View Full Version : Sorry, another dumb question
skinnbones
11-15-2016, 20:07
Sorry, but I have another dumb question. For my A.T. Thru hike, do I need a flash light and a head lamp, or just the head lamp? Thanks.
somers515
11-15-2016, 20:16
Sorry, but I have another dumb question. For my A.T. Thru hike, do I need a flash light and a head lamp, or just the head lamp? Thanks.
I vote just a head lamp but I'll let others with more experience chime in as well.
trailmovin
11-15-2016, 20:19
Good headlamp is all you need, be sure to have fresh set of batteries at all times
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skinnbones
11-15-2016, 20:32
Thanks. Only the head lamp it shall be.
jjozgrunt
11-15-2016, 20:40
Just a headlight, and can I suggest that if you are taking a battery pack to charge phones ect. you look for a headlight that has a rechargeable battery. Petzl have a few I have a Tikka+ and it's great having everything charge off the battery pack with the same cord. Saves having to carry spare batteries.
nsherry61
11-15-2016, 20:42
I carry a headlamp and a little tiny micro-light (https://www.rei.com/product/858827/inova-microlight-sts-keychain-flashlight) (<1/2 oz). Don't need it for something like the AT, but I have had my headlamp fail on me in the middle of a moonless night, and it was nice to have the little micro-light to find whatever I was needing, and to help me change the batteries in my headlamp.
hikernutcasey
11-15-2016, 20:43
Just take a head lamp and if it dies your phone will get you through until you can get to town.
soumodeler
11-15-2016, 20:45
Just a headlamp. I use the petzl e-lite, which is 1 oz and is plenty for everything except night hiking. Phone light was my backup light.
AfterParty
11-15-2016, 20:46
They last a long time in red mode usually.
Lone Wolf
11-15-2016, 20:54
Sorry, but I have another dumb question. For my A.T. Thru hike, do I need a flash light and a head lamp, or just the head lamp? Thanks.
you really don't need either. i did 5 thru hikes with candle lanterns placed on an upside down sierra cup. headlamps and such are WAY overrated
SkeeterPee
11-15-2016, 21:13
when considering a headlamp, if you have not already purchased, consider one with a lock out switch. With my original light It would keep bumping on in the pack and run the battery done. The other option is to remove your batteries every day to keep from running them down.
I carry a headlamp and a little tiny micro-light (https://www.rei.com/product/858827/inova-microlight-sts-keychain-flashlight) (<1/2 oz). Don't need it for something like the AT, but I have had my headlamp fail on me in the middle of a moonless night, and it was nice to have the little micro-light to find whatever I was needing, and to help me change the batteries in my headlamp.
Same type thing - https://www.fasttech.com/products/1604/10000329/1037201-22000mcd-bright-white-light-led-flashlight - it's my Motel 6 light, gives just enough light to see inside the tent.
saltysack
11-15-2016, 21:44
If you got $69.00 to spare Zebra light h502 is bomb proof and not plastic! I'm redundant on very lil but do carry a tiny photon that I clip in my tent for eating etc....
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I carry a headlamp and a little tiny micro-light (https://www.rei.com/product/858827/inova-microlight-sts-keychain-flashlight) (<1/2 oz). Don't need it for something like the AT, but I have had my headlamp fail on me in the middle of a moonless night, and it was nice to have the little micro-light to find whatever I was needing, and to help me change the batteries in my headlamp.
This.
Or not.
Your call.
Wayne
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Head-lamp - and, PLEASE - make sure it has a red light setting! Using the red light is the best way to keep your shelter / camp-site friends happy (red light does not create vision problems for them when you turn your headlamp toward them)
Rain Man
11-16-2016, 12:24
As an ex-caver, I expect to have THREE sources of light. For wimpy backpacking, two is sufficient. Make sure they are water-proof, though. Even sweat can ruin a light pretty quickly. Yes, a smartphone can serve in an emergency. And yes, a candle can be a third backup, if your lighter or matches will light in the rain or 100% humidity mist.
Definitely get a headlamp that has a "lock" feature, else you will find it dead one night when you need it. Then when you need to change the batteries, what's going to be your light source to do that if you don't have anything but the non-working headlamp?
I love my waterproof micro lamp on a thin shock cord around my neck 100% of the time. Works great when you don't need to lose your night vision with a headlamp that flashes on at 100% blinding light level.
One AT trip my wife forgot her headlamp and we unexpectedly had to hike well after dark. A micro-light saved her.
Not to mention, I've had to loan a light to another hiker a time or two.
I'd NEVER go into the woods with only one source of light.
saltysack
11-16-2016, 13:03
Great back up or tent light....http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161116/0f4a2b82047ce6ab71219872ae293c57.png
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atraildreamer
11-16-2016, 16:23
You should have at least 2 sources of light, and 3 ways to make a fire. :-?
If you use a Samsung phone, you have another way to make a fire! :eek: :banana
Christoph
11-16-2016, 17:19
Another vote for a headlamp here. That's all I took and while 1/2 the nights I never needed it (moon light or it was alomst light enough to see), I did end up hiking a few nights and really liked it. Might go with a smaller, rechargeable one like mentioned earlier.
capehiker
11-16-2016, 23:45
The Vitchelo UL headlamp on Amazon sells for $13, weighs 1 ounce, is waterproof and has all the lumens you need. There's no need to buy a $60 headlamp with 5 white light modes. You won't use them all anyways. Keep it simple. :)
https://www.amazon.com/VITCHELO-Ultralight-Waterproof-Headlamps-Flashlight/dp/B0120RIWUK/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1479354203&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=Vitchelo+UL+headlamp