I’m a huge fan of the hands-free nature of headlamps, but the challenge with them arises when you need light, but don’t want to have the beacon on your head. But the alternative isn’t always a hand-held flashlight.
I’ve become a fan of the Coast HX4 Cliplight, which I can clip onto the bill of my hat, pocket, backpack, or other surface—without having to strap it around my head.
The dual-color light combines red and white LEDs for bright illumination or for times when you need to preserve your night vision. At its highest output, the 1.8-ounce light kicks out 80 lumens with a beam distance of 42 feet and a 3-hour, 45-minute runtime. Replace the two AAA (alkaline) batteries, and you can start all over again.
The universal clip on the light makes it easy to clip onto pockets, the bill of your cap, backpack straps, young children, and plenty more. Plus, the integrated magnets make it possible for you to place the HX4 Cliplight on magnetic surfaces when you need illumination.
Once you place it on a surface or clip it to something, the light has 180-degree beam adjustment, so you can find the optimal direction for the beam so it’s not in your eyes.
The HX4 Cliplight is about as large as a pack of gum. It’s also impact resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it being too delicate to drop. It’s also weather resistant, so carry it along in the rain or snow to light your way if you need it in adverse conditions.
I usually pack a light when I travel and don’t rely only on my phone’s battery. The Coast HX4 Cliplight is ideal for when I don’t want to wear a headlamp everywhere I go.
The HX4 Cliplight lists for $15 on the Coast site.