Headlamps are a crucial part of mountaineering gear, particularly at camps and on days which warrant an early start. Given that there is no other source of light during night time, headlamps are almost indispensable. Headlamps that are now available in the market are extremely light weight, offer a high range of beam distance, better battery life and also varied levels of brightness. With features varying from one model to another, it can be confusing to pick the headlamp that best suits your needs.
This article delves into the significance of headlamps and explains each of its different features in order to help you understand and choose one which meets your requirements.
Significance of Headlamps
Mountaineering expeditions inevitably take you to places with no artificial source of light. There could be days when you reach the campsite after sunset or start your day before sunrise. Headlamps then become essential to not only light up the path but to also pitch your tents for the night. They also have the following advantages which makes them handy:
Allows you to use your hands freely: Headlamps, as their name implies, fit over your head and do not require you to use your hands to hold up light as you would need to with regular flashlights. This allows you to perform tasks in the dark without the hassle of having to hold a lamp in one hand. In the event that you are climbing up or down in the dark, the headlamp allows you to use your hands for balance and for holding on to the ropes or other climbing equipment while also shining light on the path ahead. Mountaineering helmets also have little hooks to tuck in the straps of the headlamp to hold it in place so that there is no loss of light from weaning it under your hemet and the headlamp can be operated easily, if you need to shift between its various settings, while you have your helmet on.
No risk of dropping: Given that the headlamp is fitted over your head with the webbing or straps that come with it, there is no risk of dropping it while performing tasks or during a climb/descent in the dark.
No risk of tiring out your arms: Holding a flashlight in a certain direction for a long time takes a toll on your arm. Setting up tents and cooking food during the expedition takes time and it is extremely uncomfortable to hold a flashlight for the entire duration. Headlamps make this easier and eliminate the need to use (and tire out) your arms.
