Recent Comments

Waterproof headlamps

Q. Dear Gear Guy, I was on a hike last weekend with my troop and accidentally dropped my flashlight in a stream. By the time I fished it out of the water it was dead and still doesn’t work. I need a new one and am wondering if anyone makes waterproof headlamps?
—Fried Flashlight Fred, Asheville, N.C.

A. First off it’s important to note that most flashlights and headlamps are just water-resistant, meaning they’re fine in the rain and can maybe withstand a quick dunk in a stream—but not much more. It might’ve been the impact that killed your light, but I’m betting it was just underwater too long.

Anyway, I do know of a cool, truly waterproof headlamp: the Underwater Kinetics Vizion eLED ($40; www.underwaterkinetics.com). It’s very basic: one button turns it on and off, while a dial on the left aims the light and a dial on the right changes the beam making it clear, diffused or red-colored. It runs on three AAA batteries and is very bright. And at $40 it’s pretty affordable too. Best of all for guys like you, the Vizion is indeed totally waterproof (down to 30 feet) and it works even when submerged.


Ask the Gear Guy

Not sure which gear to buy? Need tips for maintaining your equipment? Click here to send in your questions for the Gear Guy. Selected questions will be answered here and in the printed magazine.

3 Comments on Waterproof headlamps

  1. very cool

  2. The Man with the Banjo // August 31, 2010 at 5:36 pm // Reply

    I didn’t know you could make water proof lights. 😉 thats cool!

    • MahnaMahna // March 17, 2012 at 3:34 pm // Reply

      The lights themselves aren’t actually waterproof, the company just surrounds the lights with waterproof “shields.”

Leave a Comment

Please don't use your real name.