Visit us at.... www.coalcrackerbushcraft.com or Follow us on Social Media for updates! / coalcrackerbushcraft / coalcrackerbushcraft and as always.... Stay in the Woods, Dan
Top tip. ALWAYS carry two torches. Trying to swap out dead batteries for fresh ones in pitch blackness is no fun. Having a back-up torch (and keeping it readily available for this exact purpose) makes the task simple. I always carry a head torch, a pocket torch, and spare batteries for both, and this has served me well for decades.
After some years of trying different things, I basically carry a similar set - one torch and one head lamp. And torch has a clip that can attach it to a baseball cap. Over a year ago I found an amazing little "Fenix E-LITE" which is rechargable with USB-C. I think they discontinued that one. The only problem with it was a plastic clip that is usually breaking when you put it too many times on your baseball cap. So I made a mod by gluing a steel spring clip from an old smartphone holder instead of a broken plastic one. And I carry it clipped to my keys. It was so nice, that I actually bought online a second one with a broken clip (much cheaper), made the same mod and gave it to my dad 😁
I chose a headlamp that has a high and low white light and a red light. It has the batteries behind the light and that little box tips down from a little to a lot, that way I don't blind others but also I don't have to adjust my head down to get the light to shine on what my hands are doing. The tip feature, for me, is also a must.
I have a Fenix rechargeable headlanp, with a replaceble battery! When running low, i replace it with my spear one! The spear fits also in my back up hanglamp! I have also a little one, on my key! Ofcourse, my less favoured ones stays at home! Because pepperspray is illegal in my country, i take my big 11k lumen tactical handlamp, Witch i can use as batton, when going to the theatre, having a beer in the nearest city and so on! In the woods i dont need it ( Camp hammer/ hatched will do the job )
Me too but I have rechargeable headlamp for everyday short term use. I prefer the replaceable battery type headlamp if I’m in woods for extended use. Red light option is a must also. 👍
Having the ability to adjust a head lamp from straight ahead to downward is nice too, so you do not have to move your head an neck unnaturally to get the light where you want it, especially important for those of us with glasses.
After much trial and error camping, I now always take a headlamp. The ability to illuminate and have both hands free is essential. I also make sure I have at least one red light with me. Not only does it seem to save my night vision, but it also doesnt seem to attract flying biting bugs light midges and mosquitos.
I can always tell if someone is from the north or the south. A headlamp in the south during summer is a county wide invitation for every bug/flying insect around to come straight to your face. The only time I use a headlamp in the summer where I live is in red mode. That seems to keep the bug problem to a minimum.
Yes! That's my all time favorite, I've had multitudes over the years and keep coming back to the basic Energizer headlamp, it has never let me down like all the others do!
Love my Energizer headlamps-one is the classic model you described, the other locks when you press both buttons, has a dimmer, and both red and green lights. I've bought others, used them for a night, and switched back.
I'm a plane mechanic in Alaska that also enjoys bushcraft and ultralight hiking, and I will swear by the Fenix HM50R all day, every day. It's super light, has 4 white light settings and the newer models have a dimmable red light, as well. It comes with a rechargeable battery or you can swap that out for a standard CR123 battery. I've never had one break on me, despite drops, snags, getting soaked with water, rattling around in my pocket, being kicked across asphalt, getting covered in petroleum products. The only time I've had to replace it was when I lost one on a work trip and someone else (wisely) walked off with it. I don't even blame them! Liked it so much, I bought a third one to keep at home and for camping. It's super light, has all the features Dan recommends, and I have used it from -50°F to 98°F in pouring rain. I love that I can shove it in a pocket with a quarter turn of the switch/battery cover and it won't turn on until I need to use it. No, I'm not sponsored, it's just a damn good headlamp and I can't recommend it highly enough. Worth every penny, thrice!
Another good video. Love the tip about using a clip on a small torch to put on a hat. Three tips I employ. 1 Never ever store with batteries in the headlamp/flashlight. As soon as I get back home, pop the batteries out and place the headlamp/flashlight and batteries in a ziploc bag to avoid the dreaded leaking battery issue. 2 Always check the batteries are good/fresh BEFORE leaving while you are packing. 3 And finally, if the camp is "ok" lit, I will slip the headlamp down around my neck to less the risk of being "that person" who blinds folks. Keep up the great work.
Bushnell makes a headlamp that accepts the rechargeable battery (included) and the disposable batteries as well. It has every feature except for the strobe. I absolutely love it. It hits all the marks. Just my opinion.
Flash lights and knives. I own dozens of each because that’s what I love. My favorite torch is small, rechargeable and doubles as a plasma arc lighter. My new favorite headlamp is also rechargeable, high and low white spotlight, white floodlight, and high and low red light. The coolest part is you can set each mode manually or have your selected mode come on and off with a wave of your hand. As for batteries, if I’m going off grid for a while, I’m bringing a solar powered rechargeable power bank because the phone is going to need juice too.
I carry a handheld torch and a Suunto headlamp that has a red and orange light. It's a great unit; just wish it started on the lowest light setting as the default instead of the brightest.
