Nitecore NU27 Overview | CleverHiker

Backside line

Nitecore might not but be a family identify in the US, however they’re rapidly making waves within the headlamp area with their light-weight, extremely practical, and reasonably priced choices on this market. The NU27 is one among Nitecore’s latest choices, and it initially caught our consideration due to its distinctive set of options. Most notably, the flexibility to regulate the colour temperature of the sunshine. Customers can toggle between heat white, impartial white, and funky white gentle, with 5 brightness ranges obtainable for every coloration temperature. This makes the NU27 an extremely versatile headlamp possibility.

Weighing 1.98 ounces, the NU27 simply barely qualifies as ultralight, nevertheless it nonetheless matches into our ultralight class. Its 600-lumen output creates a shiny beam with a throw that outperforms many dearer headlamps. The NU27 has the perfect weight-to-brightness ratio of any headlamp in our lineup, making it a superb alternative for ultralight hikers, runners, and thru-hikers.

The NU27 affords distinctive worth, delivering spectacular brightness and light-weight efficiency. Nevertheless, it’s not with out quirks. We discovered the shortage of a reminiscence perform a bit irritating because it resets to the bottom impartial gentle setting every time it’s turned off. The beam additionally isn’t very best for flood lighting and has some flare-like artifacts across the edges. That mentioned, for what it affords, it’s a high possibility for its weight and performance. General, the NU27 is an thrilling new headlamp from Nitecore. Questioning if the NU27 is best for you? Take a look at our complete evaluation under and discover our Finest Headlamps Gear Information to see the way it compares to the competitors.

Illumination & Mild High quality

On the subject of total illumination, the NU27 impressed us probably the most. The headlamp has a lumen ranking of 600, however as we frequently level out, lumen rankings don’t all the time inform the total story. For instance, the Petzl Actik CORE additionally has a 600-lumen ranking, however when examined facet by facet, the NU27 seems considerably brighter. Curiously, the “excessive” setting on the NU27 is rated at solely 400 lumens.

The extra 200 lumens are activated in turbo mode. This implies the NU27 is brighter than its ranking suggests. We have been additionally impressed with the throw of the NU27’s beam, which outperforms even a few of our favourite headlamps with comparable lumen rankings.

That mentioned, there’s room for enchancment. The beam is considerably spotty, and we’d prefer to see a flood perform added in future fashions or at the very least improved floodlighting total. The headlamp additionally produces some odd lens-flare-like artifacts close to the sides of the beam, which could be disorienting at occasions. Moreover, the colour rendering isn’t the perfect, which means the NU27 doesn’t do a superb job of precisely reproducing coloration throughout all three coloration temperature settings.

General, the NU27’s illumination exceeded our expectations, whereas the sunshine high quality is generally mid-tier however passable.

Burn Time

The burn time of the NU27 is a combined bag, although principally optimistic total. In comparison with a few of our high performers, it’s on the decrease finish, however when in comparison with different ultralight headlamps, it’s on par and even barely higher than its rivals. Because of the ultralow perform, you may stand up to 57 hours of sunshine per cost underneath very best circumstances. Nevertheless, the ultralow perform solely gives 6 lumens, making it appropriate for round camp however inadequate for on-trail use.

From there, burn time decreases considerably: about 13 hours on low, 6.5 hours on medium, and simply 3 hours on excessive. Nitecore doesn’t present a burn time for the turbo setting, however in our expertise, the battery drains rapidly, and you may anticipate not more than an hour on turbo. That mentioned, the excessive setting is shiny sufficient for many actions. Actual-world burn occasions will range based mostly on the settings used and the way lengthy they’re engaged. General, whereas the upper settings carry out effectively, we’d prefer to see higher burn time from the low and ultralow settings.

Weight

Weighing simply 1.98 ounces, the Nitecore NU27 nice for ounce counters. Whereas not absolutely the lightest in our testing pool, it ranks among the many high three ultralight choices. It’s good for ultralight backpackers, path runners, or anybody seeking to decrease pack weight. Any headlamp underneath two ounces is a strong alternative for these aiming to scale back gear weight. 

The light-weight design is particularly noticeable throughout long-term use, because it minimizes fatigue. We discovered it straightforward to overlook the headlamp was even on our heads, whether or not throughout an evening hike on the Colorado Path or operating within the entrance vary. The lowered weight means much less pressure, making it simpler to benefit from the process at hand.

Whereas lighter headlamps can be found, the NU27 strikes an amazing steadiness between its low weight and total brightness.

