My cheapo head torch just doesn't cut the mustard.
What's the go to lightweight head torch for walking, pitching your tent in the dark with an optional green light for once everything is set up?

Ive got a couple of Petzl headlamps, one of which is around 15 years old and still going strong. They're reasonably watertight as well, so will cope with a proper deluge.

Alpkit gamma
Not the most lightweight but well balanced with a separate rear mounted battery compartment that also houses a small led red light that has on/off/flashing modes.
The front has four leds.
The main one which is pretty bright.
Bright enough for a back up emergency light.
Three modes full/low/flashing.
The front unit also features three supplementary leds.
One white one red and one green.
The red one can be fixed or flashing.
The white and green ones are on or off.
Good head torch.

Why do you want a green torch?

Mood lighting?

Genuine Q BTW!

Isn't it something to do with reading maps in the dark?

I remember from watching David Bellamy on telly that the red light is good for watching badgers anyway.

I think the green filter is popular with the hunting fraternity in the USA and maintains eye night vision without being visible to animals or something.

I have a Black Diamond Ion which is waterproof, lightweight and has a red light to preserve eye night vision around camp (but no green light). Not a mega powerful white light for route finding but great around the bivi site. I'm pleased with it for what I need.

Isn't it something to do with reading maps in the dark?

Yup, that's why you don't use a red filter- you can't see contour lines on an OS Map.

Teetosugars wrote:

Isn't it something to do with reading maps in the dark?

Yup, that's why you don't use a red filter- you can't see contour lines on an OS Map.

Makes sense. I know a few people who must have red filters in their eyes judging by the routes they plan

The green light is great for night vision without the brightness of a normal white light that can be seen from a long way away whereas the green can't, it makes it great for when you are bivi'ing within sight of houses and/walkers on nearby paths etc.

Do you prefer that to a red light John?

Petzl used to do filters that could be placed on headtorches for military purposes. Will have a Google and see if they still do them..

Red light is often used as it doesn't affect your own night vision.

Scud wrote:Petzl used to do filters that could be placed on headtorches for military purposes. Will have a Google and see if they still do them..

Red light is often used as it doesn't affect your own night vision.

Yep - used on the original Zipka/Tikka range. I have a pack of the lenses that have never been used if anyone wants them.

My later-model Zipka has a red LED built in but I've not seen anything with green built in (I can confirm the contour-reading issue though).

+1 for the Alpkit Gamma. Always liked mine until my daughter broke it :(

I got her an Alpkit viper for xmas, not as good imo.

The green led is 7 lumens according to their blurb so not mega bright.

If it's for reading or close up stuff you don't want mega-bright as you just get glare from whatever's in front of you. Says the bloke who used a Hope Vision 2 to go ice climbing at night - I needed shades!

John, have you tried the ones from Costco ? I've been using mine for over
12 months and it's good for the price, not the brightest ( no jokes please) but
It works for me

Yorlin wrote:Isn't it something to do with reading maps in the dark?

I remember from watching David Bellamy on telly that the red light is good for watching badgers anyway.

I thought red light was for watching Beavers?

mechanicaldope wrote:

Yorlin wrote:Isn't it something to do with reading maps in the dark?

I remember from watching David Bellamy on telly that the red light is good for watching badgers anyway.

I thought red light was for watching Beavers?

Stop sniggering at the back

I thought red light was for watching Beavers?

Well it was when I lived in Amsterdam...