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While we’re slowly inching towards more hours of daylight, for those of you going out for runs either before or after work, you’re no doubt running into, well, a lack of daylight. I’ve been doing the same here, and was interested to see how the Biolite HeadLamp 330 worked out on the trail.
If you recall, we first brought you word of the Biolite HeadLamp 330 right here. While that article talked about winter camping, I wasn’t about to go camping. Still, it’s been plenty cold (and snowy) here, and definitely not fully daylight when I’ve been going out on the trails. Reflective bits and bright color clothing help others to see you, but a light can do that – as well as letting you see.
I have gone out for jogs with a regular headlamp in the past, and while it sort of works, there’s no disputing that traditional headlamp design is very front-heavy with the light and batteries all in one spot. This means that it bounces around as you run. On the other hand, the Biolite HeadLamp 330 separates those two, with the small lighting element in the front, and the rechargeable battery pack around the back of your head. This means the light stays in place on your head, set to the angle you have it at.
As Wayne says, “Can confirm”. I went out, and the Biolite HeadLamp 330 stayed in it’s spot on my head, and the angle it was set at (you can adjust it some, it’s just not locked flat) also stayed in place. The battery pack may have moved some, but I didn’t really notice it. And speaking of not noticing it – this really is a pretty light headlamp. There were several times where I’ve come back in, and gone to peel off my hat, forgetting the headlamp was around the outside of the hat. So, yes, it works just as advertised.
I will say, it would be nice if the Biolite HeadLamp 330 remembered the level you had the headlamp set at. It remembers the mode, but not necessarily the brightness. Not difficult to adjust back down, but just remember that for your use. Along with the various lighting levels (you can see them all down below), the inclusion of a red flood is handy as well. Perhaps not for a run, but definitely when you’re camping, it will be useful. Why? The red light will let you see what you need to see without destroying your night vision.
For my use, I came away favorably impressed with the Biolite HeadLamp 330. The one wrinkle here would be if you use your headlamp to read a book at night. With the battery pack around the back, that’s not going to be a comfortable situation in any regard (for that use, the Biolite HeadLamp 220 is your answer). In other words, you need to consider if that battery pack placement will impact you. For camping, running, and various outdoor stuff? The $59.95 Biolite HeadLamp 330 will do you well – just pack a battery pack (like this one?) to top it off on the longer trips. bioliteenergy.com
Details from Biolite
