Nitecore NU27 Evaluate | CleverHiker

Backside line

Nitecore might not but be a family title in the USA, however they’re shortly making waves within the headlamp area with their light-weight, extremely practical, and inexpensive choices on this market. The NU27 is one among Nitecore’s latest choices, and it initially caught our consideration due to its distinctive set of options. Most notably, the power to regulate the colour temperature of the sunshine. Customers can toggle between heat white, impartial white, and funky white mild, with 5 brightness ranges obtainable for every coloration temperature. This makes the NU27 an extremely versatile headlamp choice.

Weighing 1.98 ounces, the NU27 simply barely qualifies as ultralight, nevertheless it nonetheless matches into our ultralight class. Its 600-lumen output creates a shiny beam with a throw that outperforms many dearer headlamps. The NU27 has the most effective weight-to-brightness ratio of any headlamp in our lineup, making it a wonderful alternative for ultralight hikers, runners, and thru-hikers.

The NU27 affords distinctive worth, delivering spectacular brightness and light-weight efficiency. Nevertheless, it’s not with out quirks. We discovered the dearth of a reminiscence operate a bit irritating because it resets to the bottom impartial mild setting every time it’s turned off. The beam additionally isn’t best for flood lighting and has some flare-like artifacts across the edges. That mentioned, for what it affords, it’s a high choice for its weight and performance. General, the NU27 is an thrilling new headlamp from Nitecore. Questioning if the NU27 is best for you? Take a look at our complete evaluation under and discover our Greatest Headlamps Gear Information to see the way it compares to the competitors.

Illumination & Gentle High quality

In terms of general illumination, the NU27 impressed us essentially the most. The headlamp has a lumen ranking of 600, however as we frequently level out, lumen rankings don’t at all times inform the complete story. For instance, the Petzl Actik CORE additionally has a 600-lumen ranking, however when examined aspect by aspect, the NU27 seems considerably brighter. Curiously, the “excessive” setting on the NU27 is rated at solely 400 lumens.

The extra 200 lumens are activated in turbo mode. This implies the NU27 is brighter than its ranking suggests. We have been additionally impressed with the throw of the NU27’s beam, which outperforms even a few of our favourite headlamps with comparable lumen rankings.

That mentioned, there’s room for enchancment. The beam is considerably spotty, and we’d wish to see a flood operate added in future fashions or at the very least improved floodlighting general. The headlamp additionally produces some odd lens-flare-like artifacts close to the sides of the beam, which might be disorienting at instances. Moreover, the colour rendering isn’t the most effective, that means the NU27 doesn’t do a wonderful job of precisely reproducing coloration throughout all three coloration temperature settings.

General, the NU27’s illumination exceeded our expectations, whereas the sunshine high quality is usually mid-tier however passable.

Burn Time

The burn time of the NU27 is a blended bag, although largely constructive general. In comparison with a few of our high performers, it’s on the decrease finish, however when in comparison with different ultralight headlamps, it’s on par and even barely higher than its opponents. Because of the ultralow operate, you possibly can rise up to 57 hours of sunshine per cost beneath best situations. Nevertheless, the ultralow operate solely gives 6 lumens, making it appropriate for round camp however inadequate for on-trail use.

From there, burn time decreases considerably: about 13 hours on low, 6.5 hours on medium, and simply 3 hours on excessive. Nitecore doesn’t present a burn time for the turbo setting, however in our expertise, the battery drains shortly, and you’ll count on not more than an hour on turbo. That mentioned, the excessive setting is shiny sufficient for many actions. Actual-world burn instances will range based mostly on the settings used and the way lengthy they’re engaged. General, whereas the upper settings carry out effectively, we’d wish to see higher burn time from the low and ultralow settings.

Weight

Weighing simply 1.98 ounces, the Nitecore NU27 nice for ounce counters. Whereas not absolutely the lightest in our testing pool, it ranks among the many high three ultralight choices. It’s excellent for ultralight backpackers, path runners, or anybody seeking to reduce pack weight. Any headlamp beneath two ounces is a strong alternative for these aiming to cut back gear weight. 

The light-weight design is very noticeable throughout long-term use, because it minimizes fatigue. We discovered it straightforward to neglect the headlamp was even on our heads, whether or not throughout an evening hike on the Colorado Path or operating within the entrance vary. The diminished weight means much less pressure, making it simpler to benefit from the process at hand.

Whereas lighter headlamps can be found, the NU27 strikes an incredible steadiness between its low weight and general brightness.

