PDA

View Full Version : Can anyone suggest a good headlamp??



Sierra Echo
10-10-2010, 20:21
Apparently I am going spelunking this week and am in need of one.
I have never been spelunking and neither has my brother, so we are probably going to both die in there. But I would rather it be from wandering around for days in the cave then from a huge fall. So I need me a good light!! :sun

Hikes in Rain
10-10-2010, 20:37
You won't die. But you need three, count them, three sources of light. Doesn't matter what, as long as you have multiple redundancy.

I'd have at least one basic and primitive...matches (or a lighter) and candle. Flashlight. And a good headlamp (with spare batteries for each).

I've gone spelunking with my brother on several occasions. Trust me, you need light backup. Three sources, at least!

Sierra Echo
10-10-2010, 20:43
You won't die. But you need three, count them, three sources of light. Doesn't matter what, as long as you have multiple redundancy.

I'd have at least one basic and primitive...matches (or a lighter) and candle. Flashlight. And a good headlamp (with spare batteries for each).

I've gone spelunking with my brother on several occasions. Trust me, you need light backup. Three sources, at least!

Ive read that you need to take three. I would carry a search light if i could LOL!
My biggest fear is slipping down a slick rock and into some major chasm where i either die or break my bones into a million pieces. My brother assures me where we are going there are none, but I don't know how HE knows that! LOL :eek:

Hikes in Rain
10-10-2010, 20:51
I agree, there's something primitively scary about being that far underground. It's scary. But you know what? When you do it, and come back out, you're that much stronger for having faced the fear and overcome it. You have light. You can see where you're going. And you've done this kind of thing before (just not underground), so you know if you see something beyond your capabilities. And you can back away from it.

I've been in a several caverns. So far, I haven't found anything that would really hurt me. Most are just hard to get through, because I'm tall, and the caves are small! I have trouble bending that way. I've lost a light source from time to time (always my fault), but had both my brothers and my own backup to "save the day".

Go for it. You'll have a wonderful time. Caverns are spectacular! I'd love to have one of my own.

Mountain Wildman
10-10-2010, 20:59
I have never been caving but I use a Princeton Tec Remix, It weighs 3 ounces with batteries(3-AAA) and is very bright, around 70 lumens.
The Fenix HP10 is extremely bright at 225 lumens and around $65.00

Rain Man
10-10-2010, 21:17
Yes on the three sources of light. I've actually gotten down to my third source (candle and matches) once. Needed that light to see how to fix my other two!

As far as a headlamp, just run to Home Depot or Wal-Mart and buy an Eveready or some such. That will be better than anything I used to take. I mostly used a brass carbide lamp!

Rain:sunMan

.

Sierra Echo
10-10-2010, 21:30
Yes on the three sources of light. I've actually gotten down to my third source (candle and matches) once. Needed that light to see how to fix my other two!

As far as a headlamp, just run to Home Depot or Wal-Mart and buy an Eveready or some such. That will be better than anything I used to take. I mostly used a brass carbide lamp!

Rain:sunMan

.

walmart is an interesting thought. I would have never have thought to look there!
what dept would they be in? I had planned to run in there in there and get a cheap pair of boots and some knee pads!

Sierra Echo
10-10-2010, 21:34
I agree, there's something primitively scary about being that far underground. It's scary. But you know what? When you do it, and come back out, you're that much stronger for having faced the fear and overcome it. You have light. You can see where you're going. And you've done this kind of thing before (just not underground), so you know if you see something beyond your capabilities. And you can back away from it.

I've been in a several caverns. So far, I haven't found anything that would really hurt me. Most are just hard to get through, because I'm tall, and the caves are small! I have trouble bending that way. I've lost a light source from time to time (always my fault), but had both my brothers and my own backup to "save the day".

Go for it. You'll have a wonderful time. Caverns are spectacular! I'd love to have one of my own.

I agree with everything you have said! I also am apprehensive of getting stuck in a tight squeeze. So i just figure I will have my brother lead the way and if HE gets stuck then I wont even try! :D
We are going to Petty Johns cave up in north ga!

Skidsteer
10-10-2010, 21:35
walmart is an interesting thought. I would have never have thought to look there!
what dept would they be in? I had planned to run in there in there and get a cheap pair of boots and some knee pads!

