Whether you are riding your bike along a dimly lit highway, hiking through the wilderness, exploring the depths of a cave or camping, having one of the best headlamps is a very useful hands-free way to enjoy your adventures.
I have lost count of the times I have turned up late in the evening to a campsite for a weekend getaway, and fumbled with a flashlight while trying to set up a tent. But aside from helping you to avoid camping faux pas, a headlamp can be used for a lot of different purposes.
The 5 Best Headlamps
- Black Diamond Storm Headlamp
- Princeton Tec Apex Headlamp
- PETZL – e+LITE, 50 Lumens, Emergency Headlamp
- Shining Buddy Headlamp (Our Top Pick)
- Armytek Wizard V2 Headlamp
Our Top Pick for the Best Headlamp
Shinning Buddy Headlamp
There is a lot to love about this family-friendly headlamp. It is extremely affordable and versatile, you can use it when you mow the lawn, for walking the dog, or give it to the kids to amuse themselves on their bikes around the camping ground.
The Shining Buddy headlamp is designed to withstand the roughest conditions and will give you all the lighting power you need.
Handy uses for a headlamp
Here are 8 handy uses for a headlamp. You may dream up a few more:
- Mowing the lawn in the fading light.
- Fixing your car in the garage.
- Completing some DIY chores around your home.
- Reading a book in your tent or in bed.
- Provide some extra light when you are grilling up a storm on your barbecue.
- Supply extra light when you are spring cleaning your cupboards at home.
- Storing wine in your cellar.
- Searching for a lost kitten under the house.
Types of Hands-free Headlamps
In a world that is dominated by clever digital devices, a headlamp gives you hands-free illumination on demand. As well as providing very good light, most headlamps give you a selection of lighting modes to choose from, which can range from three to six settings.
Flood Light (or wide beam)
A floodlight is useful for lighting up campsites when you are trying to set up a tent or organizing your RV, or for casting a wide beam to illuminate the inside of a cave. The only downside of a floodlight is that it does not provide a strong enough light for long distances and this setting can drain the battery.
Spotlight
A spotlight enables you to see long distances, so it is ideal for lighting up a trail or for picking out an animal up a tree.
Strobe
A strobe light is very useful as an emergency light. Most headlamps allow you to adjust the strobe to flash slow or fast, which is ideal for alerting traffic while you are out for midnight ride.
Low Setting
The low light setting can be used for general illumination, like walking along a familiar trail at night, finding your way around a campsite, or for reading a book.
High Setting
The high setting can light up the darkness in a canyon or help you to see what is in the distance when you are hiking along an unfamiliar track. Be careful about using the high setting for long periods as it drains the battery, and can cause the light to overheat.
How To Choose The Best Headlamp
Choosing a headlamp that will fit your lifestyle can be a complex process, but we have endeavored to shed some light (no pun intended) on this versatile gadget, so here are 8 basic tips to help you find the best headlamp.
1.Weight
As a headlamp is designed to be worn on your head, the first thing you need to consider is its weight, but the weight depends on what you will use it for.
Lightweight headlamps are made from lighter plastic but they shed less light over a small distance. They are ideal for activities that need low to medium illumination like mowing the lawn or reading a book. They are also a good choice for setting up camp in low light conditions or as an emergency option on bush walks as they fit easily into your backpack.
Heavier headlamps are designed for high-impact outdoor activities like hiking expeditions or exploring an area that is not exposed to natural light. These types of headlamps are made from aluminum or thick plastic to protect the headlamp from any hard knocks. They provide a more powerful light that can reach a greater distance. You also have to take into consideration that a heavy-duty headlamp may require more batteries that can contribute to its overall weight.
Some manufacturers have the weight in mind and give you extra padding on the headband to compensate for the weight. You may be able to adjust the light up or down, which will also save any strain on your neck.
2. Battery Life
Battery life is one of the most disputed areas when it comes to illumination tools like headlights and flashlights. Some manufacturers will state that their products have incredible battery life over a lot of hours, but your experience can differ greatly from the advertising blurb.
Battery life primarily depends on how long you are going to be using the headlamp in one sitting, but it can also depend on the kind of alkaline batteries you choose. If your headlamp is only designed for alkaline batteries, choose a well-known and trusted brand like Duracell, instead of a cheaper brand. This will give you longer battery life and a better chance for those manufacturer’s claims to come true.
Most headlamps are powered by AA or AAA alkaline batteries, but there are a few brands that use only rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, while others give you the choice of using alkaline or lithium. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are lighter and give you longer battery life, but if you are in the middle of nowhere, you may not have a power source available to recharge your batteries, so disposable batteries are ideal. If you are planning a longer hiking expedition, take extra disposable batteries with you.
Also, some people use their headlamp on high power for long periods and wonder why the batteries do not last very long. To maximize battery power, only use the headlight on low or medium power, depending on the brand. This way your batteries will serve you longer.
Ultimately, a good quality headlight should last for a reasonable amount of time without you having to constantly change or recharge the batteries.
