Nitecore NU20 Classic 360 Lumen USB-C Lightweight Outdoor Headlamp
Description
Description
Ultralight Yet Bright Headlamp
The Nitecore NU20 Classic is a compact, lightweight, USB-C rechargeable headlamp, making it an ideal companion for various activities such as camping, hiking, running, and more. Its ultra-high efficiency (UHE) LED system and unibody optical lens ensure optimal performance, emitting a bright 360 lumen beam that can reach distances of up to 119 yards.
Triple Output Versatility
The NU20 Classic offers remarkable versatility with its three lighting outputs: Primary White Light, Reading Light, and Red Light. When using the primary white light, you can access up to three different brightness levels by short-pressing the power button, or activate the Turbo mode by long-pressing the power button. When the light is off, double-press the power button to access the reading light. Alternatively, switch to the Red Light by short-pressing the R button when the light is off. The red light protects your night vision or is used as a long-lasting signal light with three modes: Low, High, and Slow Flashing. The NU20 Classic also features modes like SOS and Beacon to assist you in any emergency.
USB-C Chargeable
Weighing only 1.34 oz, the NU20 Classic is an ultralight headlamp perfect for backpacking when every ounce matters. Yet, it still can achieve a maximum runtime of 97 hours on its lowest setting. Use the USB-C charging port to fully charge the NU20 Classic in just over 1 hour. A power indicator lets you know when it's time to recharge, and the lockout mode prevents accidental activation. The NU20 Classic is also rated IP66 waterproof and can withstand impacts of up to 1 meter, making it a reliable companion for job sites, everyday tasks, camping, hiking, and more, in any environment.
Specifications
Specifications
| LED | Nitelab UHE LED |
|---|---|
| Maximum Brightness | 360 lumens |
| Peak Beam Distance | 119 yards |
| Peak Beam Intensity | 2963 cd |
| IP Rating | IP66 |
| Impact Resistance | 1 m |
| Dimensions | L-2.05" x W-1.30" x H-0.96" |
| Weight | 1.34 oz |
BRIGHTNESS OUTPUTS
| MODE | OUTPUT | RUNTIME |
|---|---|---|
| Turbo | 360 lumens | 2 hrs |
| High | 200 lumens | 5 hrs |
| Mid | 38 lumens | 7 hrs |
| Low | 1 lumen | 97 hrs |
| SOS | 360 lumens | ~ |
| Beacon | 360 lumens | ~ |
| MODE | OUTPUT | RUNTIME |
|---|---|---|
| High | 20 lumens | 7 hrs |
| MODE | OUTPUT | RUNTIME |
|---|---|---|
| High | 13 lumens | 12 hrs |
| Low | 1 lumen | 53 hrs |
| Slow Flashing | 13 lumens | ~ |
Included in the Box
Included in the Box
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Customers praised this ultralight headlamp for its impressive brightness, long battery life, and USB-C charging. "Super lightweight" and "barely feel like it is there" were common descriptions. The glow-in-the-dark headband and red/white light options received positive feedback. However, several shoppers noted the bungee cord headband system is awkward to adjust and some prefer a traditional strap.
My go to for long distance hiking. Love that, if needed, a can use the lamp while charging. Love the USB-C charging port. One less charging cord. Night hiking is a must on the JMT!
Roots
I am a trail runner, hiker and international traveler. This headlamp is light, effective, with no disposable batteries. A great choice for all of the above.
Looks pretty much like the old version with mini-usb charging. That lamp worked great but eventually the plastic broke, so I bought this one to replace it.
My only two wishes for this lamp are:
- Provide the ability to lock the lights. On the old model you pressed both buttons at the same time to lock/unlock their use. This prevented the lamp from accidentally being turned on in your pack and draining the battery.
- Use thinner shock cord, like 1/16", or get rid of the open-style notches on the back piece of the headlamp, so thinner cord would work without sliding out of place. Thinner cord works just as well and lets the lamp pack down way smaller.
I really like the upgrade to USB-C...one less cable to worry about bringing along! My last NU20 lasted a full thru-hike and 2 years past it until the pivoting plastic frame finally became brittle and broke. I'm still keeping the old one around to use as a flashlight.
The light itself works great with nice features and is very light. However, the headband absolutely sucks for adjustments and getting dialed in for sizing. Maybe use two separate bungee cords instead of one to simplify it.
It's light and it lights up the space in front of me. Lasted long enough. Buttons work well, simple program.
out of box works good time will tell
Awesome!
