Headlamps - any recommendations?

email hidden said:

Any favourite headlamp products?
Interested in purchasing one to assist walking at night not
tent/cooking usage?

Hi,

There's a review of headlamps in the current edition of TGO. Most
interesting 🙂

Best wishes,
--
,,
(**)PeeWiglet~~
/ \ / \

Quoted message said:

Any favourite headlamp products?
Interested in purchasing one to assist walking at night not
tent/cooking usage?

The combination lamps are quite handy as they'll do both. And before
you think "but I only want a big, bright lamp for the walking", note
that reading a map etc. is considerably easier with a short range
reasonably ambient glow from a small LED array than it is with a
powerful spot, as there's much less glare to bugger up your night vision.

Also, if it's just for the odd descent a bit later than you've planned,
rather than going out for specifically night walking, the compact LED
ones are good enough for that sort of thing.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

In article <[email hidden]>,
"[email hidden]" <[email hidden]> writes

Quoted message said:

Any favourite headlamp products?
Interested in purchasing one to assist walking at night not
tent/cooking usage?

Among others I have a Petzl Myolite 3 which has two modes - halogen zoom
and 3 LED. The LED option gives enough light for most walking and the
halogen is great for a more distant view. It runs off 3 AAs in a battery
box at the rear. I also got the optional 'over the top of the head'
strap as I also use it running where the strap reduces slippage.

http://www.petzl.com/petzl/LampesProduits?Produit=509

The Myo XP sounds interesting too:

http://www.petzl.com/petzl/LampesProduits?Produit=554

I must admit though that most of the time at night I try to avoid using
a torch because as my eyes adjust I can then see far more than just the
area lit up by the beam. On reasonable tracks without a rough surface or
holes you can often see enough to walk safely.

To make the most of your natural night vision you should know that it
takes about 20 minutes of dark to reach its maximum level and it will
revert back to daylight mode almost instantly if you turn your torch on
(so keep one eye closed if you need the torch for a quick look at the
map etc.). You will also find that with night vision your peripheral
vision is better (the eye's dark receptors are more concentrated away
from the centre) so you can see more by not looking directly at the view
you want to see.

--

Dominic Sexton

I prefer slowing my pace to match the dimming light and keeping a small
flashlight handy for rough terrain. I like your idea of closing one
eye for the quick look around or at a map. I prefer LED when I do use
a light.
The ones that go on the head? I dont like attracting moths to my nose.
Maybe that doesnt really happen but it is an awful notion.

I still remember my first full dark hikes out of the woods. Cuz I
started too late or made a wrong turn.
Learned a lot in those early years. Still do.

trek on. now i use poles... not a bad place to attach a tiny light
that I can use now and then.
www.mytrekkingpoles.com

In article <[email hidden]>,
Hiker <[email hidden]> writes

Quoted message said:

The ones that go on the head? I dont like attracting moths to my nose.
Maybe that doesnt really happen but it is an awful notion.

I have never had that happen and expect it would only happen where the
light doesn't move for a while. If you keep moving the wee beasties
won't notice so much and won't bother trying to keep up!

--

Dominic Sexton

On Wed, 12 Oct 2005 14:14:59 +0100, Dominic Sexton <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

To make the most of your natural night vision you should know that it
takes about 20 minutes of dark to reach its maximum level and it will
revert back to daylight mode almost instantly if you turn your torch on
(so keep one eye closed if you need the torch for a quick look at the
map etc.).

I use a small lamp with a red light for reading the chart when night-flying
since red does not affect the night vision too much. Don't know how much
important information is coloured red on OS maps though.
Full info here:-
http://www.narcap.org/TheEyeandNightVision.htm
Geo

In article <[email hidden]>, Geo
<[email hidden]> writes

Quoted message said:

On Wed, 12 Oct 2005 14:14:59 +0100, Dominic Sexton <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

To make the most of your natural night vision you should know that it
takes about 20 minutes of dark to reach its maximum level and it will
revert back to daylight mode almost instantly if you turn your torch on
(so keep one eye closed if you need the torch for a quick look at the
map etc.).

I use a small lamp with a red light for reading the chart when night-flying
since red does not affect the night vision too much. Don't know how much
important information is coloured red on OS maps though.

