What about lights?

[David@whiteblaze]

What kind of light(s) do you use around camp? What kind of light is best for videotaping my face? How about rummaging through my pack? I have heard that a headlamp is best for night hiking, what are your thoughts?
Max2mus

[Trailweaver]

I use a headlamp almost exclusively now. It's just more convenient to have "hands free" lighting, and it's usually brighter than the typical flashlight. I wouldn't know about what it would be like to "light someone's face."

[David@whiteblaze]

thanks, i was thinking for the face, that i could use a flexible neck flashlight, small sized about 1/2" diameter light, and hold it next to the camera, also would work for bag, any other thoughts you guys can drop in will be appreciated.

[rickb]

Headlamps may be most practical for every day use, but if you want something that will light up an owl up in tree, or a critter going after your food, these folks have some amazing products that are not too heavy.

I have a hand-held version that takes 2 AA batteries and it seems as bright as the huge Mag lights of the olden days.

I consider it a luxury item, though.

http://www.fenixlight.com/

[fiddlehead]

HIked with a guy in '89 who did the whole trail without a flashlight.
Lesson learned: there's a lot you can do without.
However, i still carry a Photon II and clip it to my shirt at night just in case i need to find something quick. But more than not, i don't use it.

[CowHead]

same here, I have a headlamp but other than the midnight pee (which was another forum) I used my very little

[rhjanes]

headlamp needed for night stuff.
Best to carry a small hand flashlight also. Best thing I've seen is middle of the night pee break. Turn on the hand flash and hand in your tent, or hammock, or a tree right next to your sleep area. Then, head into the woods. You now have a light to see your footing (headlamp) and a lamp to guide you back by (flashlight on at the camping area)

[Two Speed]

Really don't use a light much, so a Photon Freedom (http://www.photonlight.com/Photon-Freedom-Micro-Keychain-LED-Flashlights-p/fm-led-keychain-flashlight.htm) works for me. Works underwater, dimmable, good battery life. Can be a royal PITA to find if I set it down, so I've got it on a lanyard, now.

[Cannibal]

I picked-up a little LED light that has a loop of Velcro. You wear it on your finger like a ring. I found it wildly helpful for night hiking because the light wasn't right next to my eyes messing with my nightvision. A headlamp with a red light is very nice for that, but I really liked the versatility of the finger light. Weighed almost nothing and I bought it at the outfitter in Waynesboro. Probably the best $3.99 I spent on the Trail.

[Philip]

Here's what I currently use while hiking:

http://www.keenzo.com/showproduct.asp?ID=1290653 (http://www.keenzo.com/showproduct.asp?ID=1290653)

http://www.basegear.com/sol-light-lightcap-200.html

[Lyle]

I like a Petzl e+lite with an extra set of batteries (have never used them). This is very light weight and provides plenty of light for cooking, setting up camp, even hanging a bearbag. It is adequate for hiking if necessary. In winter, or if I were planning substantial night hiking, I would probably opt for something a bit brighter.

http://www.altrec.com/petzl/elite-headlamp

I also always keep a Photon Micro lite in my pack as emergency (so far only used to loan to a fellow hiker when they lost their light). Surprisingly bright and long-lasting. Could hike with it in an emergency.

[holyphenol]

+1 on the Photon Freedom.
I've slowly weened myself away from using headlamps b/c of this bugger!
I just got tired of using the little clippy attachment/trying to fabricate one that I just grew accustomed to going handheld or, better yet, not using it at all.
also, it's nice to have the slow beacon function for finding the tent after late night tramping.

[Pedaling Fool]

What kind of light(s) do you use around camp? What kind of light is best for videotaping my face? How about rummaging through my pack? I have heard that a headlamp is best for night hiking, what are your thoughts?
Max2mus
You really don't need much light around camp and it's good to have a redlight feature when around others. LED lights also are more efficient than old-style bulbs. This is plenty for around camp and much cheaper than the high-end lamps most hikers carry. You can get at any radioshack/walmart/target... I've had mine since 2005 and still working great. http://www.criticaltool.com/rayovac-lighting-sphltled.html


P.S. I have used this while night hiking. It's not as bright as the high-end, but that's not so bad, because you can blind yourself when looking at all the foilage. Once while pissing against a tree I turned on my white light and the reflection from the tree nearly blinded me.

[Symbol]

Those photon lights really are great for leaving in your tent when you go for one of those late night excursions. Helps old eyes find their tent again!

[JoshStover]

If you are wanting to video yourself at night you cant go wrong with one of the camera mounted IR lights. Cool thing is noone else will be able to see the light. They are pretty small but it is perfect for your camera. Only thing is it gives you that "night vision" look on the film.

[garlic08]

Another vote for the minimalist approach. I have always just carried a three-LED Petzl headlamp, which is barely enough for a night hike in good conditions and new batteries. With 150-hour battery life, there's no need to carry spare batteries for a normal thru hike.

I also have thru hiked with someone who did not carry a light, and if I lost mine I probably wouldn't replace it. It's the most disposable thing in my pack right now.

Can't help you with video lighting, but I have seen those IR clips and don't see anything wrong with that.

[George]

for night hiking I find the light from above on the head gives a poor view, I hold the light low and parallel with the ground, better depth perception/less tripping

[Snowleopard]

I like a good headlamp, currently a Petzl Tikka XP. For winter or night hiking I'd probably carry my Petzl Myo XP (heavier, brighter).
These keychain lights are good for a backup http://www.lighthound.com/Lighthound-Keychain-Flashlight-Black-Body-White-LED_p_967.html At 99 cents and 5 grams it's reasonable to clip a few to zippers.

[Lyle]

WARNING!!! HIJACKING IN PROGRESS

Who remembers and hiked with a Mallory or Durabeam? Held these buggers in your mouth if you needed both hands. Tuff, field repairable, light, CHEAP.

Back to the regularly scheduled thread.

[ike1985]

freedom micro ight from photon is what i recommend, ultralight less than an oz, bright enough to blind an attacker at night so u can whoop that a**