headlamps

[eneumeier]

Mine are old, weak, and the straps are all stretched out. There are so many new ones on the market, what do people like best? Liz

[David M]

Hi Liz,

I've found the Black Diamond Storm to be reliable and friendly to the wallet. It also carries a level of waterproof certification. 

https://www.rei.com/product/117628/black-diamond-storm-headlamp

I also keep one of these in my PFD in a vacuum sealed bag should darkness ever be a surprise. 

https://www.petzl.com/US/en/Sport/CLASSIC-headlamps/ePLUSLITE

Outdoor Gear Labs has tested dozens...

https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-headlamp

Edited November 9, 2020 by David M

[gyork]

Hard to beat the price of these HEADLAMPS, and claim a discharge of 30h on the white low mode, which is plenty of light around the campground. Not waterproof, but IPX4 water resistant (Who here has swam whilst paddling @ nite???) Has WHITE HI/Low/Blinking and RED low/Blinking modes. Bought the package of 3 (discounted; bring 2 for tripping, keep spare in car/bedside/mudroom closet). No worries about low batteries with these IF you fully charge your lamps prior to your overnight trips.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DNDMSLY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

g (Captain Frugalmeister)

Edited November 10, 2020 by gyork

[mhabich]

This raises questions:

--AAA batteries which can be kept as spares but which can corrode vs rechargeable?

--Usefulness of red light for night nav

Other good ideas for night nav?

(there was a previous discussion of lighting compasses at 

 

[John Martinsen]

I like the usb rechargeable headlamps. Charges from a portable battery pack, same one I use to charge the phone. 

[gyork]

Also, somewhat related, from the archives:

 

 

 

I don't expect there are many that doing nite nav in unfamiliar territory, but the on-land utility of having a red light "is glowing" at the camping outings, especially around the campfire and dinner table (once upon a time), as a less irksome distraction than the directly-in-the-eyes white. 

g

Edited November 11, 2020 by gyork

[Pintail]

<Usefulness of red light for night nav>

<Other good ideas for night nav>

First off, Mike, I do not know why people think red light so useful for night-time activities: Cessna stopped using red cockpit lighting almost sixty years ago!  That should tell you something...?  White lighting with rheostats turned down is far preferable and, by the way, how might you discern details in red on your charts if using red light?

Secondly (and here I have firm ideas that are not always agreed with by others), it is my belief that showing nav lights on a kayak gives a false sense of <traffic> to other boats.  I would far rather remove myself from traffic situations and be aware of where the <others> are -- and keep my own night-vision sharp.  Of course, "glow-lamp-thingies" (chemical sticks) may be useful when paddling in a group; but they can still disrupt the vision of others in the group when they are fresh.

Any kayaker needs to be aware of other boaters at all times, even in broad daylight, so why change anything at night?  The laws require that we carry a white light that <may be showed> to traffic if necessary, I think you will find...

One of the tiniest chemical sticks (about 1" long) is a good idea for illuminating the compass, if you really need to navigate.  (The <only> time I have ever needed to navigate properly at night was during BCU training operations.  If I circumnavigate Cape Ann at night, I don't need a compass or light with which to read: I keep the shoreline on one side or the other, depending on which direction I am paddling -- I wouldn't likely be out in night-time fog!)  ?