STORM 400 HEADLAMP

Product Information

Still, our one issue with the Nitecore NU 25 is battery life. When using the max light output of 360 lumens, it only lasts 0.5 hour–which is the lowest time of the headlamps we tested. However, in low light mode, it runs for 160 hours, which is better than some other rechargeable headlamps, like the BioLite 330. Still, it’s lower but in the general ballpark of AAA battery headlamps like the Spot 400. With long-lasting batteries or the option to use rechargeable ones, a headlamp means that you don't have to just be out for a few hours or a day—you'll have a reliable source of light for extended outdoor adventures, including multi-day hikes, or camping trips. Emergency preparedness Headlamps make you visible to others when you're out after dark. This can be beneficial if your group is separated or for safety when encountering others. This is useful whether you're hiking, running, cycling, or camping. This visibility enhances your safety, reducing the risk of accidents and ensures others can see you in low-light conditions. Precise illumination

Always follow the manufacturer’s battery recommendation (e.g., alkaline, lithium). All of our recommended headlamps support alkaline and lithium batteries, but note that this isn’t true for all headlamps. Some headlamps, especially older models before the LED bulb, use bulbs that can't handle lithium batteries. However, all of our winners support lithium batteries. You can dim all the lenses at will by holding down the main button. The PowerTap Technology on the side of the headlamp’s housing allows you to easily toggle between full and dim power with the tap of a finger—so easy you can do it mid-route. At the lowest setting, it will last an average of 200 hours. The rechargeable CORE battery that comes with the Actik Core is a USB-rechargeable lithium battery that fits in the battery compartment. The CORE battery can be removed and replaced. This means if you carry an extra battery, you don’t have to worry about pass-through charging. You can charge one battery at night while using this Petzl headlamp with the other battery inside. It’s the convenience of AAA batteries without the weight or waste.Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Accidental drops or impacts can mess with the headlamp's internal components and the lens. Most of the headlamps we recommend are pretty rugged and are designed to handle some dropping. However, sometimes a small drop at a weird angle can cause more damage than a bigger drop onto a part that is designed to take more wear. Traveling in the cold? Use lithium batteries, not alkaline or rechargeable options. Alkaline batteries use a chemical reaction that uses a water-based electrolyte. Below freezing, an alkaline battery may have poor performance or not work at all. Rechargeable lithium batteries, like those found in the plug-in headlamps we recommend, may also perform poorly in cold conditions. If you are camping and think temps will be below freezing, consider keeping your headlamp in your sleeping bag to keep the battery from getting cold.

The Spot 400-R features an integrated 1500 mAh Li-ion battery. As a more compact unit with a smaller capacity battery it can't out-compete the Storm 500-R for burn time; but size isn't everything, and it does quite a lot with what it's got. To cycle between the color LEDs, push and hold the cycle button for two seconds and it will switch between red, green and blue. Powertap button If your headlamp uses replaceable batteries, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for replacement intervals. As an ultralight headlamp, we didn't expect the battery life to be on the same level as headlamps with batteries that are three times the weight.With a flashlight, runners can also prevent their shadow from impacting the beam. The brightest light mode of a flashlight is often spotlight mode, so if you're trying to find wildlife or get a very detailed look at a particular area, a flashlight may be a better option.

For devices that use disposable batteries, remove them when not in use for extended periods to prevent battery leakage. Green is another great option for use at night because compared to red, it allows for more detail, let’s you see a little further and makes reading easier. It’s also less disturbing for others around you. Store spare batteries in a safe, dry place, and keep them warm in cold weather to maintain their performance. Dispose of used batteries responsibly, following local recycling guidelines. I used the Storm 400 for the last pitches of the day, the hikes out, and late-night Jetboil cookups. While climbing and hiking, I used it in the highest setting, which was plenty bright. Hand- and footholds were all clearly visible, making night feel like day. In fact, I only remembered the late hour when I rounded a lip and realized, given the angle and the position of the headlamp, that it was going to be impossible to direct the beam around the corner.

Black Diamond

We’ve found that the headlamp that throws light the farthest distance isn’t always the best for every activity. For example, Gadget Review estimates the distance needed for casual hiking to be 150 feet, where trail running is 30 feet, hunting is 350 feet, and caving/mountaineering is 400 feet. (We were skeptical of the 30 feet, but after interviewing several trail runners, most said having a very bright light immediately in front of them for foot placement choices was more important than distance). Adjust the brightness level of your headlamp to match the situation. For tasks that require more precision, use a higher brightness setting. When navigating open trails or paths, use a lower setting to conserve battery and avoid blinding others. Respect no-light zones Most of the headlamps we recommend offer focused and directional lighting, which is handy for illuminating specific areas or objects like your cook pot or where you think that mouse hiding under your tent may be. You can adjust the angle and intensity of the light to suit your needs, whether you're examining gear, reading, or navigating uneven terrain. Improved night vision