Gear gets advertised as "durable" all the time. But what does that actually mean?

Rather than relying on lab numbers you might not understand, or blanket statement manufacturer claims, we decided to answer that question the fun way: by trying to destroy the PEAX Backcountry Duo Headlamp.

Starting Simple

We eased into the torture test with impacts that could realistically happen during a hunt. We dropped the headlamp from head height onto the ground, simulating the common occurrence of a headlamp taking a fall. 

Not satisfied, we increased the abuse by stepping directly on the headlamp before moving to higher-impact drops from a balcony onto hard ground.

By this point, the housing had picked up some noticeable scratches and abrasions, but the light continued to power on and function normally.

Water Test #1: A Gallon of Water

Rain happens. So does dropping gear in puddles or leaving it outside overnight.

To begin our water testing, we dumped an entire gallon of water over the headlamp to mimic a heavy, sustained rainstorm. With an IPX6 water-resistance rating, we weren't surprised to see it shrug off the soaking. After a quick check, every lighting mode continued to work flawlessly.

Water Test #2: Into the Lake

Next, we took things a step further.

The headlamp was fully submerged in a lake for several seconds before being pulled back out and tested. Once again, it powered on without issue, which was quite impressive considering it is not ranked for submersion. 

Water Test #3: Fishing It Out

At this point, simply dipping it in the water wasn't enough.

We tossed the headlamp into the lake approximately 30 feet away, and then went through the process of retrieving it with a fishing rod. After spending additional time underwater, we reevaluated the light.

This time we noticed a small amount of water had made its way behind the red lens. Even so, the headlamp continued operating, cycling through its lighting modes and producing usable light despite everything it had already endured.

The Final Test: A Truck

There was only one test left.

We placed the headlamp on the ground and drove a truck directly over it.

As expected, the exterior showed more cosmetic wear from the cumulative abuse—scratches, abrasions, and signs that it had been through far more than any normal hunting season should ever demand.

But the surprising part?

It still worked completely unaffected. 

Final Thoughts

No piece of gear is indestructible, and this wasn't intended to be a scientific laboratory test. Our goal was simply to push the PEAX Backcountry Duo Headlamp far beyond what most hunters would realistically put it through.

After repeated drops, being stepped on, high-impact falls, multiple water tests (including time spent at the bottom of a lake) and even being run over by a truck, the headlamp remained operational. Aside from cosmetic damage and a small amount of moisture build up, it continued to perform remarkably well.

Most hunters will never subject their headlamp to this level of punishment, and that's exactly what made the results so impressive. While we certainly don't recommend recreating these tests with your own gear, it's reassuring to know that when accidents happen in the backcountry, the PEAX Backcountry Duo Headlamp proved capable of taking an incredible amount of abuse and still lighting the way.

Check out our PEAX Backcountry Duo durability test video!