Nitecore NU25 UL Headlamp Overview

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The Nitecore NU25 UL could be the unsung hero of ultralight headlamps. It’s practical, loaded with all of the important options, waterproof, and surprisingly inexpensive. Whereas scripting this evaluation, we needed to double-check the value a number of instances 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 offered on the shock cord-style strap, however after thorough testing, we actually couldn’t discover a purpose to dislike it. The NU25 UL affords 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 We’re typically disillusioned when rechargeable headlamps follow the outdated micro-USB charging platform, however to our delight, the NU25 UL makes use of USB-C, permitting it to recharge from 0 to 100% in underneath an hour and a half. Total, we love this headlamp for every little thing it affords at such a budget-friendly worth.

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

Take a look at our headlamp gear information for extra high picks, professional suggestions, and tips about selecting the right choices obtainable.

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 certainly one of 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 wonderful for varied nighttime actions corresponding to climbing, path working, climbing, and tenting. The general brightness was on par with headlamps boasting increased lumen scores and much outperformed different ultralight fashions we examined. The principle draw back we discovered was the purple mild characteristic. In some instances, like coming into a tent with sleeping campmates, the purple mild felt too shiny. Whereas we appreciated the additional brightness on the path, we would favor 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 person will use their headlamp in another way. The utmost burn time will rely closely on the sunshine modes and brightness ranges getting used. That stated, we discovered Nitecore’s claimed burn instances to be correct and similar to different high performers just like the Black Diamond Spot sequence and the Petzl Actik CORE. In excessive mode, you’ll be able to anticipate 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 instances between these two figures, relying on utilization. In ultralow mode, Nitecore claims a powerful 45 hours of burn time, which might 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 splendid 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 could be skeptical in regards to the strap’s measurement and stability, we discovered it surprisingly dependable and cozy, even throughout intense motion. For these trying to reduce down on each ounce with out compromising important options, the NU25 UL is a powerful selection.

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 related straps. Typically, we discover conventional straps extra comfy for many customers, however with an ultralight headlamp, you typically need to 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, notably throughout vigorous actions like path working.

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

Ease of Use

Like many main headlamps as we speak, the Nitecore NU25 UL makes use of a two-button design, which comes with a small studying curve through the first few makes use of. The bigger foremost button turns the headlamp on and off by holding it down for a few second. Fast faucets of the primary button cycle via 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 perform. Whereas remembering all of the button combos takes some follow, we’re assured that devoted customers will determine it out over time. That is one headlamp the place studying the handbook earlier than use is a good suggestion. The buttons are additionally fairly low-profile, so utilizing the NU25 UL with cumbersome gloves could be tough.

Options

The Nitecore NU25 UL packs a lot of the options present in high-end headlamps at a fraction of the associated fee. It affords 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 perform that could be a nice characteristic to make use of round camp. Different options embody a shiny purple mild mode to protect evening imaginative and prescient and scale back bug attraction, a lock perform 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 observe of remaining energy, whereas the glow-in-the-dark paracord-style headband ensures simple visibility at midnight. Total, the NU25 UL delivers a powerful feature-to-price ratio that’s onerous 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 fans with out breaking the financial institution. It’s a wonderful selection for evening climbing, tenting, backpacking, and path working. At this worth, it’s additionally nice for on a regular basis duties like taking out the trash, strolling the canine, or engaged on the automotive. Nevertheless, with solely 400 lumens, it’s not splendid for these needing an excellent shiny mild for extra technical pursuits like evening snowboarding or mountaineering. Moreover, because the headlamp isn’t rated for submersion, those that want a light-weight for damp environments might wish to contemplate different choices.

What Different Headlamps Ought to You Contemplate?

In the event you just like the NU25 UL however wish to contemplate different choices, take a look at these fashions or the remainder of our lineup on the checklist of our favourite headlamps:

Petzl Tikkina Overview: If the NU25 UL’s worth level is a bit steep, you may wish to contemplate the Tikkina. You’ll be sacrificing some options, and it’s not rechargeable, however it 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 Overview: If finances isn’t a priority and also you’re in search of a headlamp with higher-quality supplies and true waterproofing, we suggest testing the Black Diamond Spot 400. It prices a number of bread loaves extra, however we consider the additional value is justified for sure customers.

Petzl Bindi Overview: The Bindi is costlier however it’s additionally much more ultralight than the NU25 UL. It’s not fairly as versatile as a result of its battery life and lumen score are each decrease than its Nitecore competitor.