How to Climb

Princeton Tec EOS Headlamp Review

Princeton Tec EOS
$38.99, princetontec.com
Weight (with batteries): 3.7 ounces Batteries: 3 AAA Light Settings: 3, plus blink Burn time: 2 to 60 hours

The EOS is the only lamp reviewed with the batteries stowed right behind the bulb (the other three have a rear-mounted pack). This deft design makes this item 35 percent lighter than the BD and Petzl lights. It also means there’s no battery pack to dig into your head when you’re reclining to read the great American novel, or the latest sensational trash. No worries about the “bobble-head” effect, either—the entire unit is so light it doesn’t bounce.

The EOS is roughly as bright as the Zenix IQ, which is a smidge dimmer than the Myo XP, which is dimmer than the Eco. Flicked to its mid-level setting, the EOS will deliver several night’s worth of light. Set to full brightness, the EOS will light up any pitch, just don’t leave it there for long—the three AAA batteries only last a few hours at this intense output.

—Duane Raleigh