Backpacking Light

[OrlandoLights]

Backpacking light ideas for new member?

I've been reading this forum for the last week, it's very interesting. I had to join in, you've rekindled my interest in small lights. I have a nice collection of AAA, 2xAAA, and 2xAA Maglights for backpacking (and one big honker that's like carrying a club, for general use), circa last millenium. I haven't been keeping up, this place has been an eye-opener. Little lights here I come.

Can someone help me figure this out? The more I have read the more there is to know, could someone here give me an idea how to narrow things down a bit? Here are the things I would like in a light, in roughly the order of importance:

1. Reliable electronics and solid construction, something that won't break down in the middle of a storm in the middle of the wilderness. Which maybe means twist on, and maybe not strobe and SOS? I don't know if they fail, but probably the simpler the better. I'll probably carry one of those pinch LED lights for backup (recommendations for weightless waterproof backup light would be welcome), and extra set of batteries, but that's it.

2. Low setting for long battery life. It's amazing how much can be seen when the eyes adjust to low light. And I always carry a paperback and read into the night. 50 hours or more at low setting would be great for battery life. And then one or two brighter settings.

3. Lightweight and compact. Don't think I need big reflectors.

4. Something that can be held by headband, but then that's easy enough to rig for just about any light.

Battery type probably doesn't matter much, other than being reliable. I'll buy whatever gives the best performance for the flashlight, though I use eneloops for my camera, and they are great for holding a charge.

Thanks for any help at all, even if it's a link to another thread.

 

[paulr]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

The bombproof light champ is probably the Ra Twisty. It is the current incarnation of a line of lights built by HDS basically for the requirements of cavers, whose lights absolutely HAVE to work. It has three levels (one model uses a red led for the lowest level) and a simple, crap-free UI for normal use, with a somewhat complicated backdoor that lets you customize the three levels while sitting at home (not intended for use in the field). It's heavier than some other 1x123 lights for this reason but it's still very pocketable. See www.ralights.com for info.

 

[Daniel_sk]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

:welcome:

Definitely the Ra Twisty. I sold all my other LED flashlights, because they were not reliable and solid enough. I'll be getting a Ra Twisty.
It uses one CR123A, but you can get them cheap online ($1.5) and the Twisty has a long runtime on a single primary battery. You can use rechargeable batteries if you are going to use your light very often (not worth the hassle if you really don't use it every day for hours on high mode IMHO).
But I think Henry promised a AA battery tube and a 18650 li-ion tube. A pocket clip version is also announced (will be offered as a "upgrade kit").

As for the backup light - either a Fenix E01 which costs 15$ and works 20 hours on one AAA alkaline battery (10 hours in regulation) or maybe an Arc AAA? Both are wateproof, twist-on flashlights made of solid aluminum. Not much to go wrong on these.

And I recommend to get a headlamp too. Something small. I have been using a Tikka XP for two years or so, and it's a great little headlamp, not very expensive too. It doesn't use the latest LED but it's still a good all-arround headlamp.

 

[Seth]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

I'll probably carry one of those pinch LED lights for backup (recommendations for weightless waterproof backup light would be welcome), and extra set of batteries, but that's it.

Welcome to CPF, OrlandoLights!

Consider getting a pack of these Fauxtons. Fauxtons are essential

Get a pack of those CR2032´s.

Replace the 2xCR2016 in half of the Fauxtons with 1xCR2032.

Total cost is around 10$ for 10 nice lights, and they are worth every cent

Now you have 5 really bright, really lightweight keychain-lights and 5 keychain-lights with looong runtime ( although less bright )

Seth

 

[lumenlover2]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

+100 for the Ra Twisty for the light that get`s you home !

For anything else the H30 headlamp when it get`s bug free from Zebralight.

And finally one backup backup which would be the Photon Freedom microlight with clip.

That`s all you need

 

[Gladius01]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

:welcome: , My first backpacking flashlight is Blackhawk Gladius.

 

[OrlandoLights]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

Thanks for the welcome. Hadn't read about the Ra Twisty, I'll read about it now.

One other thing I forgot to mention is about the low setting. I have read that some lights use on and off faster than eye can see to conserve the battery, but that the flickering can still be annoying. Is there a way to know if the Ra Twisty uses that method?

And thanks for the backup light recommendations, I'll follow those links too.

 

[OrlandoLights]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

+100 for the Ra Twisty for the light that get`s you home !

For anything else the H30 headlamp when it get`s bug free from Zebralight.

And finally one backup backup which would be the Photon Freedom microlight with clip.

That`s all you need

The H30 looks good, even has a headband, but you say it has bugs? Are they working on fixing it?

