Mountaineering headlamp, assistance?

[Climb14er]

Found this site and read a lot last evening. Great information.

I'm a former mountaineering guide, whose eyes are getting a bit tired, especially at 3am when I hit some of the dark trails of Colorado and the west. Have tried a lot of headlamps but need a strong one that emits good, clean (not dark spots) light, and is not a 'beast' on the batteries.

I have used the Tikka (like), Aurora (don't like), and am waiting for the Princeton Tec Yukon with the three led's and xenon bulb.

Question: is there a 'place' for the Halogen lamps like the Solo that I just purchased, cheap, in this higher tech world? It's lightweight, burns brightly, though the bulbs are EXPENSIVE, the burn rate on the AA's (two) is two hours (give or take)and one needs to have to carry an extra bulb and batteries for safety.

I share this with the forum because it's important that I go lightweight and the xenon/led combo of the Yukon looks promising, though, Princeton Tec seems to be rolling out this lamp 'a little late'? Problems?

I won't buy any more Petzl products, Black Diamond is good too, and other recommendations are important as I need a powerful headlamp light, particularly xenon/led. Spare batteries are no problem as I carry them anyway.

Thoughts/suggestions? Thank you in advance.

 

[FalconFX]

Take a look at this headlamp:
http://elektrolumens.com/LS_HEADLAMP/LS_Headlamp.html

It's got more punch than any other LED headlamp out there right now, and it'll last over 10 hours...

 

[PhotonBoy]

http://elektrolumens.com/LS_HEADLAMP/LS_Headlamp.html

I use mine for biking. It *rocks*!

 

[PhotonBoy]

An' the winnah is........

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Climb14er,

Welcome.

There has been a lot of discussion on headlamps. I suggest that you check out the excellent search function on this forum.

I am a hiker and camper (not a climber). I like my Tikka and the Streamlight Trident. The Trident has a switchable setting between 1 LED, 3 LED's, and bulb. Unfortunately, the beam is not perfect. Just pretty good. I just picked up one of Elektrolumens ElektroStar head lamps and I like it a lot. It is a 4 AA light and is a little heavy, but with lithium batteries that may not be an issue. I am still waiting to hear if it can be safely run on lithium batteries so I have not tried it yet.

Good luck on your search and let us know what you end up with.

Tom

 

[FalconFX]

You can request that Wayne (Elektrolumens) resistor the light so lithiums can be installed in it... Then you shouldn't have to worry...

 

[Climb14er]

Thanks for the quick replies.

Went to the web site and then spoke to Wayne. It appears as if the headlamp has too much weight far forward as opposed to being a bit more balanced with the four AA's at the back and the swivel lamp in the front of the headset.

This is important as it has no top headstrap for additional support and if I'm going to be hiking and climbing, the 'balance' has to be right.

This light will be used actively, on foot, and while working my way over boulder fields and rock escarpments, and not on flat terrain.

I'm also needing a beam that is strong as opposed to diffused that I now obtain with my Tikka. That's why the Halogen bulb of the Solo is good but as I said, the bulbs are $6.00 apiece and they suck down batteries like there's no tomorrow.

I've got to keep on looking...

 

[FalconFX]

Then you might want to look at the Black Diamond Polar Star (or the Gemini):
http://www.northernmountain.com/pgi-Product%20Spec?502081

The only disadvantage is if you're using it in cold weather, the AAAs may not be up to task (unlike lithium AAs)... The Gemini easily remedies that though...

 

[Climb14er]

Thanks for the reply.

The Gemini was Backpacker Mag's 'editor's choice' award last year. Nice light, well designed, a little on the underpowered side. This is the type of balanced design that I'm looking for. One small led though.

It could be a choice of mine, along with the Tec Yukon, we'll see. I spoke with Princeton Tec earlier and the Yukon will be hitting the market within the next few weeks.

 

[shankus]

Pelican 2600 HeadsUP Lite w/ an EverLED installed. It is four AAs, top strap, water resistant, very tough construction, and a lifetime warranty. With the EverLED, it would be a fully regulated, 1 watt luxeon headlamp.
(Be careful of the polarity when using EverLEDs, though. Mine was PR tip negative from the factory, but the fix was fast and simple, see the link below.)

Inside view of the HeadsUP Lite.

 

[Climb14er]

I checked out all the recommendations and spoke with the reps and the companies. Fine products. I appreciate the links and comments.

The Princeton Tec soon to be released Yukon has the comfortable/secure strap system, xenon bulb, three high bright LED's, three AA's in back for balance and a lightweight total package.

I'm going to wait for this to be released and probably give it a workout in the mountains with my Tikka as a backup.

I'll post a report as well. The Yukon should be hitting ther stores in the next month or so.

This is an excellent forum!