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Good Headlamp?

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 6:09 pm
by TobiasTicetonyk
Can anyone recommend a good headlamp? I'm hoping that I can start a hike a couple hours before nautical twilight and rely on it for that entire time, potentially in below freezing temperatures, in hazardous, rocky terrain (I have to see what I'll be tripping over). Is that unrealistic?

I found a cheap one, the Genesis Spark 16 LED, 7 dollars, but it may be worth the investment for one that lasts longer. The Genesis Spark is rated for 30 lumens, with a shine time of 10 hours, but that may vary depending on selected intensity and temperature.

I have never hiked at night (totally aware and prepared for nocturnal critters) but I'm starting longer hikes that require it.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/learn/headlamp.html

Re: Good Headlamp?

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 6:35 pm
by SNEAKers
I have the Black Diamond Cosmo LED Headlamp (you can find it on REIs website). I've used this headlamp for many Catskill night hikes including through very thick pine forests with no moon. Youll easily be able to see everything you need in terms of getting where you're going. Has never failed me and lasts 50-250 hours depending on how you set the lighting. With that said, I always carry extra batteries but haven't had to change them after ~60 hours of use.

It uses 3 AAA batteries and costs $30. I know its more than you may be looking to spend, but the $20 extra will be well worth it!

Re: Good Headlamp?

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 7:37 pm
by TobiasTicetonyk
Thanks, the extra money is well worth spent if it ensures visibility, which improves safety from tripping or getting my eyes poked out from branches. How would you rate the durability for your headlamp?

Re: Good Headlamp?

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 7:51 pm
by SNEAKers
No prob! I wouldn't be so bold as to dip it in water, but I've used it in the rain with no problem. I've also use it under my car and knocked it around pretty good with no problems. Not indestructible, but I'm never worried about breaking it during normal use.

Re: Good Headlamp?

Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:24 am
by mike
I use one I got from Walmart. It was about $15-20 and it last 20 hours. Takes 3 AAA batteries. Nice LED lights, and you can turn some or all of them on. They had some cheaper ones there, but I didn't like them. Used it once. Worked well. The nylon case was a little cheap.

Re: Good Headlamp?

Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2012 9:09 am
by new jersey mike
Here is a video review of 2 lamps
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoeHqNW7JlA