Headmount Options

[LowBat]

Ok, for working in the dark hands free it's best to have a headmounted light that aims wherever your head is pointing. So far I've seen the traditional headband model, the newer ear attachment model, and the bite piece model which really doesn't qualify as a mount. I currently have a headband led unit which, although practical, annoys me as I don't like wearing headbands. The ear model looks interesting so if anyone has one please tell me what you think of it.

 

[PeLu]

I dont know what annoys you with a headband, but the Petzl Zipkas have a very thin cord instead.

 

[mrme]

You might consider a light that will attach to the brim of a baseball cap.

The only one I have is the Princeton Tec Scout, but I always use the headband.

If you have never tried a headlamp with the battery pack on the back of the headband, you should. They are a lot more comfortable.

 

[LowBat]

I did see the Zipka and I like the retractable cord. What actually annoys me is hiking with a headlamp and having sweat buildup on my forehead due to the light being on it (I have an Energizer 3AAA). I just ordered a 1AAA Gerber Tracer that another CPFer recommended. Got it at REI online, and it looks to have a much smaller contact area.

 

[mrme]

Have you considered a neck lanyard style light?

I haven't.

 

[Stanley]

Or using a rubberband to hold an Arc AAA on the frame of your glasses, maybe? THat is, if you do wear glasses. Or one of those NiteIze headbands which holds a Mag 2AA sized light (or similar) on the side instead. Other trick I can think of is the baseball cap one as someone has mentioned. The Q3 or E1e is a nice size for this. Streamlight has one which has a clip on the tail (can't remember the name) and can be pointed in any direction you like. You can clip this onto the strap of your backpack or even just the bill of your cap.

Else if the light doesn't touch your head in any way, it can't really count as a head lamp, can it? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[LowBat]

I haven't tried the neck lanyard for I think it would bounce around. I did consider the Inova 24/7 and just clip it to a shirt pocket, but then it still wouldn't point to where I was looking.

That idea of glasses is interesting. I remember something 20 years ago that had two little lights mounted on a pair of safety glasses. What about if someone modernized that design and used LEDs and AAAA batteries. If the frame only held the eye pieces at the top (like a pair of sunglasses I have) then the eye pieces could be optionally removed too, leaving only a simple frame for acting as a convenient LED headlamp.

The baseball cap light is a good idea, however I'd probably run into the same problem of a sweaty forehead after hiking awhile. Guess I'll see if this Gerber Tracer does the trick; if not I'll try some of the other ideas.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

 

[PeLu]

I thought that sweat is your problem, thats why I suggested the Zipka (although it is a little bit weak for hiking).

I leaves only a spot in front and one in the back padded.
There should be a headlight with some kind of soft 'spacers' which keep the light a little bit away from the head and mesh style headband...