backup light

[John S.]

How to tell v1 vs v2…often the manufacturer will make a physical change. I have not found one yet. The manual of v2 states these things that might help “(Note: The TUBE V2.0 will be automatically unlocked when being recharged in the Lockout Mode.)”

Just found this on nitecore site, “At full charge the new Tube V2.0 now auto-unlocks so it is always ready to go.”

Another thing to try is, “The TUBE V2.0 can still be activated during the charging process.” See if that works on v1.

[Matthew / BPL]

Has anyone figured out a way to clip the Nitecore Tube to a hat?

Nope but my secondary light has a clip.

[Russ W]

I’ll bet it eould be easy enough to sew a tiny loop of shock cord to the bill of a hat.

[Dustin V]

I just tried a medium-sized binder clip on the side of the brim so the light was pointing forward. Could also be useful for clipping inside a tent, etc.

[NoCO-Jim]

“Has anyone figured out a way to clip the Nitecore Tube to a hat?”……

 

[Dustin V]

I love this idea, NoCO Jim. I have about a dozen of those clips from coffee bags and a few of the foam adhesive strips in a drawer somewhere.

[David Thomas]

The last batch of NiteCore Tubes I got as stocking stuffers came with a keychain light for the same or lower price ($9.99 for both) as the Tube only.

If you affix that small coffee-bag clip to the Tube, you could also hang it inside your tent or on a branch above your camp kitchen as a hands-free area light.

[Jan Rezac]

This reminded me that I wanted to make a clip for my Tube… Here it is.

Weights 2.5 grams. It has one more function when clipped to a hat – as it is black, it shields the light from my field of view (the whole front part of the Tube glows when it is on).

[Jerry Adams]

how did you make it?

one could 3D print something like that

it looks like it might be carbon fiber

[Jan Rezac]

It’s 3D-printed. I’ll post the files somewhere if someone wants to print it too.

[Matthew / BPL]

Sure I’d like to try it out.

[Jan Rezac]

I uploaded the files to Printables, you can download it here:

https://www.printables.com/model/402151-nitecore-tube-light-clip

[Matthew / BPL]

Thanks, Jan!

[Brett Peugh]

Is there a backup light like these that use a USB-C cord to recharge rather than a micro?  Just would like to have one less cord to bring with.  Thanks you.

[Matthew / BPL]

The “main” light I carry these days is a Nitecore Tip SE (as noted early I flip the script by using my Tube as my main light). That said, Tip SE uses USB C For charging. I think the Tini does as well but I don’t remember why I chose the Tip SE over it. Nitecore might have others that use USB C.

I carry this cable when backpacking. It’s possible that it is not the ideal cable for electrical resistance or weight but the simplicity is worth it. I can weigh it later if someone wants me to do that. I recall it being around 20g and it connects to my flashlights, phone, Steripen, and InReach.

[Andrew Shapira]

Thanks for pointing out the NiteCore Tube. I did not know about it. It looks pretty cool. Except, I read a couple reviews that said that the NiteCore tube easily turns itself on in one’s pocket.

I had a similar experience with a Princeton Tech II light that I carried around in my first-aid-like bag for 2 years without incident (and without use). One day after a hike, I noticed a red glow within the bag, and found that the light had turned itself on. After that, the light was finicky, where just a slight touch would change it from on to off. I keep it on the table next to the computer to remind myself to get something better, and sometimes just touching the table is enough to turn the light on.

Is there a light like this that has a robust on/off system that is not subject to accidental turning on?

[Kevin Babione]

I bet Jan’s printed clip would work as a On/Off protector if it were put on the Tube on the “wrong” side.  Then to use it as a clip you’d just pull it off, switch it around and put it back on.

[Glen L]

My backup light is already a part of my iPhone. It has a good flashlight feature that  is useful for momentary light or signaling. Zero extra weight. Of course hands free options are the best but for a tool that does so much the iPhone is hard to beat, saves camera weight, gps weight, reference book weight, backup lighting weight and more. Might not be good for every single situation depending but it has been a stellar choice for our purposes.

[Bob Shuff]

Another option is the Nitecore Tiki

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07539175R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[David Sugeno]

I read a couple reviews that said that the NiteCore tube easily turns itself on in one’s pocket.

The Tube has a lockout function, so this should not be an issue.  Sounds like user error to me.

I recently picked up a Rovyvon Aurora A5.  It is pretty fantastic.  Larger than the Tube, but very powerful, has a reversable clip, lockout function, recharges by USB-C.

[David Thomas]

I’ve never had my Tube turn on accidentally and it rattles around in my carry-on backpack and, while on hikes, in my pants pocket.

[Sam Farrington]

As posted earlier on this forum, Petzl changed the Tikka for the worse; so use two of the older models, with better fit, finish and full coverage diffusers.  Each weigh under 2.7 oz including the head band and Li core battery which is 3 cells about the size of AAA’s, packed in the small Core battery pack.  There have been no problems, unlike the other Li batteries and lamps tried first, that left me in the dark, often in traffic, and cost a lot more than the Petzl’s.  Note: Petzl has a lighter Li headlamp that has a full coverage diffuser like the old model Tikka.

If out for less than an hour or so, just carry one Petzl; but for longer hikes or road walking, carry the other as a backup.  There is no time to fiddle with batteries on winding town roads in the dark.  But on longer hikes on trails or bushwhacking, only carry one lamp, and an extra Core battery for a spare (0.8 oz).

The lamps run around 300 lumens, but are bright with a medium setting.  Still, the weight is worth the illumination whether road walking or in the backcountry. The lamps light up the road or the path fully, and have not caught me in the dark out there as happened with the less known brands.

[Ross Bleakney]

Yeah, the Nitecore Tube makes a great backup or primary light. It used to be my only light, but now I carry a Petzl Bindi as well. Most of the time I don’t mind holding the light, but sometimes it is nice to have a headlamp if I’m using my hands a lot in the dark. I tried to various clips to connect the Tube to my hat, but it was too floppy (I wear a bucket hat).

[Mary E]

I use the Rovyvon Aurora series flashlights, they are similar to the Nitecore tube, but they come with a hat clip and a key chain that I put a s-biner on so I could clip it to my pack.  Worked great night hiking.

 

[David Gardner]

I have to try the “Yitee LED Circuit Board Super Bright 6 LED Mini USB Light with Smart Touch Electrodeless Dimming Switch”! Just ordered from Amazon – 5 for $16.

This is what I’ve been using as my “when all else fails” backup light. But now that I always take at least my phone and a small backup, it may be history at a phat 3.52 grams:

[Author]

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