Rockarmor LED light stand is a great campsite accessory

I’ve spent decades swapping from one camp light to another, never totally happy with what I’ve got. It’s not that I’m hard to please or get on with, it’s just that all the camp lights I’ve used in the past have problems, flaws and downsides, which led me to a never-ending search to find the perfect camp light.

To set a few rules, I’m talking about broad-area lighting, like what you’d need at a campsite to help you see when setting up camp, cooking meals, hosting a crowd of people for a game of cards or for general campsite needs. I’m not talking about camping headlights, torches or any other handheld device for dunny runs in the dead of night, playing spotlights or shining rays out into the bush.

It was pure coincidence that I spotted the Rockarmor light stand while in its Aussie Offroad 4×4 Accessories Sydney HQ, having one of the company’s GT bull bars fitted to my HiLux. The more questions I asked, the more information I gleaned, and the more I was convinced this might be the (almost) perfect camp light for my needs.

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While the stand itself is a substantial, well-built and sturdy part of the kit, it does take up considerable room in the 4×4. If space is at a premium the stand can be disconnected from the light and left at home if needed.

Yep, the triple fold, flip and 360-degree rotatable light bars on the main light body can be unscrewed from the stand. That main light section can be sat flat on a tabletop, or hung from a rope, tree branch, awning or any other horizontal section via the inbuilt flip-out hook. Plus, given the three strong magnets on its base, it can be set onto any steel surface – your 4×4, trailer or shed – and it can shine the three individual light bars in almost any direction.

The ability to shine all three LED light panels in any direction is a boon for keeping out of campers’ eyes. All too often, I’ve had to shield my eyes from bright camp lights at or below head height to be able to see what I’m eating, working on or doing. Of course, when hung overhead from the inbuilt hook, it’s equally impressive to be able to direct the broad LED spread beams in almost any direction. 

Given that a lot of my camping has been in my 4×4 converted Hiace van lately, the large side sliding doors and panels provide the perfect perch on which to mount the magnetic base. Again, the three light bars can be adjusted in any direction.

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Aside from the practicalities of use, this LED light incorporates both warm and cool light modes, with the ability to produce low, medium and high power/beams for each light colour. This provides the ability to light up the whole campsite or turn it down to create a more ambient atmosphere and preserve battery life, which should see an entire night’s worth of use.

Rockarmor claims a continuous use of 8.5 hours, which would be roughly two to three nights’ worth of camping before the need to recharge. I’d recharge as often as possible while driving each day or by plugging into the 4×4 battery system while it’s being solar charged. There are plenty of recharging options via USB, USB-C, battery clamps directly to the battery, and a ciggie socket plug. 

The few nights camping I’ve used this light have convinced me it is the best general flood camp light I’ve ever owned and used. Nope, it’s not perfect, but geez, it’s got plenty of runs on the board. Ideally, I’d like to see an orange light mode to help restrict insect attraction and a slightly more compact light stand, provided it remains sturdy enough to do its job without fail. The current stand packs down to 660mm and raises up to 2000mm for above-head-height lighting.

A carry bag and a 5m cord are included, making for an ideal freestanding campsite lighting kit that is quick and easy to set up and shines in all the right places.

RRP: $140