I really like the light settings the limits that it puts out on both red and white light. I actually bought it for my wife. She wanted it to have a small amount of fluorescent elimination on it so she could see it at night other than that. it's a great headlamp.
Great little light, just like my old one, but usb-c charging port, thank God. I am removing a star bc i prefer an actual strap, not the bungee. Though I like that it glows in the dark, nice touch.
Mounted this to my plate carrier. PERFECT light and I have a red LED now too. Operates perfectly for night OPS.
Super ligh weight, superbright. Just an amazing headlamp especially for the price
Simple, lightweight, and works great. Button functions are intuitive.
Easy on and off, small and light but powerful lights white and red
Works great, super lightweight… love it
Love this thing
Nice but the string is kind of odd.
It is lightweight and easy to.adjust to fit my head with no pokey spots
Having been a die hard, black diamond headlamp fan for a decade, I was hesitant to switch over to a different brand, but at the recommendation of mya decade, I was hesitant to switch over to a different brand, but at the recommendation of my Twin,, who is getting into ultralight, backpacking, the decision to switch over with a no-brainer. I like the simplicity better, appreciate, appreciate that glow in the dark band, and aside from only one loose tangle, I’ve been adjusting well to the two elastic strands, it feels like I’m barely even wearing a headlamp, while offering competitive illumination, strength, with a superior battery life (who can beat the 97 hour lowest setting at one lumen in the case of emergency?!). I think I’m converted.
I was so excited to find this headlamp to replace my heavy one. I researched for days to land on this one. I backpack frequently and I was stoked to finally have this for my upcoming trip in Canada backpacking the Donjek route. I charged it up and took it on my last camp trip (boating out to a nearby island) to field test it and I promptly lost It. It’s so small and dark that I never found it. To say that I am I'm disappointed in myself for loosing it before I even got the chance to put it on my head is a gross understatement. Have you ever cried over a headlamp? I now have. Anyway…once I’m back from my trip I’ll save up to buy another one and can give a full review once I get a chance to use it.
The Nitecore NU20 is a very lightweight, exceptional light source that can be used in countless situations. The red light to minimally disturb night vision (getting up in the middle of the night), or the bright white light for night time trail hiking. This headlamp has exceeded my expectations!
Light, bright, rechargable, nimble to use - my favorite headlamp. Was delighted to discover the headband is glow in the dark!
I was looking for a simple headlamp to travel with in case the need for a light ever came up. So far I’ve used it for camping, hiking and finding my vehicle a few times in a dark parking lot. It’s function are simple to use and the light it provides is more then enough. A must buy for EDC.
Best headlamp.
Simple to use, all the functionality you need, red and white light, tilting, light weight. Excellent value choice.
Absolutely great, at first I was skeptical of the band for the head wrap but it doesn't even feel like it is there when wearing it. Super light weight, bright, multiple modes. Amazing product.
The NU25 (2017) is the most amazing camping headlamp ever, and over the years many agreed. The NU20 Classic is meant to replace the older lamp and has two of the good features: the extremely low light modes, the headlamp is light weight and compact. The NU20 Classic fails in only one way; it does not run directly off USB power or recharge the battery while it is making light.
The low-light modes are a reason that I like to give this lamp as a gift. The main white lamp low mode is around 1 lumen and the red lamp low is under 1 lumen. These are both perfect for finding the bathroom or finding a water bottle without waking up the people around you. The high-CRI white floodlight is perfect for cooking or other campsite tasks that need correct color.
The NU20 Classic is still light weight compared to most headlamps. It weights around 1/3 of what other headlamps weight. The headband is both reflective and it glows in the dark, both make it easy to find the headlamp in the dark (when it is needed).
Sadly, the NU20 Classic will not recharge its battery while it is making light. This is important because there are situations where the headlamp is dead, there is USB-C power available, but there is no other light to use while the headlamp is charging. It would also be important if the battery were to stop working (holding a charge) while you were on a camping trip. If a second device is needed due to charging and reliability reasons, the total lighting solution becomes two lamps (twice the weight).
In summary, the NU20 Classic is a fantastic headlamp, but not a perfect replacement for the NU25 (2017).
Love the 2 brightness levels on the red light function. Perfect for backpacking and hunting.
Finally found a headlamp light enough I can run with comfortably. The strap is a little awkward, but I guess an elastic band would add weight. The brightness is adequate, not exceptional.
