Spare Headlamp?

[Poser]

I've had headlamps stop working on me on 3 occasions over the years so I do carry a backup: Just a simple, single battery headlamp.

 

[TaperPin]

It’s not a matter of if a headlamp or flashlight will crap out because you thought batteries were fine when they weren’t, but when. I was 2 miles up a steep rocky draw dry wash boardered with thick timber that was boulder hopping the whole way, and a headlamp crapped out. No big deal because of my backup batteries, but it was so dark a hand couldn’t be seen in front of the face and there was zero chance of safely feeling boulder to boulder. Never used backup batteries didn’t last 20 minutes. I would have had to spend the night if it weren’t for a backup headlamp. Over the years the number of “fresh” batteries that turned out to be dead makes that a much overlooked issue. Test voltage of anything you’re relying on. I can’t be the only one that’s also had top quality headlamps just stop working altogether and get tossed in the garbage. One had a weird parasitic draw when turned off and batteries would be toast in a month of just sitting.

As a practical matter I want a high powered headlamp for bushwhacking back to camp, and for any other use it’s annoying to use anything stronger than a reading light. Guys are tough packing 11 pound rifles around with 2 lb scopes, 4 pound tripods, a pound just for a harness to hold a 2-1/2 lb pair of 10x50s, timber hunting with spotting scopes in the pack, etc., so a few ounces for a second small headlamp that might keep you from spending the night somewhere uncomfortable seems reasonable.

 

[Drenalin]

My main headlamp is the Fenix HMR50, and I keep a Nitecore NU25 with shockcord as a backup in the pack. I also carry a spare rechargeable battery for the Fenix (as well as the battery that's in it being rechargeable). As I type all that out, it seems like a lot - but it's under 5 ounces all-in.

 

[htlt_surfboards]

I carry two. One is the Peaxs and the other is the cheap amazon sofrin version. They both use the same type of batteries and have interchangeable headband and plastic bracket piece. That way im good to go no matter if its a full failure, dead battery or just partially broken.

 

[wapitibob]

Yes, xtra light and a spare battery, inside my "extras/safety" kit.

 

[mighteywhitehunter]

2 is 1, 1 is none.

I have my lights split. I carry my main headlamp in my backpack, then a small Streamlight AAA flashlight in my bino harness in case I am ever separated from one or the other.

 

[WyoKid]

2 is 1 and 1 is none. I carry 2 headlamps - same brand and same batteries. I don't carry extra batteries beyond the 2nd headlamp since it is easier to go to the backup.

 

[CMF]

I didn't for a while. I finally picked up a nitecore to add as a spare. I won't be carrying it all of the time, but longer backpack trips and trips with all of the kids I will. Kids are always likely to lose or leave one. If it's just me and the wife, I may leave it out, I always have cell phone as a backup light and with two people you can always follow each other while hiking in the dark.

 

[100%DIYazCOUES]

I’ve used the 18650 zebralight for years, never had any issue with it, and I don’t fear I ever will, but I also realize I’m not above losing it somehow, probably at the worst possible time, so I ALWAYS carry a spare….that’s a few ounces I happily carry to know I will always have a good light source. I’ve had to lend it out a couple times, that alone has been worth carrying it. To me, it’s a no brainer. Having no light on a night hike would be a serious bummer. I’ll leave the extra granola bar at home to offset the weight!

 

[Danny Hoey]

2 headlamps, extra set of batteries and a flashlight for me.

 

[Pokerface]

I am with the extra camp. I am scared of the dark ....Joe

 

[Lawnboi]

Petzl e lite. Have used it multiple time when needed.

 

[fmyth]

Yes. Always. Got to use it last year when our UTV broke down and we got to hike 12 miles back to camp. Primary headlamp died after 4 hours of hiking in the dark. Was thankful for the back up in my pack.

 

[dustyboots]

Yes, I usually take a cheap headlamp with fresh batteries just in case my main headlamp has issue, gets lost, forgotten etc.

 

[Macintosh]

Having rapped solar slab gulley (for anyone who knows it) with only 1 rope and without a functional headlamp, tried to find my way through thick timber without poking my eyes out, etc, I really, really, really dont like not having a functional light. It’s almost the ONLY thing where I always have a backup. Like others said, its only a matter of time until a headlamp fails in the field. Until someone starts drop-testing headlamps, I’ll carry a spare since the cost and weight are tiny. Then I’ll just have to worry about batteries and losing it….also all too common, so I’ll still probably bring a spare. All of the above have happened to me multiple times.

 

[sargent]

Another vote for Petzl E-lite

 

[Ross]

Packed one of these for a decade. Never used it until last yr when main headlight ran out of juice and was only have way through butchering my bull. Worked great and got me back to camp close to midnight

 

[knale87]

I keep an extra in my kill kit. Most of the time it stays there but I’ve had to use it, or loan it out, a couple times and was glad I had it.

 

[medvedyt]

always 2 but i will be way more cautious at the end of september mid october than in august where we still have a lot of daylight left ...

 

[Fatcamp]

Those of you saying you will use your phone as a backup, have you actually tried using your phone as a light for navigation? I never have because it sucks so much when I've tried to use it for other things.