Operating amateur radio in the field often means working in low-light conditions—early mornings before sunrise, late nights after sunset, or shaded locations deep inside parks. For Parks on the Air (POTA) activators and portable operators, lighting isn’t just a convenience—it’s essential gear.

In this article, Jim N4BFR interviews Trevor from Sol-Tac to talk about lightweight, practical lighting solutions designed specifically for outdoor and amateur radio use. The focus is simple: see what you’re doing without adding unnecessary weight or complexity to your go-kit.

The Lighting Challenge for Portable Ham Radio

Portable ham radio setups already involve a lot of gear:

  • Radio

  • Battery

  • Antenna

  • Mast or support

  • Logging tools

It’s not uncommon for a POTA kit to weigh 20–25 pounds before lighting is even considered. Adding bulky or heavy lights quickly becomes a problem—especially when hiking into parks or operating for long periods.

The goal is efficient lighting that:

  • Keeps both hands free

  • Preserves night vision

  • Uses common, easy-to-replace batteries

  • Adds minimal weight and bulk

Hands-Free Lighting: Why Headlamps Are Essential

One of the biggest takeaways from the discussion is the value of hands-free lighting.

Slimline headlamps are ideal for portable ham radio because they:

  • Free your hands for radios, logging, and antennas

  • Provide direct forward light and task lighting

  • Pack flat and light in a go-kit

Unlike handheld flashlights, a headlamp lets you operate normally—tuning radios, writing logs, or adjusting cables—without juggling gear.

For POTA operators, this is especially useful during:

  • Early morning activations

  • Late-night tear-downs

  • Low-light winter operations

Compact Flashlights as Backup Lighting

While headlamps are ideal for primary lighting, compact flashlights play an important backup role.

Trevor highlights small AA-powered flashlights, such as Sol-Tac’s Astro model, as excellent secondary or tertiary lights. These compact lights:

  • Easily clip to gear or fit in a pocket

  • Add almost no noticeable weight

  • Are reliable and simple to maintain

Why AA batteries matter

AA-powered lights are especially useful in the field because:

  • Batteries are widely available

  • You can carry spares easily

  • Dual-fuel options allow both rechargeable and disposable batteries

If a rechargeable battery dies unexpectedly, a quick battery swap keeps you operating without downtime.

Red Light: Protecting Night Vision and Being Considerate

Red lighting is a must-have for serious portable operators.

Unlike bright white light, red light:

  • Preserves night vision

  • Makes it easier to read logs and radio screens

  • Reduces eye strain in dark conditions

  • Is less disruptive to nearby campers or park visitors

For operators activating parks early in the morning or late at night, red light keeps operations low-profile and respectful of shared spaces.

About Sol-Tac

Sol-Tac was founded in 2020 with a focus on practical, lightweight lighting solutions designed for outdoor and technical users—including amateur radio operators.

Their product philosophy emphasizes:

  • Compact form factors

  • Lightweight construction

  • Field reliability

  • Simple power solutions

Sol-Tac products are well-suited for:

  • POTA and portable ham radio

  • Emergency communications kits

  • Go-bags and field kits

You can explore their full product lineup at https://www.soltacusa.com

Practical Field Tips for Portable Operators

A few simple habits can make a big difference during field operations:

  • Always carry spare batteries, even for rechargeable lights

  • Use multiple light sources (headlamp + flashlight) for redundancy

  • Keep lighting accessible—not buried in your pack

  • Test your lights before heading out

Preparedness is key. Losing light during an activation can bring operations to a halt faster than almost anything else.

Final Thoughts

Good lighting may not be the most exciting part of a ham radio setup—but in the field, it’s one of the most important.

By choosing hands-free headlamps, compact AA flashlights, and red light options, POTA operators can stay efficient, comfortable, and prepared without adding unnecessary weight to their kits.

Whether you’re activating a park at sunrise or packing up after dark, the right lighting setup makes all the difference.