Nitecore NU25 360 Lumens Rechargeable Headlamp - Yellow

I have 6+ years and probably over 5,000 miles of use with a Petzl TacTikka Plus and it is still going strong.But three things of this little Nitecore NU25 caused me to buy it and start using it:The dedicated red-light buttonThe "low to high" instead of "high to low"Build-in battery, so no more having to carry dedicated batteries just for my headlampOverall I would say I am happy with this little Nitecore. The three feature that I was after in a new headlamp (those things listed above) have finally been meet, and that makes me happy.The only negative that I would attribute to the NU25 is that there are three levels of white, but only two levels of red. A slightly brighter, and thus third level, of red light would just make this a perfect 5-star headlamp. Is ... MoreI have 6+ years and probably over 5,000 miles of use with a Petzl TacTikka Plus and it is still going strong.But three things of this little Nitecore NU25 caused me to buy it and start using it:The dedicated red-light buttonThe "low to high" instead of "high to low"Build-in battery, so no more having to carry dedicated batteries just for my headlampOverall I would say I am happy with this little Nitecore. The three feature that I was after in a new headlamp (those things listed above) have finally been meet, and that makes me happy.The only negative that I would attribute to the NU25 is that there are three levels of white, but only two levels of red. A slightly brighter, and thus third level, of red light would just make this a perfect 5-star headlamp. Is that me being nitpicky? No, I do not think so, because the second (max) level red light I do not find to be bright enough, or comparable to other lights, that have a red light, that is in this same category of headlamps. I do a fair bit of outdoor activities at night and having a decently bright red light is of some importance to me, and this little light, as much as I like it, just leaves me wanting in the bright-red-light department of things. But, this one issue aside, super neat and very likeable headlamp!

Amazing value and performance

For such a tiny thing this flashlight can really throw light out, and the battery life is impressive as well. I used this on a thru hike of the Colorado trail followed by 4 years of all season use and abuse. Summer hiking and rock climbing at night, winter hiking/ski touring/ice climbing, I put this through the wringer. If you swap out the band for the ultralight litesmith shock cord the total weight becomes stupidly light at something like 33g. During this time I bought and broke 3 black diamond spot headlamps, nitecore construction and quality blows them out of the water. Now coming up on its 5th season of use the charging port is starting to break, it still works but it has to be kept in a very specific orientation to charge properly, the decision to buy another ... MoreFor such a tiny thing this flashlight can really throw light out, and the battery life is impressive as well. I used this on a thru hike of the Colorado trail followed by 4 years of all season use and abuse. Summer hiking and rock climbing at night, winter hiking/ski touring/ice climbing, I put this through the wringer. If you swap out the band for the ultralight litesmith shock cord the total weight becomes stupidly light at something like 33g. During this time I bought and broke 3 black diamond spot headlamps, nitecore construction and quality blows them out of the water. Now coming up on its 5th season of use the charging port is starting to break, it still works but it has to be kept in a very specific orientation to charge properly, the decision to buy another one was a no brainer for me and its on its way in the mail!

Best ultralight light - headband needs changing, would prefer slightly larger battery.

As I was searching for ultralight everyday carry light, almost all ultralight forums recommended this light. This is truly good light, very bright for its size. Only drawback is that headband weights almost same as the light itself (weight in description is for light without headband). It needed changing, there are lots of instructional videos how to change headband into 2mm rubber ropes for virtually no additional weight. Would be very nice if that came from factory. The light could have a slightly bigger battery - at lower temperatures (around 10C), the light does not shine for the listed duration. The fact that red light has its own switch is very good in night scenarios, where you need to look at the map or set up your camp without loosing night adaptation. ... MoreAs I was searching for ultralight everyday carry light, almost all ultralight forums recommended this light. This is truly good light, very bright for its size. Only drawback is that headband weights almost same as the light itself (weight in description is for light without headband). It needed changing, there are lots of instructional videos how to change headband into 2mm rubber ropes for virtually no additional weight. Would be very nice if that came from factory. The light could have a slightly bigger battery - at lower temperatures (around 10C), the light does not shine for the listed duration. The fact that red light has its own switch is very good in night scenarios, where you need to look at the map or set up your camp without loosing night adaptation. Still did not find use for High CRI led, as it is complex to turn on, and I do not see any advantages over main light.

Everything you want in a headlamp

I bought this a little over a year ago and have used it on a near daily basis since then. I have nothing bad to say about it. It's lightweight, sleek, easy to use, and rechargeable. The strap is comfortable enough to wear it all night (I frequently fall asleep wearing it). I did eventually swap out the strap for a less bulky DIY shock cord mod which works well (google it). I do wish it was chargeable by USB-C instead of Micro USB but that isn't a big deal.

