When you need a headlamp, you’re going to find that there is an array of them to choose from. In fact, there are so many that it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of them. The reason there are so many is that each model spots their own designs, features and specifications.
There is a lot to understand about hiking headlamps, and knowing them will help you to narrow down the suitable model for your situation.
5 Worthwhile Hiking Headlamps to Consider
Lepro Motion Sensor Headlamp
If you need a long-lasting, single-charged headlamp that can work with any USB port, Lepro’s Motion Sensor Headlamp is the one to check out. Thanks to the motion sensor technology, you can just wave your hand to turn the headlamp on or off. The key was convenience, especially if your hands are full or dirty.
Lepro designed its headlamp with three white light brightness levels – low/high and strobe – and two red light modes – constant/flashing. It’s a two-pack design, great for anything you need to have the light for.
It’s incredibly durable and offers protection from sprayed or splashed water being dropped and exposed to cold, heat and other weather elements. Best of all, where other headlamps have a 45-degree angle, Lepro’s design has a 60-degree angle that can be adjusted to what you need rather than straining your neck.
The headlamp will be fixed tightly so it can’t shake or slide when you run. It can be used directly on the head or placed on a helmet or hat. At a weight of 2.3 ounces, it can be comfortably used by adults and children alike.
Black Diamond ReVolt
What sets Black Diamond ReVolt apart from its competitors is that it comes with a micro USB charger compatible with power banks, solar chargers, car chargers, etc. Disposable batteries can replace rechargeable batteries if you don’t have access to electricity for the included adapter.
Black Diamond designed its ReVolt with six modes – dimming, distance, lock, proximity, red, and strobe. White modes can strain the eyes, which is something the manufacturer took into account when it developed a red mode without the need to circle through the other modes.
Use the tilt function to adjust the light angle however you need it to go. A negative aspect is that it has a less-than-average beam length, which means you can’t see too far ahead with it.
The manufacturer also included a three-level power meter, giving you the ability to watch the headlamp’s battery level. The only drawback is that it’s not very effective in monitoring the levels.
Foxelli LED
This LED headlamp from Foxelli is a single-button operation (easy for kids-to-use) function that provides four lighting options – low/high beam and red/red flashing beam.
Foxelli included a non-slip strap for its lightweight headlamp so kids could use it easily. As kids are a bit rough with the things they use, the manufacturer ensured the headlamp is durable and waterproof.
It’s not a very powerful headlamp and can only light up to 27 meters away. As such, it’s only useful for short hiking trips or at a campsite.
Petzl Tikka
A mid-level lamp that doesn’t overlook the need for quality and is cheaper than higher-priced brands is the Petzel Tikka headlamp. It’s designed for beginning hikes and, while not as powerful as the Black Diamond model, it still operates at a good lumen amount of 200 and offers a 60-meter light beam.
Petzl Tikka provided a washable headband with its design and both rechargeable and disposable batteries. However, you will need a CORE USB kit that does not come with the headlamp.
The model has no spotlight option but a red and white floodlight button. It offers a single-button function with four operating modes, making it easy to use.
Vont Spark Headlamp
The ever-standout Vont Spark Headlamp offers so many features and functions that make it one of the most sought-after headlamps.
Vont made sure that its design was comfortable and convenient. It has 200 lumens of LED lights that are protected from being dropped and exposed to the elements. It’s also designed as a single-button function so you can toggle through the different modes. It has a military-grade design that’s been tested thoroughly to ensure its performance is top-notch.
Another significant aspect of the Spark is the ultra-bright light that uses its manufacturer vLEDs, which will brighten the area even when it’s completely dark. It’s got a battery life of nearly 90 hours, making it safer to walk the woods, go biking or hiking in the woods even when there is no moon out. It’s a one-of-a-kind lamp that is sure to rise above the rest.
Buying Guide for Hiking Headlamps (Key Features)
Waterproof Ratings
Waterproof ratings range from IPX1 to IPX8 – the higher the protection rating, the more likely it’ll be to work even if exposed to water. You want a headlamp with an IPX4 rating or higher for rainy days.
Lumens of Hiking Headlamps
Beam distance provides you with some indication of the optical lens system’s quality. If you plan to go hiking, you want at least 100 lumens of light in the dark, but 300 lumens is plenty of light – brightening up to 100 meters away from where you are. When looking at headlamps, remember that maximum brightness causes the battery to drain quickly.
If you’re going just to use it for casual hiking or sitting at the campsite, no more than 150 lumens will suffice. If you want to hike or run at night, look at headlamps that have a lumen of 250 or higher.
Weight and Comfort
A headlamp’s weight will affect whether or not it’ll be a good fit for you. A powerful headlamp is typically quite heavy because of the batteries that must be used and the thick plastic or aluminum casing.
How the weight is distributed will also factor into the comfort level. The strap design will have an effect on comfort level as well. Ultra-compact and light lamps are designed with one elastic nylon strap that goes around the head.
A second strap is used with heavier headlamps, ensuring that during vigorous activities, it will fit more securely. Heavy batteries of a headlamp that are placed at the front of the lamp can cause an imbalance in your stance. This is why you should consider rear-battery-placed headlamps with suitable support straps.
Battery Lifespan
One of the things you’ll notice about headlamps is the differences in their battery lifespan. As such, comparing the settings can be different. The best thing to do is to consider the way in which you will use the headlamp. For example, disposable batteries are ideal for long hiking trips. Disposable batteries are easier to handle than a solar charger or power bank.
You also need to consider light technology. With consistent technology, your light will remain bright even at lower battery levels, which can lead to a shortened battery life. Headlamps that don’t include this technology result in poor lighting when batteries are drained.
Lepro provides high-quality headlamps for hiking with motion sensors, USB cables, or a 3AAA battery. Kindly consider Lepro when choosing LED headlamps.
