Anyone run with a Headtorch?

_Zardoz_
_Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Anyone run with a head torch. The nights are drawing in and as much as I can get a lot of runs in in daylight there are some I will have to do in the dark or reduced light. Where I live in mid winter it sometimes doesn't really get light until 10am and can be dark again by 4pm. Its quite rural so even the routes around town aren't really well lit. So does anyone run with a head torch in the winter? What should I be looking for in a model (i'm not made of money so it has to be reasonably priced). How do I stop being annoyed by something on my head. Advice and hints greatly received Thanks very much

Replies

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I've got a rechargeable LED Petzl model (Tikka XP) that really lights up the path (has high, low and blink settings). IIRC it cost around $50 or $60 (I bought it several years ago).

    The first few times you use it you'll notice it but you become accustomed to it very quickly (you want the head strap tight enough that it doesn't move but not too snug). In colder weather when I'm wearing a toque I don't even notice it.

    The bonus of owning one of these is that it's also really handy around the house when you need a light but also need your hands free.
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    I've got a rechargeable LED Petzl model (Tikka XP) that really lights up the path (has high, low and blink settings). IIRC it cost around $50 or $60 (I bought it several years ago).

    The first few times you use it you'll notice it but you become accustomed to it very quickly (you want the head strap tight enough that it doesn't move but not too snug). In colder weather when I'm wearing a toque I don't even notice it.

    The bonus of owning one of these is that it's also really handy around the house when you need a light but also need your hands free.

    All of this. I have a different model Petzel though.
  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    Thanks I'll have a look at the petzl ones
  • randysbombshellgirl
    randysbombshellgirl Posts: 338 Member
    I too have a petzl it adjust to 5 different positions and 3 different light options. Very happy with it and it came in handy during a power outages.
  • mrk1185
    mrk1185 Posts: 44 Member
    I bought a Streamlight 61400 from amazon, mostly because it's cheap (I paid $13 USD). I do the bulk of my runs between 3am-8am so I like having it. Has two brightness levels, and for real full on dark I use the stronger of the two, and it's adjustable so I can set the beam about 20 paces ahead of me.

    I've been using it for maybe the last six months, and I haven't had to change the battery yet, so that's a plus.

    I may end up ordering a more serious one at some point, but since I'm not planning to do any racing that lasts a whole day (yet..) I don't really feel the need to have a more expensive one...
  • davemunger
    davemunger Posts: 1,139 Member
    I have a Petzl as well -- these are really designed with runners in mind. Minimal bouncing, nice bright light, good battery life. If you need to conserve battery (for a super-long run or just to save your batteries), you can put it on the medium light level and it still gives plenty of light, but lasts about 5 times as long.

    I recommend getting Eneloop rechargeable batteries for it -- they are expensive but hold a charge much better than standard rechargeables.
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    i'd rather fall off a cliff into a ravine or get hit by a mac truck then run with a head lamp.
  • DeputySox
    DeputySox Posts: 78
    I use a Coleman Max headlamp. Works like a charm, lightweight and cost $10. Good luck!
  • davemunger
    davemunger Posts: 1,139 Member
    i'd rather fall off a cliff into a ravine or get hit by a mac truck then run with a head lamp.

    I say the same thing about running on a treadmill. Some of us need to run in dark places, and headlamps make that possible.

    One of my "favorite" things is nearly crashing into runners who are wearing dark clothing and no lights. They somehow think that since they can see me with my headlamp and reflective gear that I will see them and get out of their way.
  • kijoneko
    kijoneko Posts: 56 Member
    I asked similar not so long ago and someone pointed me to Alpkit headtorches.

    http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16345&category_id=288

    I'm using mine to run the trails at 5am, when the woods are in total darkness and the rain has been lashing down (so hardly any moonlight either), it's brilliant value for money and had great reviews in one of the running magazines as well.

