7 Best Hiking Headlamps That Will Help You Conquer the Trail
Don’t let the darkness hold you back. Make the smart choice and upgrade your hiking gear with a reliable headlamp. Make your next adventure a success with the best hiking headlamps.
Best Overall
Petzl Actik Core Rechargeable Headlamp
- 600 lumens of brightness
- Max Beam Distance: 377 ft
- Weight: 3.1 oz
Best Upgrade
OLIGHT Perun 2 Headlamp
- High performance (2,500 lumens)
- Max Beam distance: 544 ft
- Versatile hands-free use (magnetic base, headband, pocket clip)
Best Budget
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
- 400 Lumens
- Max Beam Distance: 328 ft
- Instant adjustment between max output and dimmed power
Are you ready to step up your hiking game and take on the trails, both day and night?
A trusty hiking headlamp is a must-have for any self-respecting adventurer. It’ll provide a reliable source of light to guide you through the darkness and keep you safe on the trail. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to choose the best one for your needs. That’s where we come in.
In this round-up article, we’ve compiled a list of the top hiking headlamps on the market.
These headlamps have been tried and tested, and they’ll surely meet the needs of any hiker.
So if you want to enhance your hiking experience and make your next adventure a success, keep reading to see our picks for the best hiking headlamps.
And don’t forget to check out our buying guide, so you know what to consider when looking for the perfect headlamp for your next trek.
- Best Overall: Petzl Actik Core Rechargeable Headlamp
- Best Upgrade: OLIGHT Perun 2 Headlamp
- Best Budget: Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
- Best Ultralight: Nitecore NU25 400 UL Ultra Lightweight Headlamp
- Best Low Profile: BioLite HeadLamp 330
- Best Battery Life: Black Diamond Storm 500 R Headlamp
- Best Trail Running: Silva Trail Runner Free Ultra Headlamp
Your Buyer’s Guide To The Best Hiking Headlamps
So you’re in the market for a new hiking headlamp, then there are a few things you should consider before making a purchase. These are especially important if you’re planning on using your headlamp for activities like night hiking, backpacking, or camping.
Battery Life
First and foremost, battery life is crucial. You don’t want your headlamp dying on you mid-hike, leaving you stranded in the dark. So make sure to choose a headlamp with a long battery life. In many cases, it’s a good idea to opt for a headlamp with rechargeable batteries, as they can be easily replenished on the go.
Beam Distance (Throw)
Next, consider the beam distance. You’ll want a headlamp with a long beam distance for maximum visibility on the trail. This is especially important if you’re planning on doing any off-trail hiking or navigating through dense vegetation. In many ways, beam distance is more important than lumens for you the user, as it directly affects your visibility.
If a long beam distance is critical, you may want to consider a flashlight. There are options that produce some incredibly long, focused beams. You can check out our best hiking flashlight choices.
Lumens
That being said, lumen output is still an important factor to consider. The brightness of the headlamp is important for visibility, so look for a headlamp with a high lumen output. And this is important if you’re planning on doing any activities that require a lot of light, such as reading maps or identifying objects in the dark.
Light Modes
Multiple light modes are a must-have for any hiking headlamp. Look for one with low, medium, and high settings (or more), as well as any additional modes like strobe or SOS. These different light modes will allow you to adjust the brightness of your headlamp depending on your needs, conserving battery life when necessary.
Weight
Weight is another important factor to consider. A lightweight headlamp will be more comfortable to wear. For anyone who’s done any backpacking or extended hiking, you know how important it is to get the weight down. There is a good reason why avid hikers will spend crazy amounts of money to get rid of a few grams.
Water Resistance
Water resistance is also an important factor to consider, especially if you’re planning on hiking in wet conditions. Look for a headlamp with a high level of water resistance, such as an IPX rating of 7 or higher. This will ensure that your headlamp stays protected from the elements and continues to function properly.
Comfort & Adjustability
Comfort is also a key factor to consider when choosing a hiking headlamp. Make sure the headlamp is comfortable to wear, with a secure and adjustable fit. You’ll be wearing it for extended periods of time, so comfort is pretty important.
Durability
Durability is also important. Choose a headlamp that is durable and can withstand the rigors of hiking. Look for one with a tough, impact-resistant housing and reliable components.
Price
Last but not least, don’t forget to factor in price. Determine your budget and look for a headlamp that fits within it while still meeting all your other criteria.
With these factors in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect hiking headlamp for your needs.
