Most popular flashlight last year?

[Overpass]

I lost my little Photon light and before I just go buy another one, I'd like to see what's changed in light technology since I chose it (4 years ago). I like to read and journal in my tent at night, so a good flashlight that has a very long battery life is essential.

What I DID like about the photon was that it was incredibly light. What I didn't care for so much was having to hold in in my hand, I envied ppl who had headlamp-type lights. However, I can't afford the weight (or expense) of those Petzl headlamps that take 2 or more AA's. Are there any good, affordable mini headlamps out there? What were most hikers using by the end of their thru's last year?

[QHShowoman]

Have you seen the new Petzl E-lite, yet?

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48124596&parent_category_rn=4500596&vcat=REI_SSHP_CAMPING_TOC

[Overpass]

Have you seen the new Petzl E-lite, yet?

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48124596&parent_category_rn=4500596&vcat=REI_SSHP_CAMPING_TOC
Wow, that is one sweet light. One ounce!

[QHShowoman]

Yeah, it's all the rage right now with some of us REI employees! It's battery life is only about 5-7 hours, but the batteries are so lightweight, you could carry a spare set. And if you wanted to, you could ditch the headband completely and just use the clip on it to attach to your tent, shirt, etc., while you read.

I've bought 3 different Petzl headlamps over the past 3 years because each year, they come out with something lighter and better!

[DipDog]

I have found that this light is the best bang for your buck.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=32893787&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

[QHShowoman]

I have the Energizer headlamp, too! You can get it at Wal-Mart for $9.99!

[Footslogger]

Have you seen the new Petzl E-lite, yet?

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48124596&parent_category_rn=4500596&vcat=REI_SSHP_CAMPING_TOC

=======================================

Petzl website says that it can operate for 4 nights ?? Kinda wierd way specify its duty cycle. Battery "life" is 10 years but that is "shelf life) and not the actual hours of available use from a set of batteries. Sounds like a great idea for an "emergency bag" but not sure it makes sense on the trail, especially considering the fact that it uses a different style battery than most hikers tend to carry with them.

'Slogger

[neo]

I have found that this light is the best bang for your buck.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=32893787&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1


walmart sells the same headlamp,my 2 boys use this head lamp:cool: neo

[QHShowoman]

Footslogger: The battery life for the E-lite is between 5-7 hours depending on the brightness setting.

[rswanson]

I have found that this light is the best bang for your buck.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=32893787&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1
Careful not to drop it on a hard surface! The battery compartment door on mine busted.

[rswanson]

But I will say that for $12, it can't be beat. And that includes 3 AA batt's. Weight isn't too bad.

[Johnny Swank]

With the battery life of AAA LED headlamps now, I wouldn't want to go back to the dark days of carrying extra batteries and having to change them out every 5-7 hours. I carried a Petzl Micro for years, and was happy to give that up. AAA's are available at every gas station from Springer to Maine, so for that once or twice you'll need to replace the batteries, you've got plenty of options, and plenty of time to decide when to pick them up.

We've played with that Elite at the shop, but if I'm only going to get a few hours of light, I'd just as soon use a Photon.