The Nitecore NU20 Traditional (left, above) is an upgraded model of the unique NU20 (proper, above), a 360 lumen headlamp which I’ve carried on all of my mountaineering and backpacking journeys ever since 2017. Whereas the unique NU20 continues to be totally purposeful, it lacks the brand new options of the NU Traditional, like a pink mild mode and USB-C charging. My unique NU20 was beneficial by my backpacking pal Martin Rye from the UK. Martin’s suggestions are often spot on with regards to backpacking gear, cameras, and electronics.
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- Product: Nitecore NU20 Traditional
- White mild, Auxiliary white mild, and Auxiliary pink mild
- Battery: 500 mAh
- USB-C Recharging Connector (purposeful whereas charging)
- Weight: 1.34 oz / 38g
- Max Brightness: 360 lumens
- White Runtimes: 360 lumens – 2h; 200 lumens – 5h; 38 lumens – 7h; 1 lumen – 97h
- Headband: Reflective wire
- Professionals: Ultralight, intuitive management sequence, cheap, lock, energy meter
- Cons: Twine-based headband is much less snug than a fabric one
The unique NU20 is a quite simple USB rechargeable headlamp with a white LED, an influence indicator, and a mechanical lock constructed into the plastic headband mount to stop the headlamp from turning on and unintentionally draining in your pack. However one of the best factor (for my part) in regards to the unique NU20 was its easy management sequence with a single management button that rotated between the low-medium-high beam settings so you might use it with out having to memorize an elaborate multi-button or multi-gesture sequence to regulate the sunshine’s depth. Easy is sweet. I nonetheless use that unique NU20 at present.
The brand new Nitecore NU20 Traditional is a way more refined headlamp with two buttons, an digital lock, and power-indicator, and USB-C recharging. Nonetheless, the identical easy management logic discovered on the unique NU20 is retained, the place a single button press, cycles you thru the white or red-mode intensities. That’s good. The management logic for the SOS and Beacon modes is extra nuanced and straightforward to overlook, however I hardly ever, if ever, want these modes. Whereas the lock mode – urgent each buttons for 3 sec. within reason memorable, and a standard idiom throughout headlamps from a number of producers.
The NU20 Traditional is connected to a plastic mount that allows you to change the sunshine angle, both down for shut up, or pointing extra ahead to throw a beam a ways forward. That mount is then linked to a reflective wire that has an adjuster to tighten it round your head or over a hat. Whereas that wire isn’t as snug as a fabric headband, the headlamp is so light-weight that you just hardly discover that it’s there in any respect. The reflective components within the wire are additionally an ideal security characteristic for those who’re outdoors at night time and also you wish to be seen.
Suggestion
In the event you’re on the lookout for a light-weight headlamp, the Nitecore NU20 Traditional is an affordable and ultralight headlamp full of options that hikers, backpackers, and path runners will admire. Weighing barely multiple as soon as, it has white and pink modes with a simple-enough management sequence which you could shortly determine it out, even for those who don’t use the headlamp ceaselessly. That plus a battery meter, digital locking, and USB-C charging make it an ideal worth if you need an affordable headlamp for mountaineering tenting, or backpacking. For simply $25, the Nitecore NU20 Traditional provides you numerous bang in your buck, particularly in contrast with costlier headlamps from Black Diamond or Petzl.
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