In the world of climbing, hands-free illumination can make the difference between a successful ascent and a dangerous situation, you need reliable torch technology that sits securely on your head.
Our headtorches are the result of meticulous research and development. We understand that climbing requires specific features from lighting equipment. That’s why our torches are lightweight yet durable, powerful yet long-lasting, and, above all, reliable in the most challenging conditions.
Headtorches for climbers
Our commitment to user-centric design is clear in the ergonomics of our headtorches. The headbands are adjustable and fit comfortably over climbing helmets, while the torches themselves are easy to operate with gloved hands. This attention to detail highlights our understanding of the practical challenges you face in real climbing situations.
How powerful does my headtorch need to be?
Back in the 80s climbers were using headtorches throwing out around 20 lumens. Today we are spoilt for choice and it is easy to get carried away by the mantra of the more lumens the better.
But our eyes adapt to the dark, if they are allowed, so you might not need as much power as you think.
Generally 200 lumens is fine for hillwalking, so thats going to be fine for your close work - sitting on belays and doing your actual climbing.
Using less lumens conserves your battery life, which means you can climbing longer, or change your batteries less.
What is handy is having a boost or zoom function for picking out your route ahead. Here 500 - 800 lumens will serve you well.
Here are some more things to look out for:
Flood, zoom and beam
We’ve developed torches with multiple beam settings. From wide-angle floods for route-finding and gear organisation to focused spots for identifying distant anchors or upcoming pitches.
Packable size
You haven't got much room to spare on a climb. Everything you carry has to have a purpose. Your headtorch needs to be compact, so that it can be stashed away in your rucksack or haulbag until it is needed.
Weight
It also needs to be light weight, you have enough to carry with all that metal and ropes.
Adjustable tilt angle
When you have mounted your headtorch on your helmet it is time to adjust the angle of the beam. You might adjust this frequently during the duration of the climb as you switch between belays, climbing and descending.
The process should be easy and secure, without any unforced errors occurring such as accidentally switching your torch off.
Balance
Of all the sports we do climbing is one of the most sensitive to good balance. A poorly fitting torch can throw out your equilibrium, not want that as you are teetering up the final pitch of the Etive Slabs.
Front mounted battery
Our lightweight torches have the battery included in the front of the torch. This simplifies the headtorch and gives you a more compact product.
Rear mounted battery
When a higher capacity battery is needed, it is generally attached to the rear of the strap. This gives you a two part torch; the head unit and the rear battery pack.
This spreads out the weight, and does allow for additional functionality such as rear safety light.
Straps
Our lightweight torches have a single headstrap, while our heavier torches have an additional over-the-head strap for greater stability. All straps can be removed either for washing or to hack your torch onto other pieces of kit with zip-ties.
How to attach your headtorch to your climbing helmet
Most (but not all) climbing helmets come with clips to hold a headtorch on to your helmet. Our headtorches come with elasticated headstraps which are simple to adjust to the correct length. Simply stretch it over your helmet and tuck it under retaining clips on your helmet.
Should you carry a backup headtorch when climbing?
There was a time where the size and weight penalty of carrying a second torch would be too much to consider. But these days they are so light and small that carrying a second torch is just prudent.
Take our Ionic headtorch for example; 15 mm wide, 49 grams, 350 lumens and 80 hr burn time on Eco mode. That is going to solve a lot of problems.
A standout feature of our wearable torches is their versatility. We know that different climbs and conditions call for varied lighting solutions.
Headtorches are an essential piece of kit for every climber and mountaineer. They extend your climbing window, especially in Winter mountaineering and provide you with an indispensable safety line.
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