That Beacon of Light

Who doesn’t need that beacon of light to help navigate their way to a late night destination? Or to locate gear inside a pack when daylight is dwindling? Or for more obvious reasons, like when nature calls in the middle of the night? A backpacking light needs to be compact, versatile, bombproof, lightweight, reliable, and able to outlast the rigors of the journey.

We’ve used three different headlamps by three different manufacturers on our hiking journeys and wanted to share the results with you. These and others are available occasionally at TheClymb, an outdoor flash retailer of Outdoor Equipment.

First off, I will say that in the beginning, I did not use a headlamp with a night feature. I’ve come to find out there’s nothing worse than having a late night arrival at a backpacking shelter and having powerful LED bulbs shining full in your face as you are trying to sleep. When I was given a headlamp that had this capability, I was happy to have it, not only for my sake, but for the sake of bunkmates who now won’t be blinded by the light…literally. In my opinion, all headlamps should have this feature.

The following headlamps we have tested on backpacking adventures:

Princeton Tech Fuel

Website

What the manufacturer says – “When applied well, technology should be simple. Such is the case with the innovative Fuel headlamp – designed to meet the widest range of applications while remaining small, lightweight, and robust. What could be better than a light that weighs only 78g with 70 lumens of brightness and 146 hours of burn time? A light that also has an asymmetrical single arm bracket that makes directing the light effortless and reliable; a large, easy to find button switch and a virtually bulletproof, easy access battery door that protects the 3AAAs and its electronics.”

My take – This is a lightweight (at 78 grams) standard headlamp for outdoor activities. The headlamp performs adequately with good lighting in modes ranging from low to high as well as slow and fast strobe pattern. The battery life on it is good except when the headlamp has switched on in my pack—which occurred a few times. It is inexpensive. Drawbacks: No red light for nighttime use in a shelter. Essentially only two modes—the white LED in different strengths and the strobe in two patterns. The manufacturer claims it’s bulletproof. For some reason I’ve had durability issues on several of these I own. Either the battery casing has cracked, the door to the casing has broken off, etc. Perhaps if they made the battery compartment easier to access without the tiny tool-like device on the headlamp necessary to access it. And the casing itself is more durable and holds up to the rigorous activities of a hiker.         

Black Diamond Spot 

Website

What the manufacturer says – “Now featuring more power than ever, the 90-lumen Black Diamond Spot headlamp is the light to have when you only have one. Whether you’re cooking up some grub after a long day hike on the trail or spotting anchors on an after-dark rappelling epic, this compact super-bright headlamp features multiple modes that are customizable to any lighting situation. Red angle-power LEDS provide proximity lighting without cycling through the white mode, so you won’t accidentally compromise night vision. The lock mode prevents accidental battery drain in your pack or while stored and the 3 level power meter means you’ll never be caught with a dead headlamp hours from camp.”

My take – I was immediately happy to have a headlamp with a night feature so fellow hikers aren’t blinded. I liked the different modes it has, from a spotlight type feature to bright, multi LEDs for that rare nighttime hike to the strobe and then the red light for nighttime. The lighting in several of the modes can be dimmed by holding down the button, thus improving battery life. Batteries were easy to change with a flip of the front cover and seemed to hold life well.  And it features a lock mechanism mode so the headlamp doesn’t accidentally turn on inside the pack. Reliable piece of gear thus far. Drawbacks: This is heavy at 90 grams. More expensive than the Princeton Tech Fuel.  

LED Lenser SEO Headlamp  

Website

LED Lenser is a division of the Leatherman Tool Group producing a set of headlamps with multi function capability. I was sent one to test and was happy to have a fellow tester take it on a beach / backpacking trip for his evaluation.

What the manufacturer says – “All the lights in the SEO line feature Smart Light Technology for switching quickly between high and low power and a signal mode. The SEO5 and SEO7R also use LED LENSER’S Advanced Focus System for either a wide beam for reading a map or a power spot for long distance. All the SEO lights feature a red light mode for preserving night vision. All SEO headlamps weigh less than 3.5 ounces, have a helpful carabineer clip for carrying on the go, and feature a swiveling head to direct the light exactly where it’s needed.”

Out tester’s take on it – Our tester used this headlamp on a backpacking trip to Back Bay in Virginia. This headlamp has a very bright setting and was perfect when trying to find gear or other lost object in the dead of night. With the red light vision, the tester found he was able to walk the beach at night and still gaze up at the stars or see the whitecaps of the ocean waves undisturbed. The zoom focus capability on the headlamp was a unique feature. Battery life was good; the battery compartment easy to access and seemed sturdy. Drawbacks: With so many features, this headlamp was a bit of a bear trying to learn to operate it. It is not instinctive but one needs to read the instructions to know what to do. Some lights are easy in their function, but with this, the manual is necessary. This headlamp is also heavy at 90 grams.

