Best overall hiking light?

[freq18hz]

Can anyone recommend the best all around hiking lights?

Looking to buy 1-2 headlamps, and 1 hand held.

I'm looking for the best blend of illumination, battery life, and weight. I don't want to modify anything. Price is not an issue. This light will only be used in an emergency, or if a day hike lasts too long/are not able to make camp soon enough.

EDIT: does anyone know of a review that compares the minimus to the fenix and zebralight headlamps?


Thanks very much,

-Freq

 

[vaska]

Fenix HP-10 IMHO.

 

[cistallus]

A Zebralight such as H501 or H30 would serve both headlamp and around-camp purposes. Or for headlamp only, the Surefire Saint or Saint Minimus. You might also ask in the Headlamp forum.

Whatever lights you end up getting, it's handy if they all use the same kind of cells.

 

[Kevin1322]

I use the Olight M20 Warrior Premium. Thread here: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=209384
I love the throw it has but also plenty of spill for me. Great, usable modes and runtimes, not to mention quality, IMO. If it is an emergency light though, you might want one that has the SOS flashing function though, which this does not have. Would be worth a look.

 

[carrot]

I've already said what I want to say about headlamps in your other thread.

For handhelds, consider the 4sevens Quark AA or Quark MiNi AA. Both have excellent runtimes, are small and light, and use commonly available AA batteries.

You will get better output and runtimes if you choose to get the 123 versions due to their higher capacities. Also, the 123 battery itself is lighter than an AA battery, should you choose to carry spares.

 

[freq18hz]

This is such a hard decision to make!

Ive searched but I am unable to find a review comparing the saint minimus to the fenix or zebra light. I compared it to a Petzl Tikka Plus 2, and I thought the Tikka 2 was pretty nice for the price. Is there any comparo/review I can reference?


-Freq

 

[csa]

I'd say the zebralight H30 is one of the better choices if you're on a budget. If you have more money, the surefire is likely to be more reliable.

 

[rayman]

I'm going to buy a Zebralight for hiking and camping but I wasn't sure which one to get. At the end I decided to get the H501 because the AA is the most common battery form. Think this will be very handy for hiking and for sure for camping.

rayman

 

[Egsise]

Fenix HL20, nice beam for hiking.

 

[Cataract]

By experience I can say it REALLY repends on what type of trail you hike. Flat trails, or gravel trails (the type of trail that's beaten even and accessible by quad, where you only need to see where it leads, not what it looks like) only require a flood light like the Zebra or a quark RGB. For more hilly types of trails with rocks, holes and even rocky stairs, where you need to make sure of your footing, a flood light alone is totally insufficient.

I use a Fenix headband with fenix/quark combo of flashlights: the best of all worlds: you can have one or two flashlights, a thrower and a flooder or two of the same type with one aimed lower and the other one aiming farther along the trail. I admit if this is a "just in case" thing, it might be a little big to carry, so you might want to consider a smaller headlamp and an extra flashlight, but one way or another, at least one thrower might be a good thing to have on more difficult terrain.

 

[vaska]

This is such a hard decision to make!

Maybe this gallery will help you.

 

[freq18hz]

thanks!

 

[Illum]

where does the E2L sit in this review?

 

[crizyal]

I would recommend based on my experience the Ra Clicky. The light is small enough to fit in your pocket. It can be powered by a CR123 or a RCR123. It is bright enough for most jobs and is extremely durable. It also has really long runtime to boot. You can program this light to operate almost anyway that you like.

The light comes in a few different flavors. there is a ton of info here in CPF for this light.

Good luck with your decision.:wave:

 

[Batou00159]

Zebralight,Zebralight h60 wooot

 

[jhc37013]

I would take a Princeton Tec Apex or the Fenix HP-10 for general hiking duty's for a bit of throw and also bring along a Zebralight 501 for close up stuff.

Hand held the Surefire E2L 6hrs regulated on a set of batteries and plenty bright for most situations. If you want a bit more light the Surefire E2DL or LX2.

Throw a Surefire E1B or E1L in the pocket for quick uses, the E1B is brighter but the E1L has longer runtime I guess you just never know what you might need encase of emergency.

 

[strinq]

No one wants to recommend the Fenix MC10?
With a snap on diffuser, adjustable head angle and pretty solid 100 lumens (quite sure OTF).
Plus you can clip it anywhere on your clothes.
With a headband u can using as a headlamp too.

A really versatile light.

Then of course you can always carry a solid thrower like the T100C2, TK11 etc for long distance lighting.

 

[angelofwar]

As other have said, an E2L. An F04 is also a nice acessory to have with it. Get an SC3 spares carrier loaded with primaries and your good for any emergency situation.

 

[carrot]

where does the E2L sit in this review?

You're right. I have three E2L's and I forgot how much I love them for hiking. Also the L1 is another good choice, very similar to the E2L except smaller.

 

[kelmo]

Welcome to CPF freq18hz.

The L1 is an excellent choice for a handheld.

My headlamp would be a Minimus. I would back it up with my Aeon. I also have an Arc AAA GS in my 1st aid kit. If I decided to take a thrower on the trail it would be my C2 w/BOG Cree super premium drop-in.