lightyearsaway
Newly Enlightened
African Safari headlamps & flashlights, will need in lodges when power is turned off
I am hoping to go on an Africa Safari in the near future. I think all the places we are staying have generators, but the power is only on for a few hours at night and then lights out. If I am still up I will need my own light, and as we are staying in the boonies I need something just in case. So I will need something to use if I want to stay up or go to the bathroom, etc. A headlamp might work for some things but I may need one or two carries also. We will not be going out at night other than eating around the camp, no night walks in the bush. Illegal anyway. mostly will be used around the tents and that is about it. Please note we are not sleeping on the ground, we are sleeping in lodges that are off the ground.
As I will be flying with this thing in my carry on I am not sure if I can take CR123A lithium batteries with me now or not, it appear some laws have changed, so I am not sure if I can bring the flashlights and spare batteries or not. If someone knows, please let me know. Otherwise I will need AA or AAA type lights. I have eneloops.
Currently I own the following:
Nitecore SRT 3
Nitecore SRT 7
Nitecore CR6 (red)
Spark Headlamp SG5
various AA mini-mags
Fenix PD35 coming soon
Jetbeam RRT01
Zebra light SC52w (don't like it much)
Romisen Rc-29
Some of these will have better battery life as they have lower levels available and maybe I don't need to buy another light... If I can take these on the plane with lithium batteries than I might be good to go, not sure. Other recommendations would be great though.
I would like to hear from those who have experience on safari's and what worked for you! Thanks in advance!
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
____I would like to purchase the light in person from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
__xx__This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
____I don't know yet
____Up to $25.
_xx___Up to $50.
_xx___Up to $100.
____Up to $200.
____Up to $300.
____Essentially unlimited.
3) Format:
____I am not sure, please help me decide.
_xx___I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
_xx___I want a self-contained headlamp.
____I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source.
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle)
____I want a lantern/area light.
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source).
____Other ____________________________________________
4) Size:
____MICRO - Keychain size.
____TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
_xx___SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
_xx___MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
____I don't know/I don't care.
5) Emitter/Light source:
_xx___LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.
6) Manufacturer:
_xx___I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
____I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source).
7) What power source do you want to use?
xx____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
_xx___I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
____I don't know/I need more information on power sources.
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).
_xx___I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens).
_xx___I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens)
_xx___I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
_xx___I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
____I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).
____SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
_xx___All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking.
_xx___Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car.
____Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
____Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
__xx__Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
_xx___Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
_xx___Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
_xx___5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
_xx___30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
_xx maybe...___50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).
____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
__xx__90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
xx____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
____Not Important (A "night-stand" light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
_xx___Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
_xx___Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't know.
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
_xx___Any size switch will do.
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
____I want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________________.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
_xx___I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
_xx___I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
____I want SOS mode. (blinks in ---...--- emergency pattern)
_xx the nite core lights do this,but as I am inside, I am not sure I need it. ___I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
__xx__Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
_xx___Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
__xx__Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________.
15) Water resistance
____None needed
____IPX4 (Splash resistant)
_xx___IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
__xx__IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)
16) Storage conditions
_xx___In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
____Emergency kit (long standby periods)
____Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
____Other_________________________________________ ____
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
__xx (this is not critical, but very useful, I am starting to think if I can bring that nitecore CR6 with me it would be great as it has many Rend LEDs specifically for nighttime!__Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
_xx___Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
I am hoping to go on an Africa Safari in the near future. I think all the places we are staying have generators, but the power is only on for a few hours at night and then lights out. If I am still up I will need my own light, and as we are staying in the boonies I need something just in case. So I will need something to use if I want to stay up or go to the bathroom, etc. A headlamp might work for some things but I may need one or two carries also. We will not be going out at night other than eating around the camp, no night walks in the bush. Illegal anyway. mostly will be used around the tents and that is about it. Please note we are not sleeping on the ground, we are sleeping in lodges that are off the ground.
As I will be flying with this thing in my carry on I am not sure if I can take CR123A lithium batteries with me now or not, it appear some laws have changed, so I am not sure if I can bring the flashlights and spare batteries or not. If someone knows, please let me know. Otherwise I will need AA or AAA type lights. I have eneloops.
Currently I own the following:
Nitecore SRT 3
Nitecore SRT 7
Nitecore CR6 (red)
Spark Headlamp SG5
various AA mini-mags
Fenix PD35 coming soon
Jetbeam RRT01
Zebra light SC52w (don't like it much)
Romisen Rc-29
Some of these will have better battery life as they have lower levels available and maybe I don't need to buy another light... If I can take these on the plane with lithium batteries than I might be good to go, not sure. Other recommendations would be great though.
I would like to hear from those who have experience on safari's and what worked for you! Thanks in advance!
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
____I would like to purchase the light in person from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
__xx__This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
____I don't know yet
____Up to $25.
_xx___Up to $50.
_xx___Up to $100.
____Up to $200.
____Up to $300.
____Essentially unlimited.
3) Format:
____I am not sure, please help me decide.
_xx___I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
_xx___I want a self-contained headlamp.
____I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source.
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle)
____I want a lantern/area light.
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source).
____Other ____________________________________________
4) Size:
____MICRO - Keychain size.
____TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
_xx___SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
_xx___MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
____I don't know/I don't care.
5) Emitter/Light source:
_xx___LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.
6) Manufacturer:
_xx___I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
____I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source).
7) What power source do you want to use?
xx____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
_xx___I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
____I don't know/I need more information on power sources.
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).
_xx___I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens).
_xx___I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens)
_xx___I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
_xx___I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
____I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).
____SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
_xx___All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking.
_xx___Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car.
____Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
____Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
__xx__Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
_xx___Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
_xx___Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
_xx___5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
_xx___30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
_xx maybe...___50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).
____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
__xx__90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
xx____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
____Not Important (A "night-stand" light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
_xx___Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
_xx___Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't know.
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
_xx___Any size switch will do.
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
____I want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________________.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
_xx___I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
_xx___I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
____I want SOS mode. (blinks in ---...--- emergency pattern)
_xx the nite core lights do this,but as I am inside, I am not sure I need it. ___I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
__xx__Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
_xx___Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
__xx__Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________.
15) Water resistance
____None needed
____IPX4 (Splash resistant)
_xx___IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
__xx__IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)
16) Storage conditions
_xx___In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
____Emergency kit (long standby periods)
____Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
____Other_________________________________________ ____
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
__xx (this is not critical, but very useful, I am starting to think if I can bring that nitecore CR6 with me it would be great as it has many Rend LEDs specifically for nighttime!__Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
_xx___Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
