Torches, Batteries and the Cold (2024)

Preface

Note: This post has been updated following the 2023 summer and 2024 spring (wet weather) kit tests. If you want to jump to  the updated sections, click here for the flashlight update, and click here for the charger update.

In this review we're going to depart from our normal format as we're looking at multiple options which may be mixed and matched depending on conditions, environment and use-case. We're not going to rate these individually or as an "ensemble" or provide an all encompassing conclusion. Instead we'll simply state that all these torches are mainstays of the Scramble kit tests; are regularly used by the Scramble team and (by consensus) have out-performed comparable options by brands such as Black Diamond, Silva et al.

The review is in three sections:

1. Standard / budget options
2. Battery performance (in cold conditions) and recommended power banks / chargers
3. Performance / sub zero (and night trekking) options.

As always, we're looking at these torches from the point of view of long distance trekking over tough terrain.

Test item(s): Various
Kit Tests: Winter, Summer, Spring (Wet Weather)
Disclaimer: None required (items not provided by manufacturers)

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Scramble Review

Contents

• Introduction
• Part 1: Budget Options
• - Main Head Torch
• - Backup Head Torch
• - Flashlight (2024 update)
• Part 2a: Batteries
• Part 2b: Chargers / Power Banks (2024 - new)
• Part 3: Sub Zero (Night Trekking) Option (2023 update)
• - Main Head Torch
• - Supplemental High Lumen Micro Torch Combo
• Conclusion & Product Images

 

Introduction

Whether you only need some light around camp (proximity lighting) or you're trekking deep into the night (long distance beam), you're going to need some artificial light to get things done while the sun is rolled away by the mighty scarab.

It doesn't matter how great the electronics and LED bulb(s) are on a headtorch if the batteries that power them are rubbish or have been rendered so by the cold. So, in part 2 we'll quickly skim over the effect of the cold on battery capacity and output and summarise what you probably already know. 

We'll then segue smoothly into the final section, where we'll recommend our ideal head torch and battery setup for operating in low sub-zero temperatures and trekking deep into the night.
 

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Lighting Part 1: Budget Options

Summary Datasheet: Weight (incl. batteries) & Price (RRP)

 

By "Budget" We Mean ...

Firstly, we're not making a distinction here regarding the user; we're not suggesting that a "lower-end" user would get away with the budget setup and a "pro" should use the "performance" option. On the contrary, we're taking the user as a constant (someone like us) and instead we're saying, let the conditions and use-case dictate which torches are suitable.

For example, two of the three torches in this section, all served me perfectly well in the winter kit test (2020). This kit test only saw temperatures drop to a low of -5℃. Knowing that the cold wasn't going to be a major issue, I packed regular (non-sub-zero) default batteries (NiMH rechargeables and standard lithium CR2032s in the backup head-torch).

The torches featured in this section offer superb performance for their price, each serving a particular purpose (whilst providing a degree of redundancy / backup) and are likely all that one would need for most long distance treks where nighttime activity is limited rather than the norm and where temperatures don't drop too far below freezing.

 

1. Main Head Torch: Petzl Tikkina (Hybrid)

Datasheet (2020 specs)

Manufacturer's Page

 

Overview

The Petzl Tikkina is a classic, reliable, simple head torch, ideal for finishing off a trek as the light begins to fade, setting up camp, conducting general chores around camp etc ... The Tikkina offers 3 settings which you "scroll through" with a repeated press of its single power button. Providing long duration proximity lighting (low setting) with a standard setting for locating items slightly further afield but still in your locale. The max beam will burn through the battery quite quickly, but works well when you need some extra distance. I hardly ever use this setting (other torches do a better job, more on this later).

This is also a useful head torch for those times when you're forced to walk along road sections at night and require a little light to warn potential oncoming traffic of your presence without blinding them in the process.

The Tikkina (like most Petzl headlamps) has an IPX4 (weather resistance) rating, which means it's suitable for use in rain, snow and humid environments. I've not had problems using the Tikkina in poor weather (a cap provides useful added protection in stormy conditions).