A light that I have come to use in camp a lot, is my hat that has 4 LED lights built into the bill of the hat. You can run 2 lights or all 4 if you want. It works great for just moving around, cooking or tasks on a table or on your lap.
I love simplicity and it is always reassuring to find that a professional like your self cofirms that. I also believe in redundancy so i also carry a straight torch that can act as a spare battery carrier or fill in if the headlamp dies.
I chose a headlight with a high power spot light, a wide dimmable light and a red light. With some spare batteries I’ve never used. I use this when I have do tasks or walk in the dark. With a small candle lantern as camp light. Nice, calming and enough light to do anything when sitting down and relaxing.
I started using headlights in the woods over 30 years ago. Before they became the in thing. I always carry a hand held as well. Dan, thanks for always putting out some top notch content.
Oh wow, great vid here, thank you so much, I use my Petzl headlamp every day, but yes it is good to also have a hand-held flash light, especially with a... "hat clip" ! 👍 👍 👍
I own a lot of lights and headlamps and can say that one of my fav "camp lights" is this mini orange 1 aaa waterproof keychain lantern that also does sos. Hang it on a ridge line or in a shelter or use it as a small around the camp flood light. Never let me down. Cheap too.
There are TONS of amazing lights available these days. Headlamps are absolutely invaluable around camp. Handheld flashlights are just as much when doing different tasks. You should have both!!!
Top tip. A headlamp on full blast is what attracts bugs best. If you don’t like that, keep it dimmed until you need the extra light. That BD Cosmo is pretty good. I used the same one for years. I then switched to the BD Revolt and the Cosmo got downgraded to my car (where I use it less). Revolt is great. One touch on the side bumps it up to full power. Another touch and it’s back to where it was. Revolt has rechargeable batteries, so as someone who uses it every night, that makes a difference to the battery bill. I can also remove the rechargeable battery and install 2 x AA. I haven’t had any use for that feature though as I always have a battery bank when away from home anyway (recharges other items too). Tilting feature and red light are also a must. Area lighting is handy, but not as useful.
I remember in the late 90s and early 2000s the old lights we used during 24 hour mtb races. They were halogen bulbs and used massive heavy battery packs shaped to fit in the bottle cages of the bikes. Not very bright and cost hundreds of dollars. Now the tiniest led lights mounted on the handlebar are ridiculously better in every way. I have a very expensive Petzl headlamp I bought years ago, it is junk compared to an Enegizer brand I bought at Lowes for less than 20 bucks. Lighting has come a long way, but you are right. We only need so much. I now carry a small headlamp and a couple extra batteries and that’s it.
I have ball caps which have lights in the bill . Haven’t seen them lately, but the ones I have are awesome. Battery’s are watch batteries and last a while.
A case for having an 800+ lumens flashlight on hand is when going into unexpected areas. In my case when hiking certain parts or for the camping situation when stepping outside the established camp site, I much prefer to pull out the brightest light possible so I can spot all the critters. One urban trail in my area that we like to hike at night gets covered in spider webs with some really big suckers lurking in the shadows. Head lamps have not given us enough notice. Great video. Thanks!
Here in Scotland we avoid areas with lots of cobwebs. Not because of the spiders themselves but because lots of webs means there must be plenty of food for them in that area. You know, like skeeters, midges etc. We don't want to be their food!
I needed a proper headlamp a few years ago and wanted one with rechargable capability. I found my batteries only Energizer ones were fine for basic emergency kit use, but limiting for night hiking. I'm not out hiking in the dark much per se, but sometimes you hike up a hill to see a sunset and need to safely get back to the car after. I looked at a lot of models and wanted the perk of the dividend value of the purchase at REI. That was Petzl vs. Black Diamond, both are excellent. Petzl Atik Core was my ultimate choice because it has a rechargeable battery pack that can be charged from my car battery or solar generator, but that battery pack fits into a spot where I can also use conventional batteries if I cannot charge for some reason. It has three white brightnesses plus red, it's a versatile choice without extra features, and I've been happy with its performance overall in the 2-3 years I've owned and used it.
Great ideas. A person needs to get one they are willing to carry. If you can't afford to, then take what is available. One thing you find is if something is a hassle, the more likely it will stay at home. If you are a person that wears a hat make sure it rides well on a hat. If it is to heay then when you tilt your head down it might be nose heavy and push the brim down especially if you don't have much hair.
Im a submariner. We are dependent on our lights. I always had an led lenser f1 on my belt and also a dimmable headlamp by edelrid and petzl. proofed very useful in working with ropes in dark and wet conditions, dont want to miss this stuff👌. I can also recommend the led lenser ML4 as a tiny camping lantern or as a reading/bedside lamp 😝🤘🤘
I also have a hand-rechargeable flashlight. If other light sources go down, I can still rotate the handle of this flashlight and use it for a while. Not very bright but pretty okay as a backup.
Great video!!! I like my OLight that can be hand held or a head light. I always keep a Walmart headlamp that uses batteries (300 lumens max). 150 lumens is enough to do most tasks. But I like a very bright one mainly to see critters that need to be taken care of.