In the camping/hunting/fishing department. There'll be half an aisle of flashlights and headlamps.

Sierra Echo
10-10-2010, 21:37
I have never been caving but I use a Princeton Tec Remix, It weighs 3 ounces with batteries(3-AAA) and is very bright, around 70 lumens.
The Fenix HP10 is extremely bright at 225 lumens and around $65.00

If you ever come to ga and we make it out of the cave alive, we will take you spelunking~! I bet 225 lumens would light up the entire chamber!

Feral Bill
10-10-2010, 21:58
I have not used it caving , but the Black Diamond Spot is a nice, very bright headlamp.
I trust you are going with experienced people. You can get badly hurt or killed. My father broke his back caving and was laid up for months years ago. Being in his sixties at the time, he did not heal quickly.

Do go, caves are awesome, but please be carefull.

FB

Sierra Echo
10-10-2010, 22:07
I have not used it caving , but the Black Diamond Spot is a nice, very bright headlamp.
I trust you are going with experienced people. You can get badly hurt or killed. My father broke his back caving and was laid up for months years ago. Being in his sixties at the time, he did not heal quickly.

Do go, caves are awesome, but please be carefull.

FB

Its just me and my bro. The cave we are going to is rated as being very easy and its a horizontal cave. if anything looks to hairy we will turn around.
How did your dad break his back?

chiefiepoo
10-10-2010, 22:20
Think about how the lamp assembly might be prone to failure. I have a Black Diamond, very good, head lamp. However, it is attached to the strap / base swivel mount with two plastic posts that hook into two plastic eyes on the base. Smashed one of the eyes and the lamp body fell out. Your head lamp is now a compact hand light. Look for a single point of failure that can compromise performance on any lamp. I replaced with a $12 Coleman that appears to be more rugged, not as bright. I carry head lamp, thumb size Photon, and small candle. Be safe my friend.

Mountain Wildman
10-10-2010, 22:20
If you ever come to ga and we make it out of the cave alive, we will take you spelunking~! I bet 225 lumens would light up the entire chamber!

I'll be in Georgia in March, But I will be heading to Maine.
I will keep it in mind though.
Thanks!!

Oh, Amazon has the Fenix for $54.04, Free Shipping
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RX2QLY/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Trailbender
10-10-2010, 22:55
Yes on the three sources of light. I've actually gotten down to my third source (candle and matches) once. Needed that light to see how to fix my other two!

As far as a headlamp, just run to Home Depot or Wal-Mart and buy an Eveready or some such. That will be better than anything I used to take. I mostly used a brass carbide lamp!

Rain:sunMan

.

One of the Nightstar shake flashlights would be perfect as a backup. Never needs batteries, waterproof to 200 feet. It is only 12 lumens, but that is plenty bright. I have used it hiking at night and it is more than bright enough.

leaftye
10-10-2010, 23:56
Fenix HP10 is a good light. I've been happy with mine. I go night hiking several times a week with it. The HP20 is slightly brighter, has longer run times and appears to be even sturdier.

Fwiw, I usually have the HP10 on medium when I start my night hike and then switch it to high later in the night.

Feral Bill
10-11-2010, 00:11
Its just me and my bro. The cave we are going to is rated as being very easy and its a horizontal cave. if anything looks to hairy we will turn around.
How did your dad break his back?

180' vertical pit, 160 feet of rope. No stopper knot. A big rescue ensued. He's 90 now and has given up caving.

Dogwood
10-11-2010, 00:49
Spelunking and diving into underground springs can be a blast that VERY FEW people experience. Both endeavors can come with a high risk of injury or even death IF you go unprepared! If you are new to spelunking or are exploring caves off the beaten path: 1)Go with someone who is experienced and who understands SAFETY. 2)Go back and read number one again!