The more recent Tikkinas are called "hybrids" in that they accept both 3 x AAA batteries as well as Petzl's rechargeable lithium-ion Core battery cell (more on this later). Unless conditions are going to be very challenging for batteries, I use standard Eneloop AAA NiMH 800mAh rechargeables. In summer, when days are long, battery life is rarely an issue. In winter, I will often be getting to sleep around 8pm (around 3 hours after dark) and will get up around 4am to 5am, with the aim of setting off between 6am and 7am (since everything takes longer in the cold). That's potentially 5 hours of artificial light required. Eight nights of that is 40 hours of light to budget for, all when the cold is reducing battery life. 

Spare batteries and/or a power-source to recharge them would seem like a sensible option. I'm conservative (and not in the slightest cavalier) when it comes to lighting; I like to have backups (as electronics can and do fail). Three AAA NiMH batteries weigh approximately 35g.  Which brings us to our second head torch in this section.

Assuming no weight difference, would you rather:

1. carry a spare set of batteries for your main head torch? or
2. carry a spare head torch with its own spare set of backup batteries?

Well, we'd choose (2) every time. Which is why Scramble recommend the Petzl e+LITE emergency backup head torch.

 

2. Backup Head Torch: Petzl e+Lite

Datasheet (2020 specs)

Manufacturer's Page

 

Overview

The Petzl e+Lite makes a superb backup head torch. It uses 2 x CR2032 lithium "button" batteries to power its 50 lumen (max) LED bulb. A pair of CR2032s weighs in at 3g. So, with one set in the e+Lite (27g) and another two sets (6g) as backup, the total weight (33g) comes to less than the 3 AAA batteries (35g) you might carry as backup for a standard head torch like the Tikkina.

Unlike the Tikkina, the e+Lite is fully waterproof, making it a trustworthy backup option should your batteries begin to flatline on your main head torch, or the torch itself fail / break. However, at a max of 50 lumens it's not suited to lighting up the way when traversing tricky terrain at night.

Hinting at its emergency status, the e+Lite has a number of strobe options and includes a useful steady 2 lumen red light for times when you want to preserve your night vision.

You could make a case that if you're only using such torches in and around camp why not just use two e+Lites (for main and backup) and save some weight. The issue here is that the larger head torches, like the Tikkina, have more lumens in the bank when you need that extra light boost and the larger AAA batteries have more capacity. The 50 lumens from the e+Lite is pretty bright, but I can think of a number of situations (even) around camp when I've been glad of having a more powerful head torch than the e+Lite. 

Aside from the light weight, one of the things we like about the e+Lite's CR2032 batteries is that they're lithium and so handle cold weather better than alkaline and nickel–metal hydride batteries, plus they're very cheap when bought in bulk.

As, we've hinted in the two Petzl head torches we've looked at so far, these are not really night trekking options. To make good decisions you need context; an appreciation for the lay of the land. A small flashlight is often a useful addition to a standard head-torch when a little extra supplemental power is required. 

Which brings us to our final torch in this section (and though it can be used as one, it's not natively a head torch), the highly regarded and heavily reviewed Lumintop Tool AA ... . 

 

3. Flashlight: Lumintop Tool AA 2.0 / 3.0

Datasheet (Lumintop Tool AA 2.0)

Manufacturer's Page

 

Overview

The Lumintop Tool AA (2.0 and 3.0) is a major upgrade from the simple iProtect 100 yet doesn't come with a significant hit to the wallet. We've bought a number of these to spread around the Scramble team (both 2.0 and the recent 3.0) and the prices we've paid (including tax and shipping) have all been between £16.00 and £17.50. So, for about £7 extra, you get a torch that is lighter, more versatile and significantly more powerful; overall a substantially more useful tool. 

We're not going to go into too much depth here, as this torch has been thoroughly reviewed by lighting experts who spend their lives testing and reviewing torches.  So for those who'd like a deeper dive we recommend the following reviews from Candle Power and 1Lumen:

• Lumintop Tool AA 2.0
• Lumintop Tool AA 3.0 (with comparison to version 2.0)

One major difference between this torch and simpler AA torches like the iProtect, is that the Lumintop Tool can handle a range of AA sized batteries from Alkaline, NiMH and Li-ion.  We're only interested in rechargeables, so we tested and recommend matching the Tool AA with Eneloops (standard or pro) and/or 14500 Li-ion button tops like the Vapcells pictured below.

