Brinkmann 3-LED Headlight

[Mellow]

While I was at Wal-mart, I was looking at the flashlight section as I always do
and I found this little light. I already have a headlamp but have been wanting one
that also has a red LED so I could read in my tent - it's nice to have a book with
you on those occasions when you are camping alone.

This was only $10 like the one I have now that has lasted quite a while. You can tell
it's not as put together as some of the $30-$50 jobs you'll find at places like REI
but I'm also not a backpacker who might need such ruggedness.

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/58327683-M.jpg

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/58327682-M.jpg

[Chief]

Is the red light good for reading? Why is it better than clear?

[Mellow]

I think it's better because it isn't so intense/bright. I've tried reading with a little keychain red LED and it's always felt easier on my eyes than the headlamp I was using that had 3 white LEDs. I see a lot of stuff on red lights being better for night vision. I don't have a scientific explanation though...

[Big Bandit]

The red light does not ruin your night vision. When you stay in the dark awhile your pupils really open up and it is amazing how well you can see by starlight alone. If you use a flashlight your pupils contract and when you turn it off you have to wait several minutes for them to open up again. The red light offers extra light when neccessary but will not cause your pupils to contract. When you turn off the red light you still have your night vision, without waiitng. I have a $10 energizer headlamp from Wally world with a red LED that I am very happy with.

[Doobage]

As a footnote to nightvision....It takes 3 minutes for you to gain 1/3 of your maximum night vision....30 minutes to gain the next 1/3 and 3 hours to gain your last 1/3 of maximum night vision.

It can make a huge difference when walking on a trail or looking through a telescope. However a full moon can make it hard to really achieve the last 1/3 of night vision.

[Mellow]

That's interesting...

So, as far as reading in your tent... when 'night vision' isn't an issue... would it be extra strain on your eyes to read with a red light? When I do it, I don't 'feel' like I'm straning to read the print, it feels very comfortable and not as 'intense' when using other lights...

[Chief]

I bought one of the Brinkman lights last night a wally. Used it to work on the bike last night and it worked good.

[Doobage]

I don't notice too much strain when reading under a red light, but it is slightly more difficult...but I suspect that depends on the shade of red and the brightness. Usually at observatories I've found that most people try to make their red lights as dull as possible.

But reading anything but black text on a white back ground is nearly impossible. If it's colored text or different colored back grounds you can simply forget it. So reading a map might be an example of where you lose some ability to see as well. Although most maps use white and yellow back grounds...so I wouldn't say that is impossible, just less worthy.

But reading under a bright white light is almost too difficult because it can cause glare unless it's diffused well. So I'd almost always prefer red or soft light.

[sandman]

I've had 2 of the Brinkmann lights from Wal-Mart for several months now. The batteries last a pretty good while and the light is a nice focused circle that is easy to put where you need it.

I carry one in my toolpouch at work and it gets banged around a good bit by other items in the pocket and it's still going.

Gordon