Head Lamp recommendations

[rob runkle]

Seems like time to rehash this question...

[oldschoolczar]

Seems like time to rehash this question...

Black Diamond. Seems they've been advancing technology on an annual basis. Picked up a 200 lumen lamp last summer and noticed they had a 250 lumen lamp this year. Both great.. I'm sure we'll be pushing 300 lumens next year.

[BuckTurgidson]

I have a Princeton Tec. But there is also a budget option. I bought some LED headlamps at Home Depot that serve quite nicely. A 3 pack is about $16. I bought them for working around the house, but they work well in the field, too.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-50-L ... /206525456" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[justiner]

I've be relatively happy with my Petzl Nao - the reactive lighting is a great feature, as it automatically dims the light, if it sees that the light isn't needed. Think about a situation where you're looking off in the distance then to a map, then back off into the distance, the back to your map. You're no longer blinding yourself. Minuses are that it's bulky and considerably heavy than say a BD 250 lumen lamp, and perhaps that it takes a proprietary batter (which is rechargeable). Mine is 575 lumens, the newer ones are 750 lumens.

I also usually bring along a 250 lumen BD headtorch that works well enough, it takes AAA's, and I just use NiMh rechargables in those.

[polar]

Seems like time to rehash this question...

Why? Is the sun dying?! Please tell me the sun isn't dying...

[asbochav]

I would avoid the Black Diamond Storm. Worst feature, IMHO, the push switch is hard to press and really awkward when it's cold - impossible with gloves. High beam has an annoying yellow spot in the middle. 4 AAAs, one of which is buried and awkward to get out. Replacing batteries in the dark would be a real pain. The features all work well - high, low, dimming, red and strobe. But you have to find and press that dratted switch of course. Incidentally, I've tried 2 copies and both were the same.

[oldschoolczar]

I would avoid the Black Diamond Storm. Worst feature, IMHO, the push switch is hard to press and really awkward when it's cold - impossible with gloves. High beam has an annoying yellow spot in the middle. 4 AAAs, one of which is buried and awkward to get out. Replacing batteries in the dark would be a real pain. The features all work well - high, low, dimming, red and strobe. But you have to find and press that dratted switch of course. Incidentally, I've tried 2 copies and both were the same.

Couldn't disagree more. 250 lumens for $50 is hard to beat. Never had the slightest problem pushing the button. It's a similar button to every other headlamp I've owned. Do you have scisssorhands by chance?

[justiner]

I don't think the current BD storms have the battery issue anymore - there's a little flipper deal in the battery case to help you dig out the batteries. The hinge to open the battery case is almost, dare I say, beefy. The on switch is still kinda weirdly small. Haven't noticed the change in color temp when the bright is on. The bright is sorta hard to figure out HOW to get on, though

[TallGrass]

What's important? Weight? Lumens (most all dropoff dramatically in use)? Beam types (spot, flood, red)? Distance? Battery life? Features like dimming, power lock, or strobe?

BD has the '15 Storm for $28 after EXTRA20 code. I like my BD Revolt because I can top it off on the road (usb) to save my spares. Also found a Coast 6 LED that's only on/off, but has pack in back and a top strap for balance. Pack's belt pocket has a Harbor Fright freebie LED flashlight. All three use three AAAs simplifying my spares in my OS pouch.

I also like to let my eyes adjust, locate things by feel, and have a good mental topo to conserve electrons.

[tobiasfunke]

Don't bother with anything under 150 lumens. It's just not bright enough when you're in the woods trying to see where the fork in the trail goes. I also bring a supplemental small LED flashlight so that I can add extra illumination when necessary. If you do a lot of night hiking for earlier start--which you should--this is worth investing in. It's also a great piece of safety equipment.

[RyGuy]

This is a good place to start: http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Best-Headlamp#bicreview

-Ryan

[Rollie Free]

Personally, I feel this is another marketeers delight. I see no reason to pay 50 bucks for a flashlight module with a strap.

That home improvement store type is quite sufficient for 90 percent of use. If your going to go out all night and want to feel more confident have at it. They'll charge you whatever you're willing to pay.

If you're paranoid, buy two cheapies, wear both of them if you want to illuminate the whole fricken forest.

There just isn't that much cost in them.