Last night, in an ice storm, I tried changing a flat tire and noticed a major flaw in my BOB. I donned a poncho to keep me dry, an orange safety vest to make me visible, a pair of gloves to keep my hands dry, and had half-a-dozen light sources to provide light. Unfortunately, none of those light sources could be directed where they were needed because I needed both hands to change out the tire and didn't have a prehensile tail to hold the light.

*$(#*

Does anyone have a recommendation for a light with the following requirements: Head mounted (to keep my hands free), LED Light (so it doesn't burn out ... also something bright), AA batteries (so I can interchange them w/ the rest of my kit).

Thanks!

bob

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4079 is what i have and it is very good

http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.906

they have a fair few

Most good headlamps don't use AA's, but rather they use AAA's due to the smaller size.

I'd strongly recommend you consider the Princeton Tec EOS headlamp. Its a fantastic headlamp:

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/princetontec_eos.htm

The Princeton Tec Apex is their higher end LED, and it does take AA's using a battery pack that sits on the back of the strap:

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/pt_apex.htm

Petzels are also good headlamps, but they they can't use lithium batteris, which is actually pretty big deal for me.

I have several headlamps. My favorite is the Petzel Zipka Plus. It has a retractable cord for the headband so when it's not on your head it's very small (you don't see any headband as it's retracted inside). Fits in a pocket easily.

Since last spring I have been using a Petzl Tactikka Plus headlamp. It is powered by 2 AAA batteries , has 4 LED's that can be dimmed for different power settings and a flipdown red lens. I have used the light quite a lot throughout the fall hunting season and the frequent times I am in the bush. It is no spotlight, but casts a beam far enough that I have had no trouble navigating in the dark. The red lens is nice and I use it when walking into my treestand. I thought enough of the light that I gave my son one for his birthday in December.

I bought the headlamp at MEC, the link is below
http://mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442618660&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302697057&bmUID=1202958419592

Mike

P.S. I apoligise for the long link, I still have not figured out how to compress these?

There are many, many headlamps in all combinations of size, brightness, runtime, modes of operation, etc. You can check out a variety at any camping store. A couple good online resources are

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/ (No longer maintained but still reasonably up-to-date)

http://candlepowerforums.com/

Both have sections dedicated to headlamps.

I like my Princeton Tec Aurora for its small size, light weight, and wide beam. Downsides to it are: non-regulated electronics so it gets dimmer gradually instead of maintaining relatively constant brightness, center of beam is slightly bluish-tinted, and it casts a bit of glare down on my face (mostly fixed with electrical tape across the bottom). I also like my wife's Princeton Tec EOS for its bright concentrated beam. Both have been around a while so there may be better newer alternatives.

Steve

In the summer I pack an Eos, it is compact with good output and long battery life but I find it difficult sometimes to turn it on/off when wearing heavy gloves or mitts.

In the winter I usually pack a Myo 3 because it uses AA Lithium batteries and has great output which can be handy for navigation with the long winter nights. It is bigger than the Eos so I don't usually pack it in the summer but it is always in the car.

Also note that some lamps will not work with lithium or rechargeable batteries so check with the manufacturer if that is a requirement for you.

I have several and my favorite is my Petzl E+Lite. Why? Because I can slip the case on my belt. The worst flashlight is the one you left at home.

google zebralight

Zebralight looks interesting but for the life of me I can't distinguish any substantial
difference between the two models. And if I'm going to spend that much money I want to know exactly what I'm paying $10 more for. The descriptions are the same ie: "the perfect light for camping, etc." except for some strange "lm" output rating.
Could this be a lumens rating?

Also, they have no USA return address, yet...The lights ship from China.

A good example of what could be a good product let down by poor marketing skills.

I like what I see, but I wonder what makes the difference between the $40 model and the $50 model and if the company is going to be around in a year to support the product.