You can find headlamps with separate power and mode buttons and they are awesome. This video is full of facts you hit on many of my pet peeves about flashlights. Replaceable batteries are great if they are in sets of two if you get rechargeable ones they only charge 2 at a time. A lot of cheap headlamps take 3 tripleAs and I CANT STAND IT! 😅
I have headlamp with the batterypack attached with a cable to the lamp. Batterypack can be taken off the headband. What is good with this is that I can keep the batterypack off the headband and inside my jacket in a pocket. Very practical wintertime since the batteries get drained when in cold but can now keep warm inside my jacket.
Dan, Great subject. My favorite hand held is a push button: Hi - Lo- Off. I hate these tactical push the button "60 times" to find the one I want. The slide focus is good too. Thanks
Great video with great info. The Black Diamond Storm series of headlamps are amazing (I think the last one you showed in the video was one of those). I've been using them exclusively.
The head lamp with the battery in the back is great for work, it is a little heavy, but it lasts all day and can be recharged at lunch and break if needed. I do carry a 2nd head lamp that takes batteries when I go camping as a backup. Also, in my woods there is enough light pollution that one could get away without a light.
I have several Nitecore lights, because the ones I have all use the same battery - 18650. If I need a headlamp, I just use a rubberband to hold it to my hat. That particular one has a intensity dial on it which I keep very low, so I don't blind people and I can stand it up and reflect light off the top, or bottom, of the tent or tarp, as needed.
I have a 18650 head light with red and white lights with 4 levels of brightness.. use it daily for everything.. Would be lost without it. Batteries last a lot longer than any batteries.
I try to gear all lights and equipment around one type of disposable battery. Only one type to carry, and if a piece goes down, batteries can be used elsewhere.
Handheld: I went for the Nextorch P80 with an adjustable holster that carries easily on my belt or mole vest and backpack. It's mostly used on the go. My headlamp is adjustable in light intensity and angle and is mostly used at the camp site. Great vid as always!
I have a light that is a band across my forehead, if I have a hat on it’s great because it lights up a wide area. If I don’t have a hat it is behind my glasses and it ends up blinding me from reflection. So I gets left in the bag a lot! I don’t wear hats very often…
I love the headlamp that I use. It has a red light that I use more than anything. When fishing I wear it around my neck. When I need it I pop it on and it covers more than I need.
The only thing that I could see the strobe for would be if you were lost and needed someone to see you easier and either incapacitated or only had one hand and were using that hand.
I prefer a handheld light. My headlamp is on a "need to use" basis. I can point a handheld much, much, much faster than a headlamp. There are a lot of critters around here that want to eat me and i need something that I can illuminate quicker than my head can turn. I can also keep lights on target while on the move away from it.
Always 2 light sources. Extra batteries in dry bag. When ever not in use, one battery is turned backwards, so as to not accidentally discharge. If not using for extended periods, batteries removed.
As a caver, I understand the importance of a high quality headlamp. Most Cheap headlamps will not handle moisture and humidity. ALWAYS bring a second or third light source.
I've gone for the "Handheld-with-a-clip" option, myself. I was never sold on the idea of headlamps, because I've always found it easier to rig a flashlight as a headlamp than vice versa. So I've gotten a couple of Maglite Solitaires, and put a clip on one of them . . . which now resides inside the pockets of my Wazoo Cache cap for use in emergencies. I did find an interesting light from Coast, which can clip either onto a hat or onto a pocket, and I'm eager to see how useful it is, as a secondary light....
I keep a headlamp for when I am working at night, on road construction. I want to make sure that oncoming drivers see me, since the flagger is the first line of defense for those construction workers.
I like a head lamp with adjustable levels, a red light and tilt feature that uses regular or rechargeable batteries. I have a Petzl headlamp that does all this. I also carry a Petzl e+LITE. This light is always in my emergency kit on every hike and I have used it twice in an unplanned situation.....Take care, Bluefin.
Any of the Blackdiamond lights are good quality, i have an older one and my wife uses the rechargeable Storm that she runs eith at night. For work doing construction, the Milwaukee one with the battery on the back of the head is nice because it runs bright for an 8 hour shift on one battery, but Id never take it backpacking, it's chunky. The one thing I may disagree with Dan on this one is the need to be able to use a light in a tactical situation. I had a run in with a bear a couple years ago and was able to drive it off with the strobe setting on my tactical flashlight. A tactical style flashlight is an absolute must for me everyday no matter where I am.
Have always had head lamps with replaceable battery's. Made a mistake in buying the Olight perun mini some years back, to put beside my bed. when I checked it after awhile it was dead, Glad I didn't have a emergency that I needed for! Went back to a headlamp that uses replaceable battery's. Though the Olight away!
Many choices, relatively inexpensive. Try multiple versions, you will find what works for you. I use handheld for spotlight and headlamp for camp chores, and weapon lights with night vision and thermal on helmet. Joking, I'm broke and cannot afford thermals or nods on anything, but I damn sure would if I could!
I had a petzel headlamp that took two AA batteries when I worked security on construction sites almost 20 years ago, not liking disposable batteries I used NIMH rechargeable batteries in it same as in a set of back to back FRS/PMR446 handy talkies by Motorola, also used a 6D cell maglite for throwing a beam across warehouses under construction.
