Reviews > Lighting > Headlamps - LED > Black Diamond Ion > Owner Review by Jennifer Koles

Owner Review-Black Diamond Ion Headlamp

Date: October 14, 2005

Reviewer Information

Name: Jennifer Koles

Age: 30

Gender: Female

Height: 5’5” (1.65 m)

Weight: 140 lb (64 kg)

Email address: jennksnowy@yahoo.com

City, State, and Country: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Backpacking Background

I started taking overnight backpacking trips this past summer in the Uinta Mountain Range in Utah. I found myself taking entirely too much gear. I am finding out slowly how to minimize my needs and not require extra luxuries. My previous outdoor experiences consisted of 4 wheel-drive camping in primitive areas, and day hiking. I have some backpacking gear I purchased over the past few years. I enjoyed my backpacking experience this summer. I plan to take more trips, increase my duration, and reduce my pack weight from 45 lb.

Product Information

Manufacturer: Black Diamond

Year of Manufacture: 2004

Manufacturer’s Website: http://www.bdel.com/

Listed Weight: 1 oz (28.3 g) with battery, 0.8 oz (23 g) without battery

Weight as Delivered: 1.1 oz (31.2 g) with battery according to digital scale

MSRP: $19.95 US currency, 6-volt silver oxide battery included

Product Description

Dimensions: 1.75 in x 1.5 in (with headlamp mount) (4.5 cm x 3.8 cm)

Size: One Size

Color: Blue (other case colors available)

Battery Life: 15 hours according to manufacturer. Approximately 17 hours in the field under normal conditions.

Light Distance: 18 m (59 ft)

Features:

• 2 SuperBright LED’s
• Headband
• Adjustable

Warranty: 3 years

Field Information

I have used this headlamp in various terrain and conditions. From the Pacific Coast to the Wasatch Mountain Range at elevations from 15 ft-13,000 ft (4.6 m - 3962 m). I have used it in various temperature conditions below freezing to storing it in a scorching hot car (10 F-140 F) (-12 C-60C).

It is very lightweight, which makes it an ideal companion in a pocket or stashed in a backpack. It is so small and compact that it fits almost anywhere. So small that I did misplace it a few times amongst my camping gear. I have been fortunate to find it.

The strap is adjustable by sliding the toggle to the desired length on the strap. The headlamp tilts up and down by pivoting the body of the case.

This product is easy to use; just push the black button and the light goes on. For having only two LED lights, the Ion is surprisingly bright. I did not have a problem with the on button becoming engaged while stored in my pack or pocket. The light resembles other white LED’s having a blue-white light in the center with a purplish outer ring.

The battery can be changed easily by using the toggle that controls the tautness of the headband. First remove the headlamp bracket. Then insert the projecting ridge on the toggle into a groove on the case. Give the toggle a slight twist, and the case opens easily.

The silver oxide battery is slightly costly, around $5 US currency.

It works well in various conditions. I have used it in light rain and snow with no malfunction. It is weather resistant, not waterproof. The case is not to be submerged in water. Colder temperatures do diminish the silver oxide battery life. Lithium batteries are available to use in colder temperatures (Duracell PX28L and Energizer L544). The cost of the Lithium batteries are around $6-$8 US currency.

The Ion performs as a handy task light around the campsite. It is suitable for reading, setting up camp, preparing meals, and the list goes on and on. I find it most suited for established trail hiking than off-trail. I did not mind the bluish-purplish tint in the light on the trail. However, I did have difficulty with the color of the light when scrambling on grey-white colored rocks.

Summary

I enjoy this little headlamp for hiking trails and around the campsite. It is lightweight and I have not encountered any problems with this item. The best features of this item are the ease of use, weight, and the size. I miss it when I cannot find it.

Things I like:

• Weight
• Ease of use
• Size
• Brightness

Things I do not like:

• Cost of battery

Reviews > Lighting > Headlamps - LED > Black Diamond Ion > Owner Review by Jennifer Koles