When spelunking it is NO time to get cheap with gear or be so overly concerned about the wt of your headlamp for example. Think about durability and dependability of your gear when in cave. When in a cave you want a headlamp that is bright, WP, mudproof, and that will stay in place. Bring extra batteries and/or fully charge your headlamp if that's the kind you buy. Carry 3 sources of light. Black Diamond makes some nice dependable durable WP headlamps. They are on the high end of the price scale. However, be aware that when going into a cave your life may largely depend upon your gear and adhering to some basic spelunking principles.

theinfamousj
10-11-2010, 00:58
walmart is an interesting thought. I would have never have thought to look there!
what dept would they be in? I had planned to run in there in there and get a cheap pair of boots and some knee pads!

The camping/sporting goods section. Picked up my favorite headlamp for $4 there. Lightweight. Lime green. Fantastic.

Hikes in Rain
10-11-2010, 06:03
It's been a long time since I tried it, but can you still light up a big chamber with magnesium ribbon? Haven't even tried to find it lately, but that stuff burns crazy bright, enough to burn a retina if you look right at it!

topshelf
10-11-2010, 06:38
go to walmart, i got a 4 LED headlamp made by energizer for 15 bucks. has 4 settings, narrow, wide, full and red. just as good or better than any other ive seen out there(aside from being slightly more heavy)

Sierra Echo
10-11-2010, 07:37
Spelunking and diving into underground springs can be a blast that VERY FEW people experience. Both endeavors can come with a high risk of injury or even death IF you go unprepared! If you are new to spelunking or are exploring caves off the beaten path: 1)Go with someone who is experienced and who understands SAFETY. 2)Go back and read number one again!

When spelunking it is NO time to get cheap with gear or be so overly concerned about the wt of your headlamp for example. Think about durability and dependability of your gear when in cave. When in a cave you want a headlamp that is bright, WP, mudproof, and that will stay in place. Bring extra batteries and/or fully charge your headlamp if that's the kind you buy. Carry 3 sources of light. Black Diamond makes some nice dependable durable WP headlamps. They are on the high end of the price scale. However, be aware that when going into a cave your life may largely depend upon your gear and adhering to some basic spelunking principles.


This is where we are going:
http://www.showcaves.com/english/usa/caves/PettyJohn.html

we are not climbing up or down. we are staying on the main floor and going to the waterfall. We have two narrow spaces that we have to squeeze through and thats it. we don't want to get hurt or be a hero~!

Trailbender
10-11-2010, 08:17
go to walmart, i got a 4 LED headlamp made by energizer for 15 bucks. has 4 settings, narrow, wide, full and red. just as good or better than any other ive seen out there(aside from being slightly more heavy)

Those are garbage. I had one go out on me during a massive rainstorm at LBL.

Windcatcher
10-11-2010, 18:46
Energizer (Yes, the Pink Bunny folks) makes several headlamps with LED bulbs that run on 3 triple A's. They sell for less than $20 and I got mine at Lowe's. They work just as good as any other I've come across and even have red light options. They are lightweight and weather resistant if not waterproof (the micro is listed as waterproof).

cruisaire
10-11-2010, 19:03
Nice cave, not as "wild" as the others I have visited. Spare batteries mean more than a fancy light. Cave On!

Sierra Echo
10-11-2010, 19:05
Nice cave, not as "wild" as the others I have visited. Spare batteries mean more than a fancy light. Cave On!

You've been there?!?!
For a couple of newbies, should be ok? Unless of course, we go out of our way to get hurt!? :)

Wise Old Owl
10-11-2010, 19:17
This is a easy call SE, I am going to guess that this is your first time and I agree with the rest of the folks - go with what you can get and take three. Its on all the caving boards... If you are hooked you are going to need something far more serious, and a seperate battery pack and/ora chemical light.

Redeye and Trailbender? I use the E light while crawling in basements and Attics... It's OK....burning out in a rainstorm can happen to anyone and any product. Stuff Happens.

(Cost doesn't Matter - Its almost all made in China anyway....)

Sierra Echo
10-11-2010, 20:30
This is a easy call SE, I am going to guess that this is your first time and I agree with the rest of the folks - go with what you can get and take three. Its on all the caving boards... If you are hooked you are going to need something far more serious, and a seperate battery pack and/ora chemical light.

Redeye and Trailbender? I use the E light while crawling in basements and Attics... It's OK....burning out in a rainstorm can happen to anyone and any product. Stuff Happens.

(Cost doesn't Matter - Its almost all made in China anyway....)

