Headtorch usage

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 Madajo 12 Oct 2018

I'm thinking of buying a headtorch so I can go climbing outdoors on dry evenings, is there anything I should be aware of safety wise? You see professionals climbing with them all the time, so I was wondering if your average climber needs to worry about anything that's not immediately apparent.

 Mark Kemball 12 Oct 2018
In reply to Madajo:

Short answer, nothing to worry about.

Long answer, it's probably worth investing in a good headtorch rather than a Lidl special (they're OK, but not as bright). I've got a Black Diamond Storm https://eu.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_GB/headlamps-and-lanterns/storm-BD6... which I'd really recommend, but there's plenty more out there. Also, it's well worth carrying spare batteries.

OP Madajo 12 Oct 2018
In reply to Mark Kemball:

Thanks mate, I was more concerned about the darkness/night aspect but I didn't think about investing in a mroe specialised one, idk why, because I prefer spending more on gear that can save my life...

 d_b 12 Oct 2018
In reply to Madajo:

If you plan to use it all the time then it may be worth looking for something that will take a rechargable battery pack.  Nimh is a bit rubbish when it is cold, but li-poly cells are usually OK.

On the other hand AAA or AA works best if you are travelling and are unlikely to get a chance to charge things up.

Petzl do a lithium pack that will fit in some of their AAA torches that seems like a reasonable compromise.  You do pay petzl markup though.

In reply to Madajo:

That it fits over/on your helmet and will stay in place maybe ?

 

 

 Mark Kemball 12 Oct 2018
In reply to Madajo:

The other thing to possibly consider is an LED rechargable floodlight, I've never used one myself, but I know they're very popular with night-time boulderers on Dartmoor.

 Mark Kemball 12 Oct 2018
In reply to d_b:

> If you plan to use it all the time then it may be worth looking for something that will take a rechargable battery pack.  Nimh is a bit rubbish when it is cold, but li-poly cells are usually OK.

My Black Diamond Storm happily performs well on 4 rechargable AAA batteries (Lidl special!) an inexpensive solution.

 d_b 12 Oct 2018
In reply to Mark Kemball:

I find they stop working when it goes more than a couple of degrees below freezing.  If you don't plan to go to cold places it's fine of course.

Post edited at 11:42
 J101 12 Oct 2018
In reply to Madajo:

Alpkit also now do a hybrid that has a rechargeable battery that you can remove and replace with AAA batteries. I've not bought one yet so can't comment on quality, ease of use etc.

Only downside is unlike Petzl they don't sell separate rechargeable battery packs.

Post edited at 11:53
1
 oldie 12 Oct 2018
In reply to Madajo:

> Thanks mate, I was more concerned about the darkness/night aspect but I didn't think about investing in a mroe specialised one, idk why, because I prefer spending more on gear that can save my life... <

When possible I avoid turning on a torch on the hill as I'm then blind to anything outside the beam, and it takes some time to adapt to night vision again when the torch is turned off.
My torch has a red light option (with a weaker beam) which can be used for reading a map as it is supposed not to affect normal night vision. 

It is a cheaper headtorch torch, apparently for the outdoors, from Millet's or B and Q and was only about £15. Not necessarily recommending this since even a torch " could save my life" and most will opt for  better beam/known reliabilty etc. However plenty of people on these forums seem to have had problems with some of the more expensive models from reputable manufacturers.

 

1
In reply to Madajo:

Another thing to be aware of if climbing at night, especially if using floodlights for bouldering, is the disturbance you may be causing to local residents (and potentially wildlife). 

pasbury 12 Oct 2018
In reply to Ron Rees Davies:

I think t’other channel has a thread on unsuitable lamping venues.

 Sharp 13 Oct 2018
In reply to Madajo:

Take a spare torch in a warm but accessible place, it's a lot easier to drop one really expensive head torch than it is to drop two mid range ones. It's worth contacting your local mountain rescue team to let them know what your plans are. People have been "rescued" before when out for a casual night time climb.

In terms of brands there's a lot of info on here if you search, they're all pretty good these days.

Post edited at 08:08

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