(Part 3) Best camping headlamps according to redditors

I use this.

If you buy the rechargeable pack (always have two).

You’re set. I’ve done beach, mountain, foreign countries, winter, summer, you name it.

The thing is indestructible and weight conscious.

Usually the battery lasts about 15- 20 hours to a charge.

I carry two for 3-4 night backpacking. I’ve NEVER been let down and I’ve tried every friggin headlamp out there in the past 20 years.

> Whenever you are thinking of doing something, imagine it going horribly wrong and ending up in an NTSB report. If you read that report would you shake your head and mutter 'man that pilot is dumb'?

Double vote for this. I've scratched a bunch of flights in my short career on the grounds of "if it goes wrong the NTSB report would make me look like a dumbass."

Also, on the subject of backup cockpit lighting, I love this thingy. White for pre-flight, red for preserving night vision, and hands-free. Costs less than half a tank of gas for your car.

Just some extra comments as I go back through the photos again… I know I talk (write) a lot, but maybe somebody will appreciate some of the thought processes I've had. If you have suggestions for me, let me know, too!

Eventually I will have a full-size spare, which means I'll have to give up that foam shelf and either tuck more things around in little spaces or get another bag so stuff isn't just rolling around loose.

Why a charger for radios but no actual radios? I usually only take those when my wife and I go camping/hiking. This just ensures I always have a way to recharge them. Eventually, though, I do want to have another identical radio to leave in the car. I have Uniden GMR5089, which lets my wife and I talk on our own private channel as well as receive NOAA weather stations.

Cold Steel Jungle Machete. There were several times I wished I'd had a machete, so I got one. I like this one. Wasn't too expensive, either.

Stanley 55-099 FatMax Xtreme FUBAR (cheaper at Home Depot).
I really wanted the Stanley 55-121 Forcible Entry Tool, but it's just so expensive, and my Home Depot doesn't even carry it. Also considered the Dead-on Annihilator, and I liked that it had "more tools"-in-one, but the FUBAR felt more hefty and less likely to break when I need a hammer.

Orion Road Flare Kit. Took me a while to find a place to get actual flares, not just strobe lights or chem lights. Of all places, found them at a pilot store. These double as fire starters.

What about something smaller to make fire? Well, I live just a few miles from work. And it's summer. Once I get home, if I need to grab the HURREVAC/BOB, it has a more complete fire-making kit.

HalGuard HG250R fire extinguisher. Not cheap. Hopefully it proves worth the investment, if I ever need to use it.

I'm super happy with my bungee cord solution. Up until last night, it had been a ball of cords stuffed in a bag. Then I spent some time wandering around WalMart looking for options. If you're looking for ideas, check the boating aisle: a fishing rod holder was another option I considered—a lot of people use a length of PVC pipe, and that's all the rod holder is—but it costs about $7. Also, look at the extension cord aisle for some organizers that can be as little as 96¢. I went with the middle option: $3 for a small wire kitchen shelf which I think works better with the various sizes of cords, although it is heavier.

I haven't tested the bolt cutters, yet. I'm hoping it can get through small chains and padlocks, or at least through chain-link fencing.

I know I need some food. It's on the shopping list. Still looking for a good option. Got any suggestions?

While a lot of things were already in the car, I just put together the GHB over the past week. Recently, I ended up with a dead battery and had to jump my car while I was on base. It wasn't a big deal, but it was so hot out, and the cables and cars were dirty, which, again, not a huge deal… except that I was in my service uniform and had no change of clothes. So my biggest concern is that I have something else to put on in the event I need to do some work or walk back home. Then once I had the bag in the trunk, I started putting the loose items in it.

A few more items are on the way right now. Spare batteries for my EDC flashlight (PD35), a headlamp, and a headlamp case should arrive tomorrow and will go in the GHB, too.

What else you got for me?

Edit: Not pictured is a Rand-McNally I keep in the map pocket on the back of the passenger seat. Also, I really wish I could have a weapon and ammo hidden in a lockbox in the car, but since I work on a military base, it sadly isn't an option until we get that law changed.

Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for my honest review. The olight S1 Baton though I bought myself and EDC it everyday :D.

Olight is also having a black friday sale, Nov. 24th-28th up to 20-35%!
http://imgur.com/8SFWhcG


The Olight H1 Nova is essentially a headlamp version of the S1 Baton, but better in a few ways. First off it's actually somehow a little smaller and lighter than the S1 Baton which is nice. Second, it has a very wide optic for a flood of light, which is awesome in a headlamp. It is a little bit heavier than the cheaper Olight headlamp(same 15 optic as S1) that runs on 2xAAA but it's not very noticeable when wearing it, it's very light. Much like the S1 and not the S1R, it does not come with a rechargeable battery or charger, but it does take RCR123 batteries. The mode spacing and lumen output of the H1 is basically the same as the S1R so I don't have much to comment on that.

