Ask the Gear Guy
Good lights for caving
Q. What kind of light should I take if I’m going inside of a cave?
– Caving Calvin, Rogers, Ark.
A. The short answer, Calvin: three of them. Whenever you enter a cave, you should always, always, always (that means every time!) bring along at least three light sources: one main flashlight plus two backups. You never know what might go wrong underground, and your life depends on having enough light to find your way out. Here’s an example of three lights that would be good for caving:
- Petzl Duo LED 5 ($86; en.petzl.com): Waterproof, halogen bulb for illuminating big areas, LED bulbs for close viewing.
- Mini Maglite ($14.99; www.boyslife.org/links/scoutstuff): Small, rugged, durable, runs on 2 AAA batteries.
- Chemical Light Stick ($2.49; www.boyslife.org/links/scoutstuff): Lightweight, waterproof, cheap, gives you several hours of light.
Comments about “Good lights for caving”
Write a comment about “Good lights for caving”
SEND YOUR QUESTIONS
Not sure which gear to buy? Need tips for maintaining your equipment? Just click on the link below to send in your questions for the Gear Guy.
Selected questions will be answered here and in the printed magazine.
>> Click here to submit your question-
Check our buyer's guide before you shop. Here's the lowdown on how to buy great stuff:
• Backpacking stoves
• Backpacking tents
• Backpacks
• Bikes
• Binoculars
• Cookware
• Daypacks
• Digital cameras
• First-aid kits
• Headlamps and flashlights
• Helmets
• Hydration systems
• Jackets and shells
• Mountain bikes
• Pocketknives and multi-tools
• Running shoes
• Skateboards
• Skis and snowboards
• Sleeping bags
• Sleeping gear
• Sunglasses
• Tents
• Two-way radios
• Watches
• Water treatment
Need to know what you need to bring on your next trip? Here are gear checklists for all kinds of outdoor adventures.
I use an Energizer headlamp duct-taped to my helmet, and it worked fine!
I bring a Maglite, a wind up emergency flashlight, and a raovac headlamp.
cool
IT IS COOl