    Edited to add: I was worried it'd feel strange running with something on my head but to be honest you forget it's there. :)
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    i'd rather fall off a cliff into a ravine or get hit by a mac truck then run with a head lamp.

    I say the same thing about running on a treadmill. Some of us need to run in dark places, and headlamps make that possible.

    One of my "favorite" things is nearly crashing into runners who are wearing dark clothing and no lights. They somehow think that since they can see me with my headlamp and reflective gear that I will see them and get out of their way.

    That and cyclists..........I frequently run on recreational paths, I have a red blinking LED (called a "turtle" and costs about $4) clipped onto the back of my head strap so the cyclists coming up behind me can see me from quite a distance.
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    welp... you know, i have been planning on getting more outdoor running and cycling done. the only time i'll have to do it is probably early morning, so i'm going to invest in some lights for my bike.

    i don't usually run in the dark, but i do wear bright colors.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    I got a 3 pack of headlamps from Costco last year for $10 LOL. They worked well enough for dusk (the last 15 minutes of my runs were typically at dusk). I also wore blinking LED tights for visability.
  • KeithAngilly
    KeithAngilly Posts: 575 Member
    i keep a petzl in my hikiing backpack and have thought about breaking it out for running. My main concern is potholes and cracks in the roads, although most of the routes i run have streetlights here an there. My question would be if there is anyone has tried attaching the light to the waist, instead of the head. I know that some hikers prefer that, but it might be tougher on runners because have less gear to strap it to. Just curious.
  • UpEarly
    UpEarly Posts: 2,555 Member
    i'd rather fall off a cliff into a ravine or get hit by a mac truck then run with a head lamp.

    Sheesh, really!? I don't even notice mine.
  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    Thanks for the advice lots of research to look at
  • davemunger
    davemunger Posts: 1,139 Member
    i keep a petzl in my hikiing backpack and have thought about breaking it out for running. My main concern is potholes and cracks in the roads, although most of the routes i run have streetlights here an there. My question would be if there is anyone has tried attaching the light to the waist, instead of the head. I know that some hikers prefer that, but it might be tougher on runners because have less gear to strap it to. Just curious.

    I have a friend who wears his around his chest -- just expands the strap to the full length and stretches it around. Most runners prefer it on the head. I find I need to wear a hat to keep it from bouncing around too much.

    Potholes and cracks are pretty easy to see with a headlamp. The problems are little dips and swales that don't have a distinct crack -- definitely harder to see. But even running on unfamiliar roads with no streetlights I don't think I've ever had a fall when using a headlamp.
  • KeithAngilly
    KeithAngilly Posts: 575 Member
    i keep a petzl in my hikiing backpack and have thought about breaking it out for running. My main concern is potholes and cracks in the roads, although most of the routes i run have streetlights here an there. My question would be if there is anyone has tried attaching the light to the waist, instead of the head. I know that some hikers prefer that, but it might be tougher on runners because have less gear to strap it to. Just curious.

    I have a friend who wears his around his chest -- just expands the strap to the full length and stretches it around. Most runners prefer it on the head. I find I need to wear a hat to keep it from bouncing around too much.

    Potholes and cracks are pretty easy to see with a headlamp. The problems are little dips and swales that don't have a distinct crack -- definitely harder to see. But even running on unfamiliar roads with no streetlights I don't think I've ever had a fall when using a headlamp.

