Joby is continuing its run of clever designs with the fourth installment in its hands-free torch line-up – the Gorillatorch Switchback. As anyone who's ever been on an overnight hike can attest, any practical two-in-one solution that cuts down on baggage is a bonus, and this one seems to tick the boxes. The Switchback uses one LED light array as both an LED lantern and a headlamp, plus the lamp stand doubles as a camera tripod... better make that three-in-one.
The 5-LED array includes a 130-lumen spotlight, two white floodlights and two red LEDs to help you keep your night vision intact. It has six brightness settings, an adjustable dimmer switch, a beam distance of 60 feet and a battery life of up to 72 hours on 2xAA batteries.
Joby says that in lantern mode, the Switchback has enough kick to illuminate an 8-person tent and its 92% ultra-efficient holographic lens "produces brilliant and even light that is easy on the eyes when viewed directly."
The lamp stand / camera tripod is of the Joby grab-anywhere variety, so figuring out how to hold your light steady shouldn't be a problem.
I'm not convinced that I'd leave my dedicated headtorch at home if I had the Switchback in the kit (there could be too much changing back-and-forth involved while tinkering around the campsite), but even if you look at it as a bright, compact lantern with the bonus of a spare headtorch (and a camera tripod), it's still has the makings of a very useful piece of camping gear.
The price: US$59.95.
JOBY Gorillatorch Switchback specs:
Light Engine
Size - Headlamp:
Size - Lantern with headlamp installed:
Weight