The Ek’s Files

Backpackers know how handy a headlamp can be. There’s an obvious advantage to not having to hold a flashlight when you need light around camp. Being an occasional backpacker, I already own a Black Diamond Moonlight headlamp. It’s a fine headlamp, but it lacks a red LED for times when you don’t want to ruin your night vision. When I bought it several years ago, I didn’t realize how handy that would be, so I’ve been keeping my eye out for a new one. REI has a few, but for the most part they’re kinda pricey, so I hadn’t taken the plunge yet. So, imagine my surprise this evening when I encountered a nice little headlamp in Lowes, of all places!

Made by Energizer, this little unit has two bright white LEDs plus a red LED and sells for $9.97. I considered this a bargain if it panned out, so I plunked down my money and brought one home.

$9.97 Energizer Headlamp from Lowes

The package included the 3 AAA batteries needed by the headlamp. After opening the package and installing the batteries, I tried it out in my dark basement, and it worked like a champ! The switch has three positions (red, off, and white), and the elastic strap is adjustable. In addition, the LED head swivels up and down so you can angle it toward the ground if desired. The whole unit, with batteries, weighs about 75 g (compared to 115 g for my Black Diamond headlamp), so it’s plenty light for backpacking. It also comes with a nylon carry pouch with drawstring that’s plenty big for the headlamp. I won’t bother with the carry pouch for the headlamp, but it could very well come in handy for holding something else.

The Energizer model number of this little baby is HD33A1EN, and here’s a link to its datasheet. I saw it advertised for up to $20 on various web sites, so check around if you can’t find it at Lowes (or don’t have a Lowes nearby). I’ll let you know if I have any problems with it next weekend when I go out for QRP Afield.