Re: headlamp for home / car camping use?

I have several of the Zipka and Tikka headlamps. I think the last Zipka Plus that I bought at REI was on sale for about $35. It's a great light for general purpose use, and I carry it backpacking too.

You have to get it from REI? Hmm… I don’t buy my headlamps there since they don’t fit all my criteria:
1. 1 or 2 batteries; not this 3-battery stuff because you can’t buy batteries in 3! And it means more spares on a long backpack trip.
2. (along with #1) AA or AAA. The beam will last longer than the watch battery lights and it’s easier to find batteries.
3. Easy battery change. A lot of those headlamps are hard to change the batteries, unless you’re willing to pay a little more.
4. Constant regulated light output as the battery dies.
5. Long battery life.

The above makes my trip comfortable. And since I like it backpacking, I also like it for around the house; dual use!

Could you use your gift certificate on something else? But if you do buy from there, if you use the portal from this website, then the site should get a penny .

-Barry

One thing to consider is what batteries your other gadgets are using. Both my GPS and headlamp, plus my keychain light use AAA.

I am very happy with a Princeton EOS - regulated with three light levels, can use lithiums and rechargeables, which are far preferable to alkaline batteries. The Eos does take three batteries, but that is not really a problem.

For a trip where weight matters, I would tend to load up the light, whichever one you purchase, with lithiums. They are lighter, give more burn time, and work better in cold weather than the other alternatives.

To both Save the Planet and your money, rechargeable metal hydride batteries (Eneloops appear to be the best) are insanely cheap. The current issue of Consumers Reports has a very relevant article on this.

There are lots of good headlamps out there. I think you will find some of the slightly more expensive ones will be worth the price. Goode light is a pretty basic requirement.