@@RS-xq6je in England certain things were frowned upon back then, nowadays even the side handle attachment I had on it could be twisted by lawyers even though I had it so that "if I fell the flashlight would take the impact instead of my hand" lol my boss approved it's use on the sites when I had to see half a mile or more and I was solo except maybe a working dog for company between 20 minute radio checks.
I always wear a hat so I got an o light I3T EOS with a hat Bill clip, only two modes high and low beam, it runs off of one AAA battery so it's easy to replace when it runs out, just use rechargeable batteries if you're worried about throwing away batteries.. as soon as it's dead, Clips on to your hat Brim so it's a combination handheld headlamp and I think they're about 20 bucks from a reputable awesome company I own a few different brands of theirs but my daily carry is an O light the o'pen 2 and the i3t EOS. I also clip it to the top of my hat not on the inside cuz this is an impediment and it's easier to switch the modes if it's on top of the brim not hanging under the brim clipped on
I always carry a rechargeable for primary usage with a Solar chargeable power pack and a battery powered as a backup. Rechargeable batteries for that as well, and a battery charger. That way all of my devices can be used indefinitely if need be. You never know
Living in the frozen north as I do (around the southern tip of the Alaskan panhandle,Canadian side) lights aren't that important in the summer. Rather than a headlamp, I have found hats with LEDs. I wear a hat anyway; headlamps are difficult then. I always carry a couple tube type flaslights: 1 single AAA type that can be clamped between 2 fingers, and a larger 2 AA for looking out for thornbushes when looking for a bathroom in the dark!! In the winter I often work nites, and nites are much longer, 3ish pm til 9ish am, and I've found the hat lights last 3 or 4 nites on watch batteries which isn't really that bad when they're on for 5-6hours a nite. I rarely change the batteries in the summer. I have a couple rechargeable flashlights that are always at home because they don't last. Far simpler to carry a couple spare batteries than a charging setup.
I use a 40 lumen or so rechargeable headlamp at work because I sometimes use it like four hours a day so I actually have two of them in my toolbox. At home for fishing I have an 80 lumen single light for fishing at night. For camping etc I have a lighter lamp, like 40-60 lumens. I used to have the multi colored lights but all I need is one color so I get a better lamp for the price. I have a regular flashlight in my junk drawer at work that I found once it uses I think C batteries but I have never used it ever.
A headlamp with comparable throw as a good, focused handheld would blind the user from the reflection off objects. Too bright is actually a real thing. I try to keep the same batteries between lights. AAA lithium in handheld and headlamp is convenient and quickly changed.
Totally agree that the headlamps with battery pack are not worth it. They also break a lot more and are expensive. Just put an extra set of batteries in your pocket. On rechargeables people should know that just because they are the same size they are not the same battery. You will get longer battery life from regular non-rechargeable batteries. For handhelds get something that is not too big and that does not have a metal shell. That sucker is going to be held in your teeth at some point and you don’t want to be biting a metal pipe.
Top tip. ALWAYS carry two torches. Trying to swap out dead batteries for fresh ones in pitch blackness is no fun.
Having a back-up torch (and keeping it readily available for this exact purpose) makes the task simple.
I always carry a head torch, a pocket torch, and spare batteries for both, and this has served me well for decades.
I had posted the same idea
I always carry spare kerosene and wicks when using torches... I've never found a need for batteries when using torches.
After some years of trying different things, I basically carry a similar set - one torch and one head lamp. And torch has a clip that can attach it to a baseball cap. Over a year ago I found an amazing little "Fenix E-LITE" which is rechargable with USB-C. I think they discontinued that one. The only problem with it was a plastic clip that is usually breaking when you put it too many times on your baseball cap. So I made a mod by gluing a steel spring clip from an old smartphone holder instead of a broken plastic one. And I carry it clipped to my keys. It was so nice, that I actually bought online a second one with a broken clip (much cheaper), made the same mod and gave it to my dad 😁
@@Confoil That is simple minded thinking.
@@pluralofblue Incl spear prescription glasses! Otherwise the flashlight is useless when losing my glasses cq Hubble telescoops!
I chose a headlamp that has a high and low white light and a red light. It has the batteries behind the light and that little box tips down from a little to a lot, that way I don't blind others but also I don't have to adjust my head down to get the light to shine on what my hands are doing. The tip feature, for me, is also a must.
I was going to comment that the ability to adjust the lamp up and down is important as well.
Same, tilting headlamp with red setting is great. Great for tasks in the dark where you need your hands free, like taking a leak in the woods.
I have a Fenix rechargeable headlanp, with a replaceble battery!
When running low, i replace it with my spear one!
The spear fits also in my back up hanglamp!
I have also a little one, on my key!
Ofcourse, my less favoured ones stays at home!
Because pepperspray is illegal in my country, i take my big 11k lumen tactical handlamp, Witch i can use as batton, when going to the theatre, having a beer in the nearest city and so on!
