So I'm thinking about getting a headlamp. I'm not looking to buy one specifically for Burning Man, but I'm sure it'll come in pretty handy while I'm there. I figured it's an item that probably a few burners rely on at night on the playa, at least at their camp. So I thought I'd ask if anyone has any suggestions for good brands or specific models. I'm talking around $20, nothing fancy needed. When it comes to headlamps, does price really dictate how long it will last? I know if I'm paying 50 cents it's probably not the best quality, but would a $10 headlamp do just as good a job as the $20+ headlamps? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank ya!
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Missouri
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Re: Headlamps?
Fri, March 7, 2008 - 4:47 PMHell, honey. Buy a couple of 'em for ten bucks:
www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...item.taf
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Re: Headlamps?
Sat, March 8, 2008 - 8:23 AMI LOVE MY ZIPKA!
en.petzl.com/petzl/LampesProduits
Not the cheapest, but it's comfortable and the bungee strap rocks. On the playa, a headlamp is an absolute necessity. Never leave home without it.
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Re: Headlamps?
Sun, March 9, 2008 - 6:31 PMI've had good luck with a pair of these:
www.sciplus.com/search.cfm...rm/headlamp
Not the sturdiest things in the world, but good enough for
average playa duty.
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Re: Headlamps?
Mon, March 10, 2008 - 12:18 PMI also recommend the Petzl headlamps. A proper headlamp is pretty much the #1 most important piece of gear for me, after footwear and drinking water. I got the Petzl "Tikka" series from REI and it's awesome. Highly recommended. There are a couple different versions, I got the Tikka Plus for about $35 IIRC. I also recommend investing in a proper LED torch (flashlight). These are invaluable for surviving in the dark. In my opinion it's well worth it to invest in proper high quality lighting, because if your $5 headlamp breaks (or doesn't work well) you could be pretty well screwed.
www.rei.com/product/751757 This is the one I got. Cheers! -
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Re: Headlamps?
Mon, March 10, 2008 - 6:00 PMYeah, the Petzl headlamps rock. What I like about the Zipka is the bungee shock cord. It's suprisingly durable... mine has been to numerous burns and regionals, and I use it around the house... it's taken a beating and the bungee still works great after at least 3 years. The cord makes it compact so easy to stick in your pocket or a small pouch. It makes it versatile... I wear it around my wrist, stays almost anywhere on my head, hooks to my clothing or belt, even hook it to my bike handlebars (though it's not quite bright enough to take the place of a proper bike headlight, it'll do in a pinch). The only downside to the bungee strap is if my hair is down it can get tangled in it a bit more easily than the traditional wide headband. It's a small price to pay though. You can't go wrong with a Petzl, IMHO.
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Re: Headlamps?
Tue, March 11, 2008 - 3:03 PMI hate wearing a regular headlamp, the light above my eyes does odd things to my night vision. I do like my little Cyclops, I wear it on my wrist as a directional hands-free flashlight. Picked it up in a truckstop, what, $10? We have all kinds of headlamps, MyLarry likes them, everything from cheap Harbor Freights to some pricey LED ones which are too bright for me.
www.flashlightreviews.com/revie...om.htm -
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Re: Headlamps?
Tue, March 11, 2008 - 9:43 PMOoooh... I like that Cyclops.
Adding to the list. After all, you can't have too many great inexpensive versatile lamps! -
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Re: Headlamps?
Wed, March 12, 2008 - 7:26 AMDon't get me started, Dusty. I am so incredibly queer for every form of flashlight it's tragic.
These have also been a playa staple of mine for years: tinyurl.com/3byeo2
Especially the green ones, which are amazingly bright. I prefer them for everyday (everynight?) use because headlamps leave elastic marks on your head and sometimes annoy people you're talking to. They are great in the porta-potties, as they can easily be held in the teeth. I prefer using headlamps only for stuff like setting up a tent at night. -
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Re: Headlamps?
Wed, March 12, 2008 - 8:24 AM" I am so incredibly queer for every form of flashlight it's tragic. "
I hear ya. I can't even begin to tally all the many kinds and sizes of lights we have. I actually had to make a rule that I am not allowed to buy any more flashlights of any variety. :)
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Re: Headlamps?
Wed, March 12, 2008 - 9:07 AMOrange,
It says on that link those lights last 36-48 hours. How long do they usually last for you? I'm guessing you normally take more than one with you to the playa? -
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Re: Headlamps?
Wed, March 12, 2008 - 9:17 AMThe new model (Floralyte II) comes with an on/off switch, so if you use it for 8 hours a night, one should last you... um, you do the math.
Of course, I like having a variety of colors that I switch off between. And at a couple of bucks apiece, you can get a festive array for pretty cheap! The color shifting RGB one is pretty cool as a toy, but not particularly useful as a flashlight.
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Re: Headlamps?
Wed, March 12, 2008 - 9:22 AMLove those! Ordering some today! Wheeeee!
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Re: Headlamps?
Wed, March 12, 2008 - 9:05 AMwow, thanks for all the suggestions guys! I guess for me it just comes down to how much money I'll be able to budget for lighting, seeing as how I'm a little limited in that department. Of course in many cases extra money spent at the outset means you'll be spending less money in the long run, and throwing away fewer cheap lamps. But then again, I've had some really cheap things last for much, much longer than expected.
