Ski touring crampons & headlamps · Test magazine 2023
Tech talk with Mattias Jacobsson, SILVA
Head of Research & Development · Print page 147
Who is Mattias Jacobsson? Head of Research & Development at SILVA
Mattias Jacobsson is Head of Research & Development at Swedish outdoor brand SILVA. At the time of his BACKLINE interview for the 2023 test magazine, he had been part of the product team for 28 years. He lives and works in Stockholm. In his spare time, he runs and cycles; in winter, he also uses cross-country ski trails to test developments such as the modular Free headlamp series.
In the interview, Jacobsson explains what matters when choosing headlamps for ski touring and other outdoor sports: terrain, weather, speed and the balance between light output, runtime and weight. For fast nighttime ski descents, he recommends the Free 3000 with up to 3000 lumens; for more moderate speeds, the Free 2000 with 2000 lumens. He also highlights moisture protection as a purchasing criterion.
A central topic is the SILVA Free, which received an ISPO Award in May 2023. Interchangeable lamp and battery units, different mounting options and a cable integrated into the headband define the system. AirFlow technology provides cooling. For maintenance, Jacobsson advises letting the headlamp dry after use and protecting lithium-ion batteries from impacts and temperatures above 55 degrees Celsius.
Before buying a headlamp, what should one look for?
Before buying a headlamp, various aspects need to be considered, depending on the terrain, environmental conditions, and sport for which it will be used. Also relevant is the maximum weight one is willing to carry. Generally, the greater the luminosity in lumens and the longer the battery life, the heavier the headlamp will be. An important factor is also the IPx rating, which indicates how well the headlamp is protected against moisture and dirt. To be well-equipped for both short runs and long, demanding ski tours, opting for a more powerful model can be a sensible decision.
Are there differences in SILVA headlamp models regarding protection against dust and moisture?
For tours in more extreme terrain and adverse weather conditions, SILVA offers the Explore line; the current model is almost waterproof with an IPx 7 rating. The new Free series features innovative AirFlow technology. This allows it to be cooled by the air flowing underneath the lamp unit, even with a slight headwind. It has an IPx 5 rating, meaning you can rely on its performance even in heavy rain.
How many lumens do you recommend for relaxed night skiing?
The faster you move, the more lumens your headlamp should provide. For brisk skiing, for example, the Free 3000 with up to 3000 lumens is ideal, while for more leisurely descents, the Free 2000 with 2000 lumens is sufficient. With a beam range of up to 180 meters, you'll navigate the terrain perfectly.
What care and maintenance should be given to a headlamp to increase its lifespan?
Headlamps are optimized for outdoor use and alpine terrain. Nevertheless, to prolong their lifespan, avoid falls from great heights, contact with sharp edges, and rough rocks. Lithium-ion batteries are particularly sensitive to shocks and should never be exposed to temperatures above 55° Celsius. After use, the headlamp should be allowed to dry thoroughly to prevent damage to the internal electronics.
What are the most important SILVA innovations for the coming season?
After being awarded the prestigious ISPO Award in May 2023, the new SILVA Free series has been available since September. It solves several problems at once: since the lamp and battery units can be flexibly interchanged and combined, the headlamp meets the individual needs of various sports and can be easily upgraded by the user. Furthermore, the Airflow technology with improved cooling extends the headlamp's performance. Besides the lamp and battery, cable lengths, headbands, and mounts for helmets or handlebars can also be varied. In the Free series, the cable is integrated directly into the headband for additional comfort and easier handling, which has impressed both the ISPO jury and users.
