Best lightweight cold weather headlamp

I noticed a thread somewhere in here that warns agaist using lithium batteries in headlamps. I know lithium powered tools have temp. regulators built into them to help with heat build-up.

some more info has come up there.

> I plan on doing more winter hiking and was wondering if I need a headlamp with a remote battery on a coiled wire so that the power source is kept warmer close to my body, reducing battery drain.

Very very smart.
Alkalines die at freezing point, and lithiums sag a bit.

I use Tikka XP on Everest last spring with Enegiser AAA lithium batteries. Great lamp, very light, Enough light for everything but technical climbing, but expect only about 4 to 5 hours of sufficient lighting. On that expe I also had a BlackDiamond Zenix IQ an a Princeton EOS. The Eos is much better than the Tika XP. Although the Tikka burn time is specified longer, in real life, the EOS beats it heads on for sufficient lighting. The BD Zenix is crap: heavy, the two leds are not powerfull enough so you always used the beam (forget about the two lower ower setting), wich is good for only about two hours with fresh batteries.

Hi Mathieu,

I heard the EOS was superior as well in terms of providing sufficient lighting for longer periods of time.

A few questions:

1) How much light can I expect at sufficient lighting for hiking (not climbing) in the winter with the EOS using Lithium batteries? Say at 32F or 20F or pick another cold temp number? I will try to ask Princeton Tec as well.

2) will placement of a headlamp like the EOS with a self-contained battery compartment on the head, rather than over a hat, with a little insulation material cut in the shape of a donut to fit around the light unit, help keep it warm and preserve power in winter?

3) For headlamp units like the Princeton Tec Apex, where the battery pack is on the back of the head strap, but without a long wire enabling wearing on the body, can the battery pack be kept warm enough to prolong baterry life by simply wearing the unit on the head, under a hat?

Thanks so much for all the great info, very close to making purchase decision.