Field Lamp by NitePalm

The NitePalm Field Lamp is made by NitePalm and incorporates some very simple design elements which make it a very nice area light. It is polymer, uses three AA cells for power, contains a Luxeon LED for light, and has 5 different selectable brightness levels. A detachable rubber base provides a stable footing and it has a hang loop on the base for use as a tent light.

Body: The body of the Field Lamp is black ultrasonically welded polycarbonate. It has a convoluted surface to improve grip. The end has a clear plastic dome which acts as a light diffuser. On the tailcap is a 7 position selector switch which allows you to choose from 5 output levels and includes two off positions. Overall it is about as thin and small as you can make a 3 AA Luxeon lantern.

Bezel/Head: The head of the light includes the white plastic diffuser dome which covers a Luxeon LED. Different colored lenses that snap over the dome are advertised as being available, but I did not receive any with this sample.

Output: Output is in the form of a smooth white light. Very diffuse. Because the dome surrounds the LED it provides light in a 180 degree arc forward, and 360 deg around. When hanging from the center of a tent, it provides excellent light throughout.

Beam at target center

Runtime Plot: This runtime graph was completed with the Field Lamp set on its "high" setting. As you can see, you won't need all that many battery changes, if any at all, on a normal camping trip. I'll give NitePalm credit - they state 10 hours runtime on "high" and I measured over 11 hours. You rarely see a company underestimating their runtimes

The fluctuations in the output seen at the start and near the middle of the runtime graph are of unknown origin. There may be a little dirt on one of the contacts and it caused a very slight flicker.

Runtime completed with Energizer brand batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

Switch: The switch is a very low-profile twist knob in the center of the tailcap. There are 7 positions for the switch. The end two are off positions, and there are 5 brightness levels in-between. Simply twist from either end position to turn the light on, and twist to either end of the selection area for off. The knob makes an audible click as it moves from one position to the next.

Seals / Water Resistance: The unit should be considered "water resistant" or "splashable". If it gets wet inside, just open it up as much as possible and let it dry before next use.

Ergonomics: Since it will usually be hanging or placed in the rubber base for support, ergonomic considerations for use really don't apply. However, the switch can be a little difficult to use since the gripping rib is very low and close to the body.

Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light

Batteries: Three AA cell power the light for many hours. Grip the tailcap and unscrew to access the battery compartment. I'll give NitePalm a lot of credit for this: they made a tailcap that screws on and off like a normal flashlight, but still makes proper contact with the three AA cells inside. Most lights have some sort of lazy-susan type of configuration inside to do this properly or require a special battery carrier. NitePalm simply made the contacts so they slide over the batteries as the tailcap is tightened and they finally come to rest in the correct position when the threaded tailcap hits a stop to prevent it from turning further.

The proper polarity of the cells is marked on the outside of the case near the talicap.

To change the cells just unscrew the tailcap, drop out the old cells, put in the new cells while observing proper polarity, and reattach the tailcap.

Accessories: Included with the light are three AA cells, the wide round rubber base for standing the light up and a lanyard for attaching to the light's hang ring.

What I Liked: Uses common AA cells, good amount of light, good light coverage, small and simple, variable output levels, no battery carrier, long runtime.

What I Didn't Like: Nothing.

Picky Little Things: Well, I wouldn't say it if it weren't so blatantly obvious, but it does look a bit phallic… I'm sure there will be some jokes floating around about the appearance of this light.

The switch is a little difficult to operate, but not overly so.

Conclusions: The NitePalm Field Lamp is a very simple, easy to use, and very effective area light. I have actually been waiting for someone to come out with something like this. I'm surprised it took so long. The fact that it has 5 brightness levels makes it very useful when battery conservation is a priority. The rubber base that it fits into holds the light very well and acts as a very stable platform. The only thing I possibly see missing is a strobe/signal mode at maximum output, but it's not that important. Overall, the NitePalm Field Lamp is a very good replacement for tent candle lanterns, a good power outage and camping area light, and a great area light for general outdoor occasions.

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