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Black Diamond Orbit Lantern

Hiking & Camping > Lights & HeadlampsRated: ***** by 48 reviews.

Berg's Ski Shop

One of the coolest little lights that you will ever find...you no longer need a candle lantern as this baby puts lights out that you can maybe even see in orbit...
A pocket-sized, collapsible backcountry mini lantern, the Orbit is perfect for trekking and backpacking excursions where gram shaving is crucial. The 84-gram (3 oz) Orbit compacts to 102 mm (4 in) and extends in height to 140 mm (5.5 in), yet still casts a broad, six-foot radius of light. The brightness of the Orbit's non-glaring 1-watt LED can be adjusted thanks to its dimming switch, while the dual reflectors and frosted globe maximize light output and minimize the lantern's shadow. Cleverly designed dual hooks on top of the Orbit allow it to be quickly and securely attached to a tent or tree branch. The lantern runs on 4 AAA alkalines, as well as Black Diamond's Orbit-specific NRG2 Rechargeable Battery Kit.
Features:
  • 1 Watt LED and frosted globe create bright, non-glaring light
  • Dual reflector system captures and maximizes light output
  • Uses NRG2 Rechargeable battery kit(with battery power indicator) or 4 AAA alkaline batteries
  • Unique dimming switch provieds adjustable brightness
  • Compactible to 102mm (4 in); extended height is 140mm(5.5 in)
Awards:
Outdoor Friedrichshafen's 2008 Silver Medal for Best New Product
Backpacker Magazine Editor's Choice Award
Tech Tips:
What is a Lighting Reference System?
Black Diamond, key headlamp suppliers and retailers came together recently to build a single system for measuring light output and burn times. That means that as you try to compare the brightness and battery life settings of headlamps of different brands you should find the measurements calculated using the same system, making it easier for you to cross compare models and make the right buying decision.
The limits: It'­s impossible to find a measurement system that captures all the important features of light output and light duration. The current system favors lamps that have a strong center point of light and does not take into account the overall shape of the light output or the strength of the light output outside of the center point. Therefore a lamp that projects a very strong pinpoint of light with a very weak surrounding beam might receive a longer, farther distance rating than a lamp that offers a stronger wide beam with very strong pinpoint center.
What does it measure?
The first step in measuring light output is determining the minimal amount of light needed to perform an activity. We call this minimal amount of light usablelight. Usable light is defined as the light provided from a full moon on a clear night. As a base reference, this has been calculated to be 0.25 Lux (lumens per square meter).
In all measurements of battery life and distance, 0.25 lux from a distance of 2 meters serves as the baseline. The Lighting Reference System rates headlamp performance based on two criteria: distance of the beam and battery life.
Distance = Distance light can reach and still provide 0.25 lux of light at the center point.
Battery Life = Battery life is measured as the amount of time the lamp will illuminate a single axis point with 0.25 lux measured from 2 meters distance.
Testing Procedure for Distance:
Five lamps are each tested with 2 sets of batteries of the same brand provided at retail. The average of the 10 data points collected is what is published on our packaging and website.
To calculate the beam distance, measure peak intensity at 2 meters at the optical axis or brightest point in the beam pattern using a constant power source where the input voltage is equal to the battery input.

REI

The featherweight Black Diamond Orbit lantern lets you illuminate your backcountry adventure without weighing yourself down.

  • 1-watt LED with frosted globe creates bright, non-glaring light; dual reflectors effectively capture and output light
  • Fine-tune your lighting needs with the dimming switch—simply hold down the on/off button to activate dimmer
  • Collapsible design saves space in your pack and protects on/off button from accidental activation
  • Unique double-hook hanging system on top provides a simple and secure thread-through or clip-in attachment point for string, fabric loops or branches
  • Rubber feet stabilize lantern when set on table or ground
  • Runs on 4 AAA batteries, sold separately; base of lantern unscrews to reveal battery compartment
  • Also compatible with the Black Diamond NRG2 rechargeable battery kit, sold separately
  • Backpacker April, ’09 says, “No, you don’t need a lantern. But you’ll want this one. It’s a kitchen light, campfire, and reading lamp wrapped into 4.4 ounces.”

