Headlamp
Any thoughts on the best light weight head lamp? Thanks.
I haven't tried all headlamps available so I couldn't guess which is "best". If you just asked for the lightest there could be an answer.
What is best for me might not be best for you.
I'm using a Primus Primelight.
I suggest going to backpackGearTest.org and check the headlamps tested and reviewed.
Slosteppin
Headlamp
I use the Princeton Tec "Fuel". Very light, great battery life (they say 160 hours on low) and very bright also on the highest setting. Only about $25.
There is no such thing as 'best'. I like the Petzl Tikka XP (light, pretty good amount of light, uses AAAs) and the Petzl Myo XP (heavy, more light, AAs). The nice thing about both of these is that they have a movable diffuser that drops in front of the LED to switch from a nice broad beam for things like reading, cooking, and moves out of the way when you need to see further away with a narrow beam.
Lots of people like the Princeton Tec Eos, especially with some modification.
Check out http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/ for more than you want to know.
Not a headlamp, but these keychain lights weigh nothing and cost 99 cents -- good backup lights. Get a couple and scatter them around your pack and body. http://www.lighthound.com/Lighthound...LED_p_968.html
Originally Posted by joelrash
Petzl Zipka,......
http://www.amazon.com/Petzl-E48-PBY-.../dp/B0000EI9BG
I use a rechargeable 3 watt Black Diamond. Headlamps are a bad item to skimp on if you do any night hiking.
The trail was here before we arrived, and it will still be here when we are gone...enjoy it now, and preserve it for others that come after us
I second the Petzl Tikka XP. I do a lot of hiking out at night. I often go up to a local shelter after dinner and hang out until it gets dark then head home. It's better than TV. I am suprised how much light even the low setting throws off when the batteries are fresh and the second lens that spreads the light out more is a great thing. I often find that I don't even need the full beam setting. The only thing that I wish it cam with was a red filter for use around camp.
I really like my L. L. Bean pathfinder cap in blaze orange with the two led's in the brim. I walk the dogs at night and early in the morning, about 40 minutes total for each walk, and I got a year's worth of battery life from it. It's kind of an all in one package, and very bright. I can even see the wolf spiders eyes in the grass reflecting the light. Spooky.
petzl e+lite. 1.0 oz.
+1 on the Petzel e+Lite
I really like the Princeton Tec Scout. It uses 4 watch batteries (CR3002), and is pretty bright considering how small and light-weight it is.
CR2032 that is. Dyslexia can be a b!#*h sometimes.
I have a BD spot. I passed out on a recent car camping trip and left it on all night. Still running strong in the AM and lasted the next night also. 3AAA bats good burn time (obviously) and doesnt wgh much.
Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.-John Muir
If weight is an issue Petzl e+lite I found that it is just enough light to take care business, I also like the red light that saves your night vision.
The journey of 10,000 miles, begins with the first step.
I'm not an ultra light hiker but I will second the spot recommendation, I love mine!
I think it's called the Petzl Zipka Plus. The only problem is if your hair is really soft (not a problem after not washing your hair for days), it sometimes slides down your hair.
I also like using the petzle e+lite. I usually keep it in my vehicle when not out in the woods.
I have three different headlamps, or is it four. Anyway, the one I always reach for on my way out the door is my Black Diamond Spot. In fact, I was worried it might be discontinued (as manufacturers sometimes randomly do) so I have an extra one sitting in my gear bin just in case.
Rainman
Now I see the secret of the making of the best persons,
It is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.
- Walt Whitman: Leaves of Grass; Song of the Open Road.
Thanks for the great advice. I went with the eLite and I'm pretty happy with it - love the red light feature for not blinding shelter mates. Lower hours/batter ratio, but I try and hike during the day and sleep at night so it's more for finding gear after dark
I also have the Pelz Tikka and really like it!!
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