Essential

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

This little light is a workhorse and is easy on batteries. The switch allows you to turn on the red light without cycling thru the brighter settings. This is the only light I have with this feature and I have always wanted my headlamps to do this! I originally bought this thing to bring on safari in Kenya. It was a beautiful permanent camp in the Maasai Mara. We had been warned that the baboons were able to unzip the tents, so having a whistle and light handy was nice. The soft, thin strap and light weight meant that I could just slip it over my head and sleep with it around my neck quite comfortably. Since then I have always included it in my kit, using it frequently for reading, walks, searching for stuff in dark places, climbing up slippery rocks stairs from Bali beaches and much more. I even use it during power outages at home. I have a main headlamp, but this is the one I usually have with me. It’s the thing that they say, “the best one is the one you have with you”.

Diane Elder

Emergency Light

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

As the name implies I carry this light as my backup. I have used it a few times walking the dog in the evening but the main purpose is in case something happens to my main headlamp I have a backup to get out of the woods. Works great, is bright enough and has a blinking mode. Is very easy on batteries!

Gone Fishing

Light weight back up

This works great for emergency's and it doesn't take up very much space

Charles Denney

Safety Blanket

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Besides my normal headlamp and a change of batteries, this lives in my first aid kit as a backup for times when things get a little western. Light weight, compact, and vital.

Perry Hall

Perfect for it's purpose

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I keep this in all my adventure bags as an emergency light. It doesn't stray much from my pockets. It's a pretty decent light that is adequately bright. I've only had to use it once and it did great. It's perfect for peace of mind. My only complaint is that the case it comes with is kind of picky and I have to fight with it a bit to get it in to be streamlined (it closes but not perfectly, which bugs me but I know most people probably won't care haha). I don't think I would trust it to be waterproof. I do a lot of canyoneering and I always put this in a plastic bag because I don't want it to get wet and not function when I need it. I don't really understand the lock feature, but I guess if you don't keep it in the included case then it makes sense so it doesn't turn on in your bag. I've carried this along on canyons. hikes, ski trips and anything else that can sometimes take more time than you expect. You won't regret having this in your bag, it's so small and nice you''ll be able to put it in your bag and completely forget you have it until you need it. The emergency whistle is also a convenient add-on to this light that isn't listed in the details for some reason. It is pictured though, it is built into the cinch on the back where you can adjust the size of the strap.

Katy Seeberger

As advertised

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

It's exactly what they say it is: a small, convenient source of light when you need it. You won't want to go spelunking with it or anything but it's compact and better than the dark. Not sure why they made enough headband to fit one of the aliens from Mars Attacks, but there's plenty of slack left over - I'd say that's the only drawback.

Brandon McReynolds

Petzl e+LITE Emergency Headlamp

I sent this to my brother in Florida in preparation for Hurricane Irma. For the price point, this is a great headlamp for tight situations. Like Dan pointed out, it is lightweight and low volume, so it's a great piece to keep in your pack. When you don't anticipate needing it is when you'll need it most.

Nate Simpson

Handy in a pinch

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I keep one of these bad boys in the pocket of my chalk bag for multi pitch climbing routes. Super light, I forget it is there most of the time, but it has come in handy multiple times when rappelling off a route or hiking down after a long day. Nothing like picking your way through the darkness trying to find the next anchor, but thanks the the Petzl e+LITE, my eyes are saved the strain. Not the most powerful headlamp on the market, it is great to have around in case of emergency!

Daniel Goodman