Headlamp recommendation?

I think a coin light would be perfect for you, except that shop doesn't sell it.

I rely like my petzyl e lite batteries are plenty light to Cary a spare set

for what your describing the e-lite should fit the bill pretty well, in a pinch will do on the trail- not the light I'd choose if I knew there was going to be night hiking involved, but a pretty decent headlamp for under a ounce

zebralight has some decently lightweight lamps that are worth looking at too

Thanks for the responses. That was helpful.

I carry an e+light when I'm confident there will not be any hiking at night. If there's a possibility of needing to find trail I bring my Black Diamond Spot. It's a bit heavier but so much better when a trail thins out in the dark.

does anyone have experience with the Zebralight headlamps. At $64, they aren't cheap, but the wide range of options look like it should offer a good fit for most hikers who need a serious light on the trail.

To respond to the OP, I have a Mammut Lucido TR1 (the lantern/headlamp combo) that I really like. It's my wife's favorite of the three we have (the others are a BD EOS (the newer model) and a Petzl Zipka XP). From using it, the lantern attachment is a useful option and spreads a nice light in a tent, but I prefer it without it.

The beam the Lucido casts is one of my favorite beams I've ever seen — it casts a wide, even circle of light that is unbelievable for finding your way in the dark for navigating a rough trail or searching for firewood — applications where a lot of clean light is needed — this is superior to either of the other headlamps. It's just a very different beam pattern. It's got no real hotspot in the center, but is even across a wide, very useful area, with almost 100% falloff at the edges. Everything is either lit well and evenly, or not lit at all.

My wife also finds the headband to be more comfortable than the others we have. I don't think the headlamp feels as rugged or durable in terms of build quality as the others (the EOS in particular), but I haven't tried it in rain or any other rough conditions.

If I had to depend on just one light source for a trip, I would take something else, but with two of us hiking, this is a no-brainer to bring along; my wife gets this (I take the XP, usually using the red LED) and I borrow the Lucido when it's time to hunt for firewood, for instance. And the lantern feature is a nice option for the tent.

Overall, I consider it a good value, and I would purchase it again.

I recently got a Mammut S-Flex light for just the needs you described.
I love it. It weighs 1.66 ounces, casts a nice wide beam but not too bright. It has the red light feature which is so important in camp.

My other lights are the Pitzel Tikka XP and the Princeton Tec EOS. Both are fine lights but overkill if you don't plan to hike at night. They both weigh 3.3 ounces and don't have the red light feature.

I don't know much about that particular light, but one cool thing that Mammut does is when you turn the light on, it's starts on low. Hit it again if you want it brighter. I'm no rocket scientist, but that seems logical to me. Every other light zaps you with the high beams and then you have to hit the button again to try to dim the light.

i have both an elite and an xp plus

i actually leave the elite at home most of the time now … the xp weights more, but the advantage is that with the core i dont spend anything on batteries and i can recharge it anywhere there is a plug/usb (read car)

to me the xp serves all my needs … no need for a headlamp for every situation just because of a ~2 oz diff

For your situation, I agree that an e+Lite would be perfect. It's got everything you need for an ounce.

Regarding Zebralights, they are the gold standard IMO (I love my H51) but overkill for the OP's needs. I take my H51 when night hiking or the days are short, and I use my e+Lite in the summer. The only thing I dislike about the e+Lite is throwing out batteries.

I have a 301 (CR123 just like my new steripen :)) and agree w/ Dan- overkill for the OP's description, but if your hiking at night- very nice

I'll be using mine Thursday morning- we're going to get a 1.5 hour headstart on daylight and the 301 will definitely get the bid for that job

Great information! Tim – thanks for that detailed review. It sounds like I should go down to REI, find a poorly lit corner and compare the lights and see if the better coverage is worth the extra weight.

Richard,
With REI, I don't know if you'll find a poorly lit corner, but in my experience, you'll be happier hiking with the beam on the Lucido than with the Petzl's or EOS as reference. I just think the Lucido is better hiking light, and because there really isn't a hotspot, it is easier on the eyes. The S-flex that someone mentioned here looks like an awesome option — lightweight, one battery, and with red LEDs as an option to preserve night vision. I've got that on my list to pick up on sale one of these days as an all-purpose lightweight hiking light. Looks like one of the best options out there.

I have yet to try an e+Lite, though it's on my list as well. It seems awesome, especially for the weight/size. The batteries are the thing that gets me on them. I love everything else I've read about them. Biggest plus for the e+Lite is that it's got a history of proven waterproofness/ruggedness. No idea how the Mammuts will do in harsh conditions.

Since I'm usually camping with my wife, I may try a Mammut/e+Lite combo for the two of us and see how that goes, but realistically, it's hard for me to imagine giving up a "big" headlamp. I just love headlamps, and really enjoy great light — it's a cost/benefit thing for me. Summertime, with lots of daylight, I can forego a big headlamp. Other seasons, where I might be spending as much as 6-8 hours with a headlamp on, having the option of big light when needed/wanted, is a great plus (and that's where I'm looking at Zebralights).

"Zebralight headlamps"

I'm very happy with mine. They have quite a selection of models, so you have to decide whether you want one battery type or another. I decided first what light intensity I wanted, then the battery type, and then flood or spot. I ended up with something that hit my weight goal of 2 ounces.

–B.G.–

I have now had the chance to try both the e+lite and the Mammut Lucido TR1 for reading, and there is no question that it is much easier and more pleasurable to read with the Mammut. As Tim said, the Lucido has a wide, even light; it covers the whole page. It is possible for me to read with the e+lite, but the bright area was limited in width, requring me to move my head to keep the brightest area on the print. I have not tried any other lights.