O2GearShop.com (Spring 2009)

Shed grams from your pack with a low-weight light source that fits into your pocket with the Orbit Lantern from Black Diamond. Perfect for fast-and-light adventures, this single watt LED with a frosted globe casts a non-glaring, bright light with a dual reflector system that maximizes light output.

Features:

  • Adjust the brightness with the dimming switch
  • Carry it with you on that next nighttime XC or snowshoeing tour, at a mere 3 ounces, you hardly notice that you're carrying it
  • Despite it's size it casts more than enough light from a 1-watt LED with a dual reflector system that captures and maximizes light output; a frosted globe reduces glare
  • Pack it away easily, at its extended height of 5.5 inches compacts to a mere 4 inches
  • Power it up with an NRG2 rechargeable battery kit or with 4 AAA alkaline batteries

This description was also provided by: Mountain Gear


Mountains Plus Outdoor Gear

A pocket-sized, collapsible backcountry mini lantern, the Orbit is perfect for trekking and backpacking excursions where gram shaving is crucial. The 84-gram (3 oz) Orbit compacts to 102 mm (4 in) and extends in height to 140 mm (5.5 in), yet still casts a broad, six-foot radius of light. The brightness of the Orbit's non-glaring 1-watt LED can be adjusted thanks to its dimming switch, while the dual reflectors and frosted globe maximize light output and minimize the lantern's shadow. Cleverly designed dual hooks on top of the Orbit allow it to be quickly and securely attached to a tent or tree branch. The lantern runs on 4 AAA alkalines, as well as Black Diamond's Orbit-specific NRG2 Rechargeable Battery Kit.
Weight: 3 oz.
Height: 4" collapsed, 5.5" extended


Campsaver.com

A pocket-sized, collapsible backcountry mini lantern, the Black Diamond Orbit Lantern is perfect for trekking and backpacking excursions where gram shaving is crucial. The 84-gram (3 oz) Orbit compacts to 102 mm (4 in) and extends in height to 140 mm (5.5 in), yet still casts a broad, six-foot radius of light. The brightness of the Orbit's non-glaring 1-watt LED can be adjusted thanks to its dimming switch, while the dual reflectors and frosted globe maximize light output and minimize the lantern's shadow. Cleverly designed dual hooks on top of the Orbit allow it to be quickly and securely attached to a tent or tree branch. The lantern runs on 4 AAA alkalines, as well as Black Diamond's Orbit-specific NRG2 Rechargeable Battery Kit (Sold Separately).


Appalachain Outdoors

The Black Diamond Orbit is a pocket-sized, collapsible backcountry mini lantern that is perfect for trekking and backpacking excursions where gram shaving is crucial. The 84-gram (3 oz) Orbit compacts to 102 mm (4 in) and extends in height to 140 mm (5.5 in), yet still casts a broad, six-foot radius of light. The brightness of the Orbit's non-glaring 1-watt LED can be adjusted thanks to its dimming switch, while the dual reflectors and frosted globe maximize light output and minimize the lantern's shadow. Cleverly designed dual hooks on top of the Orbit allow it to be quickly and securely attached to a tent or tree branch. The Orbit lantern runs on 4 AAA alkalines, as well as Black Diamond's Orbit-specific NRG2 Rechargeable Battery Kit.


Al's Sports

A pocket-sized, collapsible backcountry mini lantern, the Black Diamond Orbit is perfect for trekking and backpacking excursions where gram shaving is crucial. The 84-gram (3 oz) Orbit compacts to 102 mm (4 in) and extends in height to 140 mm (5.5 in), yet still casts a broad, six-foot radius of light. The brightness of the Orbit's non-glaring 1-watt LED can be adjusted thanks to its dimming switch, while the dual reflectors and frosted globe maximize light output and minimize the lantern's shadow. Cleverly designed dual hooks on top of the Orbit allow it to be quickly and securely attached to a tent or tree branch. The lantern runs on 4 AAA alkalines, as well as Black Diamond's Orbit-specific NRG2 Rechargeable Battery Kit.


