View Full Version : Interesting new headlamp
I recently (about 1 month ago) bought an Eddie Bauer headlamp from Target for less than $20.
It weighs 1.5 oz, has a single (very bright!) LED, claims to run 20+ hrs one battery and takes a single standard AAA battery.
http://www.target.com/Micro-Headlamp/dp/B000RB22SA/sr=1-3/qid=1251246789/ref=sr_1_3/183-2992316-5606626?ie=UTF8&search-alias=tgt-index&frombrowse=0&index=target&rh=k%3Aheadlamp&page=1
My usual backpacking headlamp is a Minimag light headstrap witha Photon II for a total of just under one ounce.
On my recent CDN jaunt and a previous CO backpackig trip, I tried out the Eddie Bauer headlamp. I must say, for an extra .5 oz or so penalty, it makes a great little headlamp. Brighter, almost as light, less expensive and uses standard batteries.
The Photon II will last longer in terms of battery usage, BUT, I find the contact wears out over time. Plus, it does not take a standard battery.
I think this will be my "go to" backpacking headlamp from now on (and something to stash in my day pack).
Just another possible tool in the kit.
Skidsteer
08-25-2009, 21:43
Thanks for the report Mags. I saw one at Target and thought about trying it but decided to wait until someone else gave it a test.
I think I'll get one tomorrow.
Wise Old Owl
08-25-2009, 21:50
Hi Mags & Skidsteer, I OWN that headlamp and I bought it at Eddie Bauer! as a blowout.....
Great for most applications in camp, no good for a wooded rooty/rocky trail at night. Not enough light to expect roots & trip points. UL Yes, AAA great! Good backup.
Hi Mags & Skidsteer, I OWN that headlamp and I bought it at Eddie Bauer! as a blowout.....
Great for most applications in camp, no good for a wooded rooty/rocky trail at night. Not enough light to expect roots & trip points. UL Yes, AAA great! Good backup.
I have a different headlamp for dedicated night hiking.
When backpacking, I rarely night hike. If I have to, it is an emergency and the light should be good enough. YMMV.
I'll have to take a look at one in person. On weekend trips, where I can be pretty sure I won't need it for actual hiking it might be nice to have.
Currently, my ul headlamp is a Cyclops which I bought at Dick's Sporting Goods for something like 11 bucks. It weighs one ounce but uses CR2016 batteries. The upside is that I can get the batteries for cost. They're used in many bicycle computers.
http://www.topratedadventures.com/Mfg/CyclopsSolutions.htm
Bottom of page.
http://www.protravelgear.com/products/led-headbeam-headlamp.html
i like this one better, not a better option for those who count every single gram and drill holes out of the handles of their spoons to save weight. but its a super bright durable headlamp for cheap, i picked it up in the checkout lane at walmart when i was preparing for my thru was like " well need a head lamp." for only 15 bucks one of the best buys i think a backpacker can make.. ive used it off and on since then for about a year as i needed it( including some extended late night use for testing alcy stoves outside in the winter,for two days when electricity was knocked out by bad storm in cincinnati ect.) and i have yet to replace the 3 triple A batteries. plus it has 2 red leds if you prefer the red light to the while leds, and the white leds have three settings low med and high. in my opinion for the money doubt theres anything better out there, though i didnt check the price of the linked headlamp..prolly should have done that.
JoshStover
08-25-2009, 22:25
Has anyone seen the new thing made for headlamps(I think Black Diamond makes it) that converts the headlamp into a lantern? It is supposed to be VERY light and makes cooking and anything in the tent seem like you are in the daylight. I already have a very lightweight Black Diamond lantern and I love it but if this thing is lighter it would make since to get it since I wouldn't have to carry a headlamp and a lantern. Let me know if anyone has seen this. It may not be made by Black Diamond but I think it is.
