispose of in refuse container.  Not for use by children under 5 years old without adult supervision.”

Snaplight Lightstick is a registered trademark of Omniglow Corporation. Lightsticks are protected under a number of US and foreign patents.

Light Stick Specifications:

• No batteries or flame required
• Non-toxic
• Weatherproof
• Cool to the touch
• Won't attract insects
• Storage Life 4 years (approximately)

Light Stick size compared to ruler (1296X926) (130KB)

Light Stick size compared to 50 caliber BMG bullet (1024X685) (982KB)

Fun things to do with chemical light sticks.

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