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Could the Nitecore NU25 be the perfect ultralight headlamp? Let’s find out!
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Perfect Ultralight Headlamp?
Despite some reservations, I picked up a Nitecore NU25 headlamp to try out, mainly due to it ultralight weight of just .99 ounces.
Nitecore makes a ton of headlamps and flashlights. The NU25 has been a very popular choice among the backpacking community, primarily as a less expensive competitor of the Petzl Bindi.
I saw one on a friend during a camp out and asked him about it. He let me use it a bit and as soon as I took it in my hands, I could not believe how lightweight the lamp was in my hand. Even though it was a rechargeable headlamp (something I’ve always been wary of), I just knew I had to have one.
Shortly after that camp out, I picked one up from Amazon for about $37. I’ve used it on a couple camp outs since then and it has performed beyond expectations! The rechargeable battery last much longer than my old battery operated headlamp, it has more light options, and weighs about a pound less (not really a pound — my old headlamp was just really HEAVY!). I think it just might be the perfect ultralight headlamp. Let’s get into the weeds, a bit to determine why I think so.
Rechargeable Battery Headlamps
I always hesitated to buy a rechargeable headlamp for backpacking. I figured, “You’re in the back country. What happens if you lose the charge and can’t recharge it? You have no light!”
I always carry a charging block with me on trail, but I mostly use it for my phone and Garmin watch. I don’t want to use a bunch of juice from the charger just to get light when I can swap out batteries.
The Nitecore NU25 surprised me, though. First, it doesn’t take much to charge it. The battery is a built-in 610mAh li-ion battery and recharges with a micro-USB cable. The NU25 also has a battery level indicator, so you don’t go out into the woods with a half charged battery unknowingly.
In addition to the ease of charging and battery level indicator, the battery will last a LONG time, if you keep it in the right modes. In the Low mode (1 Lumen), the light will last for 160 hours! Even in my most used mode (Mid 38 Lumens), the light will stay on continuously for 8 hours. You’re only using the light for short bursts, unless you’re night hiking, so you should rarely use up the battery during short backpacking or camping trips. Using the light only when necessary, you could probably get a two week section hike out of one battery charge.
My old headlamp would need new batteries after a two night camp out.
Nitecore NU25 Light
The light on the Nitecore headlamp also impressed me. It has 10 different light modes using 3 different lamps. Choose between a CREE XP-G2 S3 LED, an auxiliary high CRI LED, and a red LED for preserving your vision.
The high CRI LED puts out 20 lumens of warm light that renders colors much better than the white LED. It also doesn’t blind you as badly. This is one of my favorite light mode options and it can last up to 6 hours, continuously.
The white LED (CREE) has six modes; Low (1 Lumen), Mid (38 Lumens), High (190 Lumens), Turbo, SOS, and Beacon. The Turbo, SOS, and Beacon put out 360 Lumens of light and can throw that light up to 81 meters. Also, the Turbo mode will drop down to High mode after 30 seconds of use to prevent overheating. You can force it on for longer, but it will use up the battery fast. You’ll only have 30 minutes at 360 Lumens.
The Red LED light has 3 light modes. Low, High, and Caution (same as SOS on white LED, but in Red).
I really like the 1 Lumen Low White mode, especially if you’re trying not to disturb fellow campers. The Low Red mode really isn’t much good for anything besides finding something in your tent or hammock. You definitely can’t use it to find anything in the dark, outside or to light a path. The High Red mode is also great for getting around without disturbing others and preserving your night vision. It’s a surprisingly bright Red light. Pro tip: you can’t see black railroad ties with the High Red light. Learned that one the hard way. :)
Beyond those modes, I’ll throw it up to the Mid or High, occasionally, but don’t need them too much. You would probably use the High (190 Lumens) light for night hiking and you’d get about 5 hours of this light mode from the battery. That’s a LOT of night hiking!
Nitecore NU25 Additional Features
The headlamp features an IP66 rating, meaning it’s basically waterproof. I wouldn’t use it to go scuba diving, but normal rain or a drop in a stream isn’t going to kill it.
It also can withstand impacts as high as 1.5 meters. Hopefully, you don’t have many of these, since it’s basically attached to your head. I’m not sure my head is rated for impacts up to 1.5 meters.
My favorite feature and the whole reason I bought one is the weight. .99 ounces. Yes, that’s less than an ounce. I’ve switched out the headband it came with for a shock cord and it’s even lighter.
One feature that I really like over the Petzl Bindi (besides the price), is the dual switches. You want white light? Press one switch. You want red? Press the other one. This results in a lot less cycling through various light modes. Plus, you’re not turning on a white light to get to a red light and waking up everyone in camp.
Perfect Ultralight Headlamp: Conclusions
I believe this is the perfect ultralight headlamp, especially after my reservations about the rechargeable battery were put to rest. The main competition for the title costs more and lacks many of the features of the NU25. Seems like no contest, to me.
NU25 Pros:
- Lots of lighting options, including a 1 Lumen “moonlight” mode — usually only find this option in more expensive lights
- Great battery life
- Easy, quick recharging
- Dual switch modes
NU25 Cons:
- So many lighting options that you can forget how to get to some of them
- Really, none! It’s the perfect ultralight headlamp
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a qualifying purchase, I will receive a small commission from those purchases.