It may be called the Nao (“now”), but Petzl’s newfangled head beacon isn’t available until July. That’s the bad news. The crazy-cool news is that this is the brainiest headlamp ever invented, with sensors that work somewhat the way autofocus does on a camera. Look into the distance and onboard “reactive lighting” microprocessors tighten the beam and increase lumen output up to a max of 355 from dual LEDs. Gaze down at your paperback while kicking it in your tent and the beam diffuses and lumen output drops accordingly as well, so you’re not blinded. This is the same idea behind how a plug-in electric car maximizes its range, by the way. And because you can plug the Nao into your computer you can also program activity profiles that you can toggle through depending on whether you’re trail running or rock climbing. And if you’re experiencing sticker shock at the price, know that other lights this bright are just as spendy if not more so — and none are even close to this smart.

$175 LINK

Tagged as: camping/hiking, climbing, trail running