Oregon Mountain Community

A pocket-sized, collapsible backcountry mini lantern, theBlack Diamond Orbit is perfect for trekking and backpacking excursions where gram shaving is crucial. The 84-gram (3 oz) Orbit compacts to 102 mm (4 in) and extends in height to 140 mm (5.5 in), yet still casts a broad, six-foot radius of light. The brightness of the Orbit's non-glaring 1-watt LED can be adjusted thanks to its dimming switch, while the dual reflectors and frosted globe maximize light output and minimize the lantern's shadow. Cleverly designed dual hooks on top of the Orbit allow it to be quickly and securely attached to a tent or tree branch. The lantern runs on 4 AAA alkalines, as well as Black Diamond's Orbit-specific NRG2 Rechargeable Battery Kit.


SummitHut.com

The Black Diamond Orbit Lantern is the perfect gift for those who count every ounce in their pack and can't be bothered with ducking headlamp beams at basecamp. This collapsable mini lantern has a dimming switch and handy little loop that you can hang it from in your tent or from the nearest branch.

Features:

  • Brightness of 32 Lumens, with a 2-meter light radius
  • Dual hooks on top allow the Orbit Lantern to be quickly and securely attached to a tent or tree branch
  • Dual reflectors and frosted globe maximize light output while minimizing the lantern's shadow
  • Non-glaring 1-watt LED has adjustable brightness thanks to a dimming switch
  • Runs on 4 AAA alkaline batteries or Black Diamond's Orbit-specific NRG2 Rechargeable Battery Kit

Ramsey Outdoor

A pocket-sized, collapsible backcountry mini lantern, the Orbit is perfect for trekking and backpacking excursions where gram shaving is crucial. The 84-gram (3 oz) Orbit compacts to 102 mm (4 in) and extends in height to 140 mm (5.5 in), yet still casts a broad, six-foot radius of light. The brightness of the Orbit's non-glaring 1-watt LED can be adjusted thanks to its dimming switch, while the dual reflectors and frosted globe maximize light output and minimize the lantern's shadow. Cleverly designed dual hooks on top of the Orbit allow it to be quickly and securely attached to a tent or tree branch. The lantern runs on 4 AAA alkalines.


Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)

The Black Diamond® is a pocket-sized, collapsible backcountry mini lantern that's perfect for trekking and backpacking excursions where saving weight is crucial.

Features:

  • Brightness of Orbit's non-glaring 1-watt LED can be adjusted thanks to dimming switch
  • Cleverly designed dual hooks on top of the Orbit allo it to be quickly and securely attached to tent or tree branch
  • Dual reflectors and frosted globe maximizes light output and minimizes lantern's shadow
  • Runs on 4 AAA alkalines as well as Black Diamond's Orbit-specific NRG2 Rechargeable Battery Kit
  • This 3-ounce lantern compacts to 4 inches and extends in height to 5.5 inches, yet still casts a broad, 6-foot radius of light

Altrec

Winner of Backpacker Magazine's Editor's Choice Award 2009
The ideal light source when backpacking, trekking or backcountry skiing, the pocket-sized Black Diamond Orbit lantern is a collapsible mini lantern that weights just 3oz. Packing down from the extend 5.5" to a mere 4", the Orbit still produces a broad light radius of 6 feet and uses just 1 non-glaring LED with dimming switch.

Features:

  • Compacts to 4" and extends to 5.5"
  • Dimming switch
  • Dual hooks for easy hangingT AAA alkaline batteries or Black Diamond's Orbit-specific NRG2 rechargable battery kitSoz/ 84g
  • Dual reflectors and frosterd globe maximize light output and minimize shadow
  • Non-glaring 1-watt LED
  • Pocket-sized, collapsible backcountry mini lantern

Paragon Sports

The ideal light source when backpacking, trekking or backcountry skiing; the pocket-sized Black Diamond Orbit Lantern is a collapsible mini lantern that weighs just 3oz/84g!