There are other brands out there (like the Petzl) we did not get to test. If you have a review of a favorite headlamp, feel free to post it under comments.

Copyright 2013 Lauralee Bliss. All rights reserved.

Guest Blog: Beginner's Backpack Spots in the Pacific Northwest

Guest post provided by COAST Products, a Portland, Oregon based LED flashlight and outdoor knife company. 

We had the opportunity to field test the HP 7 Coast flashlight and found it an excellent product for camping or for group backpacking. The push button switch is easy to activate with one hand. While on the heavy side for individual backpacker use, a ranger on patrol or backpacker group will find the "flood beam" helpful when hanging a bear bag at night or for Scouts setting up a tent. The flood or spot beam can be locked into place. It is durable and provides a well field of light for camp uses. It comes with its own sturdy holder that can fit on a belt. I am happy to recommend it. 

- "Blissful", 2 time Appalachian Trail hiker and ridgerunner

Beginners’ Backpacking Spots in the Pacific Northwest

When asked why he wanted to climb Mt. Everest, climbing legend George Mallory famously responded, “Because it’s there.” Mallory’s sense of adventurous exploration is just one of many good reasons to get into backpacking.

For one thing, a backpacking trip is far less expensive than a vacation spent poolside – and far healthier. Just ask the “world’s oldest backpaker,” Keith Wright, who is currently traipsing around Europe at the ripe old age of 95. A hankering for freedom and breathtaking beauty may be the most common motivators for strapping on a heavy pack and exiting society for a few nights. Whatever your reasons for taking up backpacking, this much is clear: Your safety and enjoyment depends on your degree of preparation.

If you’re used to car camping, you may not be aware of just how much planning (and physical exertion) is required for a backpacking expedition. Navigation planning is the first thing to do. For beginning backpackers, a 4-6 mile hike in, a night or two camping, and a 4-6 mile hike out is a good format. Ideally, this expanse should consist of fairly even terrain – inclines will be challenging with a 40- or 50-pound pack on your back.

Fortunately, the Pacific Northwest offers wonderful backpacking spots for hikers of all ability levels, including beginners. Here are a few favorite beginner-appropriate backpacking spots in the Pacific Northwest:

Backpacking in the Olympic Peninsula

The Olympic Peninsula is located west of Seattle; it is the northwestern most area of the contiguous 48 states. It is also the sole temperate rainforest in the United States. A trip to the Olympic Rainforest is unforgettable; diversity abounds here. 

Olympic Peninsula area, courtesy Lauralee Bliss

One great Olympic Peninsula trip for the learning hiker begins at the Hoh Ranger Station and continues for 12 miles along flat ground. Breathtakingly tall ancient trees create a canopy overhead. As you become a more experienced hiker, you can venture to the more remote eastern side of Olympic National Park.

Southern Washington Backpacking

Dark firs border the Lewis River, which is located just 75 miles northeast of Portland. This tributary of the Columbia has an enchanting turquoise tone. There are plenty of places along the Lewis River where beginning backpackers can park and hike a short distance in to established camping spots.

Beginner Backpacking Around Mt. Hood

When you’re slogging along the trail, sore, hungry, and tired, there’s nothing like a phenomenal view to keep you motivated. The Elk Cove hike is perfect for the view-hungry alpinist. After about a mile of hiking through mossy forest, you reach a ridgeline with commanding views of Mt. Hood. Camp here or continue on as far as you like along this 10-mile trail. 

Multnomah Falls, Courtesy Lauralee Bliss

Backpacking in the Columbia Gorge

Eagle Creek is another great beginning backpacking trail near Portland. Considering the stunning waterfalls along Eagle Creek, it’s no surprise that it’s a popular trail. In the summer, you’ll have plenty of company – often a good thing for beginning backpackers.

These Pacific Northwest backpacking spots are great for the beginner. Once you know where you’re headed, ensure that your pack is complete. Do you have a trusty tent? How about a stove and a backup stove with fuel? In addition to bedding, a camp kitchen, food, water and a water filtration system, you’ll want a high-quality LED torch, such as the G45 LED flashlight from COAST. With its clear white flood beam and impact resistance, the G45 will probably light your way along the trail for years to come.

One last planning consideration to remember for beginning backpacking is that you will probably need a forest pass or other permit to park and hike in the areas mentioned above. Nearby ranger stations are typically happy to sell wilderness passes.