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Petzl e+LITE

*Est. $30

Reviewed by ConsumerSearch

Lightest headlamp

Pros

Tiny and lightweight (0.9 ounce)
Red LED mode for night vision
Can clip to hat or dog collar
Waterproof

Cons

Throws light only about 60 feet
Battery life not the best
Unregulated light gradually dims as batteries fade
Switch and swivel may be a bit fragile for rugged use

Where to Buy

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Our Analysis
Specs
25 Amazon Reviews

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.

Where To Buy

Petzl E02 P e+LITE Emergency Headlamp

(25 reviews)
Buy new: $29.95 2 New from $25.99

In Stock.

Store Rating	Notes	Total Price
7,203 store reviews	Sorry, not in stock	$29.95	See It
1,257 store reviews	In Stock. Earn 2% eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases! Backed by eBay Buyer Protection Program. Terms and Condi	$29.95	See It
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Our Sources

1. BackpackingLight.com

Based on thorough tests, this review compares the Petzl e+LITE with nine other LED headlamps, rating each headlamp on 11 factors, including battery life, beam quality, comfort and value. The Petzl e+LITE is top-rated for its light weight but loses points for short battery life and lacking a voltage regulator.

Review: State of the Market Report: LED Headlamps (2007), Rick Dreher, Mar. 2007

2. Outside Magazine

Based on testing in field conditions, the 2007 issue of the Outside magazine Buyer's Guide recommends the Petzl e+LITE along with five other headlamps, praising the e+LITE for its light weight and mode and attachment options.

Review: 2007 Buyer's Guide: Petzl E+Lite Review, Sam Moulton, May 2007

3. REI.com

More than a dozen owners review the Petzl e+LITE here, giving it near-perfect ratings and saying they would recommend it to friends. A few wish it were brighter, but we found no complaints about battery life.

Review: Petzl e+LITE Reviews, REI.com editors and contributors

4. Moosejaw.com

More than two dozen owners give the Petzl e+LITE headlamp mostly rave reviews here. One owner says the batteries, though expensive, lasted six months with regular use.

Review: Petzl e+LITE Headlamp Reviews, Contributors to MooseJaw.com

5. Backcountry.com

About two dozen owners review the Petzl e+LITE here, some using it for its intended purpose, backup emergencies, others using it as the main headlamp.

Review: Petzl e+LITE Emergency Headlamp Reviews, Contributors to Backcountry.com

6. Backpacker.com

One owner reports that the switch was fragile and easily damaged (with a little sand, for example) on both his first Petzl e+LITE and a replacement. Another contributor says it's better to reserve the e+LITE for emergencies and use a bigger LED headlamp as the main light.

Review: PETZL E + Lite a Big Disappointment, Design Flaw in Switch, Contributors to Backpacker Forums

7. Alpinist Mountain Standards

This detailed review tells an interesting story of lost luggage, giving the Petzl e+LITE a star role as emergency backup headlamp - but finding a shorter runtime than Petzl specifies.

Review: Petzl e+lite: For Emergencies and Every Day, Larry Goldie, Oct. 2007

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