What’s Most Important to you in a headlamp?
LUMENS - In essence, lumens are a unit of brightness emitted from a light source. While it’s a somewhat helpful descriptor, the lumens measurement does not factor in the quality of the beam pattern, but only the total sum of light in any direction.
Two lights with the exact same lumens can have tremendously different light quality depending on the beam width and the optical quality of the lens system. After testing many headlamps, we have concluded that lumens are not a reliable way to compare performance and that beam distance is a better indicator.
BEAM DISTANCE - You'll find a beam distance specification for every headlamp. This describes both the brightness of the light output and the ability of the lens to focus it into a shaft of light.
Typically, the manufacturer will list the highest possible output in spot mode and one for the low-light close-proximity mode. Look for both numbers, as you will likely be able to use the headlamp at a medium or low setting for a much longer battery life. Unless you are frequently hiking at night, the max lumens/beam distance are mostly there to impress you or for extreme instances.
RECHARGEABLE VS. NON-RECHARGEABLE - Rechargeables are more eco-friendly and reduce battery waste, however, they tend to have shorter burn times. Non-rechargeable batteries last longer for extended backcountry trips, but cost more and are one-time use only.
PRICE - You don’t have to spend a lot to get a headlamp that will get the job done. If you’re on a tight budget, choose a simple headlamp with lower lumens and a longer burn time. Remember that buying a quality piece of equipment will cost more initially but will last longer and will likely be more efficient.
10 BEST HEADLAMPS OF 2020
BEST RECHARGEABLE HEADLAMP & BEST USER EXPERIENCE
MSRP: $69.95
WEIGHT: 2.8 oz.
MAX LUMENS/BEAM DISTANCE: 450 lm./ 295 ft. (90 m.)
BURN TIME LOW/HIGH: 130 hrs./ 2 hrs.
PROS: Rechargeable, bright, comfortable, performance lighting (doesn’t dim as battery depletes), easy to use, locking feature
CONS: Expensive, shorter burn time, not fully waterproof
BOTTOM LINE: The Petzl Actik CORE is a user-friendly, hard-working headlamp with the Petzl dependability we’ve grown to know and love. The Actik CORE is more expensive than the standard Actik (it’s AAA-powered bro), but it weighs a tad less and burns 100 lumens brighter on its max setting. While both models have the option to use longer lasting AAAs or the rechargeable CORE battery pack, the Actik CORE model includes the rechargeable battery. Both models are super easy to operate and emit a quality beam that’s a combination of spot and flood light. If you’re looking for a trustworthy rechargeable headlamp and the comfort of knowing your batteries will always be fully juiced when you head out on the trail, the Petzl Actik CORE is a truly excellent choice.
BEST HEADLAMP FOR AFFORDABILITY, BATTERY LIFE & FEATURES
MSRP: $39.95
WEIGHT: 3 oz.
MAX LUMENS/ BEAM DISTANCE: 325 lm./ 272 ft. (83 m.)
BURN TIME LOW/HIGH: 200 hrs./ 4 hrs.
PROS: Long burn time, bright, comfortable, waterproof (IPX8), battery life reader, locking feature, excellent value
CONS: Slight learning curve for the different modes
BOTTOM LINE: The Black Diamond Spot 325 has been a tried and true favorite of hikers and climbers for years. The newest model has a longer burn time and an even brighter LED than ever. It’s sleek, comfortable, and stays the brightest for the longest out of any of the headlamps we tested. We highly recommend this feature-rich, high-quality headlamp, and we think its price point makes it an exceptional value buy compared to the competition. Black Diamond headlamps do take a bit more time to learn than many other models, but that’s to be expected for a light with so many features and modes.
BEST ULTRALIGHT HEADLAMP
MSRP: $26.95
WEIGHT: 1.9 oz.
MAX LUMENS/BEAM DISTANCE: 160 lm./ 197 ft. (60 m.)
BURN TIME LOW/HIGH: 60 hrs./ 2 hrs.
