Petzl e+LITE

Backpacking Light provides the best comparison review of the Petzl e+LITE, ranking it in comparison with nine other LED headlamps based on tests and ratings for 11 factors. Outside magazine's 2007 gear guide evaluates the Petzl e+LITE based on formal field tests, and we found dozens of useful owner-written reviews of this headlamp at REI.com, MooseJaw.com and Backcountry.com. A post at Backpacker Forums raises a possible concern about quality, and a blog entry at Alpinist.com tells a detailed story of using it for mountaineering.

The waterproof 0.9-ounce Petzl e+LITE headlamp is the ideal emergency headlamp, according to reviewers. It's tiny enough to store anywhere, yet very capable, with lithium-ion batteries that hold their charge as long as 10 years. Its wide beam has two light levels, plus a strobe mode for alerting rescuers and one red LED for night vision. Many owners favor this headlamp for walking or running at night, and if your dog goes with you, an e+LITE can clip onto the dog collar to alert drivers. However, the Petzl e+LITE doesn't have the longest battery life (45 hours max) and can throw light only about 60 feet. The pricier Petzl Tactikka Plus (*est. $45) throws light farther and has a longer battery life, but weighs 2.7 ounces.