My idea for a lightweight hiking light: your feedback?

[El_Canyon]

Hello CPF folks. I've been out of the flashlight technology loop since I got my Surefire A2 a year ago. I've been reading like mad here on CPF to catch up but I'd like to describe a flashlight need and see if there are better options than what I've come up with.

Application: hiking/backpacking. Need to be able to work hands-free while setting up camp, cooking, etc. at a "low" light level. Need to be able to hike rough trails (either head-mounted or hand carried for better contrast) at a "medium" light level. Need to have a "high/super" light level for occasional, short duration long-throw situations like a tough navigation turn at night. Good balance between spot & flood beam.

Requirements: regulated LED output, AA powered, works with Energizer lithium AA, water "proof" enough to use in a pouring rainstorm without worries, lightweight, compact size, high quality build, reputable maker w/ good customer service.

What I've come up with is to get a Fenix L1D CE which uses the Cree 7090 XR-E and pair it up with a JakStrap headband. The output numbers for the single AA lights are good enough that I will trade having a more compact light for toting a spare AA cell. The light must use AA because I want battery commonality with my GPS.

The only concerns I have with this setup are 1) I've never handled a Fenix so I don't know its balance between spot/flood for use on the trails and 2) I'm not sure how water resistant it really is. I also don't know how the Cree emitters compare to the Luxeon Rebels.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Sgt. LED]

If you know Surefire, know that Fenix is great for bringing in new tech faster than anyone. If you need the newest best LED right now they've got it. I have 1 Fenix and I'm planning to get more, but they're not my go-to SHTF light, or my woods at night primary. Currently nobody comes very close to SF in toughness. Stick with the quality you know and get a E2L! Strength and crazy long runtime!!!!!!
However since you must have AA, go for the Fenix L1T V2.0 for 1 cell L2T V2.0 for 2 cell but remember most bright led flashlights can overheat in a headband. Especially a Fenix on turbo.

 

[El_Canyon]

Sarge, aren't the Fenix T-series switches momentary only? That's what I gleaned from the Fenix Store website. Any opinions about the diffs between Cree and the Rebel LED?

 

[LED_Thrift]

I just saw a Zebralight for the first time this weekend at PF9 at Milky's place. It is a single AA very tiny headlamp that has three light levels, the brightest being very bright. It has a wide elastic strap and a holder for the light of silicone rubber. Very comfortable. Since it is so small you could also carry another small light like a L1D or a P1 and still be carrying less weight than a single medium sized light would be. It has a very floody beam so don't expect to see far away things with it.

I expect this light will be a BIG hit with ultra-lite backpackers.

 

[Oddjob]

Sarge, aren't the Fenix T-series switches momentary only? That's what I gleaned from the Fenix Store website. Any opinions about the diffs between Cree and the Rebel LED?

The new L*T v2 come with a tactical tailcap that has a momentary but also fully clicks on but cannot tailstand. They also come with a regual reverse clickie that can tailstand.
I the ZebraLight is a great floody light with three levels...no throw though. I found it great around camp but I have not tried it on any trails. I think a ZebraLight and an L1T v2 would be a good combo if you want AA batteries.

 

[bouncer]

someone already sold a used zebralight in the marketplace and i'm thinking a new one could be my first headlamp and the zebralight will take lith ion I've already emailed them to ask?

 

[Sgt. LED]

I'd take the L*T V2.0 in a cree if it were offered. I love dirt simple UI's! I think the cree throws better, and the OP reflector makes a nice beam. It's a great EDC combo, for me the cree's slightly x-tra heat output don't matter much since my ECD's are usually not run very long at a stretch anyway. Right now I have to take it in the rebel offered...... Unless I Mod it! Probably won't though. Unless you count putting the head on a P2d body and swapping out the switch guts! I like the idea of running either battery type I happen to have and the tactical clicky.:thumbsup:

 

[scottaw]

Zebra light might be cool, haven't used one myself..yet. But it sounds like you're looking for the princeton tec Apex...you'll love it, i promise.

 

[LED_Thrift]

Zebra light might be cool, haven't used one myself..yet. But it sounds like you're looking for the princeton tec Apex...you'll love it, i promise.

The Apex is a great, fairly versitile headlight. I don't know if it qualifies as lightweight though. I guess that depends if you are comparing it to a 3D mag.

 

[Curious_character]

I use a Petzl Tikka+ headlamp for all the mentioned purposes except the occasional long-distance look across the meadow or lake at night. For that I carry a D-Mini, which has a lot of throw and is very small and light weight, and a P1D CE as a spare battery holder and backup light.

c_c

 

[holeymoley]

I just modded a Black Diamond Zenix IQ Headlamp that I got from one of the outdoor outfitters. Total cost: $26

It came with a Luxeon star and I put in a U-bin Seoul Star that I got from DX. It took about 4 minutes to disassemble the light and remove the old LED and solder the new one in there. I estimate that the projecting light is twice as bright now. oo: There are still small 5mm LEDs on the sides for 'Low mode'.

This was my first mod and it was so easy that I plan to grab a few more cheap headlamps and mod them in a similar manner. It fits all of your requirements but the lamp I have takes AAA... but I' have seen ones with AA. It is not as bright as a Fenix, but it is plenty bright enough for night hiking.

 

[Lobo]

I would love to see a Pentagon Molle light with a better LED, 3 lvls of brightness, of which one is a really really really low.

 

[paulr]

The Zebralight is great. It's a pure flood that lights your immediate surroundings with beautiful evenness. It has no throw to speak of. Use a separate handheld light for that.