Lite, Bright and Priced Right

I’ve used many headlights in my backpacking adventures and so far this is my favorite. Since I only recently purchased it this review is rather limited but I’m optimistic that this will be the “one”. Very bright when necessary and red light on high is bright enough to actually navigate around a campsite and do chores. I also appreciate the ability to lock it in the off position. I have a habit of flipping a battery over in my old headlights to avoid accidental activation which has happened several times. And speaking of batteries, I’m sick of them. I always carry a small battery pack so recharge on the trail is easy! The light weight is a huge plus as well. Definitely stoked so far and I’ll keep you posted.

Love it

This was my headlamp on a my 3000 mile CDT thru hike and was one of my favorite pieces of gear. This was my first rechargeable headlamp and I'm never going back to alkaline batteries. Super lightweight. No problems with fluid ingress. And kudos to your usability folks - So many headlamps have this nightmare of button patterns to switch modes, lock, etc. This was so easy and intuitive.Only ding: Wish this was USB-C. I would take a slightly larger headlamp in USB-C since I could leave a dedicated cable or dongle at home. Next iteration, right? Good job Nitecore

Lucky #3

Bought one of these great headlamps for my trip to Peru this spring. Our guide in Manu Jungle really liked the functionality (choice of power on both red and white lights) and especially the fact that it has a USB charger because getting batteries delivered to the jungle for his headlamp was a challenge. Of course I left my headlamp with him and bought myself a new one when I got back home. My second one came in very handy when I was without power after Hurricane Ian and one of my friends who help me with some clean up/repairs told me that he's always wanted a headlamp so I bought one for him. He uses frequently to keep his hands free when working on home projects and feels safer wearing it when bicycling at night. If you are thinking about getting one, stop ... MoreBought one of these great headlamps for my trip to Peru this spring. Our guide in Manu Jungle really liked the functionality (choice of power on both red and white lights) and especially the fact that it has a USB charger because getting batteries delivered to the jungle for his headlamp was a challenge. Of course I left my headlamp with him and bought myself a new one when I got back home. My second one came in very handy when I was without power after Hurricane Ian and one of my friends who help me with some clean up/repairs told me that he's always wanted a headlamp so I bought one for him. He uses frequently to keep his hands free when working on home projects and feels safer wearing it when bicycling at night. If you are thinking about getting one, stop thinking and just buy one.. NOW! You won't regret it.

The headlamp to rule them all

I finally bought the NU25 after so many positive reviews from a variety of different sources. I understand the hype now. This headlamp is excellent. It's absolutely tiny, I barely notice it on my head. The UI is perfect, the mode spacing is great and the brightness is more than adequate. Especially given it's tiny size. The only two areas I see for improvement are upgrading the main LED to something with better CRI and a USB-C charging port.I bought this just weeks before the new NU25 UL release. At first I was bummed, but after seeing the mode spacing and UI, I am glad I got this version instead. The new, updated version seems like a step backward in many ways. Hopefully Nitecore reconsiders the UI for the new version.

Very nice - couple of recommendations

Since I'm heading into bear country, I'm ditching my e+ lite. I want to be able to scan my camp out to 100' or more. I'd say great for backpacking and outstanding night running light, I'd up it for a lamp with 300-500 lumens and a robust battery for night hiking.Light output, throw, very nice. I think you could follow a trail on the "mid" setting and then hit "high" as needed - save the battery.Well built, seems solid, IMO the "high CRI" is more or less a reading light probably about 3,000K - maybe. I don't own a color spectrometer.1 lm on low is a NiteCore norm. I'd like to see 5 lm.I'd also like to see a USB-C instead of the "mini-USB" connector. Many Android phones and the battery pack I have now use USB-C. In time, you will see USB-C depreciating the ... MoreSince I'm heading into bear country, I'm ditching my e+ lite. I want to be able to scan my camp out to 100' or more. I'd say great for backpacking and outstanding night running light, I'd up it for a lamp with 300-500 lumens and a robust battery for night hiking.Light output, throw, very nice. I think you could follow a trail on the "mid" setting and then hit "high" as needed - save the battery.Well built, seems solid, IMO the "high CRI" is more or less a reading light probably about 3,000K - maybe. I don't own a color spectrometer.1 lm on low is a NiteCore norm. I'd like to see 5 lm.I'd also like to see a USB-C instead of the "mini-USB" connector. Many Android phones and the battery pack I have now use USB-C. In time, you will see USB-C depreciating the other formats.The instructions say nothing about the 1/2 way around "silicone sweat strip" on the headband. I had to watch a YouTube for that.