PROS: Ultralight, compact, affordable, comfortable, waterproof (IPX8), locking feature
CONS: Slight learning curve for the different modes, max output is dimmer than some others, short burn time
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for a headlamp with most of the features of the popular Spot 325, but want something a bit lighter and more compact, the Black Diamond Spot Lite 160 is your match. It’s a high-quality affordable option and, it’s very comfortable on the forehead. Though the two-AAA-battery system of the Spot Lite 160 limits it’s burn time and max output, we still find that it works great for the most common uses on trail. For ultralight backpackers in need of a dependable headlamp that will easily cover most situations, this is an excellent choice.
BioLite HeadLamp 200
BEST HEADLAMP FOR RUNNERS & WALKERS
MSRP: $44.95
Weight: 1.75 oz.
MAX Lumens/ Beam Distance: 200 lm./ 164 ft. (50 m.)
Burn Time Low/ High: 40 hrs./ 3 hrs.
PROS: Ultralight, compact, rechargeable, comfortable, locking feature
CONS: Short burn time, not fully waterproof, small on/off button
Bottom Line: The BioLite HeadLamp 200 is the most comfortable headlamp on the market with it’s smooth headband and ergonomic design that sits flush on the forehead. The BioLite is our top choice for activities like running, since it’s ultralight and doesn’t bounce or slip on impact. The burn time of this rechargeable headlamp is relatively short, so it’s best suited for evening walks or shorter outings close to home. But if you don’t spend much time using a light each night or you carry a power bank, it could still be used for multi-night trips.
MORE: If you’re looking for more lumen-power, BioLite’s 330 is a bit brighter and has a slightly longer burn time with a small battery pack at the back of the head.
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY HEADLAMP
MSRP: $19.95
WEIGHT: 3.03 oz.
MAX LUMENS/BEAM DISTANCE: 250 lm./ 196 ft. (60 m.)
BURN TIME LOW/HIGH: 120 hrs./ 2 hrs.
PROS: Affordable, long burn time, easy to use
CONS: No red mode or strobe, not fully waterproof, max output is dimmer than some others, no locking feature
BOTTOM LINE: The Petzl Tikkina is a simple, long-lasting option for an unbeatable price. If you just need a headlamp to meet basic needs, this is your guy. Petzl designed the no-frills Tikkina to be easy to use, with very little learning curve or special features. Press the button once for low, twice for medium, or three times for high, and that’s pretty much it. The Tikkina has the ability to use three AAAs or you can buy a rechargeable CORE battery for about $30. For its price and functionality, this is a perfectly good choice for backpacking, hiking, emergencies, working around the house, keeping in your car, or pretty much whatever.
MORE: If you want something lighter and more compact with a few more features, check out the Petzl Zipka.
Petzl Actik
BRIGHT HEADLAMP WITH GOOD BATTERY LIFE
MSRP: $49.95
WEIGHT: 3.2 oz.
MAX LUMENS/BEAM DISTANCE:: 350 lm./ 262 ft. (80 m.)
BURN TIME LOW/HIGH: 120 hrs./ 2 hrs.
PROS: Bright, long burn time, performance lighting (doesn’t dim as battery depletes), easy to use, rechargeable battery option
CONS: No locking feature, not fully waterproof
BOTTOM LINE: The Petzl Actik is an all-around strong headlamp. It’s most attractive qualities are its ease of use, unique hybrid-energy option, performance lighting, and long burn time. It runs on either three long-lasting lithium AAAs or a rechargeable CORE battery (not included). That said, if you’re planning to use the rechargeable CORE battery, it probably makes sense to pick up the Actik CORE model listed above to save a bit of money. This model is better for those who plan to go the non-rechargeable route in order to get longer burn times. Both Actik models are dependable, high quality, and easy to use.
ULTRALIGHT HEADLAMP WITH LONG LASTING RECHARGEABLE BATTERY
MSRP: $36.95
WEIGHT: 1 oz. (1.8 oz. with strap)
MAX LUMENS/BEAM DISTANCE: 360 lm./ 266 ft. (81 m.)
BURN TIME LOW/HIGH: 160 hrs./ 5 hrs.
