Head Torches: A Code of Conduct

We’ve all been there, you’re trying to talk to someone, maybe trying to read a map or pitch a tent in the dark, but you’re being blinded by 200 lumens of sunburn-enducing light from your enthusiastic partner’s head torch. Children and young people in particular don’t realise how distracting it can be.

Of course, a head torch is a pretty essential bit of kit. You need them for checking inside the dutch oven or for pulling on your boots for early morning toilet emergencies. I have no doubt however that we rely too heavily on those LEDs. I propose an agreement where we all reduce our dependence on this tool for other sources of light.

The code of conduct

• No head torch around the campfire

First, there is zero need for a headtorch if you’re chilling out in a yurt or hanging out around a campfire. If you feel you do need more light, use a lantern. If you’ve time during the day, prepare some fire torches, this can be a pretty fun but quite dangerous so only do it with a responsible person.

     A campfire with fire torches – Ballyhornan Beach

• Where possible, use a lantern, candle or other source of ambient light

Again a lantern, or maybe candles, can be used if you’re busy (read ‘moving your head a lot’). Consider preparing dinner or hoking about in your tent looking for your pyjamas to a more ambient light source. If you’ve only got a head torch, try hanging it around your neck.

Use candles or a lantern instead of relying on your head torch – Friluftsbyn, High Coast, Sweden

• If hiking at night, use a red light setting or even no head torch at all

If you’re walking or hiking in low light, I am a firm believer in no head torch. I believe that if you give your night vision a chance to kick in, you’ll be able to see more. With a headtorch, your peripheral vision is greatly reduced, you can only see what it is pointing at. If it’s your partner’s headtorch, you can only see what they are looking at! Check if your headtorch has a red light setting. It will increase your scope and depth of vision, and won’t blind the people you’re with. If camouflague or conservation is a concern for you, it’s also harder to see from far away.

On rough terrain or making your way through trees with low branches of course, you might need light for safety’s sake.

There’s often no need for hiking with a head torch – Black Mountain, Belfast

• Be aware of your head lights if driving at night

While we’re on the subject of light etiquette, be aware of your headlights if you’re driving in a campsite at night. I was recently camping in the Mournes when a car pulled in at around 11pm. The drivers left the engine running and the headlights beaming to help them set up their trailor tent. Little did they know, that their lights had lit up the inside of my wee tent for almost two hours(!?). It was as if dawn had come early. I’m pretty sure there were birds chirping and sheep bleeting in the spotlight behind the tent.

Car headlights at night can disrupt other campers – Meelmore Lodge, Mourne Mountains

So the Head Torch Code of Conduct I propose is this:

1. No headtorch around the campfire
2. Where possible, use a lantern, candle or other source of ambient light
3. If hiking at night, use a red light setting or even no head torch at all
4. Be aware of your headlights if you’re driving at night

What if I only have a head torch?

Maybe you only have a headtorch or don’t want to carry a lantern and candles? Well then maybe don’t wear your headtorch around your head, tie to the ceiling of your tent or strap it to a translucent waterbottle to produce a makeshift lantern? You could always wrap it round your wrist and pretend to be Iron Man…

Leave a comment if you’ve any stories of being blinded or suggestions for the code of conduct.

Mark T