Summary: A headtorch is the most practical way to light up your campsite or tent. With your hands free, you can cook safely in the dark or read comfortably in your tent.
This article is the sixth and final recipe in 6 weight saving recipes to shave weight off your DofE expedition kit list, a series of articles to help you save weight on your expedition kit without compromising comfort or utility, helping you to make more sustainable choices and invest in kit that will last a lifetime.
Reliable lighting is crucial for navigation, safety, and performing essential tasks in low-light conditions. You should always carry a headtorch, even if your expedition is in the middle of summer. The days may well be longer but a torch also has an important safety role to play. The best type of torch for hiking and camping expeditions is undoubtedly the LED headtorch. Lightweight and powerful, these torches are portable, durable, energy-efficient, and designed for outdoor conditions.
Ingredients
- LED Headtorch
- Spare batteries or charging cable
Preparation
- Test flight your headtorch before the trip, and adjust the headstrap to fit snuggly on your head.
- Choose a headlamp with features that are important to your expedition (e.g. brightness, dimmable function, SOS mode, hands-free switch sensor, red/green modes for night navigation).
- Attach loops inside your tent to hang your torch for ambient lighting.
- Store spare batteries in a drybag.
Method
- Pop your headtorch on your head for hands-free operation while cooking.
- Avoid shining your headtorch directly into the eyes of your fellow campers when talking to them.
- Keeping your batteries warm will extend the battery life.
- Dry and remove batteries after you have finished your expedition to avoid corrosion.
Chef's tips
On expeditions where battery preservation is key consider investing in a lithium power pack and solar-powered charger.
Shopping list
The DofE publish a recommended kit list which is a great place to start if you are kitting yourself out for an expedition for the first time. We do have alternatives, which we have listed below, to help you reduce the weight. Our recommendations are a guide – you should always check with your Leader that the kit you choose is suitable for your particular expedition.
| Our choice | DofE recommended kit | |
|---|---|---|
| Vallis 400 | Lifesystems Intensity 300 | |
| Max brightness | 450 lumens | 300 lumens |
| Max battery life | 50 hours | 2 hours |
| Weight | 90 g | 95 g |
| Viper | Lifesystems Intensity 155 | |
| Max brightness | 240 lumens | 155 lumens |
| Max battery life | 115 hours | 35 hours |
| Weight | 95 g | 72 g |
This article is the last recipe in 6 weight saving recipes to shave weight off your DofE expedition kit list, a series of articles to help you save weight on your expedition kit list.
Head Torches and Camping Lanterns
Rechargeable bluetooth speaker and camp light combo to gently kick back on multi-day adventures
$49.99
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