Consolation

Ultralight headlamps could be difficult to guage for consolation. Whereas they’re not inherently uncomfortable, weight financial savings are sometimes prioritized over consolation, particularly when in comparison with heavier headlamps. Ultralight fashions typically use fewer supplies, leading to much less padding and strap materials, generally impacting consolation.

That mentioned, we discovered the NU27 to carry out very effectively by way of consolation. Naturally, weight performs a major position—much less weight in your brow results in a extra snug expertise throughout extended use. Regardless of missing heavier, softer supplies, the light-weight, balanced design helps decrease fatigue, making this a headlamp you may put on all night time.

Nitecore does a very good job of minimizing plastic-to-skin contact, though some uncovered plastic stays on the again of the headlamp physique. We additionally discovered the strap extra snug than the shock-cord type straps typically discovered on ultralight headlamps. The strap options air holes to reinforce breathability.

Ease of Use

Just like different Nitecore headlamps, the NU27 is designed with dual-button performance. On the highest of the headlamp physique, there are two buttons. The bigger button is the facility button, which turns the headlamp on and off and adjusts the general brightness when it’s on. The smaller button is the mode button, which cycles by way of the headlamp’s three coloration temperatures and accesses the purple gentle perform.

Headlamps with numerous options typically have a little bit of a studying curve, however we have been in a position to determine most features throughout our first use without having the directions. Nevertheless, we did seek the advice of the directions to learn to entry the particular modes (SOS, Beacon, Gradual Flashing). Not like some directions with poorly thought-out illustrations, Nitecore gives clear,easy-to-understand instructions.

The charging port is straightforward to entry, and attaching the cable is easy. The strap is straightforward to take away, and the included pocket clip attaches simply as effectively, although eradicating the clip can really feel a bit difficult with out the priority of breaking it.

Our principal grievance is that the buttons’ small dimension and low profile make them troublesome to press with medium to heavy gloves on which was a difficulty for us throughout chilly night time hikes within the mountains.

Options

The options of the Nitecore NU27 are one other standout side. As we’ve talked about, the NU27 permits you to change between three completely different coloration temperatures. Whereas coloration temperature is a matter of non-public choice, these choices additionally enhance visibility in numerous environmental circumstances.

The nice and cozy gentle (3000K) is less complicated on the eyes and works effectively in foggy or wet circumstances. Impartial white (4500K), the most typical coloration temperature discovered on headlamps, affords a extra pure gentle for on a regular basis actions. Lastly, cool white (6500K), although a bit harsh, enhances visibility in outside environments. You may also choose from 5 completely different brightness settings throughout all three coloration temperatures. Moreover, the purple gentle perform affords two brightness settings.

Past that, the NU27 contains SOS and Beacon modes, USB-C charging, a battery life indicator, and a locking function. The field additionally comprises a diffusing stuff sack, which lets you use the headlamp as a lantern, in addition to a clip that may substitute the strap.

Whereas the options of the NU27 are a significant plus, the number of brightness ranges and lighting modes would profit from the addition of a reminiscence perform. This could prevent from having to reset the colour temperature and brightness every time you flip the headlamp on and off once more.

Ought to You Purchase Nitecore NU27?

The Nitecore NU27 affords wonderful worth, offering spectacular illumination, versatility, and options in a surprisingly reasonably priced, light-weight package deal. Its considerate options—comparable to the flexibility to pick a number of coloration temperatures, as much as 5 brightness ranges in white gentle mode, two brightness ranges in purple gentle mode, USB-C charging, a battery life indicator, and a locking function—improve its versatility.

At 2.98 ounces, with a 600-lumen max output and spectacular beam throw, the general brightness-to-weight ratio makes this a strong alternative for ultralight backpackers, informal night time hikers, hunters, runners, dawn-patrol skiers, and extra. The low worth level and flexibility additionally make it a superb possibility for all informal outside actions.

What Different Headlamps Ought to You Think about?

For those who just like the NU27 however need different choices as effectively, try these fashions or the remainder of our lineup on the checklist of our favourite headlamps:

Nitecore NU25 UL Overview: The NU25 UL is a favourite among the many ultralight neighborhood for its low worth level and lightweight weight. Whereas it’s much like the NU27, it lacks some key options discovered within the NU27. Nevertheless, the NU25 UL saves you four-tenths of an oz. and $8.

Petzl Bindi Overview: If ultralight is what you’re after, then the Bindi is price a glance. Whilst you’ll be sacrificing options and illumination, the Bindi weighs a mere 1.2 ounces, saving you eight-tenths of an oz. in comparison with the NU27.