View Full Version : Good headlamp that runs AA's?
flemdawg1
07-01-2009, 17:08
Since my Steripen and radio uses AAs I'd like to find a headlamp that uses the same. All the ones I see use AAAs or CR123.
wornoutboots
07-01-2009, 17:11
I use a headlamp that runs on AA's and it is not Brand name & it works great. Actually we have 4 or 5 that aren't expensive brand names and they all work excellent
Cannibal
07-01-2009, 17:17
Energizer from Walmart!
Uses 2 AAs, has a red light setting, and makes the most out of the batteries. Not to mention that they are only about $12 or $14! After going through 3 'high-end' headlamps that cost A LOT more, I'm totally and completely happy with my Walmart headlamp. Lighter than most of the 'better' ones too.
flemdawg1
07-01-2009, 17:46
Energizer from Walmart!
Uses 2 AAs, has a red light setting, and makes the most out of the batteries. Not to mention that they are only about $12 or $14! After going through 3 'high-end' headlamps that cost A LOT more, I'm totally and completely happy with my Walmart headlamp. Lighter than most of the 'better' ones too.
Yeah that was my first headlamp. There was just something I didn't like about it. The light didn't penetrate well at all, too dim, too blueish or something. Felt like I couldn't see 3 ft in front of me. But thanks for the suggestion though. :o I'm normally all about dirtbag/cheap gear. I just like the light in the PT Aura much better and was hoping for something similar but w/ AAs.
brooklynkayak
07-01-2009, 18:49
zebralight makes a couple that run on single AA, has 3 brightness settings, the lowest setting will last for 3.5 days on one battery.
They are expensive though, super high-tech.
johnnybgood
07-01-2009, 20:39
Walmarts Energizer , good headlamps for under $20.
3 settings , AND as light as anything else I've seen .
rootball
07-01-2009, 21:31
He already stated that he's too picky for a good ole walmart headlamp - he wants one of them fancy BPL type headlamps. Get an old petzl zoom - the light alone will weigh more than a 12 pack of AAA batteries- there ya go.
flemdawg1
07-02-2009, 09:24
Alright, I'll try the Energizer again, maybe just it needs some fresh batts.
Snowleopard
07-02-2009, 09:29
The Petzl Myo XP uses AA batteries. I got one of these to use during the Dec. ice storm here and it was much nicer for reading, etc than the other headlamps I have. It's heavy and expensive, though.
flemdawg1
07-02-2009, 10:04
Anyone ever tried the Petzl Myo XP or Black Diamond Xenix IQ?
flemdawg1
07-02-2009, 10:05
Thanks SL.
Snowleopard
07-02-2009, 10:30
Petzl Myo XP (AAs) and Petzl tikka XP (AAAs) have one very nice feature. They have a builtin diffuser that you can switch in when you need an even wide angle illumination. This makes them great for reading and other close in camp tasks. You slide the diffuser out for a more narrow more focused beam (good for following a trail etc.).
In the December ice storm we lost electricity (and heat and water) for 11 days. The Tikka XP worked OK, but it started to drive me crazy because it just didn't have enough output and with the diffuser the beam was still a little too narrow. So, I picked up a Myo XP and the higher output and wider beam with the diffuser beam just felt a lot better.
For hiking/camping the Tikka XP is fine and is lighter, but the Myo XP is nicer. There is a newer model the Myo RXP that has much fancier electronics than the Myo XP. One disadvantage of the Tikka XP and Myo XP is that you're not supposed to use lithium batteries. Lithiums are ok in the RXP.
Cannibal
07-02-2009, 11:44
After this thread, last night I went home and checked my Energizer. It's a moot point, the Energizer I have runs on 3 AAAs; doesn't match the criteria requested.
flemdawg1
07-02-2009, 12:05
ok thanks, I probaly would've went out for a weekend with only a pack of AAs for backup.
optimator
07-02-2009, 12:31
Anyone ever tried the Petzl Myo XP or Black Diamond Xenix IQ?
I've had one for a few years now. It's been a great lamp.
optimator
07-02-2009, 12:32
I've had one for a few years now. It's been a great lamp.
The Black Diamond Xenix IQ that is!
brooklynkayak
07-02-2009, 16:50
The Black Diamond Xenix IQ that is!
Most headlamps are too heavy for backpacking. I wish more people made lower power single AA headlamps.
It seems that these manufacturers are more concerned about them being bright enough to burn peoples retinas, instead of keeping the weight down.
Almost every one of my headlamps is brighter than I need for around camp and night hiking. I go through batteries too fast because of this.
A lower wattage bulb wouldn't require more than one AA, thus saving weight.
There are a couple good examples, but they are expensive.
Most headlamps are too heavy for backpacking. I wish more people made lower power single AA headlamps.
It seems that these manufacturers are more concerned about them being bright enough to burn peoples retinas, instead of keeping the weight down.
