Headlamps and Day bags

[KMA]

I'm looking for some feedback about headlamps and Day bags. I have old stuff that I'm looking to swap out, and just starting to do some research now. For what it's worth, I live close to LL Bean HQ in Maine, so I usually get my gear from there, but didn't know what the prevailing thoughts were on their quality now. You'll never beat the quarantee anywhere else though.

For Headlamps, I don't want to spend more than $30-$40

For the Daybag, I don't want to put down more than $60-$80.

Does anyone have the new generation LLB day bags, and like them?

[MKD]

I like the Petzl E+Lite. Thats what I usually carry. I carry its case on my shoulder straps. Its listed as an Emergency light but I use it as primary mostly because of the light weight and small footprint. It has good distance casting and spread (19 meters)

It weighs nothing, batteries last a long time and its takes nearly no space.

http://www.petzl.com/en/pro/headlamps/emergency-and-signal-lighting/elite

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k4ApiJ27e2DuT9UHva?start=4

[KMA]

Thanks. I compared that one to some of the other Petzls, but looks like it only gave off 1/2 the light. Do you have any problems with brightness?

[MKD]

Brightness is no problem for me. Of course thats my opinion but I think its fine. I use it at full power during hiking and half around camp.

I dont need a search light on my head when I hike or camp. If you are bike riding or something where speed and sight distance may be an issue then I'm all for a light with farther casting.

[GDeadPhans]

I gotta say KMA I love having a red light option on my headlamp. Red is the one color that will not destroy your night vision. So you turn on the red light and then turn it off and you still maintain your natural night vision.

I bought a candle lantern which is small and compact and has a 9 hour candle. It's perfect for when I'm reading or doing things in my tent.

Personally when it comes to day bags I am a little weird with them. I like having spots where if I wanted to turn it in to a overnighter or two bag I can do so. For instance.

I bought a Kelty Redtail 1800 for a few reasons.
A. The shoulder straps are very sturdy and theres good aeration between my back and the backpack.
B. Theres slits on the bottom of the bag so I can wrap up my sleeping bag and tie it on to the pack. Then I throw my tarp in the very front pouch and walla, I'm set and haven't taken any room from the main compartment yet.
C. Price tag was great for the quality of the item. I normally am not a fan of Kelty, but I could not ignore the fact at how well built this bag is and the price. (Bought it at Campmor in Paramus, New Jersey).
D. It has a hydration bag sleeve inside.
E. It has clips on the bottom of the back that go around your waits, and then straps that go around your chest. It feels very sturdy even with a sleeping bag on the bottom.

P.S. The Freeport store is incredible, I love the fish tank thing going on there.<br><br>Post edited by: GDeadPhans, at: 2010/04/02 01:49

[The_Climb]

I tested a number of headlights (and purchased a couple of mistakes as well)... The Petzl ones are well worth the extra cash. I have a Petzl XP which for me is the right balance between the most basic (on/off) and a few extra gadgets (wide beam, night light) that I may actually use! I was on a trip to Australia and purchased a cheap head torch only for someone to stand behind me with a Petzl and it basically illiuminated the entire area with a very bright white light.. I was sold immediately. There are a number of deals on the internet so you should find them cheaply...

[jons4real]

Hey, I just bought one this past year and love it. Its a Princeton Tec EOS. I did a video slide show of its features and some of the things you want to look for in a head lamp. You can check it out at http://www.youtube.com/user/jons4real#p/u/10/z2OgekLnEOY. There really are a lot of things to consider before buy one, take your time.

[backcountrybliss]

I had a very cheap Petzl Tikka ($15 on sale) for awhile and it served me just fine. I got caught out in the dark on day hikes once or twice and it guided me home just fine. I decided to buy a stronger lamp with more bells and whistles for some snow climbing in the Sierra's this year. The Princeton EOS I picked up has pretty much taken over the job of the Petzl now. I'm not sure I would suggest buying anything elaborate if you just need that sort of stash and go headlamp. It's great having that extra power from the Princeton but not really necessary on day hikes.

[joepantaleo]

Ya know, I was at Lowes Hardware Store just yesterday and they had these hats (camo, blue, white, and black) that had some pretty high powered lights built right in to the bill. They weighed about the same as any regular old baseball cap... maybe only a few grams heavier. But I know I'm probably going to buy one, the light was really bright and I could see a good 10-15 feet in front of me when it was dark out (tested it out because a buddy of mine bought one). I dont think they have any specific name but they're pretty cool.

[Jchwoodsy]

waste of time and money, if you ask me...

[joepantaleo]

having a headlamp?

[stonemark]

I had a very cheap Petzl Tikka ($15 on sale) for awhile and it served me just fine. I got caught out in the dark on day hikes once or twice and it guided me home just fine. I decided to buy a stronger lamp with more bells and whistles for some snow climbing in the Sierra's this year. The Princeton EOS I picked up has pretty much taken over the job of the Petzl now. I'm not sure I would suggest buying anything elaborate if you just need that sort of stash and go headlamp. It's great having that extra power from the Princeton but not really necessary on day hikes.
---you are very lucky~ and I just have used some headlamps, but the quality was not good enough~

[Joshuatree]

I bought a cheap Rayovac headlamp, I think it was 12 dollars at the local hardware store it works very well. It has both red and white LEDs and a high output lamp that throws enough light to do most anything you want or need to do at night. It runs forever on 3 triple A batteries, weighs just a few ounces and is small enough to fit in my pants pocket.