    Thanks Dave...I'll have to dig mine out. I run early enough to run down the crown of the road for most of my runs. Ironically, that's where many of the older roads crack and holes develop. And, I agree, those little dips can be troublesome. For me the issue is the worst when I am trying to maintain a pace and I run into a dark area. A light of some sort would help.
  • hypallage
    hypallage Posts: 624 Member
    I use a petzl but have heard really good things about the alpkit ones... They are much cheaper as well
  • Legs_McGee
    Legs_McGee Posts: 845 Member
    Also have a Petzl. I've had it for a while but I think it was less than $20. It's very lightweight and comfortable.
  • brandiuntz
    brandiuntz Posts: 2,717 Member
    I have a Black Diamond branded LED one (I run on trails in the evening), if you want another brand to research.
  • gobonas99
    gobonas99 Posts: 1,049 Member
    I just got one yesterday and will be using it for the first time tonight. I don't recall offhand what brand it was, but it was only $20. There was a $30 one of the same brand that had a brighter light and more hours (70 hours vs 50), but since my neighborhood where I run has streetlights and I just need the headlamp to supplement the "between" areas, I went with the less expensive one. Both adjust to any angle that you want the light to shine in. :smile:
  • erinnpinky
    erinnpinky Posts: 80 Member
    I put mine on a hat and don't even know its there. I use the cheap Mountain Equipment Coop brand with rechargeable batteries. It lights up dark paths and I charge once a week (I run 6 times a week in the pitch dark). I think my MEC lamp was $22. They tried to upsell me but for running you don't need to see anymore than 4-5 steps ahead of you. For biking however, I use a more expensive model as I needed a further range.
  • workaholic_nurse
    workaholic_nurse Posts: 727 Member
    bump to review later
  • ayalowich
    ayalowich Posts: 242 Member
    I hate running in the dark, but loathe wearing anything above and beyond what is necessary. I am hoping for something less conspicuous than a head torch. Having said that I passed two people this morning wearing these and while I personally don't like the look, they appear quite functional and I am sure they were able to see their splits a lot better than I can see mine.

    I would find it too obtrusive, but then again, I'm the person who won't wear headphones or an Ipod either.
    Anyone run with a head torch. The nights are drawing in and as much as I can get a lot of runs in in daylight there are some I will have to do in the dark or reduced light. Where I live in mid winter it sometimes doesn't really get light until 10am and can be dark again by 4pm. Its quite rural so even the routes around town aren't really well lit. So does anyone run with a head torch in the winter? What should I be looking for in a model (i'm not made of money so it has to be reasonably priced). How do I stop being annoyed by something on my head. Advice and hints greatly received Thanks very much
  • motherwesser
    motherwesser Posts: 35 Member
    I do not use one but perhaps I should. I do use a blinking red reflector light button on my running visor.
  • Just_Jon
    Just_Jon Posts: 108 Member
    I run all year round and use a headlamp when running at night or early morning. Marathon training sometimes requires a longer run after work in summer, when it's starting to get dark earlier. I also do a lot of hiking and camping where a headlight is critical for those night hikes and setting up in the dark. Handling a flashlight is far too cumbersome.

    My choice? The $10 Energizer headlamp from Wal-Mart. Works great for my needs and if it breaks, I'm not out the $100 I would have paid for an LL Bean or a Princeton Tec lamp. I usually carry two when hiking at night. Running, I just hope I don't drop it. :)
  • Ladydrake12
    Ladydrake12 Posts: 45 Member
    I run at 5am on tree lined trails so it is pretty dark and if I didn't use one I would probably run into a ditch or something. haha. At first, I wasn't super in love with wearing something on my head but I don't mind it anymore and it is practical to have one. If you wear a beanie with it, you REALLY can barely tell it is there especially once you get going.

    Mine was about $30.00 but I got one that would shine up to 150 feet...there are different distances they will go. Biggest thing to look for is one that is adjustable because different weather needs a different setting, at least that is what I have found. Amazon has a good selection.
  • dtimedwards
    dtimedwards Posts: 319 Member
    I got a 3 pack of headlamps from Costco last year for $10 LOL. They worked well enough for dusk (the last 15 minutes of my runs were typically at dusk). I also wore blinking LED tights for visability.

    I've bought several packs of those. They come with batteries, and I can leave a couple in my car, at home, one in each of my backpacks... Nothing worse than being stuck on a trail after dark and realizing you don't have a headlamp.

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