WOW, you called it right. This is my first time. I'm not going to lie, I am apprehensive, but I'm also excited. My brother appears to be quite confident even though he has never been spelunking. He sent me a map, although I cant imagine these cave passages are marked. Does this map make sense to anyone??:

http://www.hucosystems.com/Pettyjohn%20Cave.pdf

Wise Old Owl
10-11-2010, 20:57
When you get out of there I would like to understand how the 2d map is made.... Might be some interesting discussion.

Sierra Echo
10-11-2010, 21:23
We are going Thursday. Tomorrow I'm hiking out to the Len Foote Hike Inn. When I get back on Wednesday, I'm going to stop by wally worlds and get my equipment. I need a chin strap for my trail maintenance hardhat, but I would assume I would have to go to home depot for that.

leaftye
10-11-2010, 21:26
You said you'd bring a spotlight if you could? Why are you even considering cheap dim Walmart lights? Get nothing less than the HP10. Next step up in the HP20. Or the Magicshine 900 lumen setup and mount it to a helmet, although it doesn't have any low settings so it will die within a few hours of use unlike the Fenix headlamps that will run for hundreds of hours. You can spend hundreds more for lights that are several times brighter if you wish.

Dogwood
10-11-2010, 22:59
It seems like the cave you are entering is quite busy so that's going to lower the risk factor. I have the 4 LED and 2 LED EverReady Head Lamps that some are mentioning. They are cheap and available at places like Wally World for $20 or less. I feel the 2 LED EverReady headlamp which runs on 3 AAA's(I use EverReady Lithium AAA's w/ this headlamp just fine) w/red light w/ swivel base for light positioning is fine for thru-hiking. Despite having more expensive Princeton Tec and Black Diamond headlamps I'll often reach for the 2 LED EverReady for hiking. To each their own but I would not depend on this headlamp for spelunking! It is not WP. It can short out. IMO, I would want something more durable(tougher for the conditions you might encounter in a cave when crawling around or entering tight passages, think wet and muddy!, oops the light went out!) If you rely on this headlamp when spelunking DEFINITELY bring along other dependable sources of light!

Hikes in Rain
10-12-2010, 06:41
I'd love to hear what you think of caving, once you get back. Who knows, you may have a new obsession, er, hobby.

mweinstone
10-12-2010, 06:59
no one can suggest a good headlamp. headlamps dont exist. neither do caves or spelunkers. wake up now. ur just an embryo in a tube haveing a dream. stop dreaming of risky sports. spelunking is death. spelunking kills. spelunking will cause you to die. no one has ever come out of a cave alive after spelunking. all spelunkers die. dieing while spelunking. if you choose to continue to belive that in fact you wish with all or most of your heart that you want to spelunk,..sorry,...i mean die spelunking to death,..go ahead. say high to my upside down rotting stuck corpses of friends if you see them.

Sierra Echo
10-12-2010, 07:35
no one can suggest a good headlamp. headlamps dont exist. neither do caves or spelunkers. wake up now. ur just an embryo in a tube haveing a dream. stop dreaming of risky sports. spelunking is death. spelunking kills. spelunking will cause you to die. no one has ever come out of a cave alive after spelunking. all spelunkers die. dieing while spelunking. if you choose to continue to belive that in fact you wish with all or most of your heart that you want to spelunk,..sorry,...i mean die spelunking to death,..go ahead. say high to my upside down rotting stuck corpses of friends if you see them.

Do you think your upside down rotting stuck corpse friends are gonna remember you?

Sierra Echo
10-13-2010, 20:22
I got a black diamond spot. With my 20% off REI coupon and my gift card, it only cost $8~!
we go in tomorrow so wish us luck! :sun

Mountain Wildman
10-13-2010, 20:52
Good Luck!!!
I have heard nothing but good about the BD Spot.
I know if I was going into a cave, I would want a light I could depend on, Buying a cheap light is fine on a trail where you at least have moonlight, But in a cave, If your light fails you are in complete darkness.

Sierra Echo
10-13-2010, 20:59
Thanks Mountain Wildman! I'm excited!

this is what I'm taking tomorrow:
camera
hard hat/headlamp
flashlight with spare batteries
candles and waterproof matches
gloves
knee pads
first aid kit
glow sticks (to hang from the back of our packs)
snacks and water
and a spare change of clothes for when i get.

sound good?

