by Seth Levy
Things have come a long way since a hissing old gasoline lantern illuminated your camp. Multifunctional and hybrid lighting was popular at Outdoor Retailer with products from Joby, Mammut, and Snow Peak combining area lighting with focused linear lighting in one product. (Check out the MC10 from Fenix for yet another example.)
Joby
One of the more interesting examples of a multifunctional light was the GorillaTorch Switchback from Joby. On the surface the GorillaTorch Switchback looks like a simple, lightweight lantern distinguished by a modern aesthetic. A few clicks change the intensity of the light (five modes of decreasing white light) or activate a red LED.
Cleverly concealed in the base, a few plastic tabs release a "light engine" i.e. headlamp, from the collapsible diffuser. The headlamp is no joke, either. It's well-balanced, and packs 130 lumens, making a very bright light for the price.
The JOBY GorillaTorch Switchback in lantern mode.
- Weight: 8.8 oz (whole product), 4.4 oz (headlamp only)
- Light: 130 lumens
- Batteries: 2 AA
- MSRP: $59.95
- Available: Now
Barry Martin of Joby showed us the GorillaTorch Switchback lantern-headlamp at Outdoor Retailer.
Mammut
The Mammut X-Shot headlamp.
The Mammut X-Shot with Ambient light accessory
Mammut, known for producing gear for hardcore alpinists, showcased its new X-Shot headlamp, paired with the Ambient light accessory.
Alone, the X-Shot packs 200 lumens and five brightness modes (wide angle low, wide angle high, spotlight low, spotlight high, and emergency mode), in addition to a blinking beacon mode. The X-Shot also has a universal tripod mount for hands-free lighting and photographic use.
The Ambient light accessory can be mounted to several Mammut headlamps, including the X-Shot. It mellows the focused beam for romantic ambiance or an even glow for reading in the tent.
X-Shot
- Weight: 150 g
- Output: 200 lumens
- Batteries: 3 AAA
- MSRP: $89.95
- Available: March 1, 2011
- Weight: 35 g
- MSRP: $11.95
- Available: Now
Snow Peak
Snow Peak, a company recognized for its elegant Japanese-inspired design, introduced a new headlamp/lantern hybrid called the Snowminer. True to Snow Peak's reputation, the light is elegant and simple. With a push on its silicone dome, a bright beam becomes a warm glow.
Joey Tuma of Snow Peak demonstrated the Snowminer at OR:
Snowminer
- Weight: 2.9 oz
- Output: 60 lumens
- Batteries: 3 AAA
- MSRP: $49.95
- Available: September 2011
