Horrible Headlamp Mistakes Hikers MUST Avoid | NU27 Review

Published at : 23 Dec 2025

Tired of dealing with frustrating headlamp issues on your hiking and backpacking trips? From dim lights to fading batteries, we're exposing the top headlamp buying mistakes that hikers make and how to avoid them on your next hiking and backpacking adventure.

Visit the @NitecoreStore for details on the NU27 and their other amazing products.

Nitecore NU27: https://amzn.to/4cJmz67
Nitecore NU25 UL: https://amzn.to/4jFsLy3
Nitecore Storefront: https://amzn.to/3Yztwk7

🔔 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐒𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐊:
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@natehikes?sub_confirmations=1

Tent Fabric 101: https://www.slingfin.com/blogs/the-beta/tent-fabric-101-nylon-vs-polyester-vs-dyneema-cuben

Base Weight: 7 lbs, 15.34 oz

🎒 Pack (1 lb 7.6 oz)
– MLD Exodus 55: https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/exodus-57l/
– Stick Stashers: https://spudsadventuregear.com/product/stick-stashers/

⛺️ Shelter (1 lb 3.19 oz)
– Zpacks Offset Solo: https://zpacks.com/products/pivot-solo-tent (replaced by Pivot Solo)

🛏 Sleep System (1 lb 4.72 oz)
– EE Revelation 50° (Reg/Wide): https://enlightenedequipment.com/revelation-apex/
– Oware 1/4” Pad: https://bivysack.com/shop/ols/products/foam-1-slash-2-thick-closed-cell-ultralight-sleeping-pads
– Big Sky Pillow: https://bigskyinternational.com/collections/pillows/products/big-sky-inflatable-ultralight-pillow
– MLD 1/8” Sit Pad: https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/goodnight-eva-1-8-foam-pad/

🧤 Clothing/Wearables (1 lb 11.33 oz)
– OR Buff: https://amzn.to/3Gw5qkJ
– Sea to Summit Bug Net: https://amzn.to/3Tyfqgh
– Dance Pants: https://amzn.to/3TC4tKI
– Farpointe Alpha Cruiser 90: https://www.farpointeog.com/stock/p/farpointe-alpha-cruiser
– Goodr BFG Sunglasses: https://amzn.to/3IFWqKh
– OR Helium Rain Jacket: https://amzn.to/44XzK0S
– OV Thermal Tights: https://outdoorvitals.com/products/highline-thermal-leggings?variant=40739302572093
– Wigwam Socks: https://amzn.to/4lQP05o
– OV Nebo Windbreaker: https://outdoorvitals.com/products/nebo-windbreaker?variant=40369537941565

🍳 Cook System (4.85 oz)
– Toaks 550 Pot: https://amzn.to/3IqJ6cK
– Esbit Stove: https://amzn.to/4lU27CR
– Homemade Windscreen: https://amzn.to/4nLBJg4
– OV Titanium Spoon: https://outdoorvitals.com/products/ov-titanium-long-handle-spoon
– Mini Bic: https://amzn.to/3TC5wu8

🔋 Electronics (13.57 oz)
– Anker 10k Power Bank (similar): https://amzn.to/4ku0FG5
– Spot Gen 3 (now Gen 4): https://amzn.to/40R20Qh
– Nitecore NU25 UL: https://amzn.to/4eKKx1X

🧼 Hygiene (1.23 oz)
– Dropper: https://amzn.to/40btxMg
– Spray Bottle: https://www.litesmith.com/mini-spray-bottles/
– Prairie Dog Trowel: https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/the-prairie-dog-shovel-by-the-prairie-dog
– Igneous Bidet: https://igneousgear.com/products/bottle-cap-bidet
– Toothbrush (generic)

🩹 Med/Repair (2.5 oz)
– Victorinox Knife: https://amzn.to/44uzC97
– Igneous Repair Spool: https://igneousgear.com/products/ul-repair-spool
– Igneous Leukotape: https://igneousgear.com/products/ul-leuko-tape-spool
– Mini Bic: https://amzn.to/3TC5wu8

📍 Stakes (2.7 oz)
– 6 Titanium: https://amzn.to/46KMmts
– 2 Aluminum: https://amzn.to/4nLqfJv

💧 Water (3.3 oz)
– Katadyn BeFree 1L: https://amzn.to/44YgzUB
– 600ml SmartWater

🧳 Sacks/Bags (8.35 oz)
– Skog A Kust Ditty Bag: https://amzn.to/44sP8lS
– MLD Stake Bag: https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/ul-cuben-fiber-stake-sacks/
– MLD Bear Bag Kit: https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/pro-bear-bag-system/
– LokSak Odor Bag: https://amzn.to/3IFXXjv
– Trash Bag (generic)

❌ Not Included in Base Weight:
Held in hand, worn, consumable, or not typically part of a backpacking kit.

– Black Diamond Trekking Poles: https://amzn.to/44smPDZ
– Esbit Fuel Tabs (x6): https://amzn.to/3GoSi0N
– Elete Electrolytes: https://amzn.to/4lOxfU6
– iPhone 14: https://amzn.to/4kBE0YC
– Toothpaste, floss, meds (misc)
– DJI Action 4: https://amzn.to/3GkYrLu
– Ulanzi MT 73 Tripod: https://amzn.to/4nMBSjk
– DJI Action 4 Batteries: https://amzn.to/4kCTWtF


#ultralightbackpacking #hiking #backpacking #ultralighthiking

This video and description contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

Chapters

00:00 Buying Mistakes: NU27 to the Rescue?
00:39 Mistake #1: The Lumen Trap
02:16 Mistake #2: Believing Run Times
04:39 Mistake #3: Choosing the Wrong Battery Setup
06:23 Mistake #4: Ignoring Lockout Mode
07:18 Mistake #5: Overlooking Power Meters
08:08 Mistake #6: No Beam Versatility
09:12 Mistake #7: Forgetting IP Ratings
09:58 Mistake #8: Missing Red Light
10:48 Mistake #9: Skipping Ultralow Mode
11:29 NU27 Bonus Features
14:06 Final Thoughts: Is the NU27 Worth It?l