There is a headlamp comparison chart on REI’s website that does a pretty good job. The data are taken from REIs test lab instead of mfg’s promo material. I think they’re a little generous in certain areas, but REI’s got something to sell, too.
I took some of this chart and made a summary of the lightweight LED lamps. It is called “headlamp_comp.jpg” and can be found on the egroup site under FILES>TECHNICAL INFO. I did this b/c these lights are the most commonly used for “general” canyoneering (i.e. with good beta). It’s nice for at least one member of any canyoneering party to also have a light with better throw for route-finding if necessary, especially in trackless areas. Great lights for this include the SureFire G2 Nitrolon and the UKE 2L, both powered by CR123 lithium cells and both extraordinarily bright and piercing for the size. The SureFire has better throw, and is easier to use (momentary switch is nice). The UKE is more water resistant, compact, has greater burn time, and cheaper replacement lamps. You can find both of these lights for under $30.00 with a bit of Googlin’
Here is a link to the lightweight LED summary chart (remember to paste the whole thing into your browser URL window as wraparound tends to truncate long links).
If you are interested in seeing the entire REI chart, go to any REI headlamp page (www.rei.com) and look for the “Comparison Chart” link at the bottom of the “Product Info” frame.
Additional resources:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Lighting/Headlamps%20-%20LED/
Good site that reviews much more than the most popular (read: expensive) brands of headlamp. I generally agree with their review of my favorite “off brand” headlamp: the Ray O Vac 3 in 1 – great light, awesome price.
Another pretty good site is at
http://flashlightreviews.home.att.net/reviews/reviews_index.htm
These guys are more into the tech side of lights, so the info isn’t always relevant for outdoor use.
hank
tnunemac
I love my little Petzl Zipka. It’s small enough and light weight enough that I’m always willing to toss it in my pack, which is a good thing, since I’m not necessarily the fleetest of canyoneers, plus with its retractable string, I can quickly attach it a wide variety of objects, including my wrists or a dangling loop in a tent. I’m also still using the batteries I put in it when I got it a couple years ago. Granted, the light is getting bluer and dimmer, but I can still read by it. (Anyone want to contribute to my AAA battery fund?)
-Tyson
cabalisticfire
I just picked up a BD Moonlight before my last trip. Got it a little damp in Neon but it never stopped working, flickered, etc. I think BD markets it as water resistant. I’ve had a Petzl Zoom for quite a while and was hesitant to switch to an LED lamp but I’m really happy with it. The weight savings alone makes it worth it but it turns out the light output is great too. Definitely a well spent $30 bucks (or was it $35???).
— In Yahoo Canyons Group, hmoon@p… wrote: > There is a headlamp comparison chart on REI’s website that does a pretty > good job. The data are taken from REIs test lab instead of mfg’s promo > material. I think they’re a little generous in certain areas, but REI’s got > something to sell, too.
I took some of this chart and made a summary of the lightweight LED lamps. > It is called “headlamp_comp.jpg” and can be found on the egroup site under > FILES>TECHNICAL INFO. I did this b/c these lights are the most commonly > used for “general” canyoneering (i.e. with good beta). It’s nice for at > least one member of any canyoneering party to also have a light with better > throw for route-finding if necessary, especially in trackless areas. Great > lights for this include the SureFire G2 Nitrolon and the UKE 2L, both > powered by CR123 lithium cells and both extraordinarily bright and piercing > for the size. The SureFire has better throw, and is easier to use > (momentary switch is nice). The UKE is more water resistant, compact, has > greater burn time, and cheaper replacement lamps. You can find both of > these lights for under $30.00 with a bit of Googlin’
Here is a link to the lightweight LED summary chart (remember to paste the > whole thing into your browser URL window as wraparound tends to truncate > long links).
http://f5.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/EBv_PsAcFsY2yGMKa5H- 7InqTDe7RxE8zHHbz23TjW_JlGV76_gDdV393KDIM5G4tlw- R9isNSpLFbjR/Technical%20Info/headlamp_comp.jpg
If you are interested in seeing the entire REI chart, go to any REI > headlamp page (www.rei.com) and look for the “Comparison Chart” link at the > bottom of the “Product Info” frame.
Additional resources:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Lighting/Headlamps%20-% 20LED/
Good site that reviews much more than the most popular (read: expensive) > brands of headlamp. I generally agree with their review of my favorite “off > brand” headlamp: the Ray O Vac 3 in 1 – great light, awesome price.
Another pretty good site is at
http://flashlightreviews.home.att.net/reviews/reviews_index.htm
> These guys are more into the tech side of lights, so the info isn’t always > relevant for outdoor use.
hank