Deciding Between the Nitecore NU25 and Petzl Bindi?

After thorough use of the Nitecore NU25 and Petzl Bindi headlamps I wanted to show everyone my conclusion comparing these two very similarly marketed flashlights. They're both ultra light but which do I prefer and why?

Lists of most of my gear:

Affiliate links of gear used:
--Headlamps

Shock cord on the Nitecore

--Cameras used:

--Microphone:

Video editing application: Davinci Resolve 16.1 (free version)

#backpacking #hiking #hikinggear #headlamps #nitecore

[twigadventures]

Thank you for a great comparison video! I've been using the Bindi for several years and a lot of thru-hikes (CDT, AZT, LT, GET, AT). It's just worked for me all that time and so I hadn't really been seeking anything else. I have really good night vision and so I'm even able to hike with the lamp in the lowest white light setting (5 lumens). And believe me, being a sobo hiker on most all these trails, I spent a lot of hours hiking fall mornings and evenings in the dark. I also just barely managed to see 2 rattlesnakes across the trail on the AZT...I stress barely. I agree that the red light on the Bindi is pretty useless and finally decided I'd like something that has a red light strong enough that I could hike with it, hence my curiosity about a suitable replacement. Your comparison images are great in helping me see how well it would work, based on my experience with the Bindi.

[EspenFrafalne]

I watched maybe 10 such videos yesterday, and this is by far the best one..! Both with the manual camera settings, and the actual presentation 👍

Only thing i would add is that the Nitecore NU25 has a 61 meter light beam on the 190 lumen setting (81 meters on the boost), while the Petzl Bindi only has 36 meter on the 200 lumen setting (according to the specs on the manufacturers website). Considering that a lot of trails have sections where it can be difficult to see where to go even in broad daylight, with markings being pretty far apart (if there even is any markings at all), i would argue that the Petzl Bindi is not really ideal for night hiking... People probably bring a GPS device for night hiking, so it should not be a serious issue, but it is still nice to have access to a somewhat powerful light source...

I ordered the Nitecore NU32 the other day as it was on sale for $11 cheaper than the NU25. This weighs 76g without the headband, so the NU25 is probably a lot more comfortable to wear, and with 5 hours at 190 lumen, it will be plenty for dayhikes, but somewhat limiting for night hikes... The NU32 gets 17 hours on the 190 lumen setting (77 meter light beam), which may seem like complete overkill, but this means that i can hike as long as i can muster, and use the boost setting pretty liberally (1 hour, 550 lumen, 125 meter) 😋

[fauxname]

I used a bindi on my 2019 thru hike of the PCT. It worked great.

I didn’t do that much night hiking but when I did, the dimmest or second dimmest setting was enough for me.

I agree its red light is super dim. I never needed the bright one but I could see people who stay in shelters or hike in a big group might benefit from the brighter red light.

I think I paid about $40 for it late summer in 2018. $60 seems a bit pricey. Maybe they had a low come on price when they first released it. I like that I didn’t have to add custom shock cord to it. That makes up for a more expensive price for the less handy.

The square usb plug is weird at first but once I figured out which way was “up”, I never had a problem plugging it in again. Never damaged it.

It’s plenty dust and water resistant to survive a six month PCT thru hike. It’s still going strong.

The white color makes it easy to find on the ground or in a tent. The cord does get dirty fast.

The little button never bothered me.

Loved that I could recharge it but really didn’t need to on the trail since I didn’t do a lot of night hiking. I liked the indicator lights that told me how much charge it had left.

[vetonthepath]

Thanks! Was considring the nu 25 or the revolt.. first red light review that made sense.

[garycrockett]

Jay, thanks for the reviews. Also, I agree with your statement about reviewing products one has had *and used* for several months. That's why I asked you about your solar panel on the PCT. Again, thanks!

[John_Ridley]

Setting the camera to manual and using the same settings for all lights to get a good comparison is something that is commonly done on bicycle headlight (and taillight) comparisons, for their "beam shots"

[bobe.]

Thanks for your review. I am not sure if Petzl has changed Bindi since the time of your review to present day 2/2023. I am an avid solo multi day backpacker. This little lamp has exceeded my expectations. The low light setting is perfect for doing chores at camp and walking on trails at night. The red light is bright enough to do everything I need once I am in my hammock. The button for turning the light on and going through the lighting options is straight forward and easy to use. I would recommend this light.

[matpat]

Fully pro review. Haven't seen yet such a good one like this one.

[keyhere]

my guess is that square port was the only one they could find with some water resistance. thanks for the review and comparison!

[douglasfreeman]

Thank you, good fellow, for this review. Very clear, concise and informative. A thumbs up from me.

[ssos]

Great video. I was trying to make this exact decision. This has really helped. I was leaning towards the Bindi but now know I want the NU25. I am sensitive to pwm.

[stevev]

Great review! I had both head lamps in my cart and was trying to figure out which to buy.. it’s like the review was made for me.. thanks!

[PreparedGuy]

Nice review man. I have the Nitecore NU25 but wanted to compare it to the petzl and here we are 👍🏼. I'm one of those rare flashlights channels that keeps the camera in manual as well. It's nice to see someone else doing it as well. Awesome work buddy 😎👍🏼🔦 thanks for a great review man. Looks like I'll be picking up a second NU25 for my other backpack.

[MarmaladeOutdoors]

Nice video my friend. I had the NU 25 on my thru hike and still use it and it’s the best I’ve ever had especially with how light it is

[bigaarmory]

Absolutely the best comparison video that I have seen regarding these two headlamps. I have the NU25 but I also have an Olight S1R Baton II if I really want to light up my surroundings.

[randysmith]

I have never used a power pac plugged into anything while using the power device but a thought of caution comes to mind. Consumer grad Lithium ion batteries are damaged when charging them in temperatures near 32°f and below. What happens is the anode pole ends up getting an electro plating covering, rather then forming the crystal medium it is suppose to form for charging use. this damage is not reversible. So maybe be judicious about when you power off the power pac. nice review. I need a new head lamp, my problem is I keep loosing them.

[pewpewliekliek]

Wonderful review, thank you for putting so much effort.

[randysmith]

Based off of this video review I bought the Nitecore NU25 (uL version from LightSmith). I am very impressed with the light brightness settings and their functionality for what they are intended for. This light is so lightweight that it’s quite comfortable for long ware times, and it is so small in volume it will sit in pocket without being much a bother. Thanks Jay!

[the_naturenerd]

Awesome, thorough review dude!! Keep up the great work. I look forward to more of your gear reviews! Hike on!

[LMicheleS]

Great review and I'm THIS close to replacing my Bindi now. lol Question though - even with the lock-out feature - was there any time that the Nitecore got accidently turned on in your pack? That's always one of my greatest worries.