Review of Princeton Tec Yukon HL Headlamp
By Matt Smith

Anyone who has ever used a headlamp can attest to the fact that once you do, you'll never go back to a flashlight again. The freedom enjoyed by having both hands free and unencumbered is priceless. With the growing popularity of headlamps, there is one designed for almost every activity.

The Yukon HL is astoundingly bright. The first time I used the focusable 1 Watt LED technology, I couldn't believe it wasn't Halogen or Zenon. It really is that bright and piercing.

The three smaller LEDs work great for cooking in camp, setting up a tent, or working your way up a trail in the dark. I even used it to hike across the back country in those pre-dawn hours that seem darker than the rest of the night. The single 1 Watt LED in the center is focusable, much like most halogen headlamps. The light is bright, stunningly white, and piercing. It works great for picking out routes in the dark, scrambling, and approaches in moderate terrain. I also found it useful for showing my son "See, there isn't anything out there".

I would recommend the Yukon XL for people who need bright light with a wide field for an extended period of time, such as mountaineering, back country adventurers (including snowmobilers, skiiers and snowboarders). It also works well for changing tires along those incredibly dark rural roads that lead to those secret spots we all guard.

Summary: The battery pack makes the Yukon XL heavier than many LED headlamps, but not more so than a comparable halogen light. It is fairly packable and durable, though not waterproof. The Yukon HL can be found online and in stores for around $50.

For more information contact:
www.princetontec.com
Princeton Tec
PO BOX 8057
Trenton, NJ 08650
PHONE: 609.298.9331
FAX: 609.298.9601

Matt Smith is the canyoneering specialist at GearReview.com, and dislikes finding fish and other such oddities in his sleeping bag.