In the woods i dont need it
( Camp hammer/ hatched will do the job )
Me too but I have rechargeable headlamp for everyday short term use. I prefer the replaceable battery type headlamp if I’m in woods for extended use. Red light option is a must also. 👍
Having the ability to adjust a head lamp from straight ahead to downward is nice too, so you do not have to move your head an neck unnaturally to get the light where you want it, especially important for those of us with glasses.
After much trial and error camping, I now always take a headlamp.
The ability to illuminate and have both hands free is essential.
I also make sure I have at least one red light with me.
Not only does it seem to save my night vision, but it also doesnt seem to attract flying biting bugs light midges and mosquitos.
I can always tell if someone is from the north or the south. A headlamp in the south during summer is a county wide invitation for every bug/flying insect around to come straight to your face. The only time I use a headlamp in the summer where I live is in red mode. That seems to keep the bug problem to a minimum.
I agree with the bugs are the downside of headlamps. It's also true for the northeast in the spring and summer.
Red mode is the only mode. = night vision
This was an illuminating video. Thanks!
I love my simple energizer headlamp. Cheap, comes in a two pack (with batteries!) White/red light, and water resistant
Same! I have a few more expensive ones, but I always grab the energizer... 🤷
Yes! That's my all time favorite, I've had multitudes over the years and keep coming back to the basic Energizer headlamp, it has never let me down like all the others do!
Love my Energizer headlamps-one is the classic model you described, the other locks when you press both buttons, has a dimmer, and both red and green lights. I've bought others, used them for a night, and switched back.
Thanks Dan with your experience it’s nice to know how you feel about these lights. Bigger brighter is not always necessary. Again thank you.
I'm a plane mechanic in Alaska that also enjoys bushcraft and ultralight hiking, and I will swear by the Fenix HM50R all day, every day.
It's super light, has 4 white light settings and the newer models have a dimmable red light, as well. It comes with a rechargeable battery or you can swap that out for a standard CR123 battery.
I've never had one break on me, despite drops, snags, getting soaked with water, rattling around in my pocket, being kicked across asphalt, getting covered in petroleum products. The only time I've had to replace it was when I lost one on a work trip and someone else (wisely) walked off with it. I don't even blame them!
Liked it so much, I bought a third one to keep at home and for camping. It's super light, has all the features Dan recommends, and I have used it from -50°F to 98°F in pouring rain.
I love that I can shove it in a pocket with a quarter turn of the switch/battery cover and it won't turn on until I need to use it.
No, I'm not sponsored, it's just a damn good headlamp and I can't recommend it highly enough. Worth every penny, thrice!
Another good video. Love the tip about using a clip on a small torch to put on a hat.
Three tips I employ.
1 Never ever store with batteries in the headlamp/flashlight. As soon as I get back home, pop the batteries out and place the headlamp/flashlight and batteries in a ziploc bag to avoid the dreaded leaking battery issue.
2 Always check the batteries are good/fresh BEFORE leaving while you are packing.
3 And finally, if the camp is "ok" lit, I will slip the headlamp down around my neck to less the risk of being "that person" who blinds folks.
Keep up the great work.
Backup light: great idea. Remember that the brighter the light, the faster the batteries drain.
Bushnell makes a headlamp that accepts the rechargeable battery (included) and the disposable batteries as well. It has every feature except for the strobe. I absolutely love it. It hits all the marks. Just my opinion.
Flash lights and knives. I own dozens of each because that’s what I love. My favorite torch is small, rechargeable and doubles as a plasma arc lighter. My new favorite headlamp is also rechargeable, high and low white spotlight, white floodlight, and high and low red light. The coolest part is you can set each mode manually or have your selected mode come on and off with a wave of your hand. As for batteries, if I’m going off grid for a while, I’m bringing a solar powered rechargeable power bank because the phone is going to need juice too.
I carry a handheld torch and a Suunto headlamp that has a red and orange light. It's a great unit; just wish it started on the lowest light setting as the default instead of the brightest.
A light that I have come to use in camp a lot, is my hat that has 4 LED lights built into the bill of the hat. You can run 2 lights or all 4 if you want. It works great for just moving around, cooking or tasks on a table or on your lap.
I always have a headlamp that does white- high and low, and red. Then another, usually much brighter- handheld flashlight in my pocket.
I love simplicity and it is always reassuring to find that a professional like your self cofirms that. I also believe in redundancy so i also carry a straight torch that can act as a spare battery carrier or fill in if the headlamp dies.
I chose a headlight with a high power spot light, a wide dimmable light and a red light. With some spare batteries I’ve never used. I use this when I have do tasks or walk in the dark.
With a small candle lantern as camp light. Nice, calming and enough light to do anything when sitting down and relaxing.
It’s nice to have both.
I started using headlights in the woods over 30 years ago. Before they became the in thing. I always carry a hand held as well.
Dan, thanks for always putting out some top notch content.
that's what i like over many years of bushcraft and camping - a co,combination of a dimable headlamp and a powerful flashlight . . .
Oh wow, great vid here, thank you so much, I use my Petzl headlamp every day, but yes it is good to also have a hand-held flash light, especially with a... "hat clip" ! 👍 👍 👍
Rural king has some amazing led lights for cheap. We are a family of 7 and love their light switch looking ones.
