Biolite Headlamp 200 Review

[BPL Moderator Team]

New: Biolite Headlamp 200 Review

The Biolite Headlamp 200 (1.75 oz /50 g, $44.95) is a USB-rechargeable headlamp with a unique design that makes it very comfortable and stable.

[David Thomas]

Thanks for the review.  I’d be curious if it can really go for 40 hours at it’s lowest setting.  I’ve tested the NiteCore Bindi and it went several hours past its 50-hour spec and the NiteCore Tube went many hours past its 48-hour spec, although at reduced output.

I can see how that head strap would be unusually comfortable and low-profile.  I usually want my light at my waist or in the my hand for hiking. Would there be a way to rig it to a waistband or pants waist?  It seemed less versatile that most headlamps in that usage.

[Rex Sanders]

Also thanks for the review. Is the Biolite 200 really that much more comfortable and stable for backpacking (vs running)?

I wear a headlamp around my neck for several reasons unrelated to comfort:

• Doesn’t blind other people when I look at them
• Offset lighting improves shadows and depth perception
• Hats and headlamps often don’t play well together
• Light points where my chest points, instead of where my constantly-moving head points (sometimes that’s an advantage)

Tip: If you want any headlamp to point up while around your neck, turn the whole thing upside down before you put it on. Been doing that since the 1980s, thought everyone knew that trick by now.

— Rex

[David U]

Thaks for the review.  I have been eyeing this one.

Any idea as to how the battery life compares to the 330 version?

[Christopher C]

You beat me to the punch….  never even understood why manufacturers bother with a tilt up, or why Biolite didn’t just tell this reviewer to turn it upside down when he called.  Maybe they were more interested in touting how comfortable it is?

The simple solutions are usually best…

[David Thomas]

Does anyone ever use strobe mode?  I really dislike have strobe (or SOS) in the rotation of modes.

I guess I could see having that on your butt while road-biking or road-running, but you can also just use a $1 trick-or-treat blinky light for that.

[Mark Verber]

@davidinkenai when you talked about the Nitecore Bindi runtime did you mean Petzl BINDI or a Nitecore ??

For the comparison is would have been nice to include Nitecore NU25 which is one of the most competitive options in the small, light, bright enough, USB rechargeable.

–mark

 

[David Thomas]

MarkW.  Oops, my mistake.  You’re right, the Petzl Bindi.

I too, see lots of people describe using the NiteCore NU25.

[Rex Sanders]

“The perfect backpacking headlamp is NOT the Nitecore NU25”

Simplicity and reliability are very important, too.

— Rex

[Rex Sanders]

Another headlamp tip:

An upside down headlamp on your head, pointed at the ceiling of your shelter, provides ambient lighting with several advantages. Won’t get covered by stuff vs. laying it down. Easier than attaching it overhead and avoids noggin bonking. And you don’t need to buy a new tent with a special headlamp pocket :-)

— Rex

[Ken Thompson]

I like the nitecore nu20 with the shock cord diy strap. No strobe, no red, no fuss

https://www.litesmith.com/nitecore-nu20-usb-rechargeable-headlamp/

[Cliff F]

I’d like to hear some info on the ability of the ‘on switch’ to NOT turn itself on in a pack . I know a headlight can be packed to avoid that but what about the idea of preventing the problem by good design?

[Mark Verber]

can’t answer for the Biolite.  With NiteCore: NU20 case covers the switch when in the “neutral” position.  The NU25 is electronic.  Hold both button down locks.  Have to hold both buttons down for a second to unlock.  Never had it turn on accidentally.

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