I have used torches with red filters but OS map contours tend to
disappear in red light - can make navigation tricky!

Quoted message said:

Full info here:-
http://www.narcap.org/TheEyeandNightVision.htm
Geo

That's a great reference page - thanks.

--

Dominic Sexton

Yes the red filter helps when in camp, but it does wreck the map
contours.
terrific reference page.

email hidden said:

Any favourite headlamp products?
Interested in purchasing one to assist walking at night not
tent/cooking usage?

David.

Dear David

Take a look at the test reports and Owner Reviews at
BackpackGearTest.org. Lots of choice!

Personally I am currently playing with (testing) the Petzl Tikka XP
which I am impressed with. I like that it is all LED but does have
both a wide beam and focused beam. A combination that works okay for
me in most of my uses.

The relevant link is
<http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Lighting/>

Regards
Andrew

Thought I'd give some real usage experience.

Just completed a 40 mile trek starting at 2am, and walking through night
into the next day.

Clearly the team needed torches and headlights. I was leading the group,
so went for Petzl Myolite one - the one with halogen bulb only, no LED. I
knew this had lower battery life than LED, but figured that at least one of
us in group could do with a "beam" of light as opposed to the glow that
LED's give.

Anyway - my light was superb apart from one thing - battery life. Uses 3 AA
batteries, and although stated at up to 5 hour life, I was running low, and
putting my feet in dodgy ground on about 3 hours. Thankfully I had
checkpoints to change batts. Thank god I didnt rely on the 5 hour life.

LED lights that most had were great, but I wouldnt want to rely on one in
poor vis, or for projecting a beam,

I see that the Myolite is available with a halogen AND an LED. Downside is,
that it is about 50 quid I think.

My summary - for short dark bursts where you need to rely on a bright beam -
get a Halogen. For treks in groups in the dark (or with groups around a
camp) get an LED. For anything else - get a multi.

Pauljmuk

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Any favourite headlamp products?
Interested in purchasing one to assist walking at night not
tent/cooking usage?

David.

In article <[email hidden]>, Paul Malam
<[email hidden]> writes

Quoted message said:

I see that the Myolite is available with a halogen AND an LED. Downside is,
that it is about 50 quid I think.

The Myolite 3 goes for ~35 notes.

Not only is the LED mode more economical but it also gives a very good
spread of light for nearby objects. The halogen is nice to have when I
need a longer beam but in general the LED is better most of the time.

--

Dominic Sexton

Paul Malam said:

Thought I'd give some real usage experience.

Just completed a 40 mile trek starting at 2am, and walking through night
into the next day.

Clearly the team needed torches and headlights. I was leading the group,
so went for Petzl Myolite one - the one with halogen bulb only, no LED. I
knew this had lower battery life than LED, but figured that at least one of
us in group could do with a "beam" of light as opposed to the glow that
LED's give.

Anyway - my light was superb apart from one thing - battery life. Uses 3 AA
batteries, and although stated at up to 5 hour life, I was running low, and
putting my feet in dodgy ground on about 3 hours. Thankfully I had
checkpoints to change batts. Thank god I didnt rely on the 5 hour life.

LED lights that most had were great, but I wouldnt want to rely on one in
poor vis, or for projecting a beam,

I see that the Myolite is available with a halogen AND an LED. Downside is,
that it is about 50 quid I think.

My summary - for short dark bursts where you need to rely on a bright beam -
get a Halogen. For treks in groups in the dark (or with groups around a
camp) get an LED. For anything else - get a multi.

Pauljmuk

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Any favourite headlamp products?
Interested in purchasing one to assist walking at night not
tent/cooking usage?

David.

I have an Aldi special offer 2/4/8 LED device, recently seen again in
City Electrical Factors. Used on just 2 LED's it produces a perceptible
beam or rather a narrow cone of light good enough to see the next two or
three paces by even in misty conditions. It also lets your eyes stay
somewhat dark-adapted, and doesn't destroy your night vision every time
you read the map :-)

Paul Malam said:

My summary - for short dark bursts where you need to rely on a bright beam -
get a Halogen.

or check out the latest LEDs, eg the Myo XP, which can also provide a
good beam.

