Waterproof headlamps

Q. Dear Gear Guy, I was on a hike last weekend with my troop and accidentally dropped my flashlight in a stream. By the time I fished it out of the water it was dead and still doesn’t work. I need a new one and am wondering if anyone makes waterproof headlamps?
—Fried Flashlight Fred, Asheville, N.C.

A. First off it’s important to note that most flashlights and headlamps are just water-resistant, meaning they’re fine in the rain and can maybe withstand a quick dunk in a stream—but not much more. It might’ve been the impact that killed your light, but I’m betting it was just underwater too long.

Anyway, I do know of a cool, truly waterproof headlamp: the Underwater Kinetics Vizion eLED ($40; www.underwaterkinetics.com). It’s very basic: one button turns it on and off, while a dial on the left aims the light and a dial on the right changes the beam making it clear, diffused or red-colored. It runs on three AAA batteries and is very bright. And at $40 it’s pretty affordable too. Best of all for guys like you, the Vizion is indeed totally waterproof (down to 30 feet) and it works even when submerged.