I do like the head light over the hand held, but I still always carry a small stationary lantern, with extra batteries.
I own a lot of lights and headlamps and can say that one of my fav "camp lights" is this mini orange 1 aaa waterproof keychain lantern that also does sos. Hang it on a ridge line or in a shelter or use it as a small around the camp flood light. Never let me down. Cheap too.
There are TONS of amazing lights available these days. Headlamps are absolutely invaluable around camp. Handheld flashlights are just as much when doing different tasks.
You should have both!!!
Top tip. A headlamp on full blast is what attracts bugs best. If you don’t like that, keep it dimmed until you need the extra light.
That BD Cosmo is pretty good. I used the same one for years. I then switched to the BD Revolt and the Cosmo got downgraded to my car (where I use it less). Revolt is great. One touch on the side bumps it up to full power. Another touch and it’s back to where it was.
Revolt has rechargeable batteries, so as someone who uses it every night, that makes a difference to the battery bill. I can also remove the rechargeable battery and install 2 x AA. I haven’t had any use for that feature though as I always have a battery bank when away from home anyway (recharges other items too).
Tilting feature and red light are also a must. Area lighting is handy, but not as useful.
Dan makes a grammatical error that turns into a pun...
0:59 - _"Maybe going through this you can gleam some information out of this..."_
🤣
I remember in the late 90s and early 2000s the old lights we used during 24 hour mtb races. They were halogen bulbs and used massive heavy battery packs shaped to fit in the bottle cages of the bikes. Not very bright and cost hundreds of dollars. Now the tiniest led lights mounted on the handlebar are ridiculously better in every way. I have a very expensive Petzl headlamp I bought years ago, it is junk compared to an Enegizer brand I bought at Lowes for less than 20 bucks. Lighting has come a long way, but you are right. We only need so much. I now carry a small headlamp and a couple extra batteries and that’s it.
I have ball caps which have lights in the bill . Haven’t seen them lately, but the ones I have are awesome. Battery’s are watch batteries and last a while.
As always, great info and thanks.
Dan, you knocked my lights out 😂😆
A case for having an 800+ lumens flashlight on hand is when going into unexpected areas. In my case when hiking certain parts or for the camping situation when stepping outside the established camp site, I much prefer to pull out the brightest light possible so I can spot all the critters. One urban trail in my area that we like to hike at night gets covered in spider webs with some really big suckers lurking in the shadows. Head lamps have not given us enough notice. Great video. Thanks!
Here in Scotland we avoid areas with lots of cobwebs. Not because of the spiders themselves but because lots of webs means there must be plenty of food for them in that area. You know, like skeeters, midges etc. We don't want to be their food!
@@liammalarky3483 ha ha fair point!
@@liammalarky3483 clever!
I needed a proper headlamp a few years ago and wanted one with rechargable capability. I found my batteries only Energizer ones were fine for basic emergency kit use, but limiting for night hiking. I'm not out hiking in the dark much per se, but sometimes you hike up a hill to see a sunset and need to safely get back to the car after.
I looked at a lot of models and wanted the perk of the dividend value of the purchase at REI. That was Petzl vs. Black Diamond, both are excellent. Petzl Atik Core was my ultimate choice because it has a rechargeable battery pack that can be charged from my car battery or solar generator, but that battery pack fits into a spot where I can also use conventional batteries if I cannot charge for some reason. It has three white brightnesses plus red, it's a versatile choice without extra features, and I've been happy with its performance overall in the 2-3 years I've owned and used it.
Afternoon Dan, Just a Heads(lamp) Up the Olight Perun Mini you have in the Video will take a CR123 Battery if you don't have a Charger for it.
Great ideas. A person needs to get one they are willing to carry. If you can't afford to, then take what is available. One thing you find is if something is a hassle, the more likely it will stay at home. If you are a person that wears a hat make sure it rides well on a hat. If it is to heay then when you tilt your head down it might be nose heavy and push the brim down especially if you don't have much hair.
Im a submariner. We are dependent on our lights. I always had an led lenser f1 on my belt and also a dimmable headlamp by edelrid and petzl. proofed very useful in working with ropes in dark and wet conditions, dont want to miss this stuff👌. I can also recommend the led lenser ML4 as a tiny camping lantern or as a reading/bedside lamp 😝🤘🤘
I also have a hand-rechargeable flashlight. If other light sources go down, I can still rotate the handle of this flashlight and use it for a while. Not very bright but pretty okay as a backup.
Great video!!! I like my OLight that can be hand held or a head light. I always keep a Walmart headlamp that uses batteries (300 lumens max). 150 lumens is enough to do most tasks. But I like a very bright one mainly to see critters that need to be taken care of.
Great video
Excellent, thank you.
👍 camping I like a flashlight on a long chord around my neck after dark. Never lost.
Another good tip is that these super bright lights get HOT!
My"headlamp"is a Mini Mag AA led flashlight combined with a NiteIze headband.👍
Thank you for making this
Love my Black Diamond.. The red light is great for navigating multiple tent festival situations!
