Facebook Twitter Instagram
    FeedTheHabit.com
    • Home
    • Gear Reviews
      • Mountain Biking
      • Road Biking
      • Bike Commuting
      • Trail Running
      • Skiing
      • Outdoors
      • Water Sports
      • Vehicles
    • News
    • Trip Reports
    • Videos
    FeedTheHabit.com
    Knog Bandicoot Headlamp Review
    Gear Reviews

    Knog Bandicoot Headlamp Review

    Jason MitchellBy Jason MitchellJanuary 10, 2020No Comments4 Mins Read

    Knog is well-known for their innovative take on everything they make. So, it’s no surprise that the Knog Bandicoot headlamp is different than you’d expect. The integrated silicone rubber body and straps make for a unique, waterproof design that adjusts as needed. With a wide variety of light options, the Bandicoot gets kudos for doing things differently.

    Knog Bandicoot Headlamp Features:

    • Matte silicone rubber body and straps
    • Fully-waterproof design
    • Custom light settings via modemaker
    • Integrated USB charging plug
    • 5 lighting modes with 4 brightness settings for each
    • Red night mode light
    • Down light mode for reading and camp prep
    • Available in 5 colors
    • Weight: 60 grams
    • MSRP: $34.95
    Knog Bandicoot Headlamp Lenses
    A wide array of lenses and brightness settings.

    Let there be Bandicoot!

    There are a ton of headlamps on the market these days. What was once only used for climbers is now ubiquitous for all outdoor activities. Headlamps are indispensable and plain old flashlights have been relegated to occasional use. In my glove box you’ll always find one and the back of my car usually has a couple for dawn patrol use.

    As mentioned, Knog has a penchant for putting their own stamp on things and the Bandicoot is no exception.  The body of the light features four sets of LED’s that are positioned for specific purposes. I’ll start out with my favorite mode, and it might come as a surprise. It’s the reading/camp mode.

    Knog Bandicoot Headlamp Review
    Reading mode is awesome for campsite duty as well.

    A headlamp and I’m going to talk about reading/camp mode? Yup. Here’s the deal, when you’re in camp or in the tent, the last thing you want to do is shine your bright, 500 lumen headlamp into the eyes of your tent mate. With reading mode, the light shines downward and delivers the perfect light source for reading or late-night snack-making. I also used it on road trips while prepping sandwiches for the kids. I was able to make a mean salami sandwich without blinding my wife as she drove across New Mexico.

    Let’s talk adjustability. With the silicone rubber strap, adjustments are a little different from what you’re used to and did take a bit of thinking to get connected the first time. Once I got the hang of the adjustments, subsequent modifications were a breeze. One drawback is the lack of micro-adjustments. When you re-position one side, you kind of have to move the opposite side to match. As such, the minimum movement is about 2cm. Going from hat to beanie mode is more involved than a typical elastic strap.

    Knog Bandicoot USB Plug
    Magnetic and mechanical clip keeps the charging side in place until needed.
    Knog Bandicoot Headlamp Charging
    Find yourself a USB port to charge.

    On the trail, the brightness is excellent for hiking as it brightens the trail like a lighthouse. But, for higher-paced activities, including trail running, I did wish I could point the light forward just enough to get a better glimpse of the terrain ahead. Additionally, I run with a hat and without that adjustment, the brim blocked some of my usable light.

    The two-button operation is easy to use. One turns the light on and the other adjusts brightness settings. All functions work well with or without gloves.

    The Good

    • Charges easily with USB plug
    • Rubbery straps stretch and move with you
    • Lighting modes galore
    • Love the reading mode for camp tasks
    • Waterproof design
    • Foam brow pad helps when sweaty

    The Bad

    • Can’t adjust the beam forward enough for running
    • Size adjustments are a little more involved
    • Doesn’t work well wearing a hat (due to lack of beam adjustment)

    The Bottom Line: Knog Bandicoot Headlamp

    The unique design of the Knog Bandicoot is noteworthy and makes for a compact and versatile headlamp. It is fully waterproof and has a vast array of light patterns and brightness settings. The only wish is for a little more forward-facing light for trail running.

    Buy Now: Available at Amazon.com

    ShareTweet
    Headlamp Knog
    Previous ArticleReview: Sierra Designs Whitney Hoodie
    Next Article Arc’teryx Macai Down Ski Jacket Review
    Jason Mitchell
    • Website
    • Twitter

    A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. That passion is channeled into every article or gear review he writes. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground.

    You Might Also Like

    Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell Review

    March 29, 2023

    Pearl Izumi PRO Barrier Jacket Review

    March 27, 2023

    Velocio Concept Merino Long Sleeve Jersey Review

    March 22, 2023

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Most Popular

    Wahoo ELEMNT Rival Multisport GPS Watch Review

    March 9, 2022
    8.9

    Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

    November 4, 2021
    9.2

    SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS Groupset Review

    August 12, 2022

    Montec Fawk Ski Jacket and Bib Review

    February 28, 2022
    8.5

    Canyon Lux Trail CF 7 Review

    November 28, 2022

    SRAM Rival/GX AXS Mullet Gravel Kit Review

    September 17, 2021
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 TLR Wheelset Review

    June 18, 2020
    9.4

    Roval CL 50 Disc Wheelset Review

    September 13, 2019
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 TLR Wheelset Review

    September 9, 2021

    After Spinal Injury, Tara Llanes Has Long Road to Recovery

    February 21, 2008
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Advertisement
    Our Latest Posts
    • Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell Review
    • Pearl Izumi PRO Barrier Jacket Review
    • Fresh Goods: Redshift Arclight PRO Clipless and Flat Pedals
    • Velocio Concept Merino Long Sleeve Jersey Review
    • Arc’teryx Rush SK 16 Backpack Review
    • Giro Montaro MIPS II Helmet Review
    • Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket Review
    • Santini Gravel Bib Tights Review
    • Sportneer K1 Massage Gun Review
    • Review: Giro Latch Mountain Bike Shoes
    About Us
    About Us

    Since 1999, we have delivered in-depth gear reviews, articles and content. We feature a small staff of savvy, experienced writers who love to review outdoor gear.

    External links to Amazon, REI, Backcountry and other retailers include affiliate codes that give us a small commission on each sale.

    To contact us or learn more, go to our About Us page.

    © FeedTheHabit.com 1999 - 2023. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.