PROS: Ultralight, compact, affordable, rechargeable, waterproof (IP66), battery life reader, locking feature, charges quickly
CONS: Wide beam easily shines in camping partner’s eyes, short burn time, strange head strap connection clip
BOTTOM LINE: The incredibly lightweight NITECORE NU 25 has a lot of really useful features in an affordable package. The 360 lm. “turbo mode” only runs for 30 seconds before stepping down to prevent overheating, but the high mode (190 lm.) is still plenty bright for the most common uses on trail and around camp. The NU 25’s main limitations are its short battery life (in our testing, the NU’s burn time was much shorter than listed) and the fact that it’s hard to keep the light from shining in your camping partner’s eyes due to its wide beam pattern. Still, there are a lot of excellent features packed into this ultralight headlamp. For shorter backpacking trips or home use, the NU 25 is an excellent, budget-friendly, ultralight option.
HEADLAMP THAT PERFORMS WELL IN EXTREME COLD
MSRP: $59.95
WEIGHT: 2.8 oz.
MAX LUMENS/BEAM DISTANCE: 500 lm./ 860 ft. (262 m.)
BURN TIME LOW/HIGH: 128 hrs./ 14 hrs.
PROS: Performs well in cold conditions, rechargeable option, very bright, durable metal housing, waterproof (IP68), battery life reader
CONS: Uses uncommon batteries, no red mode or strobe, slight learning curve for the different modes, no locking feature
BOTTOM LINE: If mountaineering or alpine climbing are your game, you’ll probably appreciate the features of the Fenix HM50R. This headlamp has a large side-button that’s easy to press while wearing gloves, which makes it a great choice for chilly trips. The HM50R comes with a rechargeable battery for everyday use, but accepts CR123A batteries (not included) that perform in extremely low temperatures. While we feel that this headlamp’s specs are slightly misleading (it can only output its max lumens for a few seconds before leveling down), we’re still impressed by its bright, far-reaching beam. For most people, the Fenix HM50R would be overkill, but this torch has a quality build that will withstand hardcore, foul weather adventures.
VERSATILE HEADLAMP THAT CAN ALSO BE USED AS A LANTERN OR BIKE LIGHT
MSRP: $39.95
WEIGHT: 3.5 oz.
MAX LUMENS/BEAM DISTANCE: 200 lm./ 118 ft. (36 m.)
BURN TIME LOW/HIGH: 130 hrs./ 40 hrs.
PROS: Versatile use options, long burn time, easy to use, multi-purpose mounts
CONS: Max output is dimmer than some others, Not fully waterproof, no red mode, no locking feature, bulky on forehead
BOTTOM LINE: The Princeton Tec SNAP is a great choice for those who want one light to cover many different adventure activities. It comes with a headband, a 2-way carabiner housing for hanging it like a lantern, and a bike handlebar mount. We like the idea that the mounts can be left where they belong (on your bike, in your tent, in your pack), and the light can easily be popped into place when you need it. Another handy feature of the Snap is that it can be stuck on metal surfaces with its magnetic end, which we found particularly useful when working on household projects. While it’s a little bulky and heavy on the forehead when used as a headlamp, we still think the Snap is a fun hands-free light that can move with you from activity to activity. It might work especially well on bike-packing trips.
Ledlenser MH10
VERY BRIGHT HEADLAMP THAT’S GOOD FOR CAVING
MSRP: $80
WEIGHT: 5.6 oz.
MAX LUMENS/BEAM DISTANCE: 600 lm./ 492 ft. (150 m.)
BURN TIME LOW/HIGH: 120 hrs./ 10 hrs.
PROS: Very bright, rechargeable, easy to use, long burn time for rechargeable battery
CONS: Expensive, heavy, bulky, not fully waterproof, no red mode or strobe, no locking feature
BOTTOM LINE: The Ledlenser MH10 is the bulkiest of all the headlamps we tested with a large battery at the back of the head. The battery pack makes it a powerful choice for activities like caving or winter sports where beam distance matters. We like that its functions are simple and straightforward (like a ring adjustment that narrows & widens the beam), the beam is one of the brightest we tested, and among rechargeable headlamps it has a long burn time. The Ledlenser is great for spelunking, but it’s not our go-to for typical backpacking trips because it’s too heavy, bulky, and expensive.
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