BEST OVERALL HIKING HEADLAMP: Petzl Actik Core Rechargeable Headlamp
Why It Made The Cut
You gotta check out the Petzl Actik Core Rechargeable Headlamp.
It’s got 600 lumens of brightness and a beam range of up to 377 ft (115 meters), making it perfect for lighting up the trail ahead and helping you see what goes bump in the night.
But what really sets the Actik Core apart is its versatility.
The wide, uniform beam allows you to see up-close, and the mixed beam (flood and focused) allows for both near and far.
Plus, it’s got the best combination of light quality and beam distance of all the headlamps on this list.
And it’s lightweight, at just 3.1 oz, so it won’t weigh you down on the trail.
And in addition to 3 white lighting levels, the Actik Core also has continuous red lighting to preserve night vision. And the red strobe function is great for signaling your location in an emergency.
It’s somewhat weather resistant with an IPX4 rating and powered by the included Petzl Core Li-ion rechargeable battery. But it can handle regular batteries as well.
Trust me, the Actik Core is the top choice for anyone looking for a reliable and powerful hiking headlamp.
Key Features
- 600 lumens of brightness
- Beam range of up to 377 ft (115 meters)
- Weight: 3.1 oz
- Mixed beam (flood and focused)
- 3 white lighting levels
- Continuous red lighting function
- Red strobe function
- Single button for selecting brightness or light color
- Plate for easy orientation
- Battery charge indicator
- Rechargeable via type B micro USB port
- LOCK function to prevent accidental turning on during transit or storage
- Detachable, washable, and symmetrical headband
- Reflective headband
- Storage pouch to transform into a lantern
- Weather resistant with IPX4 rating
- Powered by Petzl Core Li-ion rechargeable battery
- Compatible with alkaline, lithium, or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries
- Approximately 3 hour charging time
Pros
- Powerful beam (600 lumens)
- Wide, uniform beam for close and far vision
- Best combination of light quality, beam distance and battery life
- Versatile (mixed beam and red lighting)
- Comfortable headband
- Easy to use
- Weather resistant
- Durable
- Rechargeable
- Can use different battery types
Cons
- 3-hour charging time
- May be too heavy for some users
Product Description
The Petzl Actik Core is weather resistant with an IPX4 rating, and is powered by the included Petzl Core Li-ion rechargeable battery. The headlamp has a brightness of 600 lumens, a weight of 3.1 oz, and a beam pattern of flood or mixed.
Most important for hikers, the beam distance is over 370 feet.
The charging time is approximately 3 hours, and the battery is compatible with alkaline, lithium, or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries. This means that you can choose the battery type that works best for your needs, whether you prefer disposable or rechargeable options.
BEST UPGRADE: OLIGHT Perun 2 Headlamp (2500 lumens)
Why It Made The Cut
If you’re looking for a seriously powerful hiking headlamp, the OLIGHT Perun 2 Headlamp is the way to go.
This thing cranks out a whopping max. 2,500 lumens.
Plus, it’s got a beam distance of a whopping 544 ft (166 meters). That’s over 40% further than the Petzl Core. Trust me, you won’t be left in the dark with this bad boy.
But it’s not just about power, the Perun 2 is also super convenient to use. It’s got a fast charging time and a built-in proximity sensor that automatically reduces the brightness to protect your eyes when it detects something nearby.
And with a magnetic base, durable headband, and firm pocket clip, you can use it in a variety of hands-free settings.
Whether you’re hiking, fishing, running, or even working on a construction site, the Perun 2 has got you covered.
In terms of durability, this headlamp is tough. It’s waterproof with an IPX8 rating and made of aluminum alloy, so it can handle all kinds of rough outdoor conditions.
All in all, the OLIGHT Perun 2 Headlamp is a seriously impressive illumination tool that’s perfect for anyone who spends time on the trail. If you’re ready to upgrade your headlamp game, this is the one to get.
