Hiking Flashlight

A hiking flashlight, as well as a first-aid kit, should always be in our hiking backpack. We always say that even if the trip does not last a whole day, it is necessary to have hiking flashlight with you. After all, unforeseen cases may occur, and you will have to continue the journey in the dark.

Flashlights can be divided into three types:

• Manual
• Forehead
• Camping

The most important ones for hikers are headlamps. These flashlights are very convenient, as your hands remain free, and the light is always directed forward.

Although not necessary, you can bring spare manual flashlight in order to carry out some of the work. A camping lamp is a big equipment designed for camps. It is much larger, heavier, and therefore not suitable for storage in a backpack.

Headlamp Criteria

*Power

Power is measured in lumens. The larger it is the better. However, keep in mind that powerful flashlights consume more energy and discharge quickly. For regular hikes, a flashlight with a capacity of 200 to 300 lumens will be enough. If possible, you can choose a more powerful flashlight, but it will cost more. The power of light depends on the voltage in the battery. Therefore, when the battery discharges, the brightness of the light also drops.

Modern flashlights have an electric power regulation system, so that the flashlight gives a stable, medium brightness, regardless of the battery charge. Most of hiking flashlights have three brightness modes: strong, weak and strobe. A strobe is a blinking light that gives a sign to indicate your place, for example, when you need to attract the attention of rescuers.

*Range of a light stream

This criterion depends on the power of the flashlight. However, a more powerful flashlight does not always mean that it will necessarily throw a strong stream of light into the distance. This criterion shows the maximum distance at which the flashlight provides the minimum visible illumination. However, the main beam is not always needed. You must have a wide, diffused light while walking, while lighting a map, working in a camp, or being in a tent. If the light is concentrated at one point, you will not be able to illuminate the entire territory, and with a strong light, you can dazzle yourself and people nearby. To solve this problem, modern flashlights have several lighting modes: close, far and combined.

 

High-quality headlamps, such as Petzl or Black Diamond, have an intelligent system that automatically changes the type of lighting, depending on the position of the head. During mountaineering or long-term trekking, strong high beams are a necessity. In these conditions, the combined version is most often used. Chinese lanterns have a lens that adjusts the focus range, which works like a camera lens. This is the easiest option, with which you can precisely control the direction of light.

However, this option is already outdated. Such lanterns are heavy, the light loses its power in the distance, and the lens quickly breaks from impacts. You can find these lanterns in any hunting store and at various fairs. If you are looking for a budget option, choose this flashlight. But if you have the opportunity, choose specialized branded headlamps. The quality of such flashlights is better, they are more comfortable and have various additional features designed specifically for hikers and climbers.

*Weight

The lighter the hiking flashlight, the less opportunities it has, and vice versa. If you do not participate in long multi-day trekking, then give preference to simpler models. We will talk about better models later.

*Power type

Flashlights are either rechargeable or with disposable AA or AAA batteries. Although rechargeable flashlights last longer and there is no need to buy new batteries every time, there may be problems charging them in the mountains. Therefore, it is better to give preference to disposable batteries and carry a few spare batteries with you. Models that are more expensive combine these two options. For example, Petzl has flashlights that are powered by standard AA batteries and a special Core battery.

Lights also differ in battery location. There is an option in which the batteries are located in a common section with a flashlight, and an option with a separate external unit that is attached to the back of the head. The first option is lightweight and does not take up much space. The second option is convenient, because the weight is evenly distributed over the head, and it has a more capacious battery. An external unit can also be placed inside a jacket or backpack, which will protect it from the cold and from being quickly discharged.

*Protection

The hiking flashlight can have a protection from humidity, water and dust. The level of protection is measured in IPX. Remember, the higher the number, the better the flashlight is protected. This means that IPX1 will protect the flashlight from water drops, IPX4 from rain, or if water spills on the flashlight. IPX7 can be immersed in water to a depth of 1-1.5 m for 30 minutes. If the hiking flashlight gets wet, it is advisable to turn it off, remove the batteries and dry in a ventilated space, but not in direct sunlight.

*Red light

Some flashlights have extra red light. Since red light has the longest waves, and it transmits a stable and calm light. It is very convenient to illuminate the tent with this light. Red light does not blind or damage the eyes; it transfers stable and diffused light. It is also convenient during night observations of animals, since most of them do not see the red color.

Summing up everything written, we can say that if you rarely go hiking, do not make difficult ascents or multi-day trekking, then you do not need to think long. Choose an affordable option that will provide stable light of 100-200 lumens and replaceable batteries. In any case, we advise you to choose a specialized branded hiking flashlight. Do not buy flashlights of unknown origin, since the technical properties written on them are usually incorrect, the details have poor quality, and the LED quickly fails. Batteries run out faster because the power consumption is not optimized, and there are a number of similar disadvantages.

A simple but high-quality hiking flashlight in online stores costs 10,000-12,000 drams. If you already have experience in hiking, if you want to make more trips and gain experience, or if you choose longer routes, then it is likely that you will walk for a long time in the dark. Therefore, you need to choose a higher quality flashlight, with additional features, and with a more powerful light and battery.

Remember one important thing!

A flashlight, like a weapon, should always be at hand, always charged and ready to go. You must always have spare batteries. When arriving home, check the battery charge and, if necessary, change or recharge it. Never remove the flashlight from your backpack or leave it elsewhere! Because it is possible that you will forget the flashlight on the very day when you will need it.

Travel wisely!

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Hiking Equipment