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Hello All,
I was recently out to purchase a few items for our next Camino. One of the things I purchased is a Petzl Tikka + headlamp. I have never used a headlamp while walking but it seemed like a good thing to have during those early dark mornings in the fall while on the trail during the first hour or so. The thing is, that I noticed after bringing my purchase home, that it has a red light (I was expecting it to be white but did not carefully read the package before buying it). I contemplated returning it for an exchange, if possible. Then I thought I would ask if anyone has any experience using a red headlamp on the trails. Any comments related to the advantages or disadvantages of this type of headlamp? Thanks for any ideas you might have.
One other thing ... you shouldn't walk the camino in the dark. Firstly, you annoy other pilgrims when you get up too early. Secondly, drivers are not likely looking to find pedestrians in the early hours ... and much of the camino is on narrow windy shared roads that don't have good visibility even in daylight. You don't need a light to walk at night; you need it for getting around the albergue ... to and from the washroom for instance. And you really do need a flashlight in washrooms where lights are on timers.
@whariwharangi post above is an excellent summary. Plenty of other good posts too.NOT REALLY QUOTING HERE. I JUST WANTED A LINK TO A GREAT POST.
That's a great movie. One of my favorites, and I have it on DVD.Mine has both colours and I do find it useful. I always have in my head the film Das Boot when use the red one, I remember how the submarine captain used to say 'Switch to Red Light!' in a terribly fierce voice when something bad was about to happen. That's how sad I am!
Completely spot on. On every account!!!I'd suggest reading the manual. My headlamp has several settings including two white and one red light. I can't see there being much demand for a headlamp that only shines red.
Red light is useful for working at night. Usually you walk at night without light. Then you use the red light to check your map and other documents needed for navigation. The red light has significantly less effect on your night vision so you can continue walking when the lights are turned off again.
Its pretty much useless for walking. The red light doesn't give enough light to see the contrast you get with white light; you're actually better off without.
Note that red lines (often used on maps to depict roads) are not visible when using red light.
It might be useful around the albergue ... its less likely to annoy people who are trying to sleep. Note this does not mean you can be careless with it because it will still annoy someone if you shine it in their face ... just like a white light.
One other thing ... you shouldn't walk the camino in the dark. Firstly, you annoy other pilgrims when you get up too early. Secondly, drivers are not likely looking to find pedestrians in the early hours ... and much of the camino is on narrow windy shared roads that don't have good visibility even in daylight. You don't need a light to walk at night; you need it for getting around the albergue ... to and from the washroom for instance. And you really do need a flashlight in washrooms where lights are on timers.
All, or all that I stayed in, albergues have a common area or say a patio or similar, away from the sleeping quarters. There you can do whatever you like, lights on, without disturbing anyone. All you have to do is have you pack readied the evening before, wake up, move (with minimal noise) the pack and whatever you slept in (bag or bag liner) into the common area and organize there. Before I leave the albergue I would go back in to the sleeping area and quietly check where I slept to make sure I wasn't leaving anything behind.As usual, great perspectives. One comment here-- about prepping for an early departure the night before-- got me thinking.
Can anyone share their best tips on making an early exit, with minimal disturbance to other pilgrims? Thanks!
Can anyone share their best tips on making an early exit, with minimal disturbance to other pilgrims? Thanks!
I didn't see anyone, may have missed it, mention that if using red light and trying to read a map....you may not be able to see red lines on the map. Or, read red lettering on the map.
Note that red lines (often used on maps to depict roads) are not visible when using red light.
Can anyone share their best tips on making an early exit, with minimal disturbance to other pilgrims?
As usual, great perspectives. One comment here-- about prepping for an early departure the night before-- got me thinking.
Can anyone share their best tips on making an early exit, with minimal disturbance to other pilgrims? Thanks!
@whariwharangi did, see below. One reason I liked him. Not that I don't like you Marty.@whariwharangi is damn good with travel directions too!
