Headlamp Buying Guide
Shop for Headlamps
Before headlamps existed, climbers, hikers, and cave explorers had a serious disadvantage in the dark. Headlamps have made these and other outdoor activities not only possible but easier because of their ability to let you not only see in the dark but keep your hands free at the same time. Headlamps are small, lightweight, and are easy to store making them a staple in outdoor adventures. Headlamps come in many different types and with many different modes. Some stay on until you turn them off while others offer a strobe light for late night bike rides, or calling for help. Whatever your need is, there is a headlamp for you.
Before you select a headlamp there are a couple questions you should answer to get you on the right path. What are you using the headlamp for? How far do you need the light to cast? Does it need to run on batteries or will you be in an area that allows you to charge it? Does it need to be rugged and withstand the elements? This guide will help you better understand the features of the headlamp as well as help you answer the above questions and narrow down your search to the perfect headlamp for your next adventure.
Headlamp Range:
The range of the headlamp is how far into the dark the light from the headlamp can travel. For example if your are mountain biking at night you would want a headlamp with a range of at least 50 feet in order to see what is in front of you. However, if your are just hanging around your campsite and are using the headlamp to look around and find your equipment in the dark then maybe range is not as important to you so you could consider one that is around 20 feet.
Headlamp Tilt Ability:
Another important consideration in selecting a headlamp is whether you want your headlamp to be able to tilt down or remain in one fixed position. Some headlamps allow the user to be able to tilt the headlamp to shed light at a different angle. This can be essential for reading or other night activities that require the light placed at just the right angle. Headlamps that do not tilt are normally used in situations where you do not want to adjust the headlamp to be perfect, you just want it to shed light in the direction you are looking at. An example of this would be biking or cave exploration.
Head Lamp Weight:
You may not think about it, but the weight of the headlamp can be a huge contributing factor in comfort for night time activities. If you are running or biking you want as little added weight as possible, therefore you would want to consider a headlamp that is around 5 oz as having one like this will allow you to not focus on the weight of the item. Having a heavier unit is OK in situations where you just need light and are not doing strenuous activity, but in most situations a light unit is used.
Headlamp Battery Life:
Battery life is the most important thing you can consider when buying a headlamp. Carrying around extra batteries can add weight to your adventure so the longer your headlamp can run with only one set the better. The last thing you want is to be 50 feet under ground then turn to look down the next corridor and see nothing but darkness since your headlamp has died. So make sure you consider the battery life as well as the max it will run per battery or charge.
Another thing to consider as far as battery life goes, is whether or not your headlamp has a battery indicator to inform you it is starting to run low. This can come in handy when you are climbing or hiking at nightfall and you realize that your battery life is low. Instead of pushing on and having it die you can use the indicator to let you return to camp in the light to get another set of batteries for the headlamp
Headlamp Light Modes:
While most headlamps come with the standard light on or light off modes, some headlamps come with other light modes such as strobe. Headlamps with strobe are helpful in situations where you want to be noticed as the light continuously blinks on and off. Examples of good times for this would be when you are riding a bike at night and want to make sure the car coming around the bend sees you, or when you are trying to signal a friend and/or help in the dark and need a way to get their attention.
In conclusion, headlamps can be a vital companion to any adventurer looking to go out at night. The use of your hands and the ability to have light always facing the way you are looking is priceless asset to your equipment. For more information on headlamps and other equipment be sure to visit OutdoorPros.com
Shop for Headlamps
What is a Head Lamp?
Before headlamps existed, climbers, hikers, and cave explorers had a serious disadvantage in the dark. Headlamps have made these and other outdoor activities not only possible but easier because of their ability to let you not only see in the dark but keep your hands free at the same time. Headlamps are small, lightweight, and are easy to store making them a staple in outdoor adventures. Headlamps come in many different types and with many different modes. Some stay on until you turn them off while others offer a strobe light for late night bike rides, or calling for help. Whatever your need is, there is a headlamp for you.
How to Select a Headlamp
Before you select a headlamp there are a couple questions you should answer to get you on the right path. What are you using the headlamp for? How far do you need the light to cast? Does it need to run on batteries or will you be in an area that allows you to charge it? Does it need to be rugged and withstand the elements? This guide will help you better understand the features of the headlamp as well as help you answer the above questions and narrow down your search to the perfect headlamp for your next adventure.
Headlamp Range:
The range of the headlamp is how far into the dark the light from the headlamp can travel. For example if your are mountain biking at night you would want a headlamp with a range of at least 50 feet in order to see what is in front of you. However, if your are just hanging around your campsite and are using the headlamp to look around and find your equipment in the dark then maybe range is not as important to you so you could consider one that is around 20 feet.
Headlamp Tilt Ability:
Another important consideration in selecting a headlamp is whether you want your headlamp to be able to tilt down or remain in one fixed position. Some headlamps allow the user to be able to tilt the headlamp to shed light at a different angle. This can be essential for reading or other night activities that require the light placed at just the right angle. Headlamps that do not tilt are normally used in situations where you do not want to adjust the headlamp to be perfect, you just want it to shed light in the direction you are looking at. An example of this would be biking or cave exploration.
Head Lamp Weight:
You may not think about it, but the weight of the headlamp can be a huge contributing factor in comfort for night time activities. If you are running or biking you want as little added weight as possible, therefore you would want to consider a headlamp that is around 5 oz as having one like this will allow you to not focus on the weight of the item. Having a heavier unit is OK in situations where you just need light and are not doing strenuous activity, but in most situations a light unit is used.
Headlamp Battery Life:
Battery life is the most important thing you can consider when buying a headlamp. Carrying around extra batteries can add weight to your adventure so the longer your headlamp can run with only one set the better. The last thing you want is to be 50 feet under ground then turn to look down the next corridor and see nothing but darkness since your headlamp has died. So make sure you consider the battery life as well as the max it will run per battery or charge.
Another thing to consider as far as battery life goes, is whether or not your headlamp has a battery indicator to inform you it is starting to run low. This can come in handy when you are climbing or hiking at nightfall and you realize that your battery life is low. Instead of pushing on and having it die you can use the indicator to let you return to camp in the light to get another set of batteries for the headlamp
Headlamp Light Modes:
While most headlamps come with the standard light on or light off modes, some headlamps come with other light modes such as strobe. Headlamps with strobe are helpful in situations where you want to be noticed as the light continuously blinks on and off. Examples of good times for this would be when you are riding a bike at night and want to make sure the car coming around the bend sees you, or when you are trying to signal a friend and/or help in the dark and need a way to get their attention.
In conclusion, headlamps can be a vital companion to any adventurer looking to go out at night. The use of your hands and the ability to have light always facing the way you are looking is priceless asset to your equipment. For more information on headlamps and other equipment be sure to visit OutdoorPros.com
