While chatting with a good friend who spends a lot of time hiking and camping, I asked him what still bothers him on his trips — or what he wishes he had in his gear setup. Unsurprisingly, he mentioned that weight and volume are always a challenge, but he’s already got that dialed in.
Then he brought up something I hadn’t really considered: his headlamp.
“It’s great that it always points where I look,” he said. “But that’s also the problem. If I talk to someone, I blind them. And when I hang it somewhere — like in a tent or over the campfire — it never points in the right direction.”
That stuck with me.
I told him I’d come up with something better — something more flexible, more comfortable, and more social.
A few days (and CAD sessions) later, I had the first concept for the LightWall Rock: a modular, rotatable, soft-glow light that adapts to your needs — without blinding your campmates.
He’s already seen the pictures — and he’s super hyped. Now we’re just waiting for the real-world test.
And of course… I’ll keep you updated here. ;)
Key Features
Lightweight and compact
Weather-resistant: fine with light rain (but don’t take it swimming )
Adjustable: rotate and tilt to aim light exactly where you need it
Stable: wide foot stand for use on uneven terrain
Versatile mounting: hang, clip, or mount — even on your backpack’s front strap
Bright enough to light your camp, turn night into day (okay, I am exaggerating)
Minimal footprint to save space in your pack
Powered by every Powerbank with USB A (not included)
Boost MeThank you for sticking with me till here - I would really appreciate your boost. If you like the idea, please consider liking it or trying it yourself.
As the name suggests — LightWall Rock — this is just the beginning. There’s another version in the works: a slimmer, more elegant LightWall designed for garden use and ambient outdoor lighting. So stay tuned!
If you also want one, here is the manual on how to assemble the LightWall:
Parts you need (but you will also find further down below):
Before you start assembling, just be aware, that the clear cover, the back cover and front cover will need magnets inside them, so the print will pause and lets you put it in.
Insert the supplied connectors for the Power Distribution Board into the rear slots labeled SW1–SW4.
Connect the 4 LEDs to the SH1.0 outputs on the front side, as shown in the picture.
Now connect the Button Switch to SW0 on the back—it should be the last free port. Use the short cable that came with the Button Switch.
Insert the Power Distribution Board into the back cover. This may require some force. Ensure the front side (white ports) faces out of the cover.
Place the rectangular gasket onto the Button Switch. The narrower side must face away from the Button Switch's board.
Attach the button itself onto the Button Switch. Mind the orientation: the beveled corner must point away from the connector. Insert it using a flat screwdriver, pressing the inner part—not the button cap directly—to avoid damage. Use the screwdriver to drive the button at the shaft directly into the button.
Insert the button into the designated spot at the top right of the cover. It should fit precisely.
Insert the first LED board into its designated central slot. Align the tip into the groove and slide it in from the left while angling it slightly. It may require some pressure, but do not bend the board.
⚠️ Use the LED boards in the same order as they are plugged into the Power Distribution Board: first slot at the top, second slot below, etc. This makes cable routing easier.
Do not insert the remaining 3 LED boards yet.
Slide the nut into the groove directly below the first slot from the left.
Now insert the remaining LED boards and route the cables neatly. Refer to the image for guidance.
Set the cover aside and focus on the main cable. Push the smaller connector through the printed round gasket. You may need to stretch it slightly.
Take the yellow rotation cover and insert the two springs (shown in red in the image; your springs will be the same color).
The assembled result should match the image provided.
Push the cable with gasket through the rotation cover so that the open side of the cover faces the smaller end of the cable.
Insert the cable and gasket into the gear with the extension. Push it into the thread from the toothed side. You’ll need needle-nose pliers to screw in the gasket once it gets tight. It’s okay if part of the gasket sticks out; what matters is that it tightly seals the cable on the inside of the gear.
Plug the cable’s connector into the "IN" port (left slot) of the Power Distribution Board.
Insert the large white gasket into the designated groove. Use your fingernail or a small screwdriver to press it into place.
Insert the gear with the extension into the bottom center slot. It should fit perfectly.
Choose one of the two options:
Carabiner
Key ring Press your chosen option into the designated slot at the top right of the cover.
Flip the cover over and place the white gasket in its spot. The narrow side goes into the lower cut-out; the wider side should face you.
Mount the backpack hook using a screw, so that the screw grabs the nut inside the cover.
⚠️ Do not tighten it all the way yet.
Insert the LED cover. Position one of its legs underneath the main cable and slide it into position below the cable. It should align with two recessed rectangles on the left and right of the bottom gear.
Firmly press the cover into place—it should click in several places.
⚠️ Do not press too hard.
With the LED cover in place, you can now fully tighten the screw on the back. It’s correct if the screw protrudes slightly at the front.
Now install the clear cover by pressing it onto the front of the case until it clicks into place.
Take the rear rotation housing and insert the rotation housing into it. It should fit snugly (refer to the image).
Do the same with the front rotation housing, pressing the two together until they lock.
Alternate between inserting nuts and tightening them with screws from the back.
💡 Tip: Don’t insert all nuts at once—they’ll fall out unless tightened.
You should use 6 screws in total.
You should use 6 screws in total. This is the result
Check the rotation mechanism—it should click cleanly into 8 positions for the lamp.
Insert the small gears into the rotation housing from the right and left. They only fit in one orientation and should sit flush with the housing.
Shown here.
Install the springs into the front cover. The gear corner must face downward. Insert them in parallel—it may help to use a screwdriver.
Once the springs are in place, insert the retaining pins over the springs. Start with the long side and slide it into the groove along the edge. Then insert the short end into the lower slot. Apply some force, but do not bend the pins.
With the springs in place, push the buttons onto the spring pins from the sides of the front cover. Holding the spring in place with a screwdriver helps.
Join the back cover and the front cover by placing the back cover on top of the front cover.
Ensure the assembly is flush. The conical recess next to the buttons is for the two small pins. Use needle-nose pliers to push them into place. They will stick out slightly—this is intentional so they can be removed later.
DONE!
Congratulations! You've successfully assembled the device. Now connect the lamp to a power bank—it should work. Try out the opening and rotating mechanism.
Enjoy, and thank you for sticking with it!
I hope you enjoyed this project! Lars from riocrafting
RioCrafting
