Nitecore NU27 Overview | CleverHiker

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Nitecore might not but be a family title in the US, however they’re rapidly making waves within the headlamp house with their light-weight, extremely useful, and reasonably priced choices on this market. The NU27 is one in every of Nitecore’s latest choices, and it initially caught our consideration because of 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 out there for every coloration temperature. This makes the NU27 an extremely versatile headlamp possibility.

Weighing 1.98 ounces, the NU27 simply barely qualifies as ultralight, but it surely nonetheless suits into our ultralight class. Its 600-lumen output creates a vivid 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 superb selection for ultralight hikers, runners, and thru-hikers.

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

Illumination & Gentle High quality

In relation to general illumination, the NU27 impressed us probably the most. The headlamp has a lumen score of 600, however as we frequently level out, lumen rankings don’t all the time inform the total story. For instance, the Petzl Actik CORE additionally has a 600-lumen score, 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 score suggests. We had been additionally impressed with the throw of the NU27’s beam, which outperforms even a few of our favourite headlamps with related lumen rankings.

That mentioned, there may be room for enchancment. The beam is considerably spotty, and we’d wish to see a flood perform 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 may be disorienting at occasions. Moreover, the colour rendering isn’t the most effective, that means the NU27 doesn’t do a superb job of precisely reproducing coloration throughout all three coloration temperature settings.

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

Burn Time

The burn time of the NU27 is a combined bag, although largely optimistic 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 perform, you’ll be able to stand up to 57 hours of sunshine per cost below perfect situations. Nonetheless, the ultralow perform solely supplies 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 rapidly, and you may anticipate not more than an hour on turbo. That mentioned, the excessive setting is vivid sufficient for many actions. Actual-world burn occasions will fluctuate primarily based on the settings used and the way lengthy they’re engaged. Total, whereas the upper settings carry out nicely, 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 trying to reduce pack weight. Any headlamp below two ounces is a strong selection for these aiming to scale back gear weight. 

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

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

Consolation

Ultralight headlamps may be tough to guage 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 typically use fewer supplies, leading to much less padding and strap materials, generally impacting consolation.

That mentioned, we discovered the NU27 to carry out very nicely by way of consolation. Naturally, weight performs a major position—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’ll be able to put on all night time.

Nitecore does 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 type straps typically discovered on ultralight headlamps. The strap options air holes to reinforce breathability.

Ease of Use

Much 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 facility 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 means of the headlamp’s three coloration temperatures and accesses the pink mild perform.

Headlamps with a variety of options typically have a little bit of a studying curve, however we had been ready to determine most features throughout our first use with no need the directions. Nonetheless, we did seek the advice of the directions to discover ways to entry the particular modes (SOS, Beacon, Sluggish Flashing). In contrast to some directions with poorly thought-out illustrations, Nitecore supplies clear,easy-to-understand instructions.

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

Our essential criticism is that the buttons’ small measurement 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 facet. As we’ve talked about, the NU27 means that you can swap between three totally different coloration temperatures. Whereas coloration temperature is a matter of private desire, these choices additionally enhance visibility in varied environmental situations.

The nice and cozy mild (3000K) is simpler on the eyes and works nicely in foggy or wet situations. Impartial white (4500K), the most typical coloration temperature discovered on headlamps, gives a extra pure mild for on a regular basis actions. Lastly, cool white (6500K), although a bit harsh, enhances visibility in outside environments. You too can choose from 5 totally different brightness settings throughout all three coloration temperatures. Moreover, the pink mild perform gives 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 accommodates a diffusing stuff sack, which lets you use the headlamp as a lantern, in addition to a clip that may substitute 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 perform. 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 gives wonderful worth, offering spectacular illumination, versatility, and options in a surprisingly reasonably priced, light-weight bundle. Its considerate options—akin to the power to pick out a number of coloration temperatures, as much as 5 brightness ranges in white mild mode, two brightness ranges in pink 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 selection for ultralight backpackers, informal night time hikers, hunters, runners, dawn-patrol skiers, and extra. The low value level and flexibility additionally make it a superb possibility for all informal outside actions.

What Different Headlamps Ought to You Contemplate?

If you happen to just like the NU27 however need different choices as nicely, take a look at these fashions or the remainder of our lineup on the listing of our favourite headlamps:

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

Petzl Bindi Overview: If ultralight is what you’re after, then the Bindi is price a glance. When 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.