AllOutdoor Review – Princeton Tec Byte Tactical Headlamp “SERE Certified”
Patrik Orcutt 08.27.24
There I was a few days away from attending the U.S. Army’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) School this past winter when I was triple-checking my packing list to see what I needed to bring. The packing list mentioned that bringing a headlamp was highly encouraged and I had already packed up my trusty Petzl TACTIKKA +RGB Headlamp, but as the old saying goes, two is one and one is none. I walked into my clothing and sales on base and grabbed the cheapest headlamp I could find that had both white and red light functionality. I ended up with the Princeton Tec Byte Tactical Headlamp and I would pretty much exclusively use this while attending the course.
Princeton Tec is a well-regarded American company specializing in the design and manufacture of high-performance lighting products, particularly for outdoor, industrial, and tactical applications. Founded in 1975, the company began with a focus on innovative dive lights, catering to the needs of the underwater diving community. Over the years, Princeton Tec expanded its product range to include headlamps, flashlights, and lanterns, gaining a reputation for durability, reliability, and cutting-edge technology.
The Princeton Tec Byte Tactical Headlamp was purchased by myself and Princeton Tec has not been allowed to preview this article prior to its publication. I’m fairly certain they don’t even know who I am. I would use this headlamp during my time at SERE and its the one I currently keep in my backpack everywhere I go.
Specifications – Princeton Tec Byte Tactical Headlamp
- Max Lumens: 200 lumens
- Modes:
- White LED: Low, High
- Red LED: Low, High
- Burn Time: Up to 3.4 hours on high and up to 140 hours on Red low
- Beam Distance: 30 meters on high
- Battery: 2 AAA alkaline batteries (included)
- Weight: 64 grams (with batteries)
- Water Resistance: IPX4 (splash resistant)
- Color Options: Black, Multicam, Olive Drab
- Tilt Adjustment: Allows the user to aim the light where needed
Design and Build Quality – Princeton Tec Byte Tactical Headlamp
Even before I pulled this headlamp out of its packaging it seamed to be functional and no-nonsense. It’s small, weighing just 64 grams with batteries included, and has a straightforward, utilitarian look. The headlamp is made of durable plastic, with a matte finish that feels robust enough to withstand some rough handling. The design is clearly focused on minimalism—there are no unnecessary frills, which I appreciate in any piece of gear meant for outdoor use in dimly light environments. It comes in a few tactical color options, including Black, Multicam, and Olive Drab, which blend well with military or outdoor gear.
Performance and Lighting Modes – Princeton Tec Byte Tactical Headlamp
The Byte Tactical features a 200-lumen LED, which, while not the brightest on the market, provides ample light for most tasks. It has two primary modes for the white LED—high and low—as well as a red LED mode. The white LED’s high mode delivers a solid beam that reaches about 30 meters, which is sufficient for most outdoor activities, like setting up camp or navigating trails in the dark. The low mode, on the other hand, is perfect for situations where I don’t need full brightness, like reading a map or doing close-up work around camp.
The red LED mode is particularly useful in tactical or night situations where preserving night vision is crucial. I’ve used the red light while camping and during night evasion, and it’s just bright enough to see what I’m doing without blinding me or anyone else in the group. This mode also helps to avoid attracting unwanted attention in the dark, and that’s a pretty big deal at SERE.
The burn time of the headlamp varies depending on the mode. On high, the batteries last up to 4 hours, while the low mode extends the battery life significantly, up to 96 hours. This versatility in power consumption means I don’t have to worry too much about running out of juice, even on longer trips. The headlamp runs on two AAA batteries, which are easy to replace and widely available.
Ease of Use – Princeton Tec Byte Tactical Headlamp
One of the standout features of the Byte Tactical is its simplicity. The single-button operation makes switching between modes straightforward, even with gloves on. There’s no complicated sequence to remember, just a quick press to cycle through the modes. The headlamp is also IPX4-rated, meaning it’s splash-resistant. While it’s not waterproof, it held up just fine in light rain and damp conditions, which is all I really need for most of my outdoor activities. I wouldn’t take it swimming, but for general outdoor use, it’s more than adequate.
Value for Money – Princeton Tec Byte Tactical Headlamp
Given its performance and versatility, the Princeton Tec Byte Tactical Headlamp offers excellent value for money coming in at only $30. It’s not the cheapest headlamp on the market, but it’s also far from the most expensive. For the price, you get a durable, reliable piece of equipment that’s well-suited for a wide range of activities. Whether you’re a hiker, camper, or someone who needs a reliable light source for tactical purposes, the Byte Tactical delivers on all fronts.
Final Thoughts – Princeton Tec Byte Tactical Headlamp
The Princeton Tec Byte Tactical Headlamp is a compact, reliable, and versatile tool that punches well above its weight. Its thoughtful design, ease of use, and practical features make it a great choice for anyone in need of a dependable light source for outdoor or tactical activities. While it may not have the extreme brightness of some other headlamps, its balance of power, battery life, and comfort make it an excellent all-around performer.