Great advice. I have come to this conclusion awhile back. Good stuff. 😊
You can find headlamps with separate power and mode buttons and they are awesome. This video is full of facts you hit on many of my pet peeves about flashlights. Replaceable batteries are great if they are in sets of two if you get rechargeable ones they only charge 2 at a time. A lot of cheap headlamps take 3 tripleAs and I CANT STAND IT! 😅
There are some bright ideas in this video. Sorry, couldn't resist
I have headlamp with the batterypack attached with a cable to the lamp. Batterypack can be taken off the headband. What is good with this is that I can keep the batterypack off the headband and inside my jacket in a pocket. Very practical wintertime since the batteries get drained when in cold but can now keep warm inside my jacket.
L O V I N G all the OLights in your collection, Dan!
Dan, Great subject. My favorite hand held is a push button: Hi - Lo- Off. I hate these tactical push the button "60 times" to find the one I want. The slide focus is good too. Thanks
Great video with great info. The Black Diamond Storm series of headlamps are amazing (I think the last one you showed in the video was one of those). I've been using them exclusively.
Lower power makes the batteries last longer too…Have fun stay safe.
Good info. I always carry a extra headlamp or flashlight because , sometimes, things get broken
🇺🇸🇺🇸🪓🔪👍👍
The head lamp with the battery in the back is great for work, it is a little heavy, but it lasts all day and can be recharged at lunch and break if needed. I do carry a 2nd head lamp that takes batteries when I go camping as a backup. Also, in my woods there is enough light pollution that one could get away without a light.
I wear the baseball caps with lights in the brim. It is always handy last a long time, hands free and always in the direction you are looking at
Great advice!
You did help me out. Thank you.
Neat clip for the hand held. 🤔😊🤔 Yes I have a buddy whose headlamp looks like a welding arc. 🤗😮🤗 I wonder if blinding a bear would deter it.🤔
I have several Nitecore lights, because the ones I have all use the same battery - 18650. If I need a headlamp, I just use a rubberband to hold it to my hat. That particular one has a intensity dial on it which I keep very low, so I don't blind people and I can stand it up and reflect light off the top, or bottom, of the tent or tarp, as needed.
I have a 18650 head light with red and white lights with 4 levels of brightness.. use it daily for everything.. Would be lost without it. Batteries last a lot longer than any batteries.
I try to gear all lights and equipment around one type of disposable battery. Only one type to carry, and if a piece goes down, batteries can be used elsewhere.
Handheld: I went for the Nextorch P80 with an adjustable holster that carries easily on my belt or mole vest and backpack. It's mostly used on the go.
My headlamp is adjustable in light intensity and angle and is mostly used at the camp site.
Great vid as always!
Great info, thanks!
Excellent video Dan. I couldn't agree with you more on every point.
Luv you man!!!! Great video!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cool video
I have a light that is a band across my forehead, if I have a hat on it’s great because it lights up a wide area. If I don’t have a hat it is behind my glasses and it ends up blinding me from reflection. So I gets left in the bag a lot! I don’t wear hats very often…
I love the headlamp that I use. It has a red light that I use more than anything. When fishing I wear it around my neck. When I need it I pop it on and it covers more than I need.
In most of the lights that I carry I try to look for hybrid of disposable double A's and rechargeable.
The only thing that I could see the strobe for would be if you were lost and needed someone to see you easier and either incapacitated or only had one hand and were using that hand.
I prefer a handheld light. My headlamp is on a "need to use" basis. I can point a handheld much, much, much faster than a headlamp. There are a lot of critters around here that want to eat me and i need something that I can illuminate quicker than my head can turn. I can also keep lights on target while on the move away from it.
Haha ... On some handhelds, the clip means the light shines right into your eyes.😁
Always 2 light sources. Extra batteries in dry bag. When ever not in use, one battery is turned backwards, so as to not accidentally discharge. If not using for extended periods, batteries removed.
Costco had a 3 pack of headlamps that had a UV setting. I have no idea what it's for but I like playing with it
Some rock glow under UV, as do scorpions.
practical advice
I take a lot of different flashlights and headlamps and extra batteries
As a caver, I understand the importance of a high quality headlamp. Most Cheap headlamps will not handle moisture and humidity. ALWAYS bring a second or third light source.
I've gone for the "Handheld-with-a-clip" option, myself. I was never sold on the idea of headlamps, because I've always found it easier to rig a flashlight as a headlamp than vice versa. So I've gotten a couple of Maglite Solitaires, and put a clip on one of them . . . which now resides inside the pockets of my Wazoo Cache cap for use in emergencies.
I did find an interesting light from Coast, which can clip either onto a hat or onto a pocket, and I'm eager to see how useful it is, as a secondary light....
I keep a headlamp for when I am working at night, on road construction. I want to make sure that oncoming drivers see me, since the flagger is the first line of defense for those construction workers.
I carry both. They are light weight and small.
I like a head lamp with adjustable levels, a red light and tilt feature that uses regular or rechargeable batteries. I have a Petzl headlamp that does all this. I also carry a Petzl e+LITE. This light is always in my emergency kit on every hike and I have used it twice in an unplanned situation.....Take care, Bluefin.
