Nitecore NU25 UL Headlamp Evaluate

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The Nitecore NU25 UL is likely to be the unsung hero of ultralight headlamps. It’s purposeful, loaded with all of the important options, waterproof, and surprisingly reasonably priced. Whereas scripting this overview, we needed to double-check the worth a number of occasions as a result of it feels and features like a headlamp that prices double or extra. We have been impressed by how comfy the NU25 UL is to put on, even for prolonged durations of 5+ hours. Initially, we weren’t bought on the shock cord-style strap, however after thorough testing, we actually couldn’t discover a purpose to dislike it. The NU25 UL provides each spot and flood lights that can be utilized individually or collectively, permitting you to tailor the sunshine to your particular exercise. We’re typically dissatisfied when rechargeable headlamps stick with the outdated micro-USB charging platform, however to our delight, the NU25 UL makes use of USB-C, permitting it to recharge from 0 to 100% in underneath an hour and a half. General, we love this headlamp for every thing it provides at such a budget-friendly value.

We put the Nitecore NU25 UL to the check over six weeks, touring from the Rocky Mountains to the Sierra and again once more. This headlamp accompanied us by quite a lot of actions, together with climbing, working, paddling, and climbing. We examined it in various circumstances, from foggy, chilly nights within the Sierras to crystal-clear desert mornings. By each state of affairs, the Nitecore NU25 UL proved its versatility and reliability, making it a reliable companion for all adventures.

Try our headlamp gear information for extra prime picks, skilled suggestions, and recommendations on choosing the right choices out there.

Illumination & Gentle High quality

We have been impressed with the general illumination and lightweight high quality of the Nitecore NU25 UL. The number of brightness ranges and lightweight modes make this headlamp one among our favorites for illumination. Not one of the mild modes, even on the best setting, felt too harsh, and the mix of spot and floodlights was glorious for numerous nighttime actions comparable to climbing, path working, climbing, and tenting. The general brightness was on par with headlamps boasting greater lumen scores and much outperformed different ultralight fashions we examined. The primary draw back we discovered was the purple mild characteristic. In some instances, like getting into a tent with sleeping campmates, the purple mild felt too shiny. Whereas we appreciated the additional brightness on the path, we would like the choice to dim the purple mild or swap to a single purple mild (the NU25 UL makes use of two) in sure conditions.

Burn Time

Burn time is considerably subjective since every consumer will use their headlamp otherwise. The utmost burn time will rely closely on the sunshine modes and brightness ranges getting used. That mentioned, we discovered Nitecore’s claimed burn occasions to be correct and akin to different prime performers just like the Black Diamond Spot collection and the Petzl Actik CORE. In excessive mode, you’ll be able to count on round 2 hours and 40 minutes of burn time, whereas in low mode, you’ll get roughly 10 hours and 25 minutes. Most customers will expertise burn occasions between these two figures, relying on utilization. In ultralow mode, Nitecore claims a powerful 45 hours of burn time, which could possibly be extremely helpful for thru-hiking or emergency conditions.

Weight

Weighing in at an astonishingly low 1.6 ounces, the Nitecore NU25 UL is likely one of the lightest headlamps we examined. Its minimal weight makes it excellent for ultralight-focused actions like path working, long-distance climbing, and alpine climbing. The load financial savings largely come from its slim shock cord-style strap, which, regardless of wanting too minimal to carry the lamp securely throughout high-output actions, works precisely as supposed.

Whereas some is likely to be skeptical concerning the strap’s dimension and stability, we discovered it surprisingly dependable and comfy, even throughout intense motion. For these trying to minimize down on each ounce with out compromising important options, the NU25 UL is a powerful alternative.

