Name:  Josh Esteves
Age:  25
Gender:  Male
Height:  6'3" (191 cm)
Weight:  265#  (120 kg)
Email address:  jandk1800(at)yahoo(dot)com
City, State, Country:  Modesto, CA , USA
Backpacking background:  I started backpacking five years ago, mostly day hiking and overnight trips with a few multi day trips and one solo 3 day trip.  I started backpacking in the Ozark Mountains of  Arkansas and recently returned to California and have been hiking the coastal Santa Cruz Mountains and the Sierras.  I started backpacking as a heavy weight (over 65# pack for an overnight trip) but now consider myself a lightweight backpacker (10-15# base weight).  I have found that lightweight backpacking allows me to carry all my gear and my son at the same time.

Production information
    a. Manufacturer:  Princeton Tec
    b. Year of manufacture:  2004
    c. Manufacturer's URL:  http://www.princetontec.com
    d. Listed weight:  2.8 oz (79 g)
    e. Weight as delivered:  2.8 oz  (80 g)
    f. Power:  15 Lumens
    g. Lamp:  3 Ultra bright LEDs
    h. Batteries:  3 AAA Alkaline
    i. Burn time:  50-160 hours
    j. MSRP:  N/A
The Princeton Tec Aurora is a LED headlamp with a level 1 waterproof rating (which is resistant to splashing and quick dunking) and 5 settings (high, medium, low, fast flash, and slow flash).  The Aurora has a single strap headband and pivots down by a plate and pin hinge so the light beam can be adjusted.  The Aurora comes in black, blue, olive, and red.  The headlamp is rectangular in shape with the three LED lights in positioned in a triangle in the center.  The brightness adjusts by lessening the power to the three bulbs so that all three remain on.
   
Field Use
I have used the Aurora headlamp on backpacking trips over the past two years.  I typically wake up early and do all my hiking during the day and try to get camp set up while there is still daylight.  I only use the headlamp for short periods of time, to get stuff out of my pack, or to answer natures call.  Around camp I generally use the medium setting, I use the low setting for reading, and the high setting for brief walks to the outhouse.  The high setting could easily be used for night hiking.  I have never used the flashing settings.  I have used the light during heavy rain storms and the water never seemed to bother it.  I cannot estimate the battery life since I have not yet had to change batteries.  I do like the way the light pivots downward so it can be aimed at the ground for hiking or at a book for reading.  The single elastic strap is very comfortable and if adjusted properly it stays very secure.  The strap is 1" (2.5 cm) wide and adjusts easily.  I have used the headlamp in temperatures ranging from 20 F (7 C) to 95 F (35 C).  It has helped me set up camp in several rain storms and pitch a tent in a moonless night.

Summary
The Princeton Tec Aurora greatly meets my needs for a headlamp.  It has lasted through rainstorms, been dropped and banged up from other gear, and it still performs like new.  It works great for reading, hiking, and everything in between.  It would be better if the light would operate off of lithium cells to save weight.  I also like using red light at night to save my night vision after turning the light off.  However, I feel that the simplicity and brightness of the Aurora makes it a great headlamp.