Here at Paddy Pallin, we stock headlights, hand held torches, lamps, lanterns and lights from leading lighting brands such as Ledlenser, Black Diamond, Petzl and Luci. 

Lighting is one of the essentials of any overnight adventure - hiking, camping, climbing, you name it, you need it. Having a reliable form of lighting is super important, even if you think you won’t be out past dark. You never know what’s going to happen. Luckily, we stock a wide range of head torches, hand held torches, and lanterns at Paddy Pallin, so that we can find the lighting source to best suit you and the adventures you like to go on! If these FAQs don’t answer your questions, feel free to give our friendly Customer Service team a call or pop into your closest store to have a chat with our experienced staff and check out all of the different options in person.

FAQs

Why do people choose to use replaceable batteries over rechargeable ones?

Replaceable and rechargeable batteries both have their advantages and disadvantages. In terms of battery life, generally regular high quality batteries are going to have a longer life than a rechargeable alternative. So if you’re going on a trip where you’ll need your torch or headlight to last for more than 6 or 7 days, then regular batteries might be your preferred option. However, over the lifetime of the batteries, rechargeable batteries are going to last a lot longer, and because you don’t need to buy new ones every time they run out, they’re also a lot more environmentally friendly, which is of course something that most hikers (and us here at Paddy Pallin) care deeply about. So if you’re using your torch simply to go for runs early in the morning, shorter overnight hikes and camping adventures, or if you are carrying a power source, then a rechargeable option could be best for you. Some headlights, like the Petzl Tikkina and the Black Diamond ReVolt, have the option of using both a rechargeable battery, and lithium batteries - the best of both worlds! 

Why is Ledlenser so popular?

Ledlenser are a pretty clear industry leader when it comes to lighting - they have over 100 patents and are continually developing more innovative technologies. Many of these amazing technologies are used in the headlights and hand held torches that we sell here at Paddy Pallin. X-Lens Technology merges a huge amount of reflector lenses and synchronises individual light beams into one bright ray of light. The Advanced Focus System (AFS) allows light to transition smoothly from a widespread low-beam to a super focused high-beam. Optisense technology allows Ledlenser torches to adapt automatically to whatever environment they’re in, which means that in low light environments, where only a small amount of light is needed, that power saving becomes even easier. Ledlenser torches have fantastic battery life. 

Where do Petzl and Black Diamond headlights come from?

Petzl and Black Diamond are both really high quality brands who have lots of experience making headlights for many decades. Petzl (a French brand) began with the founder’s passion for caving, and the need for a strong light source when descending 1000m deep into caves in France. The first Petzl mountaineering lamp was developed in 1973, and from there, the company was founded and grew to a point where they created the first LED head torch, the TIKKA, in 2000. Black Diamond, interestingly, came from the same roots as Patagonia, when Yvon Chouinard sold assets of his company Chouinard Equipment to previous employees, including the man who came to be the CEO, Peter Metcalf. It was officially founded in 1989, and it grew from there, quickly becoming known to Americans as producing the highest quality climbing and skiing gear on the market. 

What kind of headlight is best for running or walking an event like Oxfam Trailwalker?

For events like Oxfam Trailwalker, where you end up walking through rugged terrain through the night, it’s essential that you have a good light source. The areas you walk through may not be lit at all by street lights and will rely on the light you bring with you. Something that is bright, at least 200 lumens, and has a really tight, adjustable and sturdy head strap, so that it doesn’t slide around while you’re on the move is essential. Something like a Petzl Tikkina or a Black Diamond Spot would be perfect.

What are the warranties like for the headlight that Paddy Pallin stocks?

Black Diamond and Petzl headlight have a warranty of 3 years. Ledlenser offers a 5 year warranty on material and manufacturing faults with an additional 2 years of warranty available upon the registration of products with QR codes printed on the torch or headlamp. We understand the importance of having a reliable headlight while on the trail so the we only stock brands and products that we are confident in.

What are the benefits of a lantern?

Most hikers would have had the situation arise where it’s dark, you’re sitting in a cabin or tent, and you’re playing cards with your mates before bed. You have your headlight on, looking down, but everytime you look up you shine your opponents right in the eyes. We have all been there and know how annoying it is. Having a small, lightweight lantern like the Black Diamond Moji Lantern or the Luci Lux Inflatable Solar Light is the ideal kind of lighting for this situation. They are also great for cooking as it lights up your whole area, or for when you just want to see more of your campsite rather than just straight in front of you.