Ask HN: Favorite Reading Light?

5 pointstmaly3 comments

I have tried several of the LED clip lights, and one that sits on the shoulders.

I have not liked any of them. What is your favorite reading light and why?

Hiking headband w/ optional photo gels taped over the top. Why? Because a) it's mostly an ergonomic issue & the skull is great at being stable and supportive of a tiny lamp while reading (the $1 headlamps work remarkably well), and b) photo gels will do most of what you need color-wise if you get something like a sample pack.

Just IMO. Oh and it's a light with a strap on it, so it can do all kinds of useful things. By default it will shine wherever you look, so it assists all of your vision in the dark. But if you don't want it to do that it can go around your neck, or hang from a caribiner in a tent, or whatever.

What particular brand do you use?

The best I've ever used have been cheap and lightweight. I own better hiking headlamps but for reading they aren't that great.

I was not able to find something I liked better than the $1 Walmart model. The light is not powerful, and that's a good thing. Not sure if they still sell them (Ozark Trail store brand maybe?) but IMO it's cheap enough to be worth a try. Good luck.

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