Reviews > Lighting > Headlamps - LED > Black Diamond Moonlight > Owner Reviews > Owner Review by Erin Callahan

Owner Review – Black Diamond Moonlight Headlamp

Date: 19 September 2005
Tester Bio:
Name: Erin Callahan
Age: 26
Gender: F
Height: 5’ 8” (1.72 m)
Weight: 125 lbs (57 kg)
Email address: hike2summit@yahoo.com
City, State, Country: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Backpacking Background: My enthusiasm for the great outdoors began as a child. Since my first experience with an external frame backpack and the ability to get deep in the woods, time has taken me far and created many memories. Some of the most enjoyable trips have included backpacking to Mt. Whitney and other state highpoints, trekking in the Himalayas, and exploring the lush life of the southwestern deserts. I enjoy overnight peakbagging and multi-day trips in the alpine environment. I pack light in order to go the distance and make the summit.

Black Diamond Moonlight Headlamp (2003) MSRP: $29.95US
Manufacturer website: http://www.bdel.com/
Manufacturer listed weight without batteries: 83 g (2.9 oz)
Measured weight without batteries: 80 g (2.83 oz)
Manufacturer listed weight with batteries: 118 g (4.1 oz)
Measured weight with batteries: 121 g (4.27 oz)
Battery power: 3 AAA (included)
Bulb type: 4 SuperBright LEDs
Manufacturer listed burn time: 70 hours
Manufacturer listed effective distance: 18 m (6 ft)

From the Black Diamond website:

"SuperBright LED headlamps offer extraordinary proximity lighting and are extremely energy efficient. They provide practically endless battery life, and LEDs never need to be replaced. Very lightweight, compact and dependable, LEDs offer illumination for almost every lighting situation.
• Superb proximity lighting
• Almost endless battery life
• Long-running LEDs never need replacement
• Environmentally-sound benefit of low battery consumption
• Positron on/off switch eliminates accidental turn-on
• Adjustable, tilt housing directs light where you want it
• Tested to IPX waterproof standards"

Field Conditions:

I purchased this headlamp to upgrade my backpacking gear. I was a dedicated MagLite user before, but wished to experience the hands-free feeling that only a headlamp provides. The Moonlight has accompanied me on all of my overnight adventures since its purchase. It has been a faithful companion to the top of 25 mountain peaks and adventures in California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Canada. I've used it in snow conditions, in caves, and while climbing. I've even used it in the backyard in search of my black-as-night dog. I use the Moonlight so much that it stays in my common closet at home for quick access. I've never used it in a downpour, but it has withstood a drizzly rain without getting damaged. Temperatures of these outings have been from 35 °F (1.67 °C) at night and up to 90 °F (32 °C) during the day. The lamp has been in desert, urban, and alpine environments, elevations ranging from 3,000-14,000 ft (900-4200 m).

Lighting:

The Moonlight provides a wide beam of bright blue-white light from its 4 LED bulbs. While it easily illuminates nearby objects and aids in tasks done around camp, hiking with it can be a different experience. The beams do not pierce the darkness as a halogen bulb would do, so I do not hike very fast if using it as my sole source of light. It is not easy to navigate off-trail. In snow conditions however, where light is reflected back on the snow, hiking can be a much brighter experience. I've found that the beams provide enough light for climbing in the caves of Utah and on other rock walls.

Comfort:

The battery pack attached to the back of the straps provides a nice counterbalance to the lamp. The straps are made of a soft, stretchy, and comfortable material. They do not pinch my head or grab on my hair. I have a super sensitive head, so I can feel all of the Moonlight's weight, but it does not give me a headache. The lamp stays in place even though I tend to use it on the loose side. It easily grasps my helmet clips and becomes part of the helmet itself. I have tried it on an ordinary baseball hat, but the brim tends to block a lot of the light. I would not recommend using the lamp this way.

Adjustability:

One feature I really like is the ability to pivot the lamp vertically through 180 degrees. This is beneficial when referring to a map and then quickly looking up to my hiking partner, as I can look them in the eye and shine the light away so as not to blind them. The hardest part is remembering sometimes.

The on/off button is situated on the bulb unit and can be easily clicked even with gloves on. When tilted, the on/off switch is blocked, thus preventing battery drainage if thrown quickly into a pack or pocket. I've never worried about power loss because of this.

The Moonlight has two adjustable straps: one over the head and one around the head. The stretchy material makes it somewhat of a pain to adjust, especially when switching between head and helmet sizes, but it does ensure that the straps will not slip once adjusted.

Battery:

The battery pack has never accidentally opened. It is also very quick and easy to switch out the batteries. In my experience, actual battery power seems to last forever, though I have never tested it quantitatively.

Summary:

The Black Diamond Moonlight headlamp is rightfully named: it has a surprisingly bright output, but it only projects so far. It is a proven basic headlamp that has accompanied me every time I go outdoors. Its durable construction means it can be crammed into pockets or flung around without sustaining so much as a minimal scratch. It is small, light and compact. The straps have balled a little with so much use, but they have retained their soft, stretchy and comfortable feel. Despite the narrow range of the lamp, the Moonlight serves my purposes and has held up well through the years.

Likes:

*Bright light

*Adjustability options

*Tough and durable

Dislikes:

*Weight of the lamp on my head

*Short range of light

Reviews > Lighting > Headlamps - LED > Black Diamond Moonlight > Owner Reviews > Owner Review by Erin Callahan