 

[gadgetnerd]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

Maybe a Zebralight H50 would fit the bill? Great build, simple twisty design, low low, long run time off AA batteries, no observable PWM or flickering, no bugs. I'd have no hesitation throwing one in my camping gear (along with the Ra of course )

 

[geepondy]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

Although way over priced, I find my 9V pak-lite to be quite useful and I think would make an excellent back up backpacking light. Very simple reliable operation and a high that will last a few dozen hours on an alkaline battery and a low that will last perhaps a few hundred hours. Should you spring for the Ultralife lithium 9V battery runtime is increased further still and the battery itself is built like a tank as well. My biggest gripe is that they refuse to update the LEDs from the Nichia CS to the Nichia DS. You can find it a bit cheaper then on their website. Now when comparing 9V lights, there are people who are going to say the Safe-light is a much better value and they may be right but it is quite big and bulky for what it is whereas the Pak-lite fits unobtrusively into your pocket much like carrying a few coins.

 

[LightScene]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

The Fenix E01 will suit your small, light weight, long run time needs for only $15. If you also want a bright light you can get the very small Fenix P1-CE for only $38. Both are available from fenix-store.com with coupon code cpf8 for an 8% discount.

 

[Gunner12]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

The Fenix E01 should be good for a simple AAA powered long running light.

Most of the light with multimodes have a driver in them to control the mode, so unless the light encounters an impact great enough to break a solder joint(or for those potted ones, a impact to break epoxy), the LED or the switch,it should keep working. Here's a Fenix P3D abuse thread.

I'm not sure if the Ra twistie uses PWM.

The Zebralights are good floody headlamps, but if you need to see something further away, they aren't the light for that task.

Backpacking is similar to hiking right? Some hikers here use the Fenix L2D or similar light as their main light.

:welcome:

 

[xcel730]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

I've been backpacking with my old Petzl Myo3 for the past couple of seasons. It'll be retired after I get my Zebralight H30-Q5. I bought it directly from Zebralight, and I'm hoping it's bug free. I debated between the H30-Q5 vs the H50-Q5. The H30-Q5 uses 1xCR123a battery while the H50-Q5 uses 1xAA. I ended up getting the H30 because it's a lot easier to press a button versus using a twisty for headlamps. I'm hoping that they'll come up with a AA version with clicky.

Like what other members have said, the Zebralight is more of a flood light. I don't know if you do night backpacking or not, but if you do, you may need an secondary flashlight to light the trails. What to recommend boils down to the size, weight, interface (clicky switch or twisty), battery type, and the price you want to spend. At least with my backpacking group, they want to shave as much weight as possible using AA/AAA batteries ... for them even a 6 ounce flashlight is too heavy and CR123a based lights are out of the question.

Several members have voted for the HDS RA Twisty. I don't have one, so I can't comment on it ... but from what I read, it is built like a tank and it seems like everyone who owns one love it ... you could drop it, throw it around, and it still works. If you are planning to get the RA twisty, note that there's a one month waiting period to get it. Also, HDS might be coming up with a new flashlight in a couple of weeks. If you could wait for the new model to come out, it's something you may want to consider.

My backpacking group saw my Novatac 120P and they thought it was perfect in terms of size, weight, and brightness, but they didn't want to spend that kind of money. A few end up getting Fenix L1D.

By the way, :welcome:

 

[OrlandoLights]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

Thanks for all the good information, I'm following links and reading up on these lights you've suggested. I might have to get a few more than I planned, just to try out different combinations. This could become an interesting hobby, having similiarities with two other interests: Japanese watches and binoculars.

I'll wait and see if HDS comes out with a new RA Twisty. That looks like one you can trust with your life, which solo backpacking for a week or so can mean. I also am going towards ultralightweight camping, as being a burro has lost its charm.

I'll try a Zebra, and maybe a couple of different colored Photon Freedom Micros, the Pak-lite looks funky but with lots of run-time for reading, and can't pass up on that 10 pack deal of fauxtons. And a Fenix or two, soon as I sort out the different models.

Looks like my Maglites will be retired after years of solid (and perhaps dimmer than I knew) service. If there's something else I should look at, please let me know. Thanks again.

 

[paulr]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

The fauxtons are indispensable as someone said. Most 10-packs contain a dud or two, so test them when you get them, but 8 or 9 working ones is still an outstanding value.

The Zebralight H30 uses a 123 battery which is good in the sense of interoperating with the Ra but bad in the sense that you don't have battery diversity for ease of scrounging. I have the H50 which is the AA version and it is a great light that is very easy to scrounge batteries for.