The Lumintop Tool AA runs on regular AA and Li-ion 14500 batteries.

In terms of operation, it's pretty straightforward.  Click the tail switch to activate the light and half-press the switch to skip through the various settings from low through to turbo and finally strobe.

The Tool AA comes with a reversible clip, so can be clipped to a cap to cover for a headtorch should your headtorch get lost, break or run out of charge.  Lumintop include a diffuser (with this and many of their torches) which is useful for providing "around-camp" lighting and for protecting its front element when it's in a dry bag with a load of other metal objects such as knives.

Tail Caps

One thing that should be noted is the potential "parasitic drain" issue that only affects the Tool AA when used with 14500 batteries.  The tail cap glows when a 14500 battery is inserted. This can be quite useful as a reminder to half-twist (slightly unscrew) the cap before packing it away to prevent the light from activating while packed. But, if this is not done, the light will slowly drain and after a couple of weeks will lose its charge. So, whether this intentional design choice by Lumintop is regarded as a bug or a feature is up for debate. I found it quite useful as a reminder to "disengage".

The blue light on the tail-cap is on when 14500 batteries are used.

However, if this does bother people, Lumintop offer a version with a spare magnetic tail cap which doesn't have a light (but also doesn't have a lanyard hole on the cap, instead a cord can be attached to the clip). 

One of the benefits of a flashlight in conjunction with a headtorch is when walking on road-sections at night.  I set the headtorch to flash red and use the flashlight to light the way ahead.  I turn the flashlight away from any oncoming traffic so as not to blind the drivers, but they can still see and hopefully avoid me as I flash red.
 

TOOL AA 2.0 Lighting Test: Eneloops vs 14500

Making good use of the Scrambler tripod, I thought it would be helpful to show the effect of selecting 1.2v Eneloops over 3.7v 14500 Li-ion batteries (as pictured above). We left the turbo setting aside (as that's more for short bursts into the far distance) and instead focused on the LOW and HIGH settings. As our target we chose a 250ml gas cannister set approx 20m away. 

Setting : High

The effect of battery choice (14500 vs Eneloop) on power (high setting).

Setting : Low

The effect of battery choice (14500 vs Eneloop) on power (low setting).

TOOL AA 2.0 vs 3.0 (the 2024 upgrade)

When deciding which battery type to use, we found it more useful to compare the 14500 (medium and high settings to the AA's high and turbo). It's not as cut and dried as it first appears.  For example, our view is that the Tool AA 2.0 is better suited to an Eneloop (with 140 and 270 lm being more useful than 85 and 350).

However, now the Tool AA 3.0 has come out, it's hard not to prefer the 14500, with 4 hours at 150 lm, and the option to go to 500 and then 900 lumens for a quick peak into the distant gloom. For the Tool AA 3.0, Lumintop have upgraded the LED from a CREE XPL to an Osram P9, everything else is the same.

Battery choice and the recent 3.0 upgrade.

The Lumintop Tool AA is a fantastic budget flashlight and makes a great addition to any head-torch combination. It's well worth carrying as a backup option and provides stiff competition for the two high lumen micro torches mentioned below at a lower price.
 

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Lighting Part 2a: Batteries

Petzl CORE vs Standard AAA Batteries

For their testing protocol (ANSI/PLATO FL 1) Petzl state that:

Burn time corresponds to the length of time during which lighting is optimal. It is measured 30 seconds after the lamp is turned on and for as long as the lamp takes to drop to 10 % of maximum light output.

They don't provide a great deal of information on how burn time is affected by temperature (which would be helpful), but to be fair to Petzl this is really a battery performance issue, not so much a head torch one.

Petzl's hybrid lamps, like the Tikkina and the Actik Core (see below) can take both regular batteries and Petzl Core rechargeable lithium-ion cells. Each provide different output performance curves, with the Core providing a more constant output which as the battery drains, drops down in discrete steps: constant bright light steps down to constant manageable light which then drops down into the emergency reserve.

