Outdoor lovers adore headlamps. They provide convenient, bright light just where you need it, while keeping your hands free. As with most technology, however, there is certain etiquette to follow when wearing a headlamp. To avoid annoying your fellow outdoor enthusiasts, here are five etiquette tips for using an LED headlamp:
1. Limit Headlamp Use During the Wee Hours.
Be respectful of fellow campers in the early morning. Remember that not everyone finds the wee hours tantalizing. While prepping for a sunrise hike, for instance, you should keep your LED headlamp off unless you absolutely need it to do some task, such as tying your shoes. Keeping your headlamp off at other times will save batteries as well as your reputation among your campmates. Keeping the headlight constantly on in the early morning is a dead giveaway that you don't have much outdoor experience. If you do need your headlamp turned on, keep it aimed low and switch it off again as soon as you finish what you're doing.
2. Avoid blinding your neighbor.
You probably learned this rule at summer camp as a kid: Never shine your LED flashlight in someone's eyes. That's not a hard rule to follow, since flashlights are carried at waist level. LED headlamps, on the other hand, shine at eye level. It's especially important, then, to be aware of where you're aiming your headlamp. If you're conversing with or approaching a camping companion, flip your LED headlamp to a dim setting or take it off and hold it in your hand instead.
3. Respect others' privacy.
It's tempting to look around when you're walking through a campground at night, but remember that when you're wearing an LED headlamp, your light follows your gaze. Shining your headlamp into others' campsite, tents, trailers, or personal space, even by accident, is rude. Notice where you're pointing that beam, and do your best to avoid flashing it at someone else's campsite.
4. Don't spook the fish.
There's a debate in the angling community as to whether fish are spooked by smaller lights. It's rare to see a night angler using a bright lantern, but some fishermen and women like to use an LED headlamp when fishing in the dark, as it makes it much easier to bait hooks. Others anglers, however, choose to use only night vision, as they believe bright light scares the fish away. Regardless of whether you agree, you should know that constantly shining your LED headlamp into the water is considered poor form.
5. Respect those using night vision.
Some campers rely on their LED flashlight to get around the campsite at night, while other people prefer to use night vision devices. If you're planning on gathering with other night owls, remember that direct light is harmful to night vision. Therefore, you should only use your LED headlamp when necessary.
LED headlamps are remarkably handy in outdoor situations, but overusing them can rub your fellow nature lovers the wrong way. By following the tips listed above, you can keep the outdoor experience enjoyable for everyone.
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