Silva Trail Runner Free Hybrid Headlamp - SS22

Product Information

BioLite is redesigning all of its headlamps to include a larger button that’s easier to use with gloves, but is keeping the soft, stretchy headband that eliminates bounce. The 800 Pro is a new addition to the lineup that casts more light, lasts longer, and has some extra functionality to improve your safety. It's by no means the most powerful headtorch around, with 400 lumens realistically being at the modest end of the spectrum - particularly where trail running is concerned; however, if you're after more, the chances are you're going to pay more. I have tended to find myself using the max setting out on the hill, particularly whilst descending, just to get that bit of extra distance. The medium seating is fine for more manicured trails, because of the fact you've got more predictable ground. I often use the middle mode whilst going uphill too, partly because I don't need the extra output, but also to save that little bit of battery when I can. The low setting is actually a little more meaningful than some of its competitors, so can be used to prolong burn time on more predictable ground, or - as is more often the case - to use a map, or look for something within your bag without blinding yourself. It's perfect for around a camp too. Silva’s Trail Runner Free H headtorch might have been conceived for running (the clue’s in the name) but in truth its appeal is far broader. After all, some of the key requirements for runners – light weight, reliably robust, powerful and adaptable illumination – apply to almost any user of headtorches, and particularly to hill and mountain walkers.

PURE COMFORT: Lightweight and perfectly balanced with smooth adjustments and a flat, soft textile extension cord that does not tangle. On this fifth generation of our original running headlamp, we present a new kind of technology where the power cord is integrated into the headband.Silva call it Free Technology – a comfortable headlamp experience without distracting cords or tangled wires. No hassle – Just free the energy.

Other reviewers have speculated how hard it might be to replace the wiring, given that it's integral to the headband. Whilst this is - to an extent - an interesting question, and we should definitely be thinking more about how we can repair the equipment we own, my question in return would be - if you break any other brand of headtorch's wiring - how easy would that be to repair? Generally, not very, so I don't think it's a concern peculiar to this design. Customized light distribution: The Trail Runner Free series is made for running in every aspect. All three headlamps feature Silva Intelligent Light. This means that you get a double light beam technology in your headlamp, with light settings that are perfect for running. Our unique combination of a long reach spotlight and a close flood-light, results in less head movement, better control, improved balance, less fatigue and higher speed.

When you find the perfect running headlamp you will forget that you even have it on. While lighting performance is definitely important when choosing the right headlamp, how it feels is top priority in my book, if it is too heavy or uncomfortable it becomes a loathsome irritation instead of a valuable implement. The key to finding the ideal headlamp is to find one that feels like an extension of yourself, one that is lightweight, well balanced and has a comfortable fit. The Silva Trail Runner Free H hits those marks with one very small exception. This is when the headlamp stays on while you charge it – not common as of March 2022, but hopefully it will be one day as it’s a super-useful feature and saves you money on buying a spare rechargeable battery and / or landfill from not using regular batteries. Quality Petzl have made a great headlamp with the Swift RL, which is lightweight (just 102g / 3.6oz) but gives out 550 lumens of brightness on max power for two hours. Go Far Or Go Fast: Choose Trail Runner Free 2 Ultra if you want to go for really long sessions with the 4.0 Ah (14.8 Wh) long-distance battery. With Free 2 Ultra you also get the Hybrid battery case which can be used with either 3 x AAA batteries or by complementing it with a Hybrid battery (1.25 Ah/4.6 Wh). If you need to be careful with your cash, consider the Proviz LED 360 Antares headlamp. It’s nice and bright at 500 lumens (when the three x AAA batteries are new), the headband is very easy to adjust, and it sits very comfortably on your head.

Cons of the Silva Trail Runner Free H

We're working out what we think about Silva's Trail Runner Free 2 Ultra Headtorch, we'll add our comments here in due course. The Trail Runner Free series is made for running in every aspect. All three headlamps feature Silva Intelligent Light. This means that you get a double light beam technology in your headlamp, with light settings that are perfect for running. Our unique combination of a long reach spotlight and a close flood-light, results in less head movement, better control, improved balance, less fatigue and higher speed. We love the quality of the beam pattern which works superbly in the real world and the smooth transition of the light is less tiring on the eyes. You can just look ahead naturally as you would when walking in the daytime.

All of the best running head torches were put to the test on dark trails and unlit roads and country lanes during winter training runs. We timed how long each one kept running on a full charge on each of its brightness settings, and practiced using each lamp's controls with bare hands and while wearing gloves. The Silva Intelligent Light system, which simultaneously lights up the ground at your feet and also the trail much further ahead, is superb. Out on the trails this translates into less head movement (you don’t need to look up or down to see what’s happening, you can just run like you do during daylight hours) and more confidence, which means lower levels of fatigue, less trips and slips, and better performance. There are three brightness settings (max, medium, minimum), plus a flashing mode, and an innovative short-burst rapid-flash indicator lets you know when you’re on full beam. Unlike some other headlamps, the medium and minimum settings are still bright enough to be useful. The on-off button (also used to toggle between modes), is large and easy to operate, even if you’re wearing gloves. Silva has created what it calls “customised light distribution”. This means there is a long reach spotlight and a close flood-light incorporated into the light beam. The aim is to give you better vision in the dark, with a longer and closer light distribution. As a user of the lamp, you don’t really know this is happening, except that you do enjoy great night vision. Before we go too much further it's worth mentioning that there are a variety of models within the Trail Runner Free range, but within this review we'll be looking specifically at the Trail Runner Free H. I'll intermittently reference other models where it's relevant, but these aren't models that we've used. For more information on these, beyond what we've said, visit silvasweden.uk Brightness and Burn Time Trail Runner Free H is a comfortable and lightweight headlamp for everyone who loves running. Its features and light beam are optimized for a runner’s needs. Free H comes with a rechargeable Hybrid battery (1.25 Ah) and the Hybrid battery case.The versatile battery case that comes with the Trail Runner Free H, called the Hybrid Battery Case, enables the use of both rechargeable and alkaline batteries when using the headlamp for those longer runs or ultras. The Hybrid Battery that is included with the Trail Runner Free H is slim, lightweight and easy to recharge via USB. While I have not done anything over a three hour run in the dark, the Hybrid battery has been more than sufficient on Max and Med modes for such runs. Pros of the Silva Trail Runner Free H