Gear Product Review - Dorcy Headlamps

I sent out one of my staff to try the Dorcy headlamps for use in backpacking and regular camping, and this is what he had to say about the products.

(From Dorcy) The new 41-2096 lightweight headlight is loaded with features and brightness. The small headlight produces 120 lumen of light output in a broad beam. With 12 hours of run time and 3 brightness modes makes this headlight the perfect light. Weighing in at only 2.9 ounces with batteries this light will not feel heavy after wearing it for hours. The LED panel has a 50 degree adjustment to allow for pin point focusing. 3 brightness modes. Full power, half power and strobe mode will allow this light will meet all of your needs.

Product Specifications
Lumens: 120
Run Time: 12 Hours
Beam Distance: 48 Meters / 157 feet
Bulb Type: LED
Batteries: 3 AAA Included
Product Material: Plastic
Product Dimensions: 2.75" W X 1.50" depth
Bezel Diameter: 1"
Product Weight: 2.9 ounces
Available Color(s): Black / Silver bezel Ring
Switch: Push button top

Additional Features: Lightweight weather resistant, 3 light modes
full power, half power, strobe

Our Review - The broad beam headlamp was a simple on & off model that is good for around the house use but the brighter light and hence shorter battery life (12 hours on 3 AAA's ) do not lend it to backpacking especially on extended trips. At 120 lumens, this is great for looking around a dark engine or seeing  and being seen when  walking  the dogs around the neighborhood at night. I'd use it for backyard or car camping. It seems a good, sturdy-made, reasonably priced headlamp.

Dorcy 20 Lumen Headlamp

Product Specifications

Lumens: 2 Run Time: 18 Hours Beam Distance: 28 Meters
Bulb Type: LED Batteries: 3 AAA Included Product Material: Plastic Product Dimensions: 2.75" W X 1.50" depth Bezel Diameter: 1" Product Weight: 2.9 ounces Available Color(s): Black
Switch: Push button top
Additional Features: Lightweight weather resistant, light modes
full power, half power, strobe, Red On, Red Flash Green On Green Flash Red green on Red/green flash - 

Review - I used the Dorsey headlamp on a few backpacking trip and found it work well.  I love the green reading and the ease of battery installation.  It has a nice solid battery door and sturdy construction over all.  A Few things did not like was that there were to many multiple settings. There was way too many buttons to push to go from on and off especially with the colored lamps. You go from on green to blinking green, then on red then blinking red and then both colors. From on to off it took about 7 button hits. The diffuser lens was interesting in that it took the beam and would light up the tent area like a lantern light but I don't think it was that useful. The weight on this headlamp was around 3 oz., seems similar to other ones I use. It seemed reasonably made and a decent headlamp.

NOTE - This headlamp is only $10 via the Dorcy website!

Related Websites

That Beacon of Light - review of other headlamps

Product Reviews