Hikerhead
08-25-2009, 22:26
I bought the same light at Lowes under the Coast name. Likes it while it was alive, died on me just past The Road To Nowhere on the BMT/Smokies.
http://www.coastportland.com/displayProduct.php?prodid=281&prodnums=%BF947%A1949%A11031%A1281%A1282%A1939%A19 40%A1938%A1948%BF&mastCat=5
http://www.protravelgear.com/products/led-headbeam-headlamp.html
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Wally World sells this headlamp for $12 currently (I have this one, too). I find it works pretty well for night hiking. It weighs just over 2.5 oz IIRC. What I like about is that is has the red LED..PERFECT for night hikes when I need to get something out of my pack (root beer and icecream for example. :) ) and do not want to ruin my night vision. Also good if you are sharing a tent and don't want to wake up your tent mate (red LED again).
This is a great "bread and butter" headlamp for those on a budget or just need an all-around-headlamp. For $12 AND with batteries, it is quite the deal.
Currently, my ul headlamp is a Cyclops which I bought at Dick's Sporting Goods for something like 11 bucks. It weighs one ounce but uses CR2016 batteries.
On longer hikes, the lack of standard batteries could be a problem. Or not. Otherwise looks pretty cool.
I bought the same light at Lowes under the Coast name. Likes it while it was alive, died on me just past The Road To Nowhere on the BMT/Smokies.
http://www.coastportland.com/displayProduct.php?prodid=281&prodnums=%BF947%A1949%A11031%A1281%A1282%A1939%A19 40%A1938%A1948%BF&mastCat=5
Sorry to hear that. I am hiking the CDT from Silverton to Cumbres next week (picking up the high route where I had to take the low route in 2006). I'll give a more thorough long(ish) term report.
The red light function is mandatory for me. I just wish I could find a cheap one that I did not have to cycle through, to get to the red.
JoshStover
08-26-2009, 05:36
The red light function is mandatory for me. I just wish I could find a cheap one that I did not have to cycle through, to get to the red.
I found a 3 pack of headlamps at Home Depot that have the Red Light function and you just slide to switch to the other side to activate it. The light is pretty light and battery life is pretty good. The best part is that the 3 pack only cost $9.99. For that price you cant go wrong...
Thanks! Just what I need, three more headlights!
The red light function is mandatory for me. I just wish I could find a cheap one that I did not have to cycle through, to get to the red.
The Wally World (Energizer) one has simple switch. To the left (or right? I forget), the white comes on. To the other side, the red comes on. In the middle? Off. Easy-peasy-mac-n-cheesy! For $12 and with batteries (and at 2.5 oz) it really is a nice little bargain.
I have two from Wally. Click focus, click spread, click both, click red.
Don't tell me I didn't buy the one I really wanted.
The Wally World (Ever Ready) one has simple switch. To the left (or right? I forget), the white comes on. To the other side, the red comes on. In the middle? Off. Easy-peasy-mac-n-cheesy! For $12 and with batteries (and at 2.5 oz) it really is a nice little bargain.
I have that model,works great. It has seen many hours of use and is still working fine. It has outlasted two other fancier lights from two of the highly respected names. Of course they honored their warrantys,but that did me no good on the trail.
I have two from Wally. Click focus, click spread, click both, click red.
Don't tell me I didn't buy the one I really wanted.
Mudhead,my walmart Energizer very simple.center/off...left/red..right.white. Two white leds and one red in between the two whites. Good little rig for the money.
Mudhead,my walmart Energizer very simple.center/off...left/red..right.white. Two white leds and one red in between the two whites. Good little rig for the money.
..yeah, I meant to say ENERGIZER. Too much crap in my brain. :)
Hmble hiker
09-02-2009, 00:04
I found a cheap LED clip on at the Dollar Store. Complete with three little "button" batteries, $1. No features, just on-off; but approx. 1 oz. Cheap and light.
An online store sells a "deluxe" 3-LED model for $2.26 at: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3265
Shutterbug
09-02-2009, 12:14
... It is supposed to be VERY light and makes cooking and anything in the tent seem like you are in the daylight......
My tent came with a warning to not have a flame insde the tent.
Gray Blazer
09-02-2009, 12:41
I like the ones you can clip on to your FL Gator cap.
JaxHiker
09-02-2009, 16:06
Gray, why would anyone wear one of those? :-P
The Wally World lamps are pretty cheap, been through 2 already. Could've bought a brand name by now.
The Wally World lamps are pretty cheap, been through 2 already. Could've bought a brand name by now.
Sorry to hear that. Other people have reported opposite experience.
Who knows...