Six months ago, Energizer unveiled a prototype of the TrailFinder 360 degree LED Cap Light. I blogged about it then, but the product was not yet released. Now it’s out and I’ve had a chance to review it.
The 40 lumens (high mode), .2-pound Cap Light, MSRP $26.99, is about the dimensions of two fingers. It has three light settings: high, low and red. It runs on a single AA battery (included). The high setting drains the battery in merely three hours, while the low beam drags out for about 20 hours. The red beam, great for using when you don’t want to spoil your night vision, uses its own bulb and works only on low beam. The Cap Light’s buttons are operable with gloves. It has a lock switch on the back to keep it from accidently turning on while it’s in your pack. The base is attached to a small ball joint allowing the light to turn all the way around, up and down; this connection can be tightened with a dial so the light cannot rotate once in the desired position.
The clip is tight. This means it won’t easily slip off the bill of a baseball cap or other surfaces. This also means it takes effort and practice to slide onto a t-shirt, jean jacket or book. Once in place it stays put. It’s a great reading light.
The lock switch is drawn inverted, that is when switched to unlock it won’t turn on and when locked it works. The lock/unlock drawings are so faint that this is admittedly a petty complaint. The triangular base/foot on the Cap Light allows the light to stand on its own, rising it about 1” off a surface. It doesn’t clip onto any of my climbing helmets.
For such a compact light, the Cap fits many purposes. It works great indoors or out, for hiking or reading. I would like to see it come with attachments, allowing it to clip to more surfaces, such as a climbing helmet. Until that day comes, I’ll just clip it to my jacket.