I have one that has a white light on the front and red light at the back. May I suggest checking to see if your has a Red/White option - slide from one to the other. I have walked behind a walker who had a red (or maybe amber) light and whilst softer on the eyes (you retained a degree of night vision) it did not really provide the definition I preferred (BTW this was climbing Mt Kilimanjaro). CheersHello All,
I was recently out to purchase a few items for our next Camino. One of the things I purchased is a Petzl Tikka + headlamp. I have never used a headlamp while walking but it seemed like a good thing to have during those early dark mornings in the fall while on the trail during the first hour or so. The thing is, that I noticed after bringing my purchase home, that it has a red light (I was expecting it to be white but did not carefully read the package before buying it). I contemplated returning it for an exchange, if possible. Then I thought I would ask if anyone has any experience using a red headlamp on the trails. Any comments related to the advantages or disadvantages of this type of headlamp? Thanks for any ideas you might have.
Hello All,
I was recently out to purchase a few items for our next Camino. One of the things I purchased is a Petzl Tikka + headlamp. I have never used a headlamp while walking but it seemed like a good thing to have during those early dark mornings in the fall while on the trail during the first hour or so. The thing is, that I noticed after bringing my purchase home, that it has a red light (I was expecting it to be white but did not carefully read the package before buying it). I contemplated returning it for an exchange, if possible. Then I thought I would ask if anyone has any experience using a red headlamp on the trails.
Hello All,
I was recently out to purchase a few items for our next Camino. One of the things I purchased is a Petzl Tikka + headlamp. I have never used a headlamp while walking but it seemed like a good thing to have during those early dark mornings in the fall while on the trail during the first hour or so. The thing is, that I noticed after bringing my purchase home, that it has a red light (I was expecting it to be white but did not carefully read the package before buying it). I contemplated returning it for an exchange, if possible. Then I thought I would ask if anyone has any experience using a red headlamp on the trails. Any comments related to the advantages or disadvantages of this type of headlamp? Thanks for any ideas you might have.
My Tikka has a fold over red filter. It is white unless I flip the red filter over the white light. Check to see if yours is a similar model that has the red filter, used to reduce the sensitivity to dark, or as a signal light.... One of the things I purchased is a Petzl Tikka + headlamp.. it has a red light....
Linda-Hello All,
I was recently out to purchase a few items for our next Camino. One of the things I purchased is a Petzl Tikka + headlamp. I have never used a headlamp while walking but it seemed like a good thing to have during those early dark mornings in the fall while on the trail during the first hour or so. The thing is, that I noticed after bringing my purchase home, that it has a red light (I was expecting it to be white but did not carefully read the package before buying it). I contemplated returning it for an exchange, if possible. Then I thought I would ask if anyone has any experience using a red headlamp on the trails. Any comments related to the advantages or disadvantages of this type of headlamp? Thanks for any ideas you might have.
You only need red if you're doing night photography and you don't want to ruin your night vision while looking at your camera settings.
Yes, agreed. To be considerate.Or if you're using it inside the albergue while others are asleep.
I have that headlamp and you'll probably be glad to find out it does both red and white. If you hold the button down while it is in either mode for a couple of seconds it will switch to the other. a short press of the button will cycle through your selected color scheme while another long press will switch modes again. takes a bit of putzing with to get used to but once you do it works like a charm...buen camino!Hello All,
I was recently out to purchase a few items for our next Camino. One of the things I purchased is a Petzl Tikka + headlamp. I have never used a headlamp while walking but it seemed like a good thing to have during those early dark mornings in the fall while on the trail during the first hour or so. The thing is, that I noticed after bringing my purchase home, that it has a red light (I was expecting it to be white but did not carefully read the package before buying it). I contemplated returning it for an exchange, if possible. Then I thought I would ask if anyone has any experience using a red headlamp on the trails. Any comments related to the advantages or disadvantages of this type of headlamp? Thanks for any ideas you might have.
When walking in hot weather I found that most everyone in the albergue rose early to beat the heat. I left Hontanas around 6 am while it was still dark and arrived at the San Anton Convent ruins just as the sun was coming up.
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