So what should i buy

[Forged In Blood]

So I've been shopping around for my first headlamp, but i having a hard time deciding what to get.

I'll be using it mostly for backpacking but also some climbing, urban exploration and various stuff ranging from off road driving to household stuff.

What I'm looking for in a headlamp.

1: Build quality = god
2: Waterproof, indefinably (time) submersible: deeper is nice but anything from 1 to 2 meters and down will suffice.
3: Long runtime, don't really need massive amounts of light, i need to see where i am going and be able to change a tire, write my journal and do some other close up tasks at night.

Other useful but not critical stuff:
RED filter, Low weight, battery's easily available in non 1st world country's

So anything out there fit the bill?

 

[Edog006]

If you're looking for a good solid headlamp that is waterproof provides moderate light output and is and of course built well, you really have a lot of options. I like the pelican line for very simple reliable lights http://www.pelicanproducts.us/detailaspx367.html this model in particular probably would suit your needs just fine. There are tons of headlamps in this category so shop around and see what you like. If you have an outdoors store nearby (HTO, REI, EMS, Cabelas) you can really get a feel for what you want. Good luck

 

[Forged In Blood]

If you have an outdoors store nearby (HTO, REI, EMS, Cabelas) you can really get a feel for what you want. Good luck

Hehe i will be getting back to civilization in a few months, but currently I'm not even sure this country has even heard of outdoor stores... so currently i have to rely om internet + post, so far the postal service seems reasonably reliable. To be clear om looking for something thats really bomb proof strong and guaranteed submersible waterproof (see no mention of that on the pelican site). If you are looking for a price range... anything Sub $200 is fine, as long as it's worth that $$$

 

[Strauss]

You could check out FoxFury's line of headlamps. They are at the top of your budget, but are very good quality units and offer many different styles to suit your particular needs.

Personally, I love my PT Apex pro headlamp that I modded with a Seoul P4 emitter and a shaved down IMS 20mm reflector. Excellent beam, and good runtime(4hrs regulated at ~60lumens), which is damn good for only 2xCR123 batteries(which also keeps weight down).

With all that being said, I also got to throw a suggestion out for the Zebralight as well. Great flood-style headlamp with EXCELLENT runtimes on common AA battereis....and priced well too.

:welcome:

 

[clg0159]

+1 for the Zebralight. It does not have a red filter as you requested but for up close tasks and flood lighting It's hard to beat. Plus the use of only one AA cell makes it great if finding batteries is an issue. Good luck with your search you are definately in the right place:thumbsup:

 

[drmaxx]

Be aware that the zebralight alone is not the right light for backpacking in unknown terrain. But definately great for illuminating your writing or changing the tires.