Features:

  • Dual reflectors and frosted globe maximize light output and minimize shadow; Dual hooks for easy hanging
  • Packing down from the extended 5.5" to a mere 4", the Orbit still produces a broad light radius of 6 feet and uses just 1 non-glaring LED with dimming switch
  • The Orbit runs on 4 AAA alkaline batteries or the Black Diamond Orbit-specific "NRG2" rechargeable battery kit
  • You can easily hang the Orbit from just about anything with the dual hook atop the lantern

Backcountry.com

When basecamp is set up and it’s time to kick back, pull out the Black Diamond Orbit Lantern and enjoy a six-foot radius of light for a mere three ounces. Whether you’re backpacking the John Muir Trail or preparing for a long alpine rock route, this collapsible lantern’s adjustable, 1-watt LED maximizes light with its frosted globe and dual reflectors. Thanks to the Orbit’s top hooks let you hang it from the tent or a tree branch while you sort gear or cook up dinner. Backpacker Magazine was so impressed that it offered the Editors' Choice Award in their gear guide.


TahoeMountainSports.com

The Black Diamond Orbit LED lantern is a pocket sized led lantern powered by 4 AAA batteries that will last forever while providing low intensity light for any occasion
Truly small and light enough to make it on every excursion
Adjustable brightness and dimming switch
Dual reflectors and frosted globe maximize light output and minimize the lantern's shadow
Dual hooks on top of the Orbit allow it to be hung with ease in a tent or outside from a tree
A truly revolutionary product with multitudes of uses


Moosejaw

No description provided.

Batteries:4 - AAA
Battery life at 70 degrees:High: 10 / low: 25 hours
Battery type:AAA / NRG2 rechargeable battery kit
Burn time:10 hours
Country of Origin:Aruba
Dimensions:Open: 2.25 x 5.75/closed: 2.25 x 4.2 inches
Extended Size:140 mm or 5.5 in.
Light Coverage:6 foot radius of light
Light Intensity:32 lumens
Manufacturer Warranty:1 Year
Material:Plastic
Output:25W
Packed Size:102mm or 4 in.
Rechargeable:No
Recommended Use:Backpacking, trekking, basecamp
Weight:[With Batteries] 4.8oz (135g)
Weight without batteries:3 ounces

View other products from Black Diamond classified in Hiking & Camping > Lights & Headlamps.

View all products from Black Diamond.
View other products classified in Hiking & Camping > Lights & Headlamps.

Sometimes, we can't be sure that the product is the same across the stores that offer its, so you may find the same product listed more then once on GearBuyer.com, we these list highly similar products below.

Black Diamond Nrg2 Battery Kit For Orbit LanternBlack Diamond Nrg2 Battery Kit For Orbit Lantern$29.95

These are products that have been indicated being comparable to this product:

Black Diamond Apollo LanternBlack Diamond Apollo Lantern
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Energizer BatteriesEnergizer Batteries
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Black Diamond Car ChargerBlack Diamond Car Charger
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$19.96 - $26.99
Brunton Glorb XBBrunton Glorb XB
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$32.95 - $55.20
Black Diamond NRG2 Battery KitBlack Diamond NRG2 Battery Kit
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$25.39 - $29.95
Energizer Rechargeable NiMH AAA Batteries - Package of 4Energizer Rechargeable NiMH AAA Batteries - Package of 4
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Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

ColorSize
0N/A
Phantom
Phantom
29.9529.9529.958 More...
Ultra White
Ultra White
 29.9029.956 More...
White
White
 29.9529.9529.95

Legend

  •     - Berg's Ski Shop
  •     - Oregon Mountain Community
  •     - Appalachain Outdoors
  •     - Backcountry.com
  •     - REI
  •     - SummitHut.com
  •     - Altrec
  •     - Ramsey Outdoor
  •     - Campsaver.com
  •     - Mountain Gear
  •     - Moosejaw
  •     - Paragon Sports

Notes:

Al's Sports offers this product at $23.99, but does not provide any color/size information.