Overall though, I think new EDC flashlight enthusiasts should really look at this H1 Nova as an EDC light, even over an S1 Baton. Personally I LOVE the huge button on the H1, and the ability to turn it into an actual headlamp. The S1R Baton is handy with it's magnet and ability to attach to a cap to sort of use as a headlamp, but those are only useful in key instances. For me, I always carry a toolbox at work, and its far more useful to have a headlamp than a flashlight.

Last thing I want to mention is the TIR optic, in my photos I compared it to my ghetto rigged DQG tiny 4th with a flood optic, and after using that I have to say I really love floody beams now. The cheaper Olight headlamp as I mentioned before has a 15 optic and I just never really use it for that reason. For a headlamp I feel a floody optic is just a given, but even my DQG is my most used general purpose flashlight because of it's wide flood of light.


In conclusion, if I had to do it all over again, I'd probably get this H1 Nova instead of an S1 Baton because of it's floody optic, multi purpose, and 90% because of the huge button.

it can be bought here:

Olight Store

[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Olight-Headlamp-Battery-Rechargeable-LumenTac/dp/B01MQCB0EW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1479178352&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=Olight+H1&psc=1 BR)

Ouch, losing a $70 flashlight. There are a bunch of lights available like these. Many are buying the A1S, I picked up a Sofirn SP31 which is quite nice and about 5000K tint. And if you can wait another week, Thorfire will have the TK15s out similar to the other two, and they usually discount the heck out of them with coupon codes.

Sofirn doesn't list the color temp, but here is what it looks like compared to a known 5000k tint of the BLF A6. A6 on the left, Sofirn SP31 on the right. Pretty identical tint.

The Acebeam H30 can do 120 lumens for almost 24 hours. It comes with a 21700 cell but also an 18650 adapter. It has built in charging and can act as a power bank. It packs a ton of features. Check out my review of it.

Hello there! I don't normally run at night. I have made mention before in this sub that my neighborhood is sketchy, so I don't run/walk around it once it gets dark. However, I have ran a night time trail race (so much fun!) I normally wear a headlamp: this particular one is highly recommended by my running friend! and will usually carry a small light in my hand. Trails are a little trickier though, so you may not need as much light when running road.

On road runs, I don't usually worry about fuel but I do carry a handheld water bottle because I get thirsty easily. For trail runs though (which are my longer runs, usually 15+ miles), I usually carry some sort of gummies or jelly beans for fuel. My other running friends carry GU other types of energy "gels", but I can't tolerate the texture so the gummies work fine for me and are usually cheaper.

My favorite race distance so far is 50k. I don't normally run more than 10 miles on road because it bores me a bit, but I have run up to 40 miles on trails. 50k seems like my sweet spot right now. My favorite race was the Dirty German 50k. How about yourself?

Really awesome of you to do this giveaway! I️ hope I️ win, for the night is dark and full of terrors!

https://www.amazon.com/Third-Eye-Headlamps-Flashlight-Performance/dp/B01MSJZ3RO?th=1&psc=1

Okay, here's my novel. Hope this isn't overload! I've never shot aurorae (wish I could!), but I've done a lot of night photography.

I shoot Nikon, so I'm out as far as lens recommendations. I don't think you'd need a particularly fast lens (at least I'd never take these kind of shots at f1.8-f2.8), but I would definitely have a good wide- to super-wide zoom lens, and a good medium focal-length zoom range lens (or a few good primes).

Other stuff:

• Do a lot of night photography in the months before you go: It will seriously clue you in to many of the photographic hazards you are likely to come across, and it will definitely tell you a lot of the things that will come in handy. I'd suggest a few full-moon and new-moon shoots to really get the hang of it.
  
  
• Definitely have a remote trigger, preferably one with a timer, but a watch with timer or a stop-watch would work well as long as you're near the camera when the timer goes off. Wandering is easy to do when you have shots in the range of minutes and you're out all night. If you can just set the camera itself to do 30 second exposures (and you like that), all the better.
  
  
• Keep a good number of batteries on you, and if you're in serious cold, keep the ones not in use inside your jacket to keep them warm until needed. Serious cold (like around or below freezing) will reduce the normal shooting time of your batteries. Long exposures take a lot of juice, so make sure you have enough in charge in your battery to go the distance on longer shots. Re-warming low batteries up in your jacket may give you a bit more time for shorter shots.
  