3. Battery Light Indicator
Some headlamps come with a battery life indicator, which allows you to check the level of the battery power. This is especially handy if you are going on a long hiking expedition or a long bike ride. A battery light indicator will stop you from being caught in the dark a long way from your campsite or home.
4. Brightness
The trusty old light bulb made famous by Thomas Edison is quickly being replaced by more powerful LED’s in headlamps, which produce a brighter and longer lasting illumination. The brightness of the headlamp is determined by how many lumens the LED bulb can produce.
Headlamps can vary in their luminosity. Some headlamps that are designed for low-level illumination can produce from 25 to 50 lumens, which is sufficient for around the house, reading, fixing the car or for general use around the campsite.
If you need the headlamp for navigational purposes like hiking or riding a bike, then a headlamp that can produce 80 to 100 lumens will provide you with the light you need.
For more extreme outdoor exploration like spelunking, wilderness trekking, a headlamp that can produce 200 lumens is a good choice, and there are military grade headlamps that can produce a whopping 1050 lumens.
5. Beam Distance
The quality of the headlamp can also be determined by the maximum beam distance that it can produce. A good quality headlamp should provide a good level of brightness and beam distance in various conditions, for example, 80 lumens can give you a beam distance of at least 30 meters, while other headlamps that have 1000 lumens of power can cast a beam to 160 meters.
6. Quality of the Optical Lens
Another aspect that can help you decide on the light producing quality of the headlamp is to consider the quality of the optical lens. The power of the lumens can indicate how much light the LED light bulb can produce, but the optical lens tells you about the quality of the focused beam of light.
The quality of the optical lens becomes especially important when you want to use the headlamp in more challenging outdoor environments. The Armytek headlamp is a good example of a high-quality optical lens.
7. Waterproof
Waterproofing is especially important if you are using the headlamp for wading across a river or for spelunking. Some headlamps can withstand a brief shower to heavy rain, while other headlamps can withstand immersion for up to 30 minutes in 1 meter of water.
Many headlamps have a waterproof rating from IPX1 up IPX8 that indicates their ability to withstand any moisture. But even if the manufacturer attaches these higher ratings, if the headlamp is submerged in water too long (and too often), it may cease to function.
8. Red and Green Lights
Red and green lights give out a softer glow and can save your battery life.
– Red Light Mode
A red light is universally known as an emergency light, but it is also very useful for when you are reading a book or when you are working in a group and you do not want to blind your teammates while you are consulting a map. It can also save your night vision and preserve battery life.
– Green Light Mode
A green light is very useful for hunting and fishing as the light can attract game like deer, and it will not scare away fish. The green light will also save you battery life and has a longer run time that the red light.
5 Best Headlamps: Product Reviews
1. Black Diamond Storm Headlamp
If you enjoy camping or hiking in the woods, the new and improved Black Diamond Storm Headlamp will give you all the light you need to find your way in the dark. The versatile headlamp features a streamlined design and a dust- and waterproof sealed housing that can be submerged in water for up to one meter for 30 minutes, so it is ideal for any water-based adventure or spelunking.
With 250 lumens of power that is provided by two LED lights that have enhanced optics, a QuadPower LED and a DoublePower white LED, the headlamp can produce a concentrated bright beam of light for up to 77 meters.
The Storm has a host of handy functions that can be quickly accessed through the touch-sensitive PowerTap technology buttons. You can choose to use the bright white light or strobe light for illuminating a walking track or large areas in the forest or dim the light for close proximity. Activate the green lights for hunting game, use the red light for viewing the sky at night, or to save the battery power.
The headlamp uses 4 AAA batteries and the 3-level power meter shows the level of battery life for 3 seconds after the headlamp is switched on, and the “Intuitive lock mode” keeps the light from accidentally turning on when it is stored in your backpack.
Pros:
- Ideal for hiking, camping, and hunting
- Very bright light
- Red and green light
- Good beam range
- Waterproof
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Complex settings
2. Princeton Tec Apex Headlamp
This rugged, super-bright, professional-grade headlamp from Princeton Tec Apex Headlamp is ideal for mountaineering, cave exploration, or even cleaning out your attic. It has been designed to handle extreme temperatures and it has very good water resistance for rain or for short immersion in water.
The Maxbright LED bulb can give out 275 lumens of power and the beam can illuminate areas up to 106 meters, so you can easily negotiate your way through the forest or light up the inside of a cave.
If you need some subtle illumination for hunting or fishing, the four Ultrabright 5mm LED’s give you a choice of red or green lights that provide you with very good wide-angle lighting. But take care when using the brighter light around animals as the light can produce a buzzing sound.
The headlamp is easy to use and there are four levels of brightness to choose from: a low setting, a floodlight, and an emergency strobe.
For extra safety, the heat-regulating technology prevents the light from getting too hot, and the buttons are big enough to operate with gloves on.
Princeton Tec has your operator comfort in mind as the additional strap with extra padding holds the light securely in place on your head, and the battery pack that holds 4 AA alkaline batteries is conveniently located at the back of the unit.
