Bugout Bag Tools #6 - Headlamp (with Batteries)

[Paladine71]

We all recognize the importance of having a flashlight (usually more than one) in our rigs, but have you considered having one in your emergency bag? I carry a headlamp because they are small, weigh almost nothing and are hands-free. There are many options out there, including LED, white light, red light (more tactical, harder to see from a distance) and varying intensities. Most even have adjustable backings that give you varying angles without having to move your head too much. I have one in each of my family member's bags, and one more in my rig. I carry extra batteries that I rotate annually and even have some that are rechargable, along with a solar charger that I'll post up later today.

Headlamps make working under the truck a lot easier too! :thumbs:

Some options on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=headlamp

 

[3Hummers]

I will get the models on mine. I have a lot of them but carry 90 and 100 lumen in every vehicle and have 1 200 lumen headlamp. I bought most at REI. They usually have decent sales on them from time to time. Being handsfree is a huge assist in many situations.

 

[Flash]

Have an LED that clips to the front of a hat/cap visor. Illuminates where ever your head is pointed. Mostly useful for close up work like low light fishing and tying on tackle/lures.

 

[Bigunit]

I am around a lot of paramedics and firefighters and do ride-alongs with them. Here is the one that they all use - it's really bright too - 300 lumens. Since my eyes are so bad :dave:, I need all the light I can get!

http://www.amazon.com/Forehead-Bonfire-UltraBright-Headlamp-batteries/dp/B00513DJN6/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1340730998&sr=8-7&keywords=200+lumen+headlamp

 

[Paladine71]

Here are links to the type of solar battery charger that I have. I keep one in my rig and another in my camping gear.

http://beprepared.com/product.asp?pn=CM B475&sid=AMAZONADS

http://www.amazon.com/Solar-Powered...765236&sr=8-12&keywords=solar+battery+charger

This video is hard to hear, sorry, didn't see a better one.

[video]http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HWkUyAezErc[/video]

 

[MaxPF]

Carbide head lamps are the shiznit!!!

 

[deserth3]

Just a little FYI info...
Light bulbs burn out. Even LED.
In a past life I worked on runway lighting. Most runways and taxiways are a series 6.6amp circuit. It uses less wire and is easier to adjust light levels when required by weather.
Well in short. These bulbs will light off a 12 volt car battery. When lighter fluid ran out we used to break the bulb and lite our cigarettes before the filiment burned up. So starting fires is also another emergency use for when the world colapses and the zombies come.

I wouldn't recomend pulling a bulb out of a live circuit, There's 5000 volts there.
I don't know how long the bulb will last, just never had a reason to test it.

 

[Trekker]

Here's my favorite headlamp is the Petzl Tactikka XP:



It's only 40 lumens, but it comes with multiple lenses and light defusers. When you are camping with a group of people, you don't want a super bright headlamp because every time you look in someone's direction, you end up blinding them.

 

[3Hummers]

I bought one of the 300 lumen Bonfire headlamps. It is much brighter than my 200 lumen Black Diamond headlamp. It was only $30.00 also. What a deal.

 

[MaxPF]

Just a little FYI info...
Light bulbs burn out. Even LED.

LED burnout is very rare, unless the driver circuitry fails and feeds too much current, or the thermal management fails.

I wasn't joking about the carbide lamps. LED headlamps are definitely the first go-to technology, but having a low-tech backup is always a good idea. Thats why I like to keep road flares and candles around, and I can build a makeshift oil lamp out of a 1/2" nut, some woven cotton (i.e. from denim jeans), a small bowl, and veggie oil.