Let’s Dive into Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack
The Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack are a seemingly simple, yet potentially life-saving item for any outdoors enthusiast or preparedness-minded individual. Coghlans, a trusted name in outdoor gear, offers these candles as a compact and reliable source of light and heat in emergency situations. These aren’t fancy, solar-powered gadgets or high-tech LED lanterns; they’re old-fashioned candles with a purpose, promising hours of burn time when you need it most.
My interest in the Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack stemmed from a near miss during a late-season elk hunt in the Montana backcountry. A sudden blizzard rolled in, and my headlamp batteries died, leaving me in complete darkness with dropping temperatures. The experience highlighted the critical need for a dependable backup light and heat source that doesn’t rely on batteries.
Upon receiving the Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack, I was immediately struck by their simplicity and compact size. The two candles, each encased in their own metal holder, felt sturdy and well-made, despite their budget-friendly price. The wax appeared dense and of good quality, hinting at a long burn time.
Compared to other emergency light sources like chemical light sticks or small LED flashlights, the Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack offered a different appeal. Light sticks have a limited duration and offer no heat, while flashlights are dependent on batteries. The candles, on the other hand, promise a sustained flame and a small amount of warmth, a comforting thought in a survival situation. I chose these candles over others primarily for their reliability and dual functionality: light and a bit of heat.
My first impression was a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t expecting much from such an affordable product, but the Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack seemed like a well-thought-out and practical addition to any emergency kit. It’s a basic but vital piece of kit that inspires confidence.
Real-World Testing: Putting Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack during a weekend camping trip in the Oregon Coast Range. The weather was typical for the region: damp, chilly, and unpredictable. I wanted to simulate a situation where I might need an emergency light and heat source, so I set up camp late in the evening and relied solely on the candles for illumination.
The candles performed admirably in the damp conditions. They lit easily with a standard lighter and burned steadily, providing a surprisingly bright and warm glow. The metal holders provided a stable base, preventing the candles from tipping over on uneven ground. After about three hours, the candle had burned down, but with a consistent flame.
One small issue I encountered was that the metal holders became quite hot after extended use. I had to be careful when handling them to avoid getting burned, but the candle provided enough light and heat to get a hot drink ready and read a book before bed.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the past several months, I’ve used the Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack on several camping trips, fishing expeditions, and even during a power outage at home. They have consistently performed as expected, providing a reliable source of light and heat.
The candles have proven to be quite durable, showing no signs of damage or degradation even after being stored in my backpack for extended periods. The wax is relatively hard and doesn’t melt easily in warm weather.
Maintenance is minimal. After each use, I simply blow out the candle and allow the metal holder to cool before storing it away. A quick wipe with a cloth removes any soot or residue. Compared to the finicky and battery-hungry LED lanterns I’ve used in the past, the Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack are refreshingly simple and reliable. They outperform battery options in scenarios where extended duration is critical, assuming you have a way to ignite them.
Breaking Down the Features of Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack
Specifications
The Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack includes two candles, each measuring 1.5 inches in diameter and 5 inches in height. The candles are made of paraffin wax and come with two metal candle holders for stability. Each candle is advertised to burn for 8-10 hours. The Manufacturer is Coghlans.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the candle’s performance and usability. The size of the candle determines its burn time, while the metal holder ensures stability and prevents the candle from tipping over. The promised 8-10 hour burn time is a critical factor in emergency situations where prolonged light and heat are essential.
Performance & Functionality
The Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack perform their intended job remarkably well. They provide a reliable and consistent source of light and heat, even in challenging conditions. The candles light easily, burn steadily, and offer a decent amount of illumination.
The main strengths of these candles are their simplicity, reliability, and long burn time. They are easy to use, require no batteries, and provide a comforting warmth in cold weather. The only real weakness is the heat that radiates from the metal holders, requiring caution when handling them. Overall, they meet expectations for a basic emergency light and heat source, and far exceed expectations considering their price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack is simple and functional. The candles are compact and lightweight, making them easy to pack and carry. The metal holders are sturdy and provide a stable base, preventing the candles from tipping over.
The candles are user-friendly, requiring no special skills or knowledge to operate. Simply light the wick and enjoy the light and warmth. The only slight learning curve involves being mindful of the hot metal holders.
Durability & Maintenance
The Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack are surprisingly durable for their price. The wax is relatively hard and doesn’t melt easily, and the metal holders are sturdy and resist bending. With proper care, these candles should last for years, providing a reliable emergency light and heat source whenever needed.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply blow out the candle after each use and wipe the metal holder clean. Store the candles in a cool, dry place to prevent the wax from melting.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack are a standalone product and do not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available. The candles are designed to be used as is, providing a simple and reliable emergency light and heat source. However, you can use various containers to direct light or mitigate the heat from the metal holder.
Pros and Cons of Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack
Pros
- Inexpensive and readily available. This is a budget-friendly emergency preparedness option.
- Long burn time (8-10 hours per candle). Provides sustained light and heat in emergencies.
- Simple and reliable: no batteries required. Dependable even when other power sources fail.
- Provides both light and heat. A dual-purpose item for survival situations.
- Compact and lightweight: easy to pack and carry. Doesn’t add significant weight or bulk to your gear.
Cons
- Metal holders get hot, requiring caution.
- Open flame poses a fire hazard if not used carefully.
Who Should Buy Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack?
The Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack are perfect for campers, hikers, backpackers, survivalists, and anyone who wants a reliable emergency light and heat source. They are also a great addition to home emergency kits and car emergency kits.
This product isn’t for someone who wants a hands-free lighting solution or wants to use them in cramped, enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation. Those seeking brighter illumination or sophisticated features should look elsewhere.
A must-have accessory is a reliable lighter or matches, preferably waterproof. A small metal container or heat shield to mitigate the heat from the holder would also be beneficial.
Conclusion on Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack
The Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack are a surprisingly effective and affordable emergency preparedness item. They offer a reliable source of light and heat that doesn’t rely on batteries, making them a valuable addition to any outdoor or emergency kit.
The price of $5.49 is more than justified for the peace of mind and potential life-saving benefits these candles provide. They offer excellent value for the money.
I would absolutely recommend the Coghlans Emergency Candles- 2 Pack to anyone who spends time outdoors or wants to be prepared for emergencies. They are a simple, reliable, and affordable way to ensure you have light and heat when you need it most. Don’t leave home without them! Check your local retailer or online stores for purchase. Your preparedness depends on it.