Consolation

Headlamps with shock cord-style straps generally sacrifice consolation for weight, however we discovered the strap on the Nitecore NU25 UL to be extra comfy than different fashions with comparable straps. Usually, we discover conventional straps extra comfy for many customers, however with an ultralight headlamp, you typically should make some sacrifices. Whereas the strap was comparatively comfy, we did discover occasional tightness round our temples, inflicting sporadic discomfort. The NU25 UL has a bit of froth padding on the again of the headlamp, which minimizes plastic-to-skin contact and considerably improves consolation. Its ultralight design additionally reduces fatigue, significantly throughout vigorous actions like path working.

General, the NU25 UL charges pretty excessive on our consolation scale, however because of its ultralight design, there are different, heavier headlamps we examined that have been extra comfy.

Ease of Use

Like many main headlamps at present, the Nitecore NU25 UL makes use of a two-button design, which comes with a small studying curve throughout the first few makes use of. The bigger foremost button turns the headlamp on and off by holding it down for a couple of second. Fast faucets of the primary button cycle by three brightness ranges: excessive, medium, and low.

A double faucet of the facility button whereas the headlamp is off prompts a helpful ultralow mode. The smaller mode button toggles between the sunshine modes: spot, flood, spot & flood mixed, and purple mild mode. Double-tapping the mode button prompts a strobe characteristic, and holding each buttons concurrently permits the lock operate. Whereas remembering all of the button mixtures takes some apply, we’re assured that devoted customers will determine it out over time. That is one headlamp the place studying the guide earlier than use is a good suggestion. The buttons are additionally fairly low-profile, so utilizing the NU25 UL with cumbersome gloves may be difficult.

Options

The Nitecore NU25 UL packs many of the options present in high-end headlamps at a fraction of the fee. It provides a most output of 400 lumens, managed by a two-button design. The headlamp consists of each a highlight and a floodlight, which can be utilized individually or collectively at various brightness ranges to customise your beam width and depth relying in your exercise.

The NU 25UL additionally options an ultralow operate that may be a nice characteristic to make use of round camp. Different options embody a shiny purple mild mode to protect night time imaginative and prescient and scale back bug attraction, a lock operate to forestall unintended power-on, strobe options in each white and purple mild modes, and USB-C quick charging. The built-in battery indicator helps you retain monitor of remaining energy, whereas the glow-in-the-dark paracord-style headband ensures simple visibility in the dead of night. General, the NU25 UL delivers a powerful feature-to-price ratio that’s laborious to beat.

Ought to You Purchase the Nitcore NU25 UL?

The NU25 UL is a flexible, feature-packed ultralight headlamp that meets the wants of many out of doors lovers with out breaking the financial institution. It’s a superb alternative for night time climbing, tenting, backpacking, and path working. At this value, it’s additionally nice for on a regular basis duties like taking out the trash, strolling the canine, or engaged on the automotive. Nonetheless, with solely 400 lumens, it’s not excellent for these needing a brilliant shiny mild for extra technical pursuits like night time snowboarding or mountaineering. Moreover, because the headlamp isn’t rated for submersion, those that want a lightweight for damp environments might wish to take into account different choices.

What Different Headlamps Ought to You Take into account?

In the event you just like the NU25 UL however wish to take into account different choices, try these fashions or the remainder of our lineup on the checklist of our favourite headlamps:

Petzl Tikkina Evaluate: If the NU25 UL’s value level is a bit steep, you would possibly wish to take into account the Tikkina. You’ll be sacrificing some options, and it’s not rechargeable, but it surely saves you $12. The Tikkina has single-button performance which makes it a bit simpler to make use of than the NU25 UL. 

Black Diamond Spot 400 Evaluate: If funds isn’t a priority and also you’re in search of a headlamp with higher-quality supplies and true waterproofing, we suggest trying out the Black Diamond Spot 400. It prices a number of bread loaves extra, however we imagine the additional value is justified for sure customers.

Petzl Bindi Evaluate: The Bindi is costlier but it surely’s additionally much more ultralight than the NU25 UL. It isn’t fairly as versatile as a result of its battery life and lumen ranking are each decrease than its Nitecore competitor.