Dog-walking torch
Discussion
Bit of an odd post title, but that's what I need!
Now winter's coming I need to get a decent torch for when out early morning/late evening. Any recommendations?
I was thinking that something that could be carried slung across the chest to leave hands free for lead, opening gates, doling out treats, etc. would be good.
Something with a bit of power to it would be preferred too - so I can find Teasel when she legs it after a squirrel, or for scanning a field for the reflection from deers' eyes so I know not to let her off the lead!
I have a 3 cell Maglite, but that can get to be a pain lugging it round, and my LED head torch doesn't have enough reach considering how far T can run when enjoying a play in the 60 acre fields round about us.
Thought, comments, opinions appreciated,
Steve
Now winter's coming I need to get a decent torch for when out early morning/late evening. Any recommendations?
I was thinking that something that could be carried slung across the chest to leave hands free for lead, opening gates, doling out treats, etc. would be good.
Something with a bit of power to it would be preferred too - so I can find Teasel when she legs it after a squirrel, or for scanning a field for the reflection from deers' eyes so I know not to let her off the lead!
I have a 3 cell Maglite, but that can get to be a pain lugging it round, and my LED head torch doesn't have enough reach considering how far T can run when enjoying a play in the 60 acre fields round about us.
Thought, comments, opinions appreciated,
Steve
Unless I have to, I avoid using a torch but do carry a 250lumen cree LED in my pocket. I perfer to let my eyes adjust and find an illuminating collar is the best for knowing where the dog is. I've had a few designes but Aldi flashing/reflective jogger/cyclist arm bands work out the best value. A set of 4 is £3.99 on offer at the moment and 1 set will do the whole winter easily.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ultrafire-1000-LM-CREE-X...
Under £15 delivered, charger and two rechargeable batteries included - and very bright. I bought two as gifts for other people - then I asked for one myself. So bright they keep your hand warm while you use it.
Under £15 delivered, charger and two rechargeable batteries included - and very bright. I bought two as gifts for other people - then I asked for one myself. So bright they keep your hand warm while you use it.
I use this
http://www.zweibrueder.com/ENG/produkte/html_highp...
can be had for about £40, is rechargeable and sits nicely on your head so hands free.
I use it for running with the dog but have used it on occasion when we have been out walking a bit late. Even in the countryside in the pitch black I can still play fetch with a tennis ball chucker and see where the ball is going. Reflections from animals eyes can be seen from 100s of metres away.
I think if you want to get much better you have to spend silly money. Some of my friends are serious canicrossers and have these (well the old model by the looks of it) http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/Silva_Sprint_Headlamp/ and they are like having a car headlight strapped to your head but the price is a bit scary.
http://www.zweibrueder.com/ENG/produkte/html_highp...
can be had for about £40, is rechargeable and sits nicely on your head so hands free.
I use it for running with the dog but have used it on occasion when we have been out walking a bit late. Even in the countryside in the pitch black I can still play fetch with a tennis ball chucker and see where the ball is going. Reflections from animals eyes can be seen from 100s of metres away.
I think if you want to get much better you have to spend silly money. Some of my friends are serious canicrossers and have these (well the old model by the looks of it) http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/Silva_Sprint_Headlamp/ and they are like having a car headlight strapped to your head but the price is a bit scary.
Steve_W said:
Thanks for the replies all - some good stuff there.
RB Will - flaming Ada - £280 for a head torch! I'd expect to be able to weld using the beam.
Cheaper solution to impress geeky friends: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-ATN-Viper-Night-Visi...RB Will - flaming Ada - £280 for a head torch! I'd expect to be able to weld using the beam.
(or one of the cheaper torches mentioned...)
I got this: http://www.torchdirect.co.uk/fenix-professional-to...
... for very similar needs as yours.
On paper, there are better torches out there but for the same price I struggled to find something that suited me better:
1) Takes AA batteries
2) Really good battery life (10 days on low output mode... apparently)
3) Plastic (bulletproof grade) body so no frozen hands in winter
4) Waterproof (Don't know how much... But rain certainly doesn't bother it)
5) Seriously far "throw"... If you want more throw you'll need a zooming torch, and even then you'll struggle to beat this. If you want to see things right under your feet it's not ideal but on lower output modes it's good for that too.
... for very similar needs as yours.
On paper, there are better torches out there but for the same price I struggled to find something that suited me better:
1) Takes AA batteries
2) Really good battery life (10 days on low output mode... apparently)
3) Plastic (bulletproof grade) body so no frozen hands in winter
4) Waterproof (Don't know how much... But rain certainly doesn't bother it)
5) Seriously far "throw"... If you want more throw you'll need a zooming torch, and even then you'll struggle to beat this. If you want to see things right under your feet it's not ideal but on lower output modes it's good for that too.
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