O2GearShop.com (Spring 2009) offers this product at $23.99, but does not provide any color/size information.

Mountains Plus Outdoor Gear offers this product at $27.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) offers this product at $29.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

TahoeMountainSports.com offers this product at $29.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

Black Diamond Orbit Lantern Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****39
****9
***0
**0
*0
To see how this product compares to others view Flashlight & Headlamp Reviews.

Reviews:

Even better than I had hoped for!

Rating:*****
A zero degree weekend in upstate NY in January made me realize that having some extra light can really help morale when you're having trouble getting a fire started. This little Orbit is fantastic! When the unit is fully extended to be turned on it's about the size of a can of Red Bull and even with batteries, ultralight packers will be happy with this product. The light output is surprisingly nice, I'd estimate it at about 8ft in diameter for workable light while sitting flat on the ground and out from there when hanging off the ground. Additionally, the frosting is done well; you can see everything nearby really well, but you won't get blinded by the bulb if you look directly at the source. Finally, the integrated hooks that meet in the middle are genius, this way you can hang it from existing branches, rope, or parts of your tent where the end of the line isn't withing reach b/c you can connect the light from anywhere, not just from the end.
An extra note I found out after I bought the Orbit; you get about 10 hours at full output, and then the light goes out, but if you turn it back on and then dim it down to half the light power, you get about another 6 hours out of this (very nice).
Pubcraw1er at REI on 04/06/2009

Love this little thing!

Rating:****
So I purchased this lamp, though I thought that this thing was really way overpriced for what it was. However I have to say I was very impressed. First, even for the price point, this little guy rocks. It puts out very even light, is adjustable, compact and very convenient to carry anywhere for quick light. It will easily light up your tent and does a decent job lighting up the campsite as well. I do not get the battery set up as they could have easily gone with 2 AA batteries and reduced the weight even more. The first time I had this light on a trip (luckily I took the other lamp) I did not have the batteries in the product and had left them at home.....OOOPS...If you are willing to shell out the dough, this is a great product. I do think they could easily ask half the price though. I do like this lamp better than the larger version as it is way lighter and more compact for backpacking purposes. The not perfect score really comes down to batteries and price.
abacusparr at REI on 06/17/2009

Compact, Lightweight, and Bright

Rating:*****
This lantern is a great little light. Perfect for solo or 2 person tents, and more. Lit my Solo tent without any trouble, also put out a enough light to function in my dads Elk Tent (approx 10x10) Better light output than a ~15 led lantern he had bought. Light is small and compact when collapsed. Light output is even and has an excellent pattern. Many LED lanterns tend to have harsh light, and offten direct light straight out the sides, this one has a nice diffusing globe, and directs light at a slight downward angle. Simple push button turns light on, button is covered when collapsed to prevent accidental lighting, also dims when you hold the button down. Only downside I have found thus far is that you can not hold the button down, to have it start at the dimmest setting, and brighten, many dimmable lights have this functionality so you don't always have to start at the brightest setting (good for preserving night vision, or not waking tent partners)

Excellent light, would highly reccomend it, and buy it again.
willabbott at REI on 11/17/2008

Lumens for the humans!

Rating:****

I got this bad boy in Ultra White and love it. It has proven to be a good fast & light backpacking utensil as well as a great family/car camping piece (changing diapers in the lowest light setting-no problemo). There's no way I'd take the Apollo anywhere with me which would require walking past 30 feet to your fully amenitied car camping station to set it on the picnic table. But the Orbit can go with you up the ridge and to the summit, taking up little room, staying out of the way and weighing very little ( under 5 oz.) in your backpack. The two-piece top hook, lets you hook it on various types of loops in various tents so it fits anywhere. The dimming feature is accomplished by holding down the button going dimmer or brighter, you know it's at its dimmest/brightest when it blinks at you. It can illuminate my entire two man tent above my expectations, I bet it could hold it's own in a six man as well.