The headlamp is compatible with AA alkaline and lithium batteries and rechargeable batteries are sold separately.
Pros:
- Very good value for money
- Very bright light
- Good beam range
- Reliable
- Four light settings: red and green lights
- Adjustable strap
Cons:
- Heavy
- Noisy on high setting
3. PETZL – e+LITE, 50 Lumens, Emergency Headlamp
Although the Petzl Headlamp may be lightweight and ultracompact, it does not compromise on lighting power. With 50 lumens, this mini upgraded headlamp provides a surprisingly substantial amount of light for its size.
It is the perfect choice for lighting emergencies in the great outdoors, walking the dog at night, getting around the campsite, or reading a book. The tough mini e+LITE headlamp can withstand extreme hot and cold temperatures and is waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
There are two white brightness settings and a strobe light in red and white. Although the Petzl does not project a very strong beam over a long distance, it excels at casting light for close proximity purposes and provides a nice, even beam.
Besides its compact size, the Petzl headlamp is renowned for its very good battery power from two lithium batteries that supply light up to 9 hours on the high setting. You can store the battery for up to ten years, during which time this little zinger will not lose its power. The Petzl also has two handy safety features: a locking on/off switch that prevents accidental operation, and a safety whistle.
The stretchy adjustable band fits comfortably around your head, and the retractable ZIP cord allows you to attach the light to your bike’s handlebars or wrap it around your wrist when you are out walking the dog.
Pros:
- High quality
- Good light
- Ideal for short distance illumination
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Versatile
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not ideal for long distances
4. Shining Buddy Headlamp
A very durable and lightweight illumination device, the Shining Buddy headlamp has five settings: low beam, high beam, a strobe light, and a red light that can also be switched to flashing mode, which is also very handy for alerting oncoming cars where you are cycling at night.
The headlamp can produce up to 110 lumens on the low setting and 160 lumens on the highest setting and it casts a nice wide beam, and the non-slip adjustable strap fits comfortably on your head. It also has an IPX5 waterproof rating and a shock-proof design, so it can endure rough conditions while you explore the great outdoors.
The major drawcard of the Shining Buddy headlamp is its excellent value for under $15, and there is a full money-back guarantee for 90 days. The headlamp also comes with three AAA Duracell batteries.
Pros:
- Excellent value
- Very good quality
- Easy to use
- Five light settings
- Bright light
- Adjustable strap
- Very good customer service
Cons:
- Not ideal for long distances
5. Armytek Wizard V2 Headlamp
If you are looking for a tough and versatile headlamp that can match your passion for challenging outdoor adventures, the Armytek Wizard V2 Headlamp is your perfect fit. Whether you are trail riding under a star-studded sky or hiking through the wilderness, the military-grade headlamp is made from top-grade material that can withstand the most extreme temperatures.
The flashlight fits securely into the silicone clip, and the matt black body of the flashlight is made out of aircraft-grade aluminum with an anti-abrasive and anti-slipping finish. The impact-resistant stainless steel bezels at both ends protect the light from contact with hard surfaces like a cave wall. It has the highest water- and dustproof rating of IPX8 and it can be submerged in water for up to 10 meters.
As well using it as a headlamp, the Armytek can also be used as a compact flashlight, or you can use the removable clip to attach it to your belt or handlebars on your motorbike. You can stand it up on a table and dim the light for subtle ambiance around the campfire.
Armytek has upgraded this headlamp with a new and improved design: the advanced TIR optics allows the light to be evenly projected in a wide beam without a “tunnel vision” effect, and the glass lens has an anti-reflection coating to give a stronger lighting presence.
Whatever type of adventure you choose, the Armytek headlamp can fulfill all your lighting needs: there are six settings to adjust the brightness of the beam, and the high-powered bulb produces a super bright light that will light up a forest track up to 107 meters.
The headband is made of soft elastic to fit comfortably on your head, but if you want to use the flashlight on its own, you can just unclip it and there is a side switch button that lets you adjust the setting with one hand.
The Wizard headlamp requires 2x CR123A or 1x 18650 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which can give you up to 100 days of operation, but this will depend on how often you use the light on a high setting. There is also a very handy built-in multicolor warning indicator that alerts you when the battery is running out of power.
Armytek offers the headlamp as a package deal, so as well as the headlamp, there is an extra Nitecore NL183 2300mAH 18650 battery, a charger, an additional headband (2 straps), 2 spare O-rings, and an extra clip. The headlamp is covered by a very generous 10 years warranty.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Versatile
- Durable
- Very bright light
- Powerful wide beam
- 6 light settings
- Comfortable
- 10-year warranty
Cons:
- Cheap charger
Our Top Pick for the Best Headlamp
Shinning Buddy Headlamp
There is a lot to love about this family-friendly headlamp. It is extremely affordable and versatile, you can use it when you mow the lawn, for walking the dog, or give it to the kids to amuse themselves on their bikes around the camping ground.
The Shining Buddy headlamp is designed to withstand the roughest conditions and will give you all the lighting power you need.