Regular batteries (the "standard lighting" curve below) provide a less consistent output which gradually attenuates until fully discharged. However, regular AAA batteries will operate a little longer on a very low-light trickle at the end of their charge.

The Petzl Core ("constant lighting") vs regular AAA batteries ("standard lighting")

Batteries in the Cold

Out of all the batteries, alkaline (e.g. standard non-rechargeable Duracells) are the worst performers when it comes to sub zero temperatures. These helpful graphs from Energizer shows just how much output (Voltage) and capacity (mAh) are affected by the cold.

As Arctic explorer Alex Hibbert put it, "for serious low temperature use, lithiums are the solution. In the cold, forget alkalines [...] Buy quality batteries if you're off somewhere cold."

There's a simple hierarchy when it comes to batteries for cold conditions, with alkalines at the bottom, nickel metal hydride (NiMH) in the middle and lithiums at the top.

Out of those three, when it comes to AA and AAA batteries, only NiMH batteries are rechargeable. In sub zero conditions, for devices that use AA or AAA batteries, we like Energizer's non-rechargeable Ultimate Lithium batteries (20 year storage life).

Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery packs (like the Poweradd pictured below) and the aforementioned Petzl Core both handle the cold reasonably well, but care has to be taken when charging lithium-ion batteries below freezing as they can be permanently damaged. We'll let Battery University explain:

Many battery users are unaware that consumer-grade lithium-ion batteries cannot be charged below 0°C (32°F). Although the pack appears to be charging normally, plating of metallic lithium can occur on the anode during a sub-freezing charge. This is permanent and cannot be removed with cycling. [...] Advancements are being made to charge Li-ion below freezing temperatures. Charging is indeed possible with most lithium-ion cells but only at very low currents. According to research papers, the allowable charge rate at –30°C (–22°F) is 0.02C. At this low current, the charge time would stretch to over 50 hours, a time that is deemed impractical. There are, however, specialty Li-ions that can charge down to –10°C (14°F) at a reduced rate.

Personally (and we're not recommending this for legal reasons), I charge my lithium-ion rechargeables (like the Petzl Core) inside my sleeping bag, and only after I've been in it for a while.

I store spare lithium-ion batteries (for camera, head torches etc.) and my battery pack in a Sea To Summit Cable Cell. At night this goes inside my sleeping bag, but during the day I put a single Hot Hands Hand Warmer inside a mini cotton stuff sack, and this then goes inside the Cable Cell. This will last a full day's winter trekking. As soon as I've set camp, I slide the still warm Cable Cell inside my sleeping bag. 

The only thing to note here is, for the hand warmers to work they require access to air (they won't work if suffocated), so you can't put the Cable Cell inside a sealed dry bag. However, you need to waterproof the batteries, so the batteries go in zip-lock bags and the Cable Cell sits in an air-permeable part of the backpack.
 

Lighting Part 2b: Chargers / Power Banks
The LiitoKala Lii-100C

Datasheet

Manufacturer's Page

 

Overview

The problem with many power banks is that it's hard to trust the quality of their internal battery. Instead, we prefer lightweight, quality chargers which double as power banks and let you control the quality and capacity of the batteries you take on your trek. Enter the Lii-100C - the only charger / power bank we strongly recommend.

The Lii-100C can use 18650 (~3500 mAh) up to 21700 (~5000 mAh) Li-ion batteries. For the 2024 spring (12 day, wet weather) kit test I took 2 x Sanyo 18650 batteries (7000 mAh, 95g) and as it turned out a single 21700 (5000 mAh, 67g) would have sufficed.

The LiitoKala Lii-100C Charger is packed in an Osprey UL 3L Dry Bag and a Sea To Summit Cable Cell.

Along with the Lii-100C, pictured right are: 

1. McGillon USB-C (11g) and Micro-USB (10g) charging cables
2. Sanyo 18650 batteries (3500 mAh, 48g each)
3. USB-C to Micro USB and Micro-USB to USB-C adapters (5g) in case either cable fails.

All of which results in a 7,000 mAh power bank weighing in at 138g. A 10,000 mAh power bank setup using the Lii-100C weighs around 40g more (with two 21700 batteries), so 178g in total.

For those that like to geek out about this kind of thing, there's a detailed review of the previous version of this charger, the Lii-100B (which is very similar), on lygte-info.dk.

 

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Lighting Part 3: Sub Zero (Night Trekking) Options

Summary Datasheet: Weight (incl. batteries) & Price (RRP)

 

Light Power

In this section we're going to look at our ideal lighting setup for sub-zero conditions and/or for those that regularly extend trekking deep into the night.

In the image above we have a couple of items we've not yet seen in this review (#1 and #2 above, along with the e+Lite [#3] and two sets of spare CR2032s [#4]). Before we get to our ideal winter combo, I'm going to mention a few changes I've made to my winter kit in terms of electronics and the effect it's had on overall power consumption (power requirements).

The three types of (potentially) power hungry devices I carry are: 1) phone, 2) camera and 3) torches. I've recently down-graded the phone (I don't rely on electronics for important stuff like navigation) and the switch from smartphone (162g) to an old dual-sim Nokia 105 (86g, 15h talk time, 1 month standby) provides savings in terms of weight but also battery-life (and thus power consumption).

In winter, I carry four batteries for my GX1 camera and (when looked after in the manner described above) this has been sufficient for eight days below freezing (recent winter kit test saw ~400 RAW images shot, 2.75 batteries used). Consequently, I no longer require the heavy 10,000 mAh battery pack (>200g) I used to carry. I now use the LiitoKala charger mentioned above. Although, in the last winter kit test a charger wasn't required (temperatures weren't that cold, with a low of -5°C), it's always sensible to have the ability to top up critical devices if needed.

Which brings us to the re-chargeable Petzl Actik Core.

 

Main (Sub Zero) Head Torch: Petzl Actik Core

Datasheet (2020 specs)

Manufacturer's Page

 

Overview

The Petzl Actik Core, part of Petzl's "Active" range, is what you'd get if you combined the best features of the three torches mentioned in the first section and then gave them a substantial boost. You have the traditional form factor, proximity lighting and ease of use of the Tikkina; the red light / strobe options and native lithium battery of the e+Lite; and the high distance beam (90m on max) of the Lumintop Tool AA. In addition the Core battery allows the Actik Core to run on a "constant lighting" regime (as per the graph above).

Although it has a few more features than the Tikkina, the Actik is very easy to use (without the need to remember a vast array of button sequences ... hint: Black Diamond). Holding down the power button will switch from white to red lighting. A single click will cycle through the three brightness levels. A four second hold of the power button will lock it and prevent the light accidentally powering on when packed away.

The Actik Core comes with Petzl's Core rechargeable battery (1250 mAh Lithium-ion) and will also accept 3 x AAA batteries. The Core is useful, as it negates the need for an intermediary USB charger (I used to carry a 35g XTAR XP1 charger) between the source power-pack and the recipient battery. All the devices mentioned above can be plugged directly into the power-pack.

The Petzl Core can be charged directly via a standard USB to mini USB charging cable.

"So, if it does the job of three torches why not just take the Actik Core?". Well, it's always sensible to have backups in case your main head torch fails. But yes, as long as you can keep supplying the Actik Core with juice (and it doesn't fall down a mountain or into a river), it will do all you'd want a light to do - at a price. The Actik Core costs more (even assuming you've got your "shopping-around-online-bargain-hunting" goggles on) than all three of the "budget" torches combined. You get what you pay for.

The Actik Core has an IPX4 (weather resistance) rating, which means it's suitable for use in rain, snow or humid environments. When you peruse the Petzl range you discover that the outlier is the fully waterproof e+Lite (IPX7) which makes sense, since it's an emergency headlamp.

Before we conclude, let's have a look at a couple of micro torches that in combination provide both a premium substitute for the "budget" flashlight in part 1 and offer a highly functional hands-free backup for those for whom the absence of light might prove calamitous.

 

Supplemental High Lumen Micro Torches: Rovyvon's Aurora A1X & Manker's E02 II

Datasheet

* The Manker can also take a 10440 li-ion battery. This substantially boosts its performance and its max lumens jump from 220 lumens to 420 lumens.

Overview

These aren't the easiest torches to find at present. The Manker E02 mk II can still be found and RovyVon has made a number of very similar, later generation A1 models that supersede the A1X. 

There are some excellent reviews available for both these torches, so if you want to dig a little deeper, EveryDayCarry did a nice review of the A1X and 1Lumen did a very deep dive into the Manker E02 II.  So, that leaves me to just explain what and who these torches are good for; their supplemental role and how they compliment each other. As you can see from the image above, I not only have them connected to oneanother, I really see them as a single two headed beast for lighting the way ahead. 

The Manker takes a AAA battery and the RovyVon is charged via micro USB.

The Manker and the RovyVon's combined weight (including batteries and quick release connector) is 56g (8g heavier than the single budget flashlight in this review).  However, their combined cost is nearly 3 times (~£48), so, let's hope we get some substantial bang for our buck to out-compete the Lumintop Tool AA.

If I had to choose between taking either the RovyVon or the Manker, I'd take the RovyVon. The reason is simple.  The Aurora A1X has a very useful boost feature, where a press and hold jumps you straight into turbo mode and the Cree LED version provides 650 lumens of reasonably focused light (and releasing turns the torch off). When trekking at night I often want some idea of what lies ahead. Although I can get this with the Petzl Actik Core, I only want a second or two burst and would rather just leave my headtorch on its medium beam (and preserve its battery). I have the RovyVon / Manker combo wrapped around the sternum strap of my pack, quick to hand, and the A1X combines with the Petzl to light up over 100m of my precarious future.

Especially in winter, I'm doing more and more distance at night (trying to wring a few extra miles out of the day and my legs). For those that trek into the darkest hours, lightweight supplemental torches that have specific functions are worth considering.

The Manker E02 II is a very different but equally compact option. Made from aircraft grade aluminium instead of the Aurora's  polyamide, the Manker is a right-angle torch and can be used hands-free clipped to either a cap or better the sternum strap of a pack. The clip is excellent and more secure than that on the A1X. So I slot the Manker onto the sternum strap and wrap the cord around the strap once and the two torches stay securely in place. 

The main purpose of the Manker is as a backup to the main headtorch and if that dies or I lose it, the Manker will last me long enough to hopefully see me out of trouble. This then leaves the Petzl e+Lite for camp duties and a last resort backup.
 

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Conclusion

If we had to choose just two torches (a main + backup) for year-round use, we'd go with Petzl's Actik Core with the e+Lite emergency headlamp as backup. Both are superb performers, both natively use lithium-based batteries; the rechargeable Actik can be topped up and the e+Lite's CR2032s weigh almost nothing (so plenty of spares won't weigh you down or fill your pack). 

Being a "fear the worst, hope for the best" kind of person, I would still like an additional (third) torch for multi-week treks. In this regard, a case can be made for both the Lumintop Tool AA and the Petzl Tikkina (especially now they're "Hybrid" and will accept the Core battery from the Actik should it fail). However, if ones budget allows, the supplemental combo of the Manker E02 and the Rovyvon A1X is an interesting double-headed alternative to the Tool AA and bridges the gap between it and the Tikkina.

I think the choice comes down to how much night-trekking you expect to do. If you want an additional backup for the Actik to cover its ability to light the way through treacherous terrain, then the torches in RovyVon's Aurora 1 series serve that purpose. If you want a more all-round backup and feel the e+Lite is more of a last resort, then either an empty Tikkina (at 49g) or the Manker E02 would fit the bill.

Personally, my choice for multi-week, long distance treks where many hours will be spent trekking at night is: 

• Petzl Actik Core (main)
• RovyVon Aurora A1X (A1 series) + Manker E02 II (supplemental combo) OR the Lumintop Tool AA 3.0 (+ spare battery)
• Petzl e+Lite (for backup / camp duties) 

Finally, if you engage in long distance treks but don't venture out much below -5°C, I would suggest that two or all three of the torches mentioned in the "budget options" section would suffice.

 

Product Images

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Last Updated: 23/05/24