Key Features
- Beam distance: 544 ft (166m)
- Max performance: 2,500 lumens
- Weight: 5.68 oz
- Length: 4.75 in
- Head diameter: 1.13 in
- Body diameter: 1.06 in
- 5 lighting levels: 2,500-800 lumens (2+175 min run-time), 500 lumens (270 min run-time), 120 lumens (18 hr run-time), 30 lumens (66 hr run-time), 5 lumens (12.5 day run-time)
- Strobe and SOS/beacon functions available
- Fast charging time with MCC3 Magnetic Charging Cable
- Built-in proximity sensor reduces brightness when headlight detects nearby obstruction
- Magnetic base
- Customized 4000mAh 21700 Battery (included)
- Cool White LED light source
- TIR Optic Lens
- Front switch mode operation
- IPX8 waterproof
- Aluminum alloy body material
Pros
- High performance (2,500 lumens)
- Fast charging
- Smart sensor
- Versatile hands-free use (magnetic base, headband, pocket clip)
- Suitable for multiple outdoor activities
- Multiple lighting levels
- Waterproof (IPX8)
Cons
- Heavy (5.68 oz)
- Expensive
- No strobe mode
- Customized battery not interchangeable with other brands
Product Description
The OLIGHT Perun 2 Headlamp is a powerful, reliable, and portable illumination tool for multiple activities in the darkness.
It has a maximum output of 2,500 lumens, a beam distance of 544 ft, and fast charging time. The Perun 2 also has a built-in proximity sensor that reduces brightness when detecting an obstruction nearby.
It features a magnetic base, and pocket clip so it stands upright for hands-free use if you want to remove it from the headband.
The headlamp comes in 3 colors, it’s made of aluminum alloy, and has an IPX8 waterproof rating. It weighs 5.68 oz and has 5 lighting levels and strobe and SOS/beacon functions.
So, it’s our Best Upgrade pick.
BEST BUDGET HEADLAMP: Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
Why It Made The Cut
If you don’t want to spend a ton but still want a reliable headlamp, the Black Diamond Spot 400 is a great choice. It’s packed with features that make it a useful and dependable light.
Like some other models on this list, the Spot 400 has dual-fuel capability. It can be powered by either three AAA alkaline batteries (included) or the rechargeable BD 1500 Li-ion battery (sold separately).
This gives you maximum flexibility, especially if you’re out on a long expedition and don’t have access to a power source.
It comes with Black Diamond’s ‘PowerTap Technology’, which just means you have an instant adjustment between max output and dimmed power. Pretty handy.
The Spot 400 also has an integrated battery power indicator, dimming and strobe settings, red LED night-vision, and a lock mode.
The Brightness Memory function is a handy feature that lets you turn the light on and off at a chosen brightness without getting reset to the default setting.
And the red night vision has dimming and strobe modes, so you can activate it without cycling through the white mode.
The Black Diamond Spot 400 is also waterproof, with an IPX8 rating.
All in all, the Black Diamond Spot 400 is a budget-friendly headlamp that’s packed with features and delivers reliable performance. It’s a great choice for hikers who need a dependable light.
Key Features
- Can be powered with three AAA Alkaline cells (included) or the rechargeable BD 1500 Li-ion battery (purchased separately)
- 400 Lumen max output
- Instant adjustment between max output and dimmed power
- Integrated battery power indicator
- Settings include proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, red LED night-vision, and lock mode
- Brightness Memory – turn the light on and off at a chosen brightness without resetting
- Red night vision has dimming and strobe modes
- IPX8 Waterproof
- Digital lock mode
- Max Beam Distance on High: 328 ft (100 m)
- Max Beam Distance on Medium: 197 ft (60 m)
- Max Beam Distance on Low: 39 ft (12 m)
- Weight Without Batteries: 1.57 oz
Pros
- Dual-fuel power source
- 400 lumens max output
- Brightness Memory
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
Cons
- Rechargeable battery must be purchased separately
- Low max beam distance compared to other headlamps
Product Description
The Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp is a compact and versatile light for multiple activities in the dark.
It features dual-fuel capability, allowing you to power it with either three AAA alkaline cells or a rechargeable BD 1500 Li-ion battery (sold separately).
With a maximum output of 400 lumens, you can easily adjust the brightness level to your needs. The headlamp also has a variety of settings, including proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, red LED night-vision, and a lock mode to prevent accidental use.
The Brightness Memory function allows you to turn the light on and off at your desired brightness without reverting back to the default setting. The Black Diamond Spot 400 is also waterproof making it a great candidate for wet-weather use and night hiking.
This is our Best Budget Choice.
BEST ULTRALIGHT HEADLAMP: Nitecore NU25 400 UL Ultra Lightweight Headlamp
Why It Made The Cut
The Nitecore NU25 400 UL Ultra Lightweight Headlamp may quickly become one of your go-to pieces of equipment.
This little headlamp packs a powerful punch with a max output of 400 lumens and a beam distance of 210 ft.
It’s got both a spotlight and floodlight, so you can easily switch between close-up tasks and wide illumination.