Consolation

Ultralight headlamps might be difficult to judge for consolation. Whereas they’re not inherently uncomfortable, weight financial savings are sometimes prioritized over consolation, particularly when in comparison with heavier headlamps. Ultralight fashions usually use fewer supplies, leading to much less padding and strap materials, generally impacting consolation.

That mentioned, we discovered the NU27 to carry out very effectively when it comes to consolation. Naturally, weight performs a major function—much less weight in your brow results in a extra snug expertise throughout extended use. Regardless of missing heavier, softer supplies, the light-weight, balanced design helps reduce fatigue, making this a headlamp you possibly can put on all night time.

Nitecore does a very good job of minimizing plastic-to-skin contact, though some uncovered plastic stays on the again of the headlamp physique. We additionally discovered the strap extra snug than the shock-cord model straps usually discovered on ultralight headlamps. The strap options air holes to reinforce breathability.

Ease of Use

Just like different Nitecore headlamps, the NU27 is designed with dual-button performance. On the highest of the headlamp physique, there are two buttons. The bigger button is the ability button, which turns the headlamp on and off and adjusts the general brightness when it’s on. The smaller button is the mode button, which cycles by the headlamp’s three coloration temperatures and accesses the purple mild operate.

Headlamps with a number of options usually have a little bit of a studying curve, however we have been in a position to determine most capabilities throughout our first use while not having the directions. Nevertheless, we did seek the advice of the directions to learn to entry the particular modes (SOS, Beacon, Gradual Flashing). Not like some directions with poorly thought-out illustrations, Nitecore gives clear,easy-to-understand instructions.

The charging port is straightforward to entry, and attaching the cable is easy. The strap is straightforward to take away, and the included pocket clip attaches simply as effectively, although eradicating the clip can really feel a bit difficult with out the priority of breaking it.

Our major criticism is that the buttons’ small dimension and low profile make them troublesome to press with medium to heavy gloves on which was a difficulty for us throughout chilly night time hikes within the mountains.

Options

The options of the Nitecore NU27 are one other standout side. As we’ve talked about, the NU27 means that you can change between three totally different coloration temperatures. Whereas coloration temperature is a matter of non-public desire, these choices additionally enhance visibility in numerous environmental situations.

The nice and cozy mild (3000K) is less complicated on the eyes and works effectively in foggy or wet situations. Impartial white (4500K), the commonest coloration temperature discovered on headlamps, affords a extra pure mild for on a regular basis actions. Lastly, cool white (6500K), although a bit harsh, enhances visibility in out of doors environments. It’s also possible to choose from 5 totally different brightness settings throughout all three coloration temperatures. Moreover, the purple mild operate affords two brightness settings.

Past that, the NU27 consists of SOS and Beacon modes, USB-C charging, a battery life indicator, and a locking function. The field additionally comprises a diffusing stuff sack, which lets you use the headlamp as a lantern, in addition to a clip that may exchange the strap.

Whereas the options of the NU27 are a serious plus, the number of brightness ranges and lighting modes would profit from the addition of a reminiscence operate. This is able to prevent from having to reset the colour temperature and brightness every time you flip the headlamp on and off once more.

Ought to You Purchase Nitecore NU27?

The Nitecore NU27 affords wonderful worth, offering spectacular illumination, versatility, and options in a surprisingly inexpensive, light-weight package deal. Its considerate options—reminiscent of the power to pick a number of coloration temperatures, as much as 5 brightness ranges in white mild mode, two brightness ranges in purple mild mode, USB-C charging, a battery life indicator, and a locking function—improve its versatility.

At 2.98 ounces, with a 600-lumen max output and spectacular beam throw, the general brightness-to-weight ratio makes this a strong alternative for ultralight backpackers, informal night time hikers, hunters, runners, dawn-patrol skiers, and extra. The low value level and flexibility additionally make it a wonderful choice for all informal out of doors actions.

What Different Headlamps Ought to You Take into account?

In case you just like the NU27 however need different choices as effectively, try these fashions or the remainder of our lineup on the record of our favourite headlamps:

Nitecore NU25 UL Evaluate: The NU25 UL is a favourite among the many ultralight group for its low value level and lightweight weight. Whereas it’s just like the NU27, it lacks some key options discovered within the NU27. Nevertheless, the NU25 UL saves you four-tenths of an oz and $8.

Petzl Bindi Evaluate: If ultralight is what you’re after, then the Bindi is value a glance. Whilst you’ll be sacrificing options and illumination, the Bindi weighs a mere 1.2 ounces, saving you eight-tenths of an oz in comparison with the NU27.