Petzl e+LITE Thoughts

By Chad Poindexter Ranked #24 - Headlamps April 16, 2011

I got this light for 3 reasons (in this order):

1. It has a red "friend" light
2. It has all the features of a bigger light
3. It is light-weight

I like the red light because not having one in a shared shelter is just rude.

This light can be used in a few different ways. As a headlamp, obviously, or it can be removed from the headband (to save even more weight) and then clipped to hats, shoulder straps, or what ever. Plus, it sits on a ball joint so the light can be positioned in any direction I want!

Plus it has high and low setting for the white and red light, and even a flashing/strobing setting for not only the white, but the red light too.

Of course, weighing in at 1 oz, with all of these features it is definitely a winner!

As well, the batteries are easily swapped out on the trail since there are no screws or what-nots to remove. The replacement batteries weigh in at 0.1 oz each, so no big extra weight for carrying them.

When I received the e+LITE I was excited. It is a solid light, and seems to be built well. The lamp is sturdy and not flimsy feeling like I thought it may have been. The strap is secured in the headlamp much better than on some of the other headlamps I have used. And the whistle actually works, well.

As far as use in the field, I am still up in the air on that one. This lamp is great for simply using around camp or inside a tent, but I would not want to have to rely on this lamp for much night hiking, and especially if I were alone (with others I would benefit from there lights as well, which would make up for the lack of light with only this one). Maybe I am just used to the bright whopping lights that I have previously used. Regardless, I am not giving up on this light as my sole backpacking headlamp. I just have to see if I can live with it...

I give this headlamp 5 full stars because it is worth it. Even though it may not be bright enough for me, I knew when I purchased it that it wouldn't be as bright as my others. This lamp is sold as an "emergency" lamp, not a do-it-all lamp. Although, it does most of it-all quite well!

A great UL Backpackers light!

View Details: Petzl e+LITE Emergency Headlamp

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes