Lights for CTR/AZT (singletrack)

[sherpaxc]

So, I have and have used a P-tec Eos for a few years.  It is noticably dimmer now then it used to be.  I was given a Fenix LD 22 for Christmas.  I like the throw and its ease of use.  I've read many blogs of people who have had trouble with this light.  I never had an ounce of trouble with the Eos other than low burn time.  So far the Fenix has been fine but I haven't really put it through the ringer yet. 

So, what light system are people using for multi days on singletrack. 

[sliggins]

i'm going to bump this question as there have not been any replies and the always changing light technology's. I'm interested in AA lights or backpacking/running headlamps as the lumens/ lux are on the rise what are people using trying or liking. i see the petzl NAO headlamp at 575 lumens but runs at lower performance with just 2 AAA batteries. I'm new to bikepacking, i have done some loaded touring. a lot of light weight backpacking and grew up mountain biking.I know i'm going to need more light going down the trail. then my current backpacking light. i have a busch & muller battery light that has served me well on the road but is now on the fritz from just the road jarring. i'm going to start with one fenix ld22, and build off of that  unless anyone has a better experience with something else         

[mtnbound]

The new Black Diamond Storm headlamp now has 160 lumen and decent battery life and only weighs 3.9 oz (w/batteries), plus it has strobe/flashing (white and red) for any road sections.  I use two - I hook one on the handlebars (using the included strap, which is not the best and I am looking for a  better way to attach it) and I took the strap off the other one and used a small bit of Velcro and wrapped the other one onto my helmet via the vent holes (which does work very well).  Unless you are racing (i.e. going fast at night, which is not something I am capable of on the CTR) or are on super techy stuff, I think 160 lumen is good enough, plus with two it is even brighter. YMMV.  Since it runs on AAA batteries, they are easily found in any convenience store along the route. The price is also good - $50.

[AZTtripper]

I have two Black Diamond lights the Max Morris set up, Icon on the bars and the Storm on the helmet. I like that they use up all 4 batts per pack. Unlike other headlamps that I have that use 3.

The Icon has the large external 4 AA pwr pack so you need to have some kind of bag on the bars to put it in. Since it's not a cycling product you have to be creative in how you mount it. A Velcro strap is good for training rides and short term stuff but for the longer rides use a zip ties.

Light weight bright enough for single track at the end of the day when your not looking to rip but to keep moving it's plenty.

mtnbound ditch the strap that came with the Storm and pick up some small Velcro straps like with the bars it takes a few try's to figure out the best way but there's also likely more then one way to do it.

[sliggins]

thanks for all the info i'm going to take a look at the black diamond lights as they are both in stock at my local outdoor store and there's something about seeing it in person to get an idea about size shape mounting them. i like the run time on both lights and cost is low enough and i will have a bag to mount them on for any multi day trips i do     

[Couloirman]

I am all about the Fenix PD32UE, or PD35 with a few boxes of Surefire 123a lithium batteries. It is true extra batteries are hard to come by in rural convenience stores, but they are tiny and not too much of a weight penalty for carrying them all from the start. That, and the flashlights get crazy bright for fast downhills or spotting ghosts from afar on Sargent's Mesa Just involves planning exactly how many batteries you will need for the entire adventure but that's not very hard-- I assume 4 batteries per night per flashlight if riding all night and not sleeping. Just throw the used ones away when you get to the nearest trash can to lighten up your load. Not a great strategy for the Tour Divide since you'd be carrying way too many batts from the start, but I feel it's a great way to go on the CTR/AZTR. I hate not having enough light.

[mtnbound]

I also love my Fenix PD35.  If you are looking for great light output for bikepacking, this is a great option. Sturdy, lightweight and easy to use.  I was concerned about the batteries since I am so slow that I would have to bring a lot of batteries but the batteries are light (but more costly than AAs).  But for me, it depends on how long I plan on being out, how much night riding I will be doing and whether some stores along my route have the 123a batteries.

AZTripper - thanks. I will try the Velcro.  I need to work on the attachment and figure out the best placement for the headlamp.  With the bar bag and GPS, cabling, etc. on the handlebars, getting a good spot to attach a light (since the light needs to be centered) that does not have a piece of attachment (e.g. a plastic piece that attaches to the bar and places the light directly above the bar) has been problematic.

[Adam Alphabet]

I have the older BD Storm that lives on my helmet. It comes on every ride from commuting to trail rides to bikepacking and bike touring trips. As mentioned earlier I did the same by removing the strap and using a piece of hook and loop threaded through the vent holes of my helmet to hold it in place.

It's good enough for my uses. I use it regularly to extend rides into the dark up in my regular trails, I toured the CT with it a couple years ago as my only light, came down Alpine trail in Oakridge with it finishing in the dark just a month ago, etc... If I were racing one of the big races I'd probably just use 2 of the newer 160's. Big fan of my older BD storm.

[sherpaxc]

I ended up using the black diamond spot for the ct. It was perfect for my needs.