I have over 30 years backpacking experience, starting with Scouting as a youth. I am currently the High Adventure Leader for a Scout Troop. I try to get out once or twice a month, plus at least one week-long trek each year. My trips are of two types. First, I am hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in sections, and generally use a lightweight approach on these typically solo trips. Other trips involving family involve more traditional backpacking equipment. Terrain varies from sea level to 14,000 feet (4,300 m), desert to mountain, and trail to cross country, occasionally including snow travel.

This is the third of three reports of the Black Diamond LED Headlamp based on use in the field. The First report described the headlamp in detail. The Field Report was based on field use over a two month period. This final report updates my thoughts about the Zenix after six months.

Product Description: (To skip this section and go right into the Field Test click here.)

Black Diamond Zenix Hyperbright LED Headlamp
Received new February 6, 2004
www.PerformanceLightware.com or www.bdel.com
Listed weight 3.3 ounces (94 grams), 4.5 ounces (128 grams) with batteries
Weight as tested 3½ ounces (99 grams), 4¾ ounces (135 grams) with batteries (tested on an analog scale)
Manufacturer says "Five times brighter than a traditional LED"
Two modes (selected by a single push button power switch):

LED Type Distance w/Fresh Batteries Functional Burn Time
2 Superbright LEDs 15 m (50 ft) 100 hours
1 Hyperbright LED 35 m (115 ft) 15 hours

IPX 4 Waterproof Rating - "It will continue to function when subjected to water spray at any angle."
Light pivots to adjust beam vertically
Three year limited warranty

Long Term Test:

Short version: Nothing's changed. My Zenix still works perfectly, and my opinion of it is still "Wow!"

Long version: The following supplements but does not replace the information in my Field Report, which I will assume the reader has already read. Since that report, I've taken the Zenix on all my summer outings, including several long weekends on the Pacific Crest Trail on the southern end of the Sierra Nevada. Elevation 6,500 to 10,500 feet (2,000 to 3,200 meters). Temperatures 28 to 85 degrees F (-2 to +29 C), including light rain and very light snow flurries. Another trip involved exploring the caves of Lava Beds National Monument. Elevation 4,500 feet (1,400 m). Temperatures as low as freezing inside the caves.

Brightness: I continue to be impressed by the brightness of the large LED. The Zenix was my primary light source during five hours of exploring the underground world of Lava Beds. These lava tube caves range from narrow tunnels requiring crawling to larger rooms the size of small houses. The Zenix lit my way well and, once my eyes adapted to the dark, provided all the light I needed to see the cave formations.

Battery Life: Installing new batteries, I left the Zenix indoors on high power for fifteen hours, which is the claimed battery life. The lamp was dim but still shining and provided enough light to function. Probably more useful, I have never had to change batteries in the field on outings of up to one week, other than installing new batteries before a day of caving. I start with fresh batteries, and carry one set of spares.

Fit: The headlamp is still comfortable and secure on my big head. I especially appreciated the light weight of the headlamp while crouching and crawling through the lava tubes.

Ease of Use: I appreciate the simplicity of having only one button which cycles between high power, off, lower power, and off again. However, I find I often want to use mostly low power, except when navigation becomes more difficult, switching briefly to high power and then back to low power to save the battery. I found myself wishing there were two buttons, one for on/off and one for high/low. Still, the simplicity of one button has a certain appeal in the wilderness.

Water Resistance: Light rain appeared to have no effect on the Zenix. See my Field Report for a more lengthy discussion.

Durability: I have had no problems of any kind with the Zenix.

Summary: I remain impressed with the bright light from this lightweight headlamp.

Read more reviews of Black Diamond gear
Read more gear reviews by Bill Jeffrey

Long Term Report

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