I’m a big fan of Alpkit and the kit they produce. Who knows how many Alpkit stuff sacks and dry bags I own! However they do produce so much more. The boys and girls at Alpkit have kindly sent a Manta headtorch over for me to check out.

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The timing on this is excellent as it arrived (lovingly packaged) just in time for an overnight bikepacking trip.

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The headlamp was packed away in my camelback until I was at my overnight camp. I used the red LEDs for light to maintain my night vision. The coverage by these small red lights was superb and I could easily move around camp without doing myself a mischief.

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The Manta is a headtorch with integrated battery compartment. The dimmable 100 lumen Cree L.E.D. delivers a bright beam, the width of which is adjustable using the front focussing ring. The main high output Cree L.E.D. can be dimmed to any level between 10 and 100 percent as well as a strobe setting for attracting attention. Early in the morning whilst it was still pretty dark I fired up this main LED. The amount of light this small torch can throw out is very impressive.

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Underneath the main beam are 4 low power LEDs.

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Green for map reading without affecting night vision. Double red, gives enough light to see features when walking but doesn’t affect your or your companions night vision. Blue, gives a wider less focussed beam than the main bulb (just 5 lumens) but with a longer burn time.

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Features:

XP-C Cree L.E.D. 100 Lumens Max
30mm adjustable headband
Smooth dimming control of main beam brightness 100%-10%
Focusable main beam
Emergency strobe mode
Pivotable head unit
Compact design, 63mm x 50mm x 44mm
3x AAA Duracell batteries included
Weight : 108gms (including batteries)
Burn Time 7hrs / 150hrs (Max/Min Power)
IPX4 Water resistant – Do not immerse in water

On the way back to the car it started to rain and the light got a serious soaking. It had already rained through the night and the whole place was looking pretty damp!

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I had left it around my neck when I left camp and cycled back to the car park some 13-14 miles from where I had camped. I had actually forgotten that it was still around my neck until I had pulled back up at the car and began to change into my dry kit.

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I suppose that this is testament to the lightness of the Manta. I also found that after its soaking it still was performing as expected. I packed it away ready for its next outing in a couple of weeks time.