It's on my list for Father Christmas this year :-)

S.

--
Oppose ID cards and the database state - sign the pledge at
http://www.pledgebank.com/refuse

Simon Caldwell said:

Paul Malam said:

My summary - for short dark bursts where you need to rely on a
bright beam - get a Halogen.

or check out the latest LEDs, eg the Myo XP, which can also provide
a good beam.

It's on my list for Father Christmas this year :-)

Good move. I've got one and it's excellent for night walking and
cycling as well as reading a book in the tent.

Chris
--
Chris Eilbeck
MARS Flight Crew http://www.mars.org.uk/
UKRA #1108 Level 2 UYB
Tripoli UK Member #9527 LSMR

The message <[email hidden]>
from Simon Caldwell <[email hidden]> contains these words:

Quoted message said:

On Sun, 16 Oct 2005 00:32:37 +0100, "Paul Malam"
<[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

My summary - for short dark bursts where you need to rely on a bright
beam -
get a Halogen.

Quoted message said:

or check out the latest LEDs, eg the Myo XP, which can also provide a
good beam.

Quoted message said:

It's on my list for Father Christmas this year :-)

Lidl had a special offer which seems very similar to the Myo XP in that
it uses a single 1 Watt LED. Gives a very powerful focused spot surrounded
by a soft glow. 3 AA batteries and 3 power settings - 3 hour, 7 hour and
14 hour life - together with a 7 hour flashing mode. £20 and very well
made. Highly recommended when next available.

Deryck

In message <[email hidden]>

deryck lant said:

The message <[email hidden]>
from Simon Caldwell <[email hidden]> contains these words:

Quoted message said:

On Sun, 16 Oct 2005 00:32:37 +0100, "Paul Malam"
<[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

My summary - for short dark bursts where you need to rely on a bright
beam -
get a Halogen.

Quoted message said:

or check out the latest LEDs, eg the Myo XP, which can also provide a
good beam.

Quoted message said:

It's on my list for Father Christmas this year :-)

Lidl had a special offer which seems very similar to the Myo XP in that
it uses a single 1 Watt LED. Gives a very powerful focused spot surrounded
by a soft glow. 3 AA batteries and 3 power settings - 3 hour, 7 hour and
14 hour life - together with a 7 hour flashing mode. £20 and very well
made. Highly recommended when next available.

Deryck

A good place to see a range of different headlamps is "Bernie's" of
Ingleton. Steve Round the owner/manager is always on the lookout for
alternative suppliers and bargains and usually has a vast collection of
lights and other accessories. He's also very knowledgeable and helpful.
Although he originally branched out from running just a cafe into caving
supplies, he now stocks a vast range of equipment for climbing and
walking as well. For example he tends to stock a lot of spare parts for
repairing walking poles.

http://www.berniescafe.co.uk/

Mike
--
o/ \\ // |\ ,_ o Mike Clark
<\__,\\ // __o | \ / /\, "A mountain climbing, cycling, skiing,
"> || _`\<,_ |__\ \> | immunology lecturer, antibody engineer and
` || (_)/ (_) | \corn computer user"

Mike Clark said:

A good place to see a range of different headlamps is "Bernie's" of
Ingleton.

And you can have a pint of tea and a good slab of cake or a chip buttie
while you're there: it's a very good cafe!

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Peter Clinch said:

Mike Clark said:

A good place to see a range of different headlamps is "Bernie's" of
Ingleton.

And you can have a pint of tea and a good slab of cake or a chip
buttie while you're there: it's a very good cafe!

Bernie's is the best. Way better than Pete's Eats IMO.

Chris
--
Chris Eilbeck
MARS Flight Crew http://www.mars.org.uk/
UKRA #1108 Level 2 UYB
Tripoli UK Member #9527 LSMR

[email hidden] said...

Quoted message said:

Peter Clinch said:

Mike Clark said:

A good place to see a range of different headlamps is "Bernie's" of
Ingleton.

And you can have a pint of tea and a good slab of cake or a chip
buttie while you're there: it's a very good cafe!

Bernie's is the best. Way better than Pete's Eats IMO.

But perhaps a bit of a hike from Llanberis...

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