Headlamps

January 9 admin Camping Gear

Wear a Cool Headlamp at Night!

One of the best tips for camping is using a headlamp. A headlamp is like a flashlight on a headband, where you wear the light on your forehead. This leaves your hands free to do whatever you need to do at the moment, be it cooking the evening meal, an exciting card game, reading a book in the tent or a late night trip to the privy. 

Be sure to include a headlamp with your camping gear.  This will become one of your favorite camping accessories!

There are several options and choices when selecting a headlamp. The best lamp for you will depend on your specific use and purpose.   The first thing to consider is the type of beam. Do you need a flood beam or a spotlight? The flood beam is best for close-up work, while the spotlight is better for distance. For routine chores around the campsite the floodlight would be best. The night hikers will appreciate the distance lighting provided by the spotlight. Beam throw is another measure stat that you will want to consider depending on the primary purpose of the headlamp.

The Best Wide-Beam headlamp — Princeton Tec Quad

The Princeton Tec Quad is one of the best lamps for task lighting. It works great for campsite lighting and for household power outages.   Watch a video here demonstrating the features of the versatile Princeton Tec Quad headlamp.

The Princeton Tec Quad is a great choice for task lighting

Brighter does not necessarily make it better. The bright light will be beneficial if you’re on a dark trail or looking for something in your box of supplies in the dark, but will be very annoying if others are close by and your light is shining in their eyes. Too bright also creates a glare which makes it hard to read in your tent. The head chef may want a stronger lamp, while everyone else just needs a small flood light.

The level of brightness affects the duration of batteries as the brighter the light the more battery power is consumed. An adjustable light level is a feature that gives you more flexibility with a lamp and allows longer battery life by allowing you to keep the lamp on the lowest light setting needed.

Consider a lamp with a voltage regulator. The voltage regulator will keep the light consistent for a certain number of hours, rather than the lamp starting to dim right away as the batteries fade. Lamps with a voltage regulator usually have a battery meter so you will know when it is getting time to change batteries.

The beam throw and battery life are two standard measures agreed upon by manufacturers. You should be able to compare most brands and what the models will provide based on these two measures.

Best Long Distance LED headlamp — Princeton Tec Eos

The Princeton Tec EOS is a top choice for distance lighting, while still being optimal for localized needs.   This lamp also includes a strobe function for emergency situations.

The Princeton Tec EOS is a top choice for distance lighting   Princeton Tec EOS LED Headlamp Designed with the user in mind, the Princeton Tec EOS? LED Headlamp is optimal for both… [More] Price: $34.99 Buy Now

LED lights are now recommended as the best type. LED technology now allows for long battery life with bright light. Lux is better than lumens. It is harder to compare lumens across products as manufacturers calculate lumens differently.   Other features to consider:

• A flash or strobe mode gives the ability to alert rescuers should there ever be an emergency situation.
• Night vision – a red LED is better than a red filter. If you do select a lamp with a filter, the colored filters that pull down are more convenient than detached filters.
• If you are travelling to unfamiliar places be sure to select a headlamp that uses standard batteries that are universal and easy to find. Or, even easier select a solar powered lamp which needs no batteries.
• Waterproof or water-resistant – what is your sport? Water resistant means the headlamp can survive out in the rain. Waterproof means the headlamp can perform while immersed in water, which is appropriate if you are a diver.

 

Don’t limit the use of your headlamp to the camping trip. You will find it very useful for many chores around the house, garage and barn. Think of all the times you could do your task if both hands were available and you didn’t have to hold the flashlight. Many folks keep one in their vehicle so they are prepared for nighttime emergencies. A headlamp with a flash or strobe mode is a valuable added feature for those emergency situations.

There are many great models of headlamps to choose from. Following are more of our recommendations for the various types of headlamps.

Lightest Headlamp 

Several models have received good reviews, each with it’s own specific features.

The Petzl e+LITE is tiny and lightweight so it is very easy to always carry it with you. It is an ideal emergency light as it is small enough to store anywhere. Petzl E+LITE Emergency Headlamp The E+LITE can be used for emergencies or every day. 26 Lumens. 2 lighting levels: econ… [More] Price: $29.95 Buy Now

The Petzl Tikka has gotten good reviews as well. This compact headlamp includes several proximity lighting modes to adapt to each situation, including a wide, comfortable beam for close-range vision. Petzl Tikka + Headlamp The Petzl Tikka + Headlamp offers 160 lumen brightness in Boost mode. It is ideal for outdoor activities that require rapid movement. Featuring CONSTANT LIGHTING technology … [More] Price: $39.95 Buy Now

The Black Diamond Ion was designed to be the smallest headlamp in existence. With the feather light adjustable headband, it can be worn on a helmet or hat as well.   Black Diamond Ion Headlamp A great replacement for that bulky flashlight in your glove box or emergency kit, the Black Diamond Ion Headlamp is so small and light it never gets in the way… [More] Price: $24.95 Buy Now

The Black Diamond Gizmo has been recommended it for children two reasons – it fits small heads and it saves battery as it automatically powers off after four hours.   Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp The powerful 90-lumen Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp is bright enough for climbing, ski touring and backpacking. The water resistant design ensures powerful lighting through unexpected storms… [More] Price: $19.95   Buy Now

Brightest 3-watt LED Headlamp

The Princeton Tec Apex gets excellent reviews for the brightest headlamp. It has adjustable flood and spot beams, and it has a strobe option for alerting rescuers in emergency situations. Princeton Tec Apex LED Headlamp The Apex is the pinnacle of waterproof headlamp design, with four light levels, safety flash mode and impact resistant design.  Easy dual switch system allows you to control long range lighting, the wide angle, or close range lighting. … [More] Price: $69.99  Buy Now

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