Plus, it’s got a red light mode to preserve your night vision if you need that.
It’s also got a USB-C port for fast charging, so you never have to worry about running out of juice.
But the real standout feature of the NU25 is its ultra-light dual-band design. At only 1.59 ounces, it’s one of the lightest headlamp on the market, making it perfect for the most dedicated outdoor enthusiasts who are looking to cut down on every ounce.
The cinching mechanism and reflective bands make it comfortable and easy to see, even in low light conditions.
So, if you’re in the market for a reliable, ultra-lightweight headlamp that can handle just about anything, the Nitecore NU25 400 UL Ultra Lightweight Headlamp is the way to go. It’s got all the features and performance you need, plus it’s super lightweight and comfortable to wear.
I can’t recommend it enough.
Key Features
- Maximum Output of 400 Lumens
- Beam Distance of 210 ft
- Equipped with spotlight and floodlight with red light
- Ultra-light dual-band design
- Three light sources (white, high CRI, and red)
- Charges via USB-C
- Triple Output Headlamp
- IP66 water resistant
- Built-in 650mAh rechargeable battery
- Maximum runtime of 45 hours on lowest setting
- Fast charges in 1.5 hours
- Power indicator and lockout mode
- Dual-button interface
- Dimensions: Length 2.37″ x Width 1.45″ x Height 0.98″
- Weight: 1.59 oz
Pros
- Ultra-light dual-band design
- Three light sources
- USB-C fast charging
- IP66 water resistant
- Inexpensive
Cons
- No adjustable focus
- Limited runtime on highest setting
- Limited beam distance on highest setting
Product Description
The Nitecore NU25 is a lightweight and powerful headlamp that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
It has a maximum output of 400 lumens, a beam distance of 210 feet, and is equipped with both a spotlight and floodlight with red light.
It features a USB-C fast charging port, a power indicator, and a lockout mode to prevent accidental activation.
The headlamp also has a dual-band design that is reflective and glows in the dark for added visibility.
It is water resistant and has a design that efficiently dissipates heat.
The Nitecore NU25 has a variety of brightness settings, including high, medium, low, ultralow, and red light modes.
It is suitable for a variety of activities, including hiking, running, camping, and more.
BEST LOW PROFILE: BioLite HeadLamp 330 Lumen
Why It Made The Cut
Are you on the hunt for a low-profile headlamp that won’t weigh you down or slip around when you’re out on the trails? The BioLite HeadLamp 330 Lumen might be just what you’re looking for.
This thing is ultra slim, with a front profile of only 9mm, and it weighs in at a feathery 2.43 ounces.
Plus, it’s got moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry no matter how hard you’re working.
But don’t let the slim design fool you – this headlamp gives you a decent max output of 330 lumens. It’s got a spot beam that reaches 246 feet and a flood beam that reaches 52 feet, so you’ll be able to see everything in front of you.
And if you only need a little extra light in the dark, it’s got red night vision mode to help you see without ruining your natural night vision.
And it’s rechargeable via micro-USB. Just plug it in when you get home and you’ll be good to go for your next adventure.
Overall, the BioLite HeadLamp 330 Lumen is a solid choice for anyone looking for a low-profile headlamp that delivers top-tier performance.
Key Features
- Max Output: 330 lumens
- Beam Distance: Flood – 52 ft (16m), Spot – 246 ft (75m)
- Red Light Included
- Front Panel Tilts Down
- Burn Time: 40 hours on Low, 3.5 hours on High
- Rechargeable via Micro-USB
- Brightness Memory: Yes
- Water Resistance: IPX4
- Weight: 2.43 oz (69 g)
- Lock Mode: Yes
- Battery: 900 mAh, 3.4 Wh Li-on, USB Rechargeable
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Rechargeable via USB
- Multiple light levels and red light
- Moisture-wicking fabric
Cons
- Shorter burn time on highest setting
- Lower lumen output compared to some competitors
Product Description
The BioLite HeadLamp 330 Lumen is a high-performance headlamp with a slim fit design.
It features a front profile of only 9mm and weighs just 69g, making it comfortable and secure on the forehead.
The moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool and dry during any activity.
The rechargeable battery means you can leave the alkaline batteries behind.
Red night vision and can run for up to 40 hours on low or 3.5 hours on high.
It is water-resistant, features a lock mode for added security, and can be charged via micro-USB.
And for such a small package, it has a respectable beam distance of 246ft for the spot light and 52ft for the flood light.
