One truth in my world is that I am always up for a new pocket knife or flashlight. Maybe because I spend so much times in the woods, or maybe it is just a man thing. When I had the chance to review the Blackfire Clamplight Backpack, I jumped at the chance, and the $34.99 light spent hunting season with me.
Blackfire’s Clamplights are designed to free user’s hands up by (obviously) clamping on anything and providing light. The Backpack does what most Clamplights do, but it also includes a fold away carabiner allowing it to be attached to backpacks. The light doubles as a flashlight and a lantern and sports eight KONG LEDs in the lantern, one CREE LED in the flashlight, and it is powered by three AAA batteries. You can switch from flashlight to strobe to lantern with the simple press of a button.
The Blackfire Clamplight Backpack works great when clamped to an object. The clamp is strong enough to hold it into place and the design allows the light to be twisted and tilted to just about any position making using either the flashlight or lantern hands free to be easy and convenient. I have used the light on my BBQ pit and in many instances in the woods. I have clamped it on my truck, bow case, trees and inside my blind. The light has taken a licking and had no issues.
Having a light deemed made for backpacks is perfect for me to keep on my … wait for it … hunting backpack. The design of the aluminum carabiner is handy since it can tuck away while not in use and safely attaches the light to the backpack. I carry a lot of gear when I hunt since it is about a half mile hike, usually in the dark, to and from the blind. My backpack has to include anything I could need while out there. After one evening hunt, my kids had me turn on the lantern which lit up the path as they followed me out of the woods. We do not generally use lights when we hike so the animals are not disturbed, but the lantern work great.
While the Blackfire Clamplight Backpack is not the brightest light I own, it is one of the most versatile. The light has become a permanent fixture on my hunting backpack and has already been used in a variety situations. The rugged construction has given me peace of mind since it gets bounced around all over making the long trip into and out of the woods. This light would be perfect for any hunter, outdoors enthusiast, camper or hiker. I will probably get another light for my son to keep on his hunting backpack. You can find the light at Bass Pro Shops for $34.95.
Source: The Blackfire Clamplight Backpack was a manufacturer supplied review sample.
What I like: Rugged construction and versatile design. This light will stay permanently on my hunting backpack and I will likely buy a couple more.
What needs improvement: I do wish the flashlight offered more than 75 lumens.