  
• Get a red headlamp, if possible, so you can see in the dark and not blow your night vision (or someone else's). Black Diamond makes a great Spot light that can be switched from white light to low-level red. Or, you can get a keychain light for cheaper that might do the trick.
  
  
• I found that a double-axis hot-shoe level is also very handy to have for keeping the camera level, but they can be pricey little buggers.
  
  
• HeatMax hand (or other) warmers in your gloves or pockets are fantastic on super cold nights. They are completely safe and non-toxic, and last for a while. You can even re-vitalize them a bit by shaking them when they cool down.
  
  
• I'm sure you have the cold-weather gear covered, so to speak, but a beanie or some other warm head gear will be very welcome, and you'll lose heat a lot less quickly with it.
  
  
• Long exposure noise reduction is your friend and a curse. It will reduce sensor noise that is inevitable in long exposures, but it will also probably double the exposure/processing time (it's a long explanation). It's a must for very long exposures, though.
  
  
• However... You might find this article useful: Bodie Night Photography: 5D Mark II Wide Angle Lenses and Noise Reduction
  
  
• Camera shake: Okay it's elementary, but obviously don't touch the camera or tripod while it's shooting a long exposure. I say this because it's easy to forget when you're out for a while. This is one reason a remote is a good thing, even if you're shooting less than 30 seconds in Manual or Bulb.
  
  
• In windy situations, you'll get some camera/tripod shake. You can help this by weighing the tripod down from the center post with your camera bag, etc.
  
  I definitely welcome corrections if I screwed up or missed something.
  
  EDIT: Bogged story down further with more plot lines. The love interest becomes a sparkly vampire. Sorry.

Little more than your budget, but I really like this rechargeable one from Black Diamond. Light output is good for working, it's small, pretty indestructible, and you'll see back your money from AAAs in no time.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LE9ZF9G

18650 headlamps I have and use:

• Nitecore H60
  
• Armytek Wizard Pro v3
  
• $27 Amazon jobby in multiple variations
  
  The Armytek build quality is loads better than the nitecore and additionally the nitecores micro usb charging is a pita to get to and doesnt work correctly. The Armytek Elf C2 would have been a better choice due to the harshness of the environment in which I'm using the Wizard.
  It is extremely easy to get something on the magnetic charger on either side and make it not work without wiping off down in the crevices of the charger.
  
  

From the UL Shoestring Guide, Pure Outdoor Headlamp by Monoprice - $10, 2.2oz

I purchased a Foxelli Headlamp - $13, 2.4oz because it has slightly better specs, it's on Amazon, and comes with a 1-year warranty.

Montbell has a Mini Head Lamp - $16, 1.5oz, but it uses CR2032 batteries. Even comes in pink for the fanny pack people.

I’ve tried at least half a dozen from Klein, Milwaukee, Coast, Petzl in the past few years and the Black Diamond Spot 325 has been far and above my favorite.

The Broadbeam LED is also pretty awesome for work in tight quarters... But not particularly rugged.

I only run at night and I use the Black Diamond Sprinter headlamp.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MG53ZEU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_4VtIybRC58HV4

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M9H41FL/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01M9H41FL&pd_rd_wg=ly1ww&pd_rd_r=6KWA888DB5BXG9401Z3Q&pd_rd_w=mbaMV

This looks like a great headlamp : )
Thanks for doing this!

I'm a huge fan of the Black Diamond series. I like that I can do on-off without having to cycle and it has dim option. Ranges from basic to environmentally sealed.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FND0NG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005FND0NG&linkCode=as2&tag=helpmegetamil-20&linkId=ANHXOV2SUBCRFIO7

Get a headlamp and a reflective vest.

I recommend the Sprinter by Black Diamond. It's got lights on the front and the back, is rechargeable, is really bright, and it pretty light-weight.

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-Sprinter-Headlamp-Titanium/dp/B003PQW4LO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405115256&sr=8-1&keywords=black+diamond+sprinter

Thanks. Hoping for this one.

Thanks for the opportunity:-)

SkilHunt H03R RC 18650 CREE Super Bright USB Magnetic Rechargeable 1200 Lumen LED Headlamp Outdoor Camping Fishing Walking Riding Running Hiking Flashlight(Neutral White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0797KNK93/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_pCgpDbF607V3F

I just broke one of these and would love another!

https://www.amazon.com/Foxelli-USB-Rechargeable-Headlamp-Flashlight/dp/B07BGFXG9P/ref=zg_bs_tab_pd_bsnr_2?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=ZD3GDV62GESK04NJ0TF0

Nice. I have a cap light too. I prefer them. I haven’t tried green yet. Was going to look into this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GNVP7D2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zqD7BbHRXDCCT

This is what I use.