Views on a headlamp? Thanks!

[tech30528]

go with the Wally World one or the Costal Cutlery one, then. If I had to get just one, I'd go with the Wally World one. The price (again, batteries included) and versatility is making this a "go to" headlamp.


I am trying to get away from non-standard batteries for my longer hikes now myself. YMMV.

I'm with you on the light from WalMart. I used to just bring a little Micro Mag or a Photon for the odd short walk in the dark. Then, on a trip from Franklin NC to Hiawassee, GA, we had intended to stay at the Plum Orchard Shelter. Problem was, a Boy Scout troup had the same idea, and we didn't want a noisy camp. It was several more miles before we found a spot to hang our Hennessees.

I carry about a foot of waterproof medical tape wrapped around each of my hiking sticks (these are WalMart, too. My brother in law stuck one in some rocks and stripped over it once. We laughed, he gave me $20 and I replaced it). I tore off a couple of inches and taped my Photon light to my temple. Yup, worked great. It was always pointed right where I was looking. And you know what I found? I really like night hiking. So I bought the WalMart special. It may not be the lightest or have the longest batter life out there, but it works well, the batteries are cheap, and if it breaks I can throw it away and just buy another one without having to adjust my budget. I'm not interested in spending 10x the money to drop an ounce of weight.

[brooklynkayak]

I always wonder why light makers these days still use the caveman system of a single click to turn on a light, when a double-click would prevent all those accidental clicks in packs, pockets, and car glove compartments that run down batteries and you never know it until you need the light and it's too late.

Way too many lights have this bug. Even the most perfect ZebraLight will turn on in you pack. I hate the fact that I have to remove the batteries from my lights when I'm not using them:-(

[Jack Tarlin]

My WalMart light headlamp recently got kidnapped by one of our Jack Russell pups and disappeared for a few days. It came back to the house all chewed up and had been outside in the rain for awhile.

It works fine. I'm not sure it's necessary to spend fifty bucks on a flashlight.

[wheatus]

I love my Petzl Duo. not the lightest but unlike some of the lightweight light it actually works in the dark. this is also my caving headlamp so night hiking is not a problem.

[Trail Bug]

I have the same light and it did a good job while it worked. The cover for the battery compartment is the weak spot. Mine recently broke. I called the company and they said they would send me a replacement. Been three weeks now. I have called back several times and cannot even find out if it has been shipped. The light is good but their customer service is terrible. If it breaks forget getting a replacement part.

Just got the new princeton tech fuel and used it this past week - like it very much. Lighter weight and more compact than the Aurora which I used for years.

[Yukon]

Black Diamond Spot. A great spotlight for hiking and alternate 3 small LEDs for general light around camp or in the tent. I have four different headlamps and this is the one I always grab.

I'm with you, I love my Black Diamond Spot

[Compass]

The Walmart light must have been improved since I bought one for my son. Our switch is so poorly designed that if it gets bumped the switch goes on and all you have is 3oz. of dead batteries when you need it.

Highly recomend a light with 1-3 AAA bateries. If it only has one always carry a spare.

[Surplusman]

On my last outing, I used a 5-LED light that clips under the bill of a baseball-type cap. It cost not even $5 at my local Ocean State Job Lot and the wafer batteries came with it. It worked very well (still is) and was great for night reading, too. One with more LEDs might be even better.
It works for me and the price was right. Of course, if you're wearing a cap with no brim you're SOL...then back to the headlight of your choice.

[JoshStover]

Go with the Petzl e-lite. You will love it. I have had mine since they came out and had no troubles. I like that it is so light and still has the red light feature...

[Walking Dead]

Maybe you have a different version, but the 3 LED version I have has a slider switch for RED LED/OFF/WHITE LED.

Maybe other versions have a different type of switch? Who knows. See the MADE IN CHINA wonder comment.

I think the brand you are referring to is Energizer. I have the same one. Same set of batteries has been going through 4 campouts with scouts and a week of scout summer camp.