Application to test Gerber Triode headlamp - Josh Comier

Please accept my application for the privilege of testing the Gerber 
Triode. I Josh Cormier have read and agree to comply with the report 
requirements stated in chapter 5 of the BackpackGearTest Survival 
Guide v. 1202.

Personal biographical information:
?       Name:  Josh Cormier
?       Age: 25
?       Gender: Male
?       Height: 5' 11" (1.80 m)
?       Weight: 175 lb (79 kg)
?       Email address:  swifteagle1 at hotmail dot com 
?       City: Los Gatos, California
?       Date: 16-Sept-05 

Backpacking background:
I joined the Boy Scouts when I was 11 and have been camping and 
backpacking ever since. I like to do challenging trips ranging from 
week long to weekend in mountainous areas. I would classify my gear 
as mid weight although now I am trying to move more toward 
lightweight. I now go backpacking at least once a year in the Sierra 
Nevada Mountains as well as monthly car camping trips with the Scouts.

Field information:
The locations I have chosen to test the gear in will be many 
different areas. The first area will be the Santa Cruz Mountains, 
elevation 500 ? 1,200 ft. The climate here is foggy at night, warm 
during the day, and when it rains it pours. The terrain is mostly 
brushy with some trees and more dirt than rocks. The temperatures 
found here can be expected to range from 45 ? 100 deg F depending on 
the season. 
I camp with the Boy Scouts up to 11 times a year in differing 
locations. Each of these campouts consists of two nights of camping 
in various places. We camp rain or shine, so this should give me a 
good all around testing of the Golite Feather. The great testing 
weather we normally encounter is moist air, fog, cold nights, and 
occasionally rain. The places we usually camp include redwood 
forests, grassy meadows, and ocean front campsites. The temperatures 
found here can range from 35 ? 90 deg F
The other area will be the much-loved Sierra Nevada Mountains, 
elevation 3,000 ? 10,000 ft. The climate here varies from hour to 
hour, expect fog, rain, hail, snow, wind, and warm sunny days. The 
terrain is all, mountainous with many trees and lots of granite.
The temperatures found here can range from 20 deg F in the winter to 
95 deg F in the summer.
My main method of hiking is mid weight leaning toward the light side. 
I like to use tents and all the necessary gear, but I get the 
lightest stuff I can. Having a flashlight that is lightweight, 
durable, and dependable is very important to me. I usually carry one 
headlamp and one small LED backup. Recently I have discovered the joy 
of night hiking, this is where a good headlamp is a must. Another 
important feature I consider important in a flashlight is the ability 
to use it to read. I like to read in my tent at night and have used 
some flashlights that are so bright I can hardly see the words.
My test plan:
I plan on testing the gear based on several different objectives. 
First and most importantly is dependability, does the gear work when 
it counts. Secondly is efficiency, does the gear do its job well. 
Lastly would be ease of use, is the gear easy to put together and 
easy to use. 
Dependability:
Does the headlamp headband stay tight?
Does the headlamp headband stay in place?
Does the switch work consistently?
Does the hinge keep the light held in the current position even when 
walking?
Do the LEDs keep working after some rough use or accidental dropping?
Does the lamp stay firmly connected to the headband?
Are the included batteries a good quality and last as long as 
Duracell?
Is the headlamp waterproof or water resistant?
Are there any connectors or closures that are liable to break?
Does the headband maintain its elasticity after constant use?
Does the headlamp clip retain its stiffness after constant use?
 
Efficiency:
Does the headlamp really illuminate to 50ft?
Is the illumination to weight ratio efficient?
Do the batteries last a long time and how long?
Is the light good enough for reading?
Is the light good enough for hiking in the dark?
Is the ability to clip the light to your jacket or hat a useful 
feature?

Ease of Use:
Does the headband have to be so tight that it gives you a headache?
Is the headlamp heavy on your head?

Previously written reports:

Owner Reviews:

Katadyn Hiker Water Filter (August 28, 2005)
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Water%
20Treatment/Filters/Katadyn%20Hiker%20Water%20Filter/Owner%20Review%
20by%20Josh%20Cormier/Owner%20Review%20by%20Josh%20Cormier/

MSR Whisperlite Internationale (September 13, 2005)
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Cook%20Gear/Stoves/MSR%
20Whisperlite%20Internationale/Owner%20Review%20by%20Josh%20Cormier/


Thank you for your consideration,
Josh Cormier







------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> 
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/60TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->