Fenix E01 as backup headlamp

[koenfm]

When I go caving, I like to wear a backup headlamp around my neck, so it's easy to reach and put on my head or helmet when I need to, but can't be lost with my helmet.

My normal backup lamp, the Petzl Tikka XP2, is just too big to be carried comfortably in this way.
I also have an e+lite,but it runs on 2032 cells, so I can't make sure it's topped off before a trip, not without emptying my wallet at least. So I wanted something with easy to recharge cells.

So, I decided to take my Fenix E01. I have better lights (LD01 for example), but the E01 is known to be very robust and has good runtime on a usable light level.

With the headband from the e+lite and some bicycle inner tube I made this:

It hangs very comfortable on the neck and can easily be worn as a headlamp:

 

[välineurheilija]

Hey thats great :welcome: Did you find small enough tube or did you have to mod it somehow?

 

[koenfm]

It's a tube for racing bikes and it fits great out of the box :-) I also use it on my LD01 to have something soft to bite on, fits great too.
I will check and post the size when I get home.

 

[uk_caver]

That's a really neat solution.

I really like my E01 - I carry it on the string round my neck alongside my knife.

For mounting (in case I ever have to use it in anger) I have about 8 turns of thin shockcord wrapped around the thick cable for my main light, tucked out of harm's way in the 'shadow' of the headset, which I can pull back along the cable and insert the E01 into.

 

[jonathanluu2]

Oh, the uses for blown out bike innertubes! I keep a "spare" deceased innertube around to use as makeshift grips and gaskets and such. Good job koenfm.

 

[67RS/SSx2]

Good job! That is a great idea for an inexpensive head lamp.

 

[WDR65]

Good idea. I might have to do something like that and add a strap to the headband of my Apex. I have a PT Pilot backup light on it but don't really carry for coin cell lights.

I do something simiilar except I've bought a few of the small Fenix clips for the LD01 and have them on an E01 and an E05. I can clip it to the brim of my hat and never notice the extra weight. I wear caps doinng most outdoor activities so I always have something to clip to.

I also keep an LD01 with the same clip in my pocket at all times, its connected to a Spyderco Dragonfly 2 with a small Nite Ize S biner. That way I can remove it and have an improvised headlamp whenever I need it.

 

[Philip2]

When I go caving, I like to wear a backup headlamp around my neck, so it's easy to reach and put on my head or helmet when I need to, but can't be lost with my helmet. It hangs very comfortable on the neck and can easily be worn as a headlamp:

IMO it is not safe for your neck, to wear things around your neck in this type of activities. It would be safer to store it in a pocket or in a belt poch.

 

[Ishango]

A very neat idea to use the E01 as a backup light in this setup. Wouldn't it be better to use a break-away lanyard to put it around your neck though?

 

[Philip2]

A very neat idea to use the E01 as a backup light in this setup. Wouldn't it be better to use a break-away lanyard to put it around your neck though?

I dont think so, since in an emergency you don't want to lose your flashlight.

If your persist on wearing it around your neck, you could consider an elastic band, but even that is not safe for climbing and caving. You could choke, if you would fall from a rope ladder, and your neck lanyard gets stuck to the ladder, for example.

 

[f22shift]

i think this idea would be great for the new fenix hl10 too. better than the bulky holder it comes with.

 

[Ishango]

I dont think so, since in an emergency you don't want to lose your flashlight.

If your persist on wearing it around your neck, you could consider an elastic band, but even that is not safe for climbing and caving. You could choke, if you would fall from a rope ladder, and your neck lanyard gets stuck to the ladder, for example.

In an emergency I would rather choose to lose my E01 than hang myself with the lanyard, hence the break-away suggestion :) I would carry another backup light probably somewhere else anyway. And following safety guidelines I could always ask a buddy to throw me another light or make sure I get rescued. Much more preferable than choking.

 

[sandalian]

In urban area, for me Fenix E01 beam is just a joke.But in a total darkness like in the cave, I'm pretty sure Fenix E01 will give big amount of light.I like your DIY headlamp with E01, it's cool.