PETZL E+Lite, Ultra-Compact Emergency headlamp. 30 lumens
Best for
Best ultralight
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 3 trusted sources
Current price
$34.99
Updated May 18, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the e+LITE is treated less as a primary headlamp and more as an always-with-you emergency backup, and within that role it is consensus best-in-class. outdoorgearlab.com (high trust) says at one ounce 'it is by far the lightest and most compact headlamp we tested' and notes it survived an accidental washing-machine cycle. backpackers.com agrees it is perfect around camp and for minimal use, while explicitly warning it 'is not going to blow you away with brightness.' roadsriversandtrails.com emphasizes the always-ready carry case.
What reviewers liked
- outdoorgearlab.com (high trust) calls it the lightest and most compact headlamp tested
- Includes red and white strobe modes with long visibility range, useful for emergency signaling
- Carry case and durability (machine-wash anecdote) repeatedly praised
- Excellent verified-purchase track record (2,075 reviews, 4.6 stars) for an emergency-tier product
Where it falls short
- r/Ultralight users consistently call it too dim for night hiking
- Watch-style batteries are hard to resupply in trail towns, per r/Ultralight
- backpackers.com notes it is not especially comfortable for extended wear
- At 30 lumens, output is a fraction of any primary headlamp on this list
Across the reviewers we read, the e+LITE is treated less as a primary headlamp and more as an always-with-you emergency backup, and within that role it is consensus best-in-class. outdoorgearlab.com (high trust) says at one ounce 'it is by far the lightest and most compact headlamp we tested' and notes it survived an accidental washing-machine cycle. backpackers.com agrees it is perfect around camp and for minimal use, while explicitly warning it 'is not going to blow you away with brightness.' roadsriversandtrails.com emphasizes the always-ready carry case.
The r/Ultralight community signal (high trust) is mixed in a useful way. Some commenters keep the e+LITE for non-serious situations exactly because it's so light. Others are blunt: 'I had one, and I hated it. Not bright enough. Also the watch batteries suck and are hard to find in trail towns.' A separate r/Ultralight comparison thread argues the NU25 with a shock-cord mod beats it at slightly higher weight. The honest verdict across sources: buy it as an emergency or ultralight-only lamp, not as a primary trail light.
- In Case Of Emergency
- The e+LITE is ultracompact and the perfect go-to emergency headlamp.
- Store For 10 Years
- Thanks to its carry case, the e+LITE can be stored with batteries for up to a decade.
- Next Level Night Vision
- White lighting allows easy movement in the dark while the red strobe lighting lets you be seen in emergencies.
- Lock It Up
- Features a locking on/off switch, designed to prevent accidental activity.
- Beat The Elements
- The e+LITE resists extreme temperatures of -22 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and can be submerged under 3 feet of water for 30 minutes.
I like it, but if you plan on doing any night hiking this probably wouldn't be a good choice. It's bright enough to look through your things ...
I had one, and I hated it. Not bright enough. Also the watch batteries suck and are hard to find in trail towns.
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“Petzl e+Lite LED Headlamp Review” · YouTube
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