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The Nitecore NU31 is a 550-lumen LED headlamp with pink and white lighting modes and an 1800mAh li-ion battery pack. That’s an enormous battery and it is among the key options I search for in a headlamp as a result of I don’t need to recharge it on a backpacking journey or run out of energy in an emergency. However the NU31 can also be loaded with different options together with an influence meter and an digital lock to stop unintended drainage. Better of all, it has a easy management sequence which you can determine on the fly when you solely use the headlamp often for an in a single day backpacking or tenting journey.
Specs at a Look
- Lumens: 550 (max)
- Gentle Colour: White Gentle + Purple Gentle
- Weight: 95.5g (3.37 oz) incl. headband and tilting bracket
- Battery: 1800 mAh Li-ion
- Energy Indicator: Sure
- Lockout Mode: Sure
- Charging: USB-C
- Waterproof: IP66 rated (appropriate to be used in rain)
The Nitcore NU 31 is nearly excellent for my wants. It has a strong and long-lasting battery so I not often have to recharge it within the subject with my moveable energy financial institution (which I’d relatively reserve for recharging my Smartphone.) The ensuing run time can also be lengthy sufficient to remain lit in case I’ve an accident and want to attend for assist or I would like to assist a search and rescue crew evacuate an injured hiker. I additionally like the truth that it makes use of USB-C cable for recharging, the identical as my Garmin inReach Mini2, each for its quick charging velocity and since it reduces the variety of cables I would like to hold.
The NU31 has an easy-to-use management sequence which I discover essential as a result of I don’t use it typically sufficient to memorize it. The sunshine comes with two buttons: an influence button which is used to show the sunshine on and off and regulate brightness ranges and a mode button, which is used to change between gentle sources. In different phrases, the operational logic is straightforward sufficient for me to determine by urgent the buttons, every time I exploit it, with out having to re-read the instructions.
There are three gentle sources: a major white gentle, an auxiliary white gentle, and an auxiliary pink gentle.
- The first white gentle has three brightness ranges: 550 lumens, 200 lumens, and 60 lumens. There are additionally 550 lumen strobe and beacon settings.
- The auxiliary white gentle has two brightness ranges: 50 lumens and 6 lumens.
- The auxiliary pink gentle has two brightness ranges: a constant-on 5 lumens and a gradual flashing 10 lumens, good for biking.
Whereas the NU31 has a retina-searing 550 lumens most brightness degree, I principally use the 200 lumens or 60 lumens ranges as a result of that’s actually all I would like in camp and to protect the lifetime of the battery. For instance, the sunshine is rated for 38 hours at 60 lumens, which is greater than sufficient for me to make use of at evening on my brief journeys, which usually final 2-3 days in size.
Anticipated run occasions by brightness degree
- 550 lumens – 5 hours (major white)
- 200 lumens – 8 hours (major white)
- 60 lumens – 38 hours (major white)
- 50 lumens – 42 hours (auxiliary white)
- 6 lumens – 147 hours (auxiliary white)
- 5 lumens – 80 hours (auxiliary pink)
- 10 lumens – 50 hours (auxiliary pink in flashing mode)
The headlamp has a titling bracket so you’ll be able to regulate it to light up your path at evening, whether or not mountaineering or working. There’s additionally a built-in energy meter that illuminates 4 lights to point out you ways a lot energy is left and an digital lock so you’ll be able to forestall having the sunshine come on inside your backpack and drain. A frosted plastic cowl can also be included with the headlamp and acts gentle diffuser, excellent to be used inside your tent at evening once you need oblique gentle and never a centered beam.
The snug reflective headband is detachable and might be simply changed with some shock twine if you wish to shave an oz of drugs weight, however frankly, I discover it much more snug as is.
Of all of the headlamps I personal, those from Nitecore, together with this NU31 rechargeable headlamp, have been my go-to for a few years as a result of they’re dependable, absolutely featured, and an excellent worth for the cash. They’re a lot cheaper than comparable rechargeable headlamp fashions from Black Diamond or Petzl and simply as highly effective and well-featured.
Observe: When you’ve by no means watched a Nitecore product overview video. They’re hilarious. See beneath.
Disclosure: Nitecore donated a headlamp for assessment.
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