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NiteCore NU33

rated 5.0 of 5 stars
photo: NiteCore NU33 headlamp

The Nitecore NU33 is a legit headlamp for various uses. It is lightweight, bright but dimmable, very water resistant, and the battery lasts a long time.

Pros

  • Bright
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Lightweight
  • Good battery
  • USB-C charging

Cons

  • The various button functions sometimes are confusing.

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I've used this Nitecore NU33 headlamp for many different long-distance backpacking trips. It has served me very well. I got this one because it was rechargeable with a USB-C cord—it doesn't need AA or AAA batteries. I also got this one because Nitecore is a reputable company that makes good lights.

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The main center spotlight on bright.
Like other headlamps, the Nitecore NU33 has various lighting modes. This one includes a spotlight option, a diffused light option, and a red light option. The spotlight and diffused light are also dimmable so you can save the battery and avoid blinding people. Speaking of battery life, I've used this on 100+ mile hikes and have had plenty of battery left. 
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This headlamp also has four dots on the side of it that light up to indicate battery level. Four dots = full battery. One dot = battery getting low. You can also lock this light in the off position so it doesn't accidentally turn on in your pack and burn through the battery. That's a great feature that I use every single time I go backpacking.  

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The red light option. (Obviously...)
The headband is pretty comfortable. Sometimes it is finicky to adjust, although that could be my fault for not trying to figure it out. The band also dries pretty quickly after you sweat or go through some rain with it. It does come with an IP66 rating. I believe this means it can easily handle heavy rain. I have taken it through s

ome rain and light snow and have had no issues. I have also used it in temps slightly below freezing without any issues.

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The USB-C charging port with cover.

Like other headlamps, the Nitecore NU33 can angle down when you're wearing it. The strap is also very reflective at night—you can see it from a long distance.  I should also note that it is only 3.4 ounces, so the NU33 is perfect for my super-light backpacking kit.

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The headlamp is adjustable.
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For complete details on this headlamp go to Nitecore's website.  They have a very extensive writeup of its features. I know it's just a headlamp, but I really can't speak too highly about it. I will definitely use this headlamp until it dies. This is one piece of gear that I purchased and have never thought about upgrading or finding a different one. 

Background

I've used this NU33 headlamp on over 500 miles of several long-distance trails.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $40

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Specs

Price MSRP: $49.95
Current Retail: $49.95
Reviewers Paid: $40.00
Primary LED White Light
Auxiliary LED High CRI White
Auxiliary LED Red LED
Maximum Brightness 700 lumens
Peak Beam Distance 147 yards
Peak Beam Intensity 4578 cd
IP Rating IP66
Impact Resistance 1 m
Dimensions L-2.45"xW-1.81"xH-1.4"
Weight 3.37oz
Product Details from NiteCore »