The number of people who now take part in hiking is continuously growing. Hiking is an activity that’s good for your health while also being perfect for helping you stay in good shape. But, whether you hike during a dry or rainy season, staying prepared for unexpected situations is paramount.
Aside from having a tent and some other essentials like purified water bottles and clothes, having a good source of light is crucial for staying safe, especially at night. Knowing where you are going in the dark is essential and the best thing you can do for the purpose is to opt for a torch or headlamp.
What Is a Flashlight?
Also known as a flashlight, a handy and practical torch is a battery-powered electric lamp the goal of which is to provide additional illumination. They are especially important at night when walking on trails, setting up a tent or even during emergencies when the flashlight is the only way you can call for help. These handy hand-held lamps can stand out from their competition with their overall power and long battery life, but for some other things as well.
Pros
Wide Angle of Illumination
When compared to headlamps, LED torches offer a wider view thanks to their powerful illumination which is especially needed under darker circumstances. Aside from having increased power, they also allow for redirecting the light as you wish depending on the area you want to illuminate, making it the ideal option when hiking in places for the first time. Having a wider view with a powerful flashlight will also help you spot any threat ahead of you, so you can easily avoid it.
Powerful Light and Power Source
Nowadays, you have the chance to choose from a large selection of powerful flashlights, offering impressive brightness which can get even to 1000 lumens. Some of these modern illuminating devices can also act as power banks for charging some items like your phone. This can be easily done with the help of a USB cable. To get the best of both worlds – a sturdy and powerful illuminating device, you should look for one that comes from trusted suppliers and reputable brands.
Advanced Features
Today’s modern flashlights are all about improving your experience. Aside from being able to charge your phone, most of them are also water-resistant which allows you to use them under extreme weather conditions.
Can Serve as a Call for Help
Because these light solutions have super strong and bright light-emitting capabilities, they can come in handy in distress situations. Because these lighting solutions allow for controlling the illumination patterns, this makes them the ideal way to call for help in emergencies.
Cons
- Holding it can be tiresome.
- You can easily drop it if your hands are wet or when holding it for hours.
- Other than this, there aren’t any other cons that come from using this handy illuminating device.
What Is a Headlamp?
Headlamps are illuminating devices designed to be attached to the head. Their goal is the same as the one of torches, and that is to illuminate your way. They feature a band that wraps around the head and a light source that can be adjusted to shine in different directions.
Pros
Hands-Free Usage
Unlike the previous type of light source, this one is designed to be worn around your head, so it doesn’t include the use of your hands at all. This gives you the chance to use your hands for something else.
Lightweight and Handy
Given the fact that these lighting solutions are designed to be worn on the head, they’re super light. They are pretty easy to operate which is another reason why some people prefer them over regular hand-held lights.
Improved Features
Depending on the model of headlamps you choose, some of them offer spot and flood lighting which you can use under different circumstances. Some of them also have USB port, which allows for recharging their batteries from your car, computer, power bank or any solar-powered charging station.
Cons
Less Powerful Than Flashlights
When compared to handheld lights, headlamps seem to be less powerful and with poorer visibility. This can be quite challenging especially when using them at night where greater visibility is required.
Not Ideal for Group Hikes
When hiking with more people, wearing a headlamp seems to be impossible since the light will be directed at someone else eyes. Ideally, you should wear a lightning source of this kind when hiking alone. While some models have a red light option to avoid blinding others, it is not as bright and effective as the white light.
Poorer Battery Life
Given the fact that these lighting solutions are lighter in weight, this means that their battery will be smaller as well. This explains the fact why headlamps have batteries with poorer life. That being said, you should always have to carry more than one pair of batteries with you so you can stay prepared for any kind of situation.
Which Is Better?
Without a doubt, flashlights are the most preferred source of light when hiking mainly because of their high power and light beam. They are also the first choice among hikers because of their ease of use, storage and portability. However, if you need a source of light when doing some camping tasks like lighting a fire, setting up a tent or for something else, then you can also rely on the use of headlamps. Otherwise, you should certainly rely on the flashlight’s powerful lighting ability.