Rayovac Sprotsman Xtreme uses one battery. It costs about $15 to $18.
Cannibal
07-02-2009, 17:25
Most headlamps are too heavy for backpacking. I wish more people made lower power single AA headlamps.
It seems that these manufacturers are more concerned about them being bright enough to burn peoples retinas, instead of keeping the weight down.
One of my favorite headlamps was a Black Diamond. Can't remember the model, but I loved it. I gave it to another hiker in need on the AT last year; still miss it. Anyway, I was told the reason for the brightness with the Black Diamond stuff was because it was designed for cavers, not hikers. Don't know if there is any truth to it, but it explained a lot.
brooklynkayak
07-02-2009, 21:47
Rayovac Sprotsman Xtreme uses one battery. It costs about $15 to $18.
Thanks Arizona,
I think I have that one, it does run on one AA battery, but it doesn't last long on one battery as it has a pretty intense beam.
I find that if my eyes adjust to a weaker light, I am fine and I save lot of weight by carrying less batteries and save $ to boot.
mustangpwr98
07-07-2009, 07:18
Princton tec makes some great headlamps that run 2 aa;s. Campmor always carried them.
Standardizing on one type of battery is a smart move. On my last hike the Steripen ran out of juice (same batts for a few years). My daughter and I took the fresh batts out of our headlamps and flashlights to get the steri going and the old lithiums from the steri worked just fine when put in the lamps.
If you've got the cash, the ZebraLight is one of the best purchases you can make.
http://www.zebralight.com/
I have the older 1AA version with 120deg flood, which I find to be too wide, but the new H501w is 80deg...much better. You can find endless discussions on the virtues of the Zebra at candlepowerforums.com .
mkmangold
07-08-2009, 19:46
I like standardization, too. I've experimented with rechargeable AA's so I can run my WoodGas stove & headlamp without having to buy new batteries (I keep a couple of alkalines for back-ups). I don't have a steri-pen but my cellphone recharger runs off of AA's.
brooklynkayak
07-14-2009, 13:37
I like standardization, too. I've experimented with rechargeable AA's so I can run my WoodGas stove & headlamp without having to buy new batteries (I keep a couple of alkalines for back-ups). I don't have a steri-pen but my cellphone recharger runs off of AA's.
Keep in mind that rechargeables don't work well, or at all in the cold. Alkaline only a little better.
I tend to use rechargeables in the summer and lithiums any time the temps should approach 32f. Also lithiums have a lot more bang per ounce than rechargeables or alkalines.
Definitely not ultralight, but instead bright light. I believe it is designed for spelunking (vert mentioned helmet compatibility), but with Lithium AAs, they claim a 200 hour burn time. The large LED has two modes, and the quad smaller LEDs also have two modes. At 130 lumens, the 3-watt main LED is like a train light going down the trail. The smaller wide-angle quad LEDs are great around camp, especially at low-power mode. It's waterproof, has heatsinks allowing multi-hour operation without dimming or heat on your forehead, and it has been my experience that it is a comfortable unit to wear for extended amounts of time. I paid $56.60
http://www.princetontec.com/?q=node/67
hikingshoes
07-15-2009, 07:13
I enjoy my Princeton Tec Quest headlamp.
Definitely not ultralight, but instead bright light. I believe it is designed for spelunking (vert mentioned helmet compatibility), but with Lithium AAs, they claim a 200 hour burn time. The large LED has two modes, and the quad smaller LEDs also have two modes. At 130 lumens, the 3-watt main LED is like a train light going down the trail. The smaller wide-angle quad LEDs are great around camp, especially at low-power mode. It's waterproof, has heatsinks allowing multi-hour operation without dimming or heat on your forehead, and it has been my experience that it is a comfortable unit to wear for extended amounts of time. I paid $56.60
http://www.princetontec.com/?q=node/67
holyphenol
07-15-2009, 08:43
depending on how much burn time you are expecting out of your light, but there is always the Photon Rex as well...
it can pull a charge out of zapped batteries that otherwise render other devices inoperable...
mkmangold
07-15-2009, 21:37
Keep in mind that rechargeables don't work well, or at all in the cold. Alkaline only a little better.
I tend to use rechargeables in the summer and lithiums any time the temps should approach 32f. Also lithiums have a lot more bang per ounce than rechargeables or alkalines.
Pretty much agree. I remember huddling around a fire with my (just recharged) rechargeables under my armpits. Theoretically, the concept of an all-rechargeable hike applies to a longer hike (so the average weight/day shrinks thanks to a zip stove) during the sunny times of year.
Totally outside your criteria, but I love my Petzl Eplus. Runs on a button cell (not AA), has 3 brightness settings plus a red light night-vision feature, and weighs 1 oz with batt. Not good for poking under bushes for racoons well after dark, but great for cooking/reading/not tripping over hammock guy lines, etc. I have two of them now (the lights, not the racoons), so there's always one with my bp gear.