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Brady W.
Brady W. Sendmail

What kind of headlamp do you use and how do you like it?

posted about 3 years ago | Report

I'm always interested in better gear and am very happy with my current headlamp. I picked up the Petzl Tikka XP based on a review in Backpacker Magazine. Here's a link since they explain it better than I could: http://www.backpacker.com/april_2006_gear_headlamp_review_tikka/gear/10347?page=1

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  • Boer Z.
    Boer Z. Sendmail

    I own quite a number of headlamps because I love backpacking and rock climbing. The Petzl Tikka XP is a good headlamp, it's bright and lightweight. For another good compact headlamp, check out the Black Diamond Spot.
    http://www.bdel.com/gear/spot.php
    I like the fact it has a main (1-watt) LED and 3 small LEDs, not only does it give you a choice between using a spot light and area light, it also give you a backup in the very unlikely event that one of the LEDs gets damaged. And it's just a bit heavier than the Tikka XP.

    For something seriously bright (and on the heavier side), I like my Princeton Tec Apex. I picked it up after one night climbing trip in Colorado where I missed my belay anchor because I couldn't find it with my headlamp.
    http://www.princetontec.com/?q=node/67

    It's the brightest LED headlamp I have, although it's bulky and a bit heavy with four AA batteries. But because of the battery pack on the back of your head and the three straps, it's actually pretty balanced when you wear it. There's now an Apex Pro version that uses 2 CR123 batteries. That cuts down a bit on the bulk and the weight.
    http://www.princetontec.com/?q=node/68

    posted about 3 years ago | Report

  • Kevin S.
    Kevin S. Sendmail

    I use a variation of this homemade light: http://www.racedaynutrition.com/features/bikelight.aspx
    Instead of three Luxeon LEDs I just use one. The pace of running the trails is slower than mountain biking, so I can get away with throwing less light. Depending on your build, it requires two AA batteries. Wearing a hat helps absorb some of the jostling.

    posted about 3 years ago | edited about 3 years ago | Report

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