Ring Cyba-lite Micro LED keyring torch (£6 15g)

Overview

I bought this to form part of a 1oz survival kit but have been so impressed with it as a light that I am seriously considering using it as my only light source for camping - which is a classic ultralight option.

The unit itself consists of a single 'white' LED that is connected to 2x 3v Lithium cell batteries (included) via a very stiff switch. The whole thing is water resistant.

The quoted running time is 12 hours but I do not know how much of that will be usable light.

If you are an utlralight purist then removing the keyring and using a lanyard will save 5g.

Indoor Testing

The switch is very stiff. So much so that I thought the unit was faulty when I first purchased it. However, this stiff switch does mean that it will not accidentally be switched on whilst in your pocket.

Outdoor Testing

It may be very small and it may be less convenient than a head torch but the light it produces is more than adequate for most tasks.

The biggest surprise was how bright it was when compared with a Petzl Tikka Plus on new batteries. This tiny little torch had about 75% of the output and beam spread that the Tikka had in economy mode and MORE than the Petzl with tired batteries.

Early Conclusions

As a camp light the Cyba-lite is more than good enough - if slightly less convenient than a head-torch and so for ultralight campers it will be ideal.

With newish batteries the light is bright enough to allow you to do some night-time walking in an emergency. It would be enough to see your feet and the path in front for 10+ metres for the first few hours which would be enough to get you off the hills if you were caught out late.

I would NOT plan to use the Cyba-Litefor night-walking but I would if I had to. If I was planning a night-walk I would take the Petzl Tikka Plus.