LONGEST RUNTIME HEADLAMP: Black Diamond Storm 500 R Headlamp
Why It Made The Cut
If you’re in the market for a headlamp that’s going to last you for hours on end, then you need to check out the Black Diamond Storm 500 R Headlamp.
With an impressively long runtime up to 350 hours on the low setting, this headlamp is perfect for those long nights out in the wilderness.
Plus, with 500 lumens of bright white light, you’ll be able to see everything in your path. And the Storm 500 R is also waterproof and dustproof, making it perfect for those wet and muddy adventures.
So if you’re in need of a reliable, long-lasting headlamp, the Black Diamond Storm 500 R is definitely worth checking out.
Key Features
- Max light output (lumens): 500 lumens
- Light output: High (500 lumens), medium (250 lumens), low (6 lumens)
- Beam distance: high (393 ft or 120 m), medium (197 ft or 60 m), low (39 ft or 12 m)
- Average run time: high (7 hours), medium (19 hours), low (350 hours)
- Red light mode: Yes
- Beam type: Flood/Spot
- Strobes: 5 settings + SOS
- Batteries: Integrated rechargeable 2400 mAh lithium-ion
- Dimensions: 5” x 4” x 2”
- Water-resistance rating: IPX7
- Weight with batteries: 3.5 oz
Pros
- High lumen output (500 lumens)
- Long runtime (350 hours on low)
- Multiple beam and light colors (white, red, blue, green)
- Waterproof and dustproof (IP67 rating)
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Multiple brightness levels and strobe settings
Cons
- May be too heavy for some users (3.5 oz)
- May not be as compact as some other headlamps
- No alkaline battery backup option
Product Description
The Black Diamond Storm 500 R Headlamp is a super bright and rechargeable headlamp that is perfect for hikers who need a reliable light source on their adventures.
With a maximum output of 500 lumens, this headlamp can throw light up to 393 feet (120 meters), making it great for seeing what’s ahead on the trail.
It come with a variety of light settings, including full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, red, green, and blue night vision, and lock mode.
The headlamp is powered by an integrated 2400 mAh lithium-ion battery that can be easily recharged with a micro-USB charge port.
With a waterproof rating of IP67, the Black Diamond Storm 500 R Headlamp is fully submersible and dustproof, meaning it can withstand any rainy conditions and rough terrain.
(This headlamp should be a serious candidate for anyone’s survival gear list)
It is relatively lightweight and compact for the light it delivers, making it worthwhile to carry on any adventure. Overall, the Black Diamond Storm 500 R Headlamp is a reliable and versatile choice for backpackers who need a long-lasting light source.
BEST HEADLAMP FOR TRAIL RUNNING: Silva Trail Runner Free Ultra Headlamp
Why It Made The Cut
This little light will surprise you with a powerful 400 lumen output, lighting up the path ahead for up to 260 ft (80 m).
But it’s not just about the brightness – the Silva Trail Runner Free Ultra also uses some tech that optimizes the light pattern with a unique combination of a long reach spot light and a close flood light, resulting in a better running experience.
But the Silva Trail Runner Free Ultra isn’t just all about performance – it’s also super comfortable to wear. With a lightweight fit and an anti-slip headband, you’ll barely even notice it’s there.
And if you do happen to run out of juice, the included Hybrid battery case allows you to use AAA batteries as a backup.
Or you can complement it with a Hybrid battery for even longer burn time.
In short, the Silva Trail Runner Free Ultra Headlamp is the perfect combination of performance and comfort, making it the top choice for any trail runner.
Key Features
- 400 lumen output
- 4.97 oz (141g) weight
- Red rear safety light built into hybrid battery case
- Water resistant (IPX5 standard)
- Rechargeable battery with battery indication
- Light distance max: 262 ft (80 m)
- Light modes: Intelligent Light, Max, Med, Min, Blink
- Lumens max: 400, med: 200, min: 50
Pros
- Comfortable and lightweight fit
- Multiple battery options (rechargeable or AAA)
- 4.0 Ah (14.8 Wh) Rechargeable Battery
- Long burn time for extended running sessions
- Customized light distribution for running
- Red rear safety light for added visibility
- Water resistant
Cons
- More expensive than some competitors
- May not be suitable for very cold temperatures (per user reviews)
Product Description
The Silva Trail Runner Free Ultra Headlamp is a game-changing piece of gear for any runner.
With its unique combination of a long-reach spotlight and a close floodlight, this headlamp offers the perfect light pattern for running.