Any of the Blackdiamond lights are good quality, i have an older one and my wife uses the rechargeable Storm that she runs eith at night.
For work doing construction, the Milwaukee one with the battery on the back of the head is nice because it runs bright for an 8 hour shift on one battery, but Id never take it backpacking, it's chunky.
The one thing I may disagree with Dan on this one is the need to be able to use a light in a tactical situation. I had a run in with a bear a couple years ago and was able to drive it off with the strobe setting on my tactical flashlight. A tactical style flashlight is an absolute must for me everyday no matter where I am.
Petzle headlamp, and a couple 12 hour Chemlights and you're ready to do battle
Have always had head lamps with replaceable battery's. Made a mistake in buying the Olight perun mini some years back, to put beside my bed. when I checked it after awhile it was dead, Glad I didn't have a emergency that I needed for! Went back to a headlamp that uses replaceable battery's. Though the Olight away!
I use a fenix headlight. It does the job very well and it's the envy of my friends and neighbors.
I'm sure. I have a PD36 and people can't stop staring at my pants when I'm carrying it!
Many choices, relatively inexpensive. Try multiple versions, you will find what works for you. I use handheld for spotlight and headlamp for camp chores, and weapon lights with night vision and thermal on helmet. Joking, I'm broke and cannot afford thermals or nods on anything, but I damn sure would if I could!
The Black Diamond Revolt has it all. Takes batteries and has a rechargeable battery pack. Dimmer on all modes. Battery level lights.
I had a petzel headlamp that took two AA batteries when I worked security on construction sites almost 20 years ago, not liking disposable batteries I used NIMH rechargeable batteries in it same as in a set of back to back FRS/PMR446 handy talkies by Motorola, also used a 6D cell maglite for throwing a beam across warehouses under construction.
6d maglite holy hit my 2D one would pack a punch 👊
@@RS-xq6je in England certain things were frowned upon back then, nowadays even the side handle attachment I had on it could be twisted by lawyers even though I had it so that "if I fell the flashlight would take the impact instead of my hand" lol my boss approved it's use on the sites when I had to see half a mile or more and I was solo except maybe a working dog for company between 20 minute radio checks.
@@davidgraemesmith1980 I hear you pal and I know what you mean I live in the UK you got a licence for that cutlery? 😉
I always wear a hat so I got an o light
I3T EOS with a hat Bill clip, only two modes high and low beam, it runs off of one AAA battery so it's easy to replace when it runs out, just use rechargeable batteries if you're worried about throwing away batteries.. as soon as it's dead, Clips on to your hat Brim so it's a combination handheld headlamp and I think they're about 20 bucks from a reputable awesome company I own a few different brands of theirs but my daily carry is an O light the o'pen 2 and the i3t EOS. I also clip it to the top of my hat not on the inside cuz this is an impediment and it's easier to switch the modes if it's on top of the brim not hanging under the brim clipped on
I always carry a rechargeable for primary usage with a Solar chargeable power pack and a battery powered as a backup. Rechargeable batteries for that as well, and a battery charger. That way all of my devices can be used indefinitely if need be. You never know
I have nothing to add except a comment!
Have you looked into those light strip headlamps? Been seeing them advertised.
Living in the frozen north as I do (around the southern tip of the Alaskan panhandle,Canadian side) lights aren't that important in the summer. Rather than a headlamp, I have found hats with LEDs. I wear a hat anyway; headlamps are difficult then. I always carry a couple tube type flaslights: 1 single AAA type that can be clamped between 2 fingers, and a larger 2 AA for looking out for thornbushes when looking for a bathroom in the dark!! In the winter I often work nites, and nites are much longer, 3ish pm til 9ish am, and I've found the hat lights last 3 or 4 nites on watch batteries which isn't really that bad when they're on for 5-6hours a nite. I rarely change the batteries in the summer. I have a couple rechargeable flashlights that are always at home because they don't last. Far simpler to carry a couple spare batteries than a charging setup.
I use a 40 lumen or so rechargeable headlamp at work because I sometimes use it like four hours a day so I actually have two of them in my toolbox.
At home for fishing I have an 80 lumen single light for fishing at night.
For camping etc I have a lighter lamp, like 40-60 lumens.
I used to have the multi colored lights but all I need is one color so I get a better lamp for the price.
I have a regular flashlight in my junk drawer at work that I found once it uses I think C batteries but I have never used it ever.
A headlamp with comparable throw as a good, focused handheld would blind the user from the reflection off objects. Too bright is actually a real thing.
I try to keep the same batteries between lights. AAA lithium in handheld and headlamp is convenient and quickly changed.
Totally agree that the headlamps with battery pack are not worth it. They also break a lot more and are expensive. Just put an extra set of batteries in your pocket.
On rechargeables people should know that just because they are the same size they are not the same battery. You will get longer battery life from regular non-rechargeable batteries.
For handhelds get something that is not too big and that does not have a metal shell. That sucker is going to be held in your teeth at some point and you don’t want to be biting a metal pipe.
I have a head lamp with low,high and a green light .
I wear it around my neck while camping . I know where it is at all times
Buttons that are big enough to use with gloves on are a big plus in my book.