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Reviews > Lighting > Headlamps - LED > Gerber Triode > Owner Review by Ray Estrella
Gerber Triode Headlamp
TESTER INFORMATION
I have been backpacking for over 30 years, all over California, and in many of the western states and Minnesota. I hike year-round, and average 500+ miles (800+ km) per year. I have made a move to lightweight gear, and smaller volume packs. I start early and hike hard so as to enjoy the afternoons exploring. I usually take a freestanding tent and enjoy hot meals at night. If not hiking solo I am usually with my wife Jenn or brother-in-law Dave. The Product
Manufacturer: Gerber Legendary Blades (A division of Fiskar) Product description
The Gerber Triode is a very small compact headlamp. The model I got is black in color, with a black elastic strap with the Gerber name in white lettering every three inches (75 mm) around the strap. It has a black plastic buckle on the strap to provide adjustment for size. The strap is threaded through an L shaped plate. This plate is held tight to ones forehead by the strap. The lamp itself has a clip that slides on to the L bracket. The clip attaches to the lamp at the bottom, with a hinge at the connection point. The hinge provides 90 degrees of adjustment. The clip can be detached from the bracket for use without the strap and for direct attachment to the brim of a hat. Here is a picture of the lamp clipped to a hard-hat brim. The headlamp itself is made of ABS resin. It has three LED (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged horizontally. There is a single button on the top of the unit. Pressing this button will activate the unit in the Full intensity setting. Pressing it again will adjust it to what the manufacturer calls a “dim steady setting”. I would guess it to be about 60-70 percent of normal output. The battery compartment is at the back of the lamp, and is accessible by unscrewing the cover with a coin, or screwdriver. It takes one AAA battery for operation. The name TRIODE is in silver letters on the top of the unit, and the Gerber logo is on the side next to the battery access cover. Field Conditions I got the Triode on April 20, 2005. It saw its first use on May 26th. Since receiving it I have logged 175 miles (280 km) with this lamp on the trips. I have used it on trips in San Jacinto NF, Dome Land Wilderness, Bristlecone Pine Forest, Jennie Lakes Wilderness, Sequoia NF and Kings Canyon. The highest point I was camped at while using it was 8000’ elevation (2400 m), the lowest point was 400’ elevation (120 m). Temps ranged from a low of 33 F (0.5 C) in Dome Land Wilderness, to 80 F (27 C) in the Palm Springs area. Observations
When I first got the lamp I installed the included AAA battery. It did not work. I checked to make sure that it was inserted correctly and tried it again. Nothing. I was disappointed that I got a defective unit, but after trying another battery from my stock it worked fine. The slotted cover on the battery compartment is very soft. With the 3 times I opened it has already become very nicked up. Read more reviews of Gerber gear Read more gear reviews by Ray Estrella Reviews > Lighting > Headlamps - LED > Gerber Triode > Owner Review by Ray Estrella |