As a headlamp:
Pros:
* Bright light The light this puts out is substantial. While not in the range of the brightest headlamps out there, it does throw its advertised 80 lumens a good distance in a reasonably compact beam. High beam setting really lights up the trail, though I find the lower setting to be more practical when camping around neighbors and for reading in the tent. The low setting is plenty sufficient to light the trail ahead of you so you can avoid snakey substances and the like, but it won't show you enough of the trail ahead to avoid that 800 lb. bear that's 50 yards ahead.
* Adjustable The unit adjusts down to suit your preference for placing the beam. While the adjustment is not infinite, I found the plastic stops that click into place to be satisfactory for my use. They strike me as being softer than my excellent Petzl headlamps, but the click adjustments haven't moved or failed with use.
* Comfortable This headlamp is very comfortable to wear, with a wide elastic band that adjusts well. The unit is reasonably light, though it feels a bit heavier on my head than some... but only by a very small margin. Note that this takes 3 AAA batteries, unlike some that take 4 AAA, or even use AA-size this has the tendency to make the unit lighter, but also reduces the amount of run time.
* Weather resistant As you would expect from any quality headlamp, this unit is weather resistant, to an IPX-4 rating. That is, it will take a fair amount of splashing (read: rain) but shouldn't be submerged.
* Strobe function Also a modern requirement for any serious headlamp is a strobe function. The third setting of this light will actuate a flashing strobe, a potentially lifesaving feature if you are lost or injured and need to be located in the dark.
* Dimmer function Unlike many headlamps, this lamp can dim to any brightness between the highest and lowest setting. This is a feature I really appreciate as it allows me to fine tune the brightness level to suit my needs.
* Battery life I have been happy with the battery life, considering it only uses 3AAA batteries. In use, I find that the claimed duration of 55 hours on high setting to be accurate. This isn't the longest of burn times, but should work for most. It should last a whopping 140 hours on low setting...
Cons:
* Glare I wear glasses and so the issue of glare is always a consideration with any light source at night. Snow Peak has minimized the effect with this headlamp by using a plastic 'dam' to block the light from your eyes. The design of the lamp, however, still allows a glow from above due to the innovative frosted silicone dome that allows the change from headlamp to lantern. As most glasses-wearing headlamp users know, even a tiny amount of light on the glasses can produce annoying and distracting glare. I don't find this to be a deal breaker, and it can certainly be mitigated or solved by either judicious placement of a strip of duct tape or simply wearing the headlamp with a hat. It's not bad, but it is there and so is worth mentioning.
As a lantern:
Pros:
* Versatility With the silicone dome extended, the headlamp becomes a lantern that can be hung from inside your tent or any branch with the handy hook that tucks inside the headband when the unit is used as a headlamp. While it is not as powerful as a double-mantle gas lantern, it will light up a picnic table nicely and is more than enough to illuminate the inside of your tent, even for reading. As a lantern, the light is not focused by the lens in the dome, but rather diffuses into a soft, pleasing light. The main thing, though, is that this unit provides you both focused and diffused light, allowing you to save serious weight and space, leaving the separate lantern and flashlight at home.
* Safety It's nice to know that your light source does not produce any carbon monoxide inside the tent and will not pose a fire danger.
Cons:
Limited light As mentioned, this will not throw broadcast light like my Coleman double mantle gas lantern... but it's not designed to, either.
Other thoughts:
While this doesn't do either task of headlamp or lantern as well as some dedicated for those purposes, it does them well enough for me to stick with it. I like the simplicity of design and appreciate the versatility and weight savings when I'm venturing out with minimal gear. Mostly of plastic, this is a solidly-built item demonstrating classic Snow Peak quality. It takes 3 AAA batteries, so it matches well with some of my other electronics that take the same. Other possible issues: 1) While I like the design and looks of the headband, it is white with black lettering and I expect it to show dirt much more quickly than my other headlamp bands; 2) The silicone dome is of a matte finish to better diffuse the light, but this also will attract dirt and smudges and will be naturally more time consuming to clean than a clear lens, as found on my other headlamps; 3) I wish this came with a case or was an option My Petzl lamps have an optional case that keeps them clean and protected and provides space for extra batteries. A plastic baggie will work, but it's an inelegant solution for such a nicely designed (and pricey) piece of kit.
While this is probably targeted to minimalist backpackers and campers who like keeping their kit lean, I also think this is an ideal light to keep with your vehicle and for your emergency kit at home or office. The natural advantage of a headlamp is that it allows you to keep your hands free while lighting what you are looking at.
Useful, innovative, high-quality, and stylish, this headlamp is a useful addition to your kit, if you can afford it.
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This lightweight and versatile headlamp will go with me whenever I travel from now on.Pushing the squishy silicone cover in creates a quite focused beam of light, while popping it out gives a broader ambient glow. It usually takes me two or three squishes to "unpop" it but that's a minor issue. The silicone cover can also be removed completely, but be cautioned that it's a bit fiddly to get back on again.
The product description says that the high setting gives 60 lumens, but the info on the package says 80 lumens. A feature not mentioned in the description is that the main body has a sort of hinge with the back frame so you can adjust the angle of the light. Good for reading on a darkened airplane!
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I know Snow peak is such A nice brand for camp/hiking.This is great useful 2 way lamp for head and tent. Silicon cap is very soft even in cold weather.
Simple enough to change 2 way. Just push middle of cap and snap in edge on Cap.
When Head lamp mode, the light beam is straight enough. and lantern mode, light is very soft to reach all around inside of tent. and there is 3 step mode and push hold to change bright. those are very conviniun function. and this one use 3 AAA.
I have solar charger with battery pack. 4 AAA(800mA/each) charged up in 3 hours daytime.
light weight and 2 way lamp. This is the core item for hiking/backpacking.
Honest reviews on Snow Peak SnowMiner Headlamp/Lantern
A lot of the concerns I read about online, such as glare and that this headlamp wasn't suitable for people with glasses is without merit. Headlamp works great there is no user glare. I like the versatility and simplicity of design making this headlamp usable as a lantern as well as flashlight are a plus.If I had a concern it would be the durability of the rubber polymer they use vs. hard plastic used in other lamps, but only time will tell if this is a valid concern. At the price point I don't think I will have any trouble getting my money's worth out of this headlamp.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Snow Peak SnowMiner Headlamp/Lantern
When its on your head, the light shines into your eyes because of the design... totally over rated and bad design.... its 'ok' as a tent lamp, but so is any headlamp.... super over rated.
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