The SO-Led is an alternative to the fauxton: http://countycomm.com/light.htm http://countycomm.com/ARES SOLED.htm

They are heavier than fauxtons but will clip onto your baseball cap brim (impromptu headlamp), pack straps, etc. For something more upscale, there is the Photon Freedom, www.photonlight.com, which has variable power (PWM).

For 1aaa keychain lights (also great backups), the Arc AAA (arcflashlight.com) is my favorite. It is made by a long term CPF'er. Mount the pocket clip bezel up, and you can also clip it to a cap brim. The much less expensive Fenix E01 (from China) is all the rage these days and is basically similar in functionality terms, though maybe a bit less durable. I like the Arc's styling better, though that's subjective.

Re your question about PWM: I don't remember for certain but I think the Ra is either non-PWM or else the PWM switching is fast enough to not be noticable.

 

[xcel730]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

This is how you get started becoming a flashaholic. :naughty: Japanese watches and binoculars ... interesting combo. I know binoculars can get very very expensive, but I never got into it. I love watches though ... none of which are Japanese. Send me a private message (PM) with some info if you can.

Thanks for all the good information, I'm following links and reading up on these lights you've suggested. I might have to get a few more than I planned, just to try out different combinations. This could become an interesting hobby, having similiarities with two other interests: Japanese watches and binoculars.

Wow, you're a trooper. I still haven't done solo backpacking yet. In this case, you definitely need more than one or two lights. I have the luxury of choosing the kind of lights I want since if my lights fail on me, I could borrow on of my friends' (usually the other way around though).

I'll wait and see if HDS comes out with a new RA Twisty. That looks like one you can trust with your life, which solo backpacking for a week or so can mean. I also am going towards ultralightweight camping, as being a burro has lost its charm.

There's definitely a lot of reading materials, but it's fun reading if you're into general outdoor gears.

 

[lumenlover2]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

The H30 looks good, even has a headband, but you say it has bugs? Are they working on fixing it?

They are trying to fix it.... you`d have to read the next weeks to see if it worked.

The Hds does not have PWM cause 1. I hate pwm and second Henry said it somewhere on the road I believe.

The photon freedom does but that`s just the last resort backup if you have the hds and H30. Other then that it`s pretty much perfect for 6g and that tiny size (infinite brightness setting and much more). It does more then a fauxton

Binoculars I have a Leica 10*42 ba and want a Zeiss victory compact for hinking. But still have to safe money for it as a student.

 

[flashlite]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

The Gerber Infinity Ultra is a bullet proof, reliable twisty that lasts forever on an easy to find AA (even your eneloops). It's lightweight and compact and has a clip for hands-free use.

 

[cv3po]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

Welcome to CPF, OrlandoLights!
Consider getting a pack of these Fauxtons. Fauxtons are essential
Get a pack of those CR2032´s.
Replace the 2xCR2016 in half of the Fauxtons with 1xCR2032.
Total cost is around 10$ for 10 nice lights, and they are worth every cent
Now you have 5 really bright, really lightweight keychain-lights and 5 keychain-lights with looong runtime ( although less bright )
Seth

He is right...........this is an absolute MUST except that you will want these instead: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12270

Everyone should have one of these with a 2032 on their person at all times, it should be made into law! As far as the big lights go I've heard great things about the RA Twisty also but do not have one to comment on. I DO have the Surefire E1B though and (along with the E1/2L) think that it would make a superb camping light. It is VERY rugged and simple to use with only two levels to worry about. High is 80 lumens for 1.3 hours (mine lasts longer than that) and low is 5 lumens for 37 hours. Low is PLENTY for the vast majority of tasks and on high it's like a mini-spotlight. The only downside I can think of is that the beam is a bit tight with not as much spill as a reflector'd light but it really is sufficient for most uses. Other than that I think it is about the perfect torch for 99% of personal lighting needs!

 

[AvidHiker]

Re: Backpacking light ideas for new member?

I would certainly concur with the Ra recommendation, although its not clear what generation of LED they're using - you would be right in waiting if they're in fact using an older, less efficient emitter. But, given the cost and level of technology of their lights, I suspect they're using the best available technology, including highly efficient regulation circuitry.

If you're already using Eneloop AAAs, you might also want to consider the Petzl Tikka XP, I have used that light quite a few times while backpacking - weighs next to nothing, low batt indicator, weatherproof and moddable. IMO, a great design and Backpacker Magazine recommended.

Also, I think the days of being annoyed by PWM (pulse width modulation) dimming circuits are pretty much a couple years gone. Newer lights do this at very high frequencies, imperceptable to the human eye. I believe its an extremely efficient way to control output so I wouldn't rule it out in my search if I were you.