Lightest rechargeable headlamp

The Petzl Bindi is one of the lightest rechargeable headlamps at 34g. I have foound it a good all round headlamp.

. Nitecore® NU20 USB Rechargeable Headlamp .

. Nitecore® NU25 Triple Output USB Rechargeable Headlamp .

For general UL trail backpacking I would also vote for the NU25. But there is more to consider, which I discuss here:

https://www.trailnamebackstroke.com/rechargeable-headlamps-2020

I’ve been really happy with the Nitecore models (I have both), but when backpacking I’ll admit that I mostly follow the sun (up at dawn and in my hammock within an hour of sunset) so the battery lasts quite a while.

I like my Petzl Bindi as a headlamp.  I’ve liked all my rechargeable lights because I start every trip knowing exactly how long they can last instead of the 3-AAA or 2-AA Petzls I had that I’d always lost track of how much I’d used that set of batteries.

One other thought:  I REALLY like the $10, 10-gram NiteCore Tube for two things:
1) as a SUL option as my only light.  I find the low setting is enough for me on established trails and it lasts for 51 hours (their spec is 48 hours, but I measured 51) or 45 minutes of medium for the occasional longer-distance use.
2) as a back-up light (it’s only 10 grams).  Knowing I could complete the trip with the Tube, I then use my larger light much more liberally and without concern that I’ll drain the battery.

If you don’t want to use the Tube between your teeth for two-handed tasks (I don’t mind), a loop of elastic sewn on the side of your hat makes it into a headlamp.

If you read dead-trees books in bed, a loop of elastic on the shoulder of your sleep shirt lets you run the Tube at 1 lumen and read.  I use it in bed at home sometimes because it’s enough light without being any brighter than needed.

Another vote for the NU25.  You can save some weight by ditching the nice (but heavier) headband…and replace it with a custom fit one, (1/2″ flat elastic)…that you can sew yourself.

Mine weighs in at 1.2 oz  total…with the lighter (1/2″) headband.

I’ve been pretty happy with the rechargeable, 13 gram,  Olight i1R.

I wrapped some velcro tape around it so it sticks to a sewn in velcro patch under the bill of my Tilly.

At 5 to 150 lumens, it can throw a pretty good beam if needed.  Since it’s so light, I’ve been thinking of getting a second one to use as a backup, and for a little extra light. But that Tube 2.0 looks like a pretty good value as well.

Another vote for the NU25.  Has served me well so far and love being able to charge it inthe field from my battery bank.

Cameron, thanks for the review article.

Thanks everyone!  I decided to go with the Nitecore NU25 and the i1R 2 Eos.

I figure I’ll be just shy of 1.5 oz and I’ll be able to have one light to serve as a backup. I’ll probably use the NU25 as my primary and hang the i1R 2 Eos from the inside of my tent.

NU25 all the way. Apart from weight and output, I love the intuitive buttons. So much better than one overloaded button that I need to look up how to use after not using for a while.

Guess I’ll be the odd man out, I prefer the NU20.

for what reasons do u prefer the 20?

@bradmacmt You’re not alone. Simplicity and reliability are very important.

Plus a white-LED LRI Photon II keychain light attached to my pack as backup (and I always know where it is), 7 grams.

Tip: Wear the headlamp upside down around your neck. Won’t blind your buddies, defeats SHS (shaky headlamp syndrome), and provides better shadows for depth perception. Most of the time.

Maybe they should be called necklamps.

— Rex

I also prefer the NU20. I don’t need/never use a red light mode. I like it’s simplicity and low weight. I replaced the headband with a piece of bungee and a cord lock. It now weighs just under an ounce.

I like the Fenix HM50R. Yup, twice as heavy as the Nitecore, but it’s worked really well for me for years now, and I’ve never seen a reason to replace it. Rechargeable if you use a 16340 battery. Also uses CR123 batteries, which is what I usually use, always taking a spare unless I know the battery is new. With a CR123 it’s rated to run 128 hours at 4 lumens, or 48 hours at 30 lumens. Good down to -40 degrees.

I haven’t used the NU20, and am impressed by the UI simplicity demonstrated in the (very long-winded) video above. Looks great.

I personally like the red light for when I get up in the middle of the night – particularly to take star photos. Really helps not blowing out my night vision.

Here’s a shot taken last Thursday at Horsehoe Lake in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, OR:

Amazing photo @gumbo!!

I too really like the red light for most of the reasons I need a light after retiring to my hammock at night.  I feel it’s much less offensive if I happen to look at where one of my hiking buddies is sleeping.

I have both the NU20 and the NU25…but have relegated the NU20 for  home & car use only.  If you ever get to night hike through a valley of thick fog/mist, the red led option of the 25 gives you a big advantage–you can see the ground in front of you.  Not so much with a white led only version.  YMMV

I never thought to use the red light in fog or mist!  I’ve actually never hiked after the sun went down, but I’ve had several trips where I’ve hiked out the last morning starting an hour or two before sunrise.  On the last one, in the mountains of Pennsylvania on the Old Loggers Path, there was a light misting rain as I hiked out that October morning.  The trail was mostly obscured by the newly-fallen leaves and the markers on the trees were far apart enough that, because of the mist, my light couldn’t see the next one as I was standing next to a marker.  If I had been better able to see the trail using the red light it would have been a huge help.

I’ll definitely tuck that tip away for future use!  Thank you!