APPLICATION to test: Gerber Triode Light

Please accept my application to test the Gerber Triode Light. I have read and 
understood 
the Survival guide v.1202 (in particular, chapter 5) and agree to follow all 
guidelines 
within. My signed tester agreement is on file.

TESTER BIO
Name: Jennifer Williams
Age: 27
Gender: Female
Height: 5 ft 3 in (1.6 m)
Weight: 120 lbs (56 kg)
Shoe size: 10 women (US)
Email: jensmail78 (at) yahoo.com
Sunnyvale, CA, USA
Date: September 16, 2005

Backpacking Background: 

I grew up horseback riding, camping, and hiking, but I just started backpacking 
about two 
years ago. All of my trips have been one or two night stays. My trips normally 
range from 
coastal trails in the redwoods to mountainous terrain in the Sierra Nevadas. I 
tend to hike 
where I encounter rain and dampness. This year I am looking forward to making 
some 
longer trips in northern California and gaining more experience. I am not a 
lightweight 
backpacker yet, but would like to reduce my current pack weight significantly.

FIELD INFORMATION

Central and Northern California Coasts: 
Locations will include multiple state parks and national forests ranging in 
elevations from 
0 to 6000 feet (1800 meters). I will take multiple day hikes and at least two 
three-day 
backpacking. Trails will vary between dry and rocky to damp and sometimes muddy 
conditions with occasional stream crossings. Temperatures will be between 40 to 
80 F (4 
to  C) with increasing chances of rain as the months progress. I will also go 
on one or two 
overnight car camping trips. I typically carry a small day pack weighing about 
5 lbs (2.3 
kg) and my backpack usually weighs 25 to 30 lbs (11 to 13 kg). 

Sierra Nevadas: 
I will go on a short, one or two night backpacking trip in Tahoe National 
Forest at 
elevations between 7000 to 9000 feet (2100 to 2700 meters). Temperatures are 
typically 
between 30 and 60 F (-1 to 16 C). Most of the trails should be somewhat 
maintained and 
mostly dry. There will be a few stream crossings and possible rain. 

TEST PLAN:

My plan for the Triode Light will include using it on all backpacking trips for 
camp tasks, 
late night bathroom trips, and potential emergency lighting. Many of my 
backpacking trips 
are in parks that do not allow campfires during part or all of the year. Thus I 
often rely on 
a headlamp for lighting more than I typically would with a campfire. I will 
also bring it on 
my day hikes since the days are getting shorter and as the season progresses 
some of the 
hikes will start in the darker hours of the morning. It will also be useful if 
I am out on a 
trail later than expected and need to light my way home. Inevitably I will also 
end up using 
it around the house as a flashlight while working on my bike or while packing 
for a 
camping trip, etc.

I am excited to see a more versatile headlamp on the market. My complaint about 
other 
headlamps has always been that I can't remove the headband and clip them to 
something 
else like a hat. That said, I will be clipping this thing in many different 
ways. I often wear 
baseball caps while car camping, sometimes I want the light closer to my task 
and would 
clip it to my vest or sleeve, and I will also clip it to the inside of my tent 
for general 
lighting. The headband will get a lot of use when I am on the move and need my 
hands 
free. My evaluations will fall into three general categories assessing the 
usefulness and 
durability of the light.

Output:
Obviously I will evaluate the output of the Triode with regards to brightness 
and how far 
away it illuminates. Is the light very dispersed or focused in a small area? Is 
the dim mode 
still bright enough to allow me to move around confidently? Is the bright mode 
bright 
enough, too bright? 

Versatility:
Are all of the adjustments on the straps and buttons easy to use? How do I 
switch modes 
and is the button easy to press? Does the light pivot far enough up or down so 
that I don't 
have to move the light from where it is clipped/worn to direct the light? Does 
the clip fit 
on a variety of hats and fabrics without slipping off? Does the clip snag my 
clothing? Can I 
remove the light from the headband or reattach it quickly and without having to 
take the 
headband off of my head? Do I have to remove the clip and carry it separately 
in order to 
put the light on the headband? 

Durability:
In general I take pretty good care of my gear, but things tend to get jostled 
in a pack once 
in a while. The manufacturer claims that this is a very sturdy headlamp. Does 
it hold up to 
this claim? Does the headband fray easily? Does the buckle stay in place or 
does it loosen 
while being worn? Is the clip strong enough to clip to something a little 
thicker without 
breaking? Does the resin case scratch or crack easily when in a pack with other 
hard 
items? Does it withstand the occasional drop? Does the power/mode button wear 
out? How 
much life do I get out of the battery? Do the lights dim with age?

If chosen, I prefer the green color.

Thank you for considering my application.

Current Tests:

Teva Steep XCR Trail Shoes
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Footwear/Trail%20Shoes/
Teva%20Steep%20XCR/Jennifer%20Williams/

Spenco Day Hiker Footbeds
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Footwear/Footbeds%20and%20Insoles/
Spenco%20OAS%20Day%20Hiker/Jennifer%20Williams/

Moving Comfort Daylite Bra: waiting to ship

Completed Tests:

Heat Treat Warmers
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Health%20%26%20Safety/
Emergency%20and%20Survival%20Gear/Grabber%20Performance%20Group%20Warmers/
Jennifer%20Williams/

Previously Written Owner Reviews:

Owner Review- Sierra Designs Calamity Jane Down Sleeping Bag
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Sleep%20Gear/Sleeping%20Bags/
Sierra%20Designs%20Calamity%20Jane/Owner%20Review%20by%20Jennifer%20Williams/

Owner Review- Montrail Torre GTX Boots
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Footwear/Boots/Montrail%20Torre%20GTX/
Owner%20Review%20by%20Jennifer%20Williams/





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