It’s also super lightweight, coming in at just 4.97 oz, and features an anti-slip headband for a comfortable fit.
Plus, the included 4 Ah (14.8 Wh) rechargeable battery provides up to 400 lumens of light and has a max distance of 262.47 ft (80 m). And with the included Hybrid battery case, you can use either 3 AAA batteries or a Hybrid battery (1.25 Ah/4.6 Wh) as a backup.
The headlamp is also water resistant (IPX5 standard) and has a built-in red rear safety light for added visibility.
So if you’re looking for a headlamp that’ll keep you safe and comfortable on the trails, the Silva Trail Runner Free Ultra is definitely worth a look.
FAQs
What is a good headlamp for hiking?
For hiking, the Petzl Actik Core Rechargeable Headlamp is a great overall choice with its bright 600 lumens, multi-beam technology, and rechargeable battery.
The OLIGHT Perun 2 Headlamp is a good upgrade option with its 2500 lumens, versatile attachment options, and rechargeable battery.
For a budget pick, the Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp offers a bright 400 lumens and reliable battery life.
The Nitecore NU25 400 UL Ultra Lightweight Headlamp is a good ultralight choice at only 1.59 oz with 400 lumens.
The BioLite HeadLamp 330 is a good low profile option with its slim design and 330 lumens.
Black Diamond’s Storm 500 R has excellent battery life with a runtime of up to 350 hours.
For a trail running headlamp, the Silva Trail Runner Free Ultra Headlamp is a good choice with its 400 lumens, comfortable fit, and multiple battery options.
How many lumens do I need for hiking?
If you’re looking for the best hiking headlamps, you’re going to want to pay attention to the lumens.
Lumens measure the brightness of a light, and when you’re out on the trail in the dark, you’re going to want a headlamp with a good amount of lumens to help you see clearly.
Keep in mind that active movement at night, like hiking over uneven terrain or through bad weather, is going to require more light than you might think. So, aim for a headlamp with at least 300 lumens, and you’ll be set for a successful hike in the dark.
If you plan on using your headlamp for activities like night navigation or technical climbing, you might want to opt for a headlamp with an even higher lumen output (400+ lumens).
Ultimately, the key is to find a headlamp that strikes the right balance between brightness and battery life, as well as being lightweight and comfortable to wear.
What is the highest quality headlamp?
Different headlamps excel in different areas and what may be the highest quality for one person may not be the same for another.
However, the Petzl Actik Core Rechargeable Headlamp is a strong contender for the highest quality headlamp overall. It has received high marks for its brightness, durability, and versatility, making it a good choice for a wide range of activities.
The OLIGHT Perun 2 Headlamp is also a top pick, offering excellent brightness and beam distance as well as a durable and comfortable design.
How many lumens should a good headlamp have?
Lumens measure the brightness of a light source, and trust me, you don’t want to skimp on lumens when you’re out on the trail in the dark.
Now, if you’re just doing some casual hiking, 100 to 200 lumens should suffice.
If you’re tackling more rugged terrain after dark or facing bad weather, then you’ll want to step that up to 300+ lumens.
But if you’re planning on doing some night navigation or technical climbing, you might want to bump it up to 400+ lumens.
The key is finding a headlamp that strikes the right balance between brightness, battery life, and weight. You don’t want something too heavy or bulky on your head, but you also don’t want to sacrifice visibility.
So, check out the reviews above for the best headlamps for hiking.
The Final Word About The Best Hiking Headlamps
So there you have it, folks! These are our top picks for the best hiking headlamps on the market.
Best Overall Headlamp: Petzl Actik Core – 600 lumens, versatile beam, lightweight, 3 white lighting levels, red lighting, IPX4 rating, rechargeable or regular batteries.
Best Upgrade: OLIGHT Perun 2 – 2,500 lumens, 544 ft beam range, fast charging, proximity sensor, magnetic base, durable headband, pocket clip, waterproof (IPX8), aluminum alloy.
Best Budget Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot 400 – dual-fuel (AAA or rechargeable), PowerTap Technology, battery indicator, dimming and strobe settings, red LED night vision, lock mode, Brightness Memory function, waterproof (IPX8).
Whether you’re looking for a top-of-the-line option like the Petzl Actik Core or something more budget-friendly like the Black Diamond Spot 400, we’ve got you covered.
Just remember to keep your specific needs in mind and choose a headlamp with the right combination of brightness, battery life, weight, and durability for your next night hike.
Happy hiking!