DakkaGuru at Backcountry.com on 07/27/2009

Is that a salt shaker?

Rating:*****

No mom - it's not a salt shaker, it's a lantern. That's right, in ultra white this thing could easily be mistaken for a salt shaker it packs down so small. You have to really see it to appreciate it.
For something so tiny this thing puts out a massive amount of light, the secret has got to be in the dual reflectors and frosted globe. This thing will easiy light up a 3 man tent. I mean, it's enough to light up my entire 11' x 17' bedroom! The dimmer function is pretty ingenious, just hold the button down and it dims, blinks at its lowest setting, and starts getting brighter again.
I'm not one for carrying around a bunch of extra, uneccesary gear, but something the same size and weight as a salt shaker that can light up my whole camp?! Buy it for your next backpacking trip and leave the extra condiments at home.

Kretzky at Backcountry.com on 08/11/2009

Let there be light!

Rating:*****

I just finished up a week on the Long Trail in Vermont. Used this little guy with 4 friends in the shelters every evening. Everyone loved that I carried the extra weight, because it was plenty of light for a shelter on the trail. Put it on the table or hang it from the ceiling, and we could all enjoy our end of day food and conversation.

Then, I could hang it in my private space, dim it to save batteries, and go through my pack and gear to get ready for the next day. It was so much nicer than having only the beam of my headlamp for lighting. While it would never replace the headlamp, it sure was nice having for the few extra ounces. And I usually keep tabs on the ounces, my pack weight was under 13 pounds.

Steve Masters at Backcountry.com on 08/29/2009

Solid Product.

Rating:****
If you've decided that you need/want a small lantern, this is a perfect package. The light output is more than sufficient for a tent or late night outdoor gathering of a few friends. The unit is remarkably compact and can easily be stowed in any corner of your bag or pants pocket. Its 10-24 hour run time on 4 AAA batteries is more than ample. Although I appreciate the romantic appeal of candle lanterns, this offers the same practical value without any danger or headache. To those who don't see the value of such a lantern when a perfectly good headlamp is available, let me praise the lamps ability to illuminate any moderately sized area (20 foot diameter or less) without any fuss or toil. Truly a worthwhile product.
yoschroe at REI on 04/28/2009

Very good backpacking lantern.

Rating:*****
I like taking a lantern when backpacking or car camping. I like to hang it in the tent to read by.
Previously I had been using another collapsable lantern from a large outdoor company. The problem with this lantern was that the light throw was not even the the light had only two output levels. The other lantern was also heavy.
The BD orbit is very nice. It is light weight and compact. The light output setting is unique in that it is infinite between the highest and lowest setting. The frosted globe casts an even glow with no dark spots.
If you like a lantern when camping this is the one to get.
fishhook at REI on 01/19/2009

Nice Light

Rating:****
Nice light, Good Diamond Construction, I have the Petzl Tika XP Headlamp and was amazed that this lantern gave off almost as much light. The light uses 4 AAA batteries. It is a 1 watt light and with the built in reflector can light up a large tent or lean-to. I lit up my whole family room with it. The ring clip on top of it swivels so it can be hung easily on a tent loop. The only thing I wish is it lasted more than 10 hours on high, but that's the prices for such a bright light. Then again, it has a dimmer that adjusts the light anyway you want and will last twice that.
GRBSPECB at Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) on 11/06/2008

"Perfect Tent Light"

Rating:*****
I have spent quite a while looking for a tent light that was worth carrying. Ultimately, I end up using my headlamp with a diffused beam. Unfortunately when using my headlamp I either run the batteries out of it or have to steal it while going on a bathroom run. Black Diamond has solved the problem and in a big way. The Orbit comes with a split ring hanger which works in any tent, has a fully adjustable dimmer, is easy on batteries and folds down so compact it is worth hauling in your pack. If you have the need, it is a wise purchase. BD, well done.
Robert at Moosejaw on 09/13/2009