For the past 10 years, I've backpacked about 30 days each year, usually in Arizona and the western mountains on trips that last 3 to 6 days. Weather has varied from 107 F to a low of 0 F (42 to -18 C). My three-season base pack weight varies from about 8 to 12 pounds (4 - 5 kg) and my winter base pack weight is about 18 pounds (8 kg). I normally use a tarp for shelter. I also packraft (backpacking that includes travel by raft) and apply the same lightweight principles I use backpacking.

INITIAL REPORT

PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS

Princeton Tec Fuel headlamp.
Manufacturer: Princeton Tec
Year of Manufacture: 2009
Manufacturer's Website: http://www.princetontec.com
MSRP: US$26.99
Listed Weight with batteries: 2.75 oz (78 g)
Measured Weight: 2.8 oz (79 g)
LEDs: Four, ultrabright 5 mm
Brightness: 43 Lumens
Distance: 35 m (115 ft) on high
Burn time: 146 hours on low
Modes of operation: high, medium, low, flashing
Batteries: Three, AAA alkaline or rechargeable NiCad or NiMh
Water resistant? yes
Aimable? yes, hinged bracket
Regulated? no

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

The first thing I noticed about the Fuel is that it has a different tilting mechanism than I've seen before: It rotates around a single bracket on one side of the housing rather than two. The strap is typical of other headlamps I've seen except that the buckle has an extended lip that is used to pry open the battery compartment.

I chose the green color which I liked when I saw it in person.

READING THE INSTRUCTIONS

There is a single page document included with the headlamp which includes instructions, specifications, warranty, troubleshooting and return policy.

The light switches on high, another press takes it to medium, a third to low, and the fourth press to flashing mode. The light can be turned off by cycling through the modes or by pressing the button once more than two seconds after the last press.

Photos illustrate how to use the headstrap to open the battery compartment.

The instructions are minimal and clear.

It is not clear whether the Fuel warranty is for as long as you own it or for 5 years.

TRYING IT OUT

The first thing I did was use the headstrap buckle to open the battery compartment. I had to use a lot of force to open the hinged lid. The battery polarities are indicated on the lid and it was easy to insert the provided AAA batteries.

The lamp rotates down about 45 degrees and up about 30 degrees. The rotation is stiff and takes two hands when the headlamp is strapped on my head. It is set up for right handers, with the hinge on the left side (I hold that side still and twist with my right hand).

The headstrap does not have to be undone and threaded through the bracket on the lamp housing, it can be slotted through openings in the bracket.

The headstrap is big enough for my medium sized head with plenty of room to expand if I'm wearing an insulating hat.

The button on top of the lamp housing is easy to find with my bare fingers. It is rubber as opposed to the rest of the housing which is plastic and there are three ridges to help locate it by feel. It takes a lot of pressure to push this button and I'll probably need to push it twice (medium) or three times (low) each time I turn it on.

SUMMARY

The Fuel seems like it will be a useful backpacking light. It is not too heavy, has four LEDs and can be tilted. I don't like that it takes two hands to adjust and needs a lot of force to open the battery compartment and to press the on/off switch.

Please check back in two months to see how it fares in the field.

Test Report by Carol Crooker

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