Mountain Wildman
10-13-2010, 21:17
Thanks Mountain Wildman! I'm excited!

this is what I'm taking tomorrow:
camera
hard hat/headlamp
flashlight with spare batteries
candles and waterproof matches
gloves
knee pads
first aid kit
glow sticks (to hang from the back of our packs)
snacks and water
and a spare change of clothes for when i get.

sound good?

Sounds good to me but I've never gone into a cave, I would probably bring a little extra food and water and maybe even Aqua Mira or a filter just in case. I wish you a safe and enjoyable experience. Most of all, A safe one!!!

Hikes in Rain
10-14-2010, 12:38
I count four separate sources of light; good for you! Nice idea with the glow sticks, too, I hadn't thought of that. Should give you long-lasting general lighting. I'd say you're set.

Regarding the aqua mira, it's up to you. Tiny and light enough to be negligible, so it certainly couldn't hurt. But most water in a cave (if there is any. I'm not familiar with this one) is groundwater that's been filtered through a lot of sand and soil, and in a pinch should be pretty much OK to drink.

Not Sunshine
10-14-2010, 17:06
I spent $7 on mine at Walmart and I love it. It works on 2 of those nickel-sized batteries. Works great!

SMSP
10-15-2010, 00:52
I have a few of the Princeton Aurora. They're like $15 regular price at Academy or Dick's. I picked up a couple more when they were on sale for $10. They're decent. 3 brightness modes, 2 flashing modes, uses 3 AAA batteries. Only downside, no red light. I have one of those Energizer lights as well, another good option as well.

SMSP

Sierra Echo
10-15-2010, 16:00
We didnt go very far into the cave. My hard hat would not stay out of my eyes. I couldn't look down without it covering them. It was very slick in there. Those rocks had been worn down from all the people who had come through. My light worked great though. I'm glad we didn't go far. The entrance was not straight in, you had to crawl/scoot through several bends. So once inside the first chamber, you couldnt even see light or anything. If we had gone way in, I don't know if we could have easily found our way out. We are going to Tumbling Rocks cave in Dec with my hiking group. Hopefully we can pick up more experience there and then give Petty John's another try!
The day wasn't lost though. We also went down into the canyon at Cloudland Canyon state park. Then from there we went to Ruby Falls. That has gotten really cheesy!

Wise Old Owl
10-16-2010, 00:02
I hope you do give it another try, because age is the bringer of regret.

Hikes in Rain
10-16-2010, 08:08
Sounds like you had a reasonably good first experience. I have the same sort of trouble with hats of any kind, not just the hard hats. Curiously, I find I hit my head more often with one than without. I don't compensate for the extra height!

Nothing like the dark of a cave, is there? That's why we recommended so many light backups!

Copper Tail
12-06-2010, 22:31
I have been pretty deep into Petty John. Hope you enjoyed it. It is the only "marked" cave on the maps for Pigeon Mountain.

There are even better ones and you won't get as nasty as you do in Petty John. But the risks are much higher and you don't want any cheap gear in them either.

My favorite cave is elsewhere on the mountain. I won't say the name in case some dumb yahoo posted it somewhere and Google indexed it. It's not marked on a map either and for good reason. It has two deep pits. One (the Warmup) is 125' and the other is nearly 600' deep. I haven't been in this particular cave in awhile, but cavers continue to map it..many decades since it's discovery.

I live about 20 minutes from Pigeon Mountain. It's where I do most of my gear testing and training there.

jeremesh
12-06-2010, 23:54
I second the remix. I love mine, lite and very bright.

I have never been caving but I use a Princeton Tec Remix, It weighs 3 ounces with batteries(3-AAA) and is very bright, around 70 lumens.
The Fenix HP10 is extremely bright at 225 lumens and around $65.00

Wise Old Owl
12-07-2010, 00:07
I thought this thread was done?

Sierra Echo
12-07-2010, 04:09
I'm going to Tumbling Rocks cave this weekend!

JamesHenryTrotter
04-16-2017, 20:55
Petzl is consistently good IMO, just depends on weight, brightness, etc..