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Published July 9, 2023 5:00 PM
Sometimes it’s just not enough to hold a flashlight – that’s why you need a headlamp that’s made for hiking. This ultra-durable, long-lasting camping gear is an absolute essential as you head out on your next big trek. Sure, your walks can be planned for the day, but what about the night? No one wants to dig through their backpack for a beer, build a tent or trip over a tree root in the dark. You also miss out on the chance to walk under the stars and discover constellations if you decide to only hike during the day. When you get home, you can even use your hiking headlamp as a reading lamp or as a light source if you need to walk the dog at night. So take off your socks, coat yourself in bug spray and get yourself one of the best head torches for hiking.
How we chose the best headlamps for hiking
I consider myself at least 25% of an outdoorsman, thanks to many years of boy scout camp, staying in my grandpa’s hunting cabin during the summer, and staying at family RV campgrounds. A headlamp was essential for walks, late-night trips to the latrine, and even helped me get through the Dusk book series at night when i couldn’t sleep (like all hot girls i have trouble falling asleep). To narrow down our picks for the best headlamps for hiking, we looked at reviews, recommendations, and threw in some options on our big heads for testing.
The best headlamps for hiking: reviews and recommendations
Your phone’s flashlight isn’t the best source of illumination when you’re trying to step over tree roots and rocks on a slightly muddy path. One of our picks should help light your way, whether you’re walking to the fridge at night or traversing nature.
Best overall: BioLite 800 Pro headlamp
Specifications
- Weight: 5.3 ounces
- lumen: 800 lumens
- Battery life: 150 hours on low; 7 hours on high; 8 hours on reserve
- Waterproof rating: IPX4
Advantages
- rechargeable
- long-term
- Red light option
cons
We’re a fan of BioLite for many reasons: we think it’s an excellent camping gadget thanks to its internal technology, and they’re rechargeable. The bulb puts out 800 lumens for 150 hours on low; seven hours on high; and eight hours on reserve. With a Run Forever cord you can connect a power bank for even more run time. A moisture-wicking headband keeps you dry and cool, and integrated electronics prevent slipping and bouncing. A push on the back gives you maximum brightness for 30 seconds, and Constant mode gives you full illumination without auto-dimming. There’s a bit of a learning curve if you’ve never used a BioLite headlamp before, but it’s one of the best on the market once you get over it. If 800 lumens seems excessive, consider its lower-lumen cousin, the BioLite 325 headlamp, which maxes out at – you guessed it – 325 lumens.
Best Ultralight: Nitecore NU25 UL
![Tge Nitecore NU25 UL - 400 lumen ultra-light rechargeable headlamp on a blue and white background](https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/09/best-lightweight-head-lamp.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50)
Specifications
- Weight: 1.59 ounces
- lumen: 750 lumens
- Battery life: 45 hours
- Waterproof rating: IP66
Advantages
- Eight light modes
- Charging via USB-C
- Long throw of light
cons
“Light as a feather, stiff as a board,” goes the old creepy slumber party often played by young teens who sleep in a platform tent. At 1.59 ounces, it’s not feather light, but it’s the lightest of all our picks on this list. It has a light throw of 210 feet, which means you can see the trail ahead and then some. The IP66 waterproof rating means it’s dustproof and water resistant against powerful jets. 400 lumens is Goldilocks’ lumen count (not too bright but not too dull), and the lock mode ensures the light won’t go out while it’s in your backpack. Spotlight, floodlight and red light options round out the most desirable modes. Despite being lightweight, it won’t float off your head, unlike Jenny after that particularly terrifying “Light as a feather, stiff as a board” round.
Best for walking through: PETZL NAO + programmable rechargeable headlamp
![The PETZL, NAO + programmable, rechargeable headlamp with 750 lumens on a blue and white background](https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/09/best-for-thru-hiking.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50)
Specifications
- Weight: 6.3 ounces
- lumen: 750 lumens
- Battery life: 70 hours
- Waterproof rating: IPX4
Advantages
- App connectivity
- rechargeable
- The top strap helps keep it on your head
cons
- IP rating could be better
This light seems straight out of the Star Wars universe, and we think it would survive a walk in Tatooine, thanks to its hefty stats. It’s IPX4 rated, meaning it’s unaffected by splashes in all directions and sweat – perfect for when you’re hitting a particularly grueling or rainy leg of your hike. Reactive Lighting technology automatically adjusts to ambient light as the sun begins to rise. Thanks to Bluetooth technology, the lamp can connect wirelessly to your smartphone and monitor the burn time in real time. 750 lumens gives you a powerful, strong beam, and a combined wide and focused beam gives you near and far vision illumination. A top strap keeps everything secure while you bike or hike.
Best for Kids: Black Diamond Spot Lite 200 Headlamp
![A red Black Diamond Spot 200 headlight on a blue and white background](https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/09/best-for-kids-headlamp.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50)
Specifications
- Weight: 1.9 oz
- lumen: 200
- Battery life: Not rechargeable, works on 2 AAA batteries
- Waterproof rating: IPX8
Advantages
- Great IP rating
- Ergonomic
- lightweight
cons
You don’t have to spend a ton of time shopping at your local camping store to pick up a powerful, long-lasting headlamp for your camper who is about to set off on their first ever camping trip. And even if you’re not shopping for a kid, this option is great to stash in your glove compartment in case of an emergency. 200 lumens is a great amount of light to walk back to camp after dinner in the dining room, and an IPX8 rating means it will survive a drop in the puddle. The many light settings include full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, red night vision and lock mode. If you’re shopping for an older kid who will grow up to be their own outdoorsman, we’ve got other recommendations for Scout-friendly headlamps too. However, with these specs, we think this model will grow with them as they take on tougher hikes and higher climbs.
Best Budget: Energizer LED Headlamp Pro260
![An Energizer LED Headlamp Pro260 on a blue and white background.](https://www.popsci.com/uploads/2023/07/09/best-budget-headlamp.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50)
Specifications
- Weight: 3.52 ounces
- lumen: 260 lumens
- Battery life: 35 hours in low mode
- Waterproof rating: IPX4
Advantages
- Lots of light settings
- Long throw of light
- Cheap
cons
Do not discount Energizer! They’re our top budget pick in this headlight story, and now they’ve taken the spot again in this one. It illuminates up to 260 feet, which is remarkable considering the price. It comes with an adjustable strap, a swivel head and a compact design, with a water resistant IPX4 certified housing. Seven light modes, including red light mode, keep it running with the more expensive picks on this list; you even change the light intensity from 100%-10% and switch off your headlamp immediately without clicking through extra cycles. While it’s not rechargeable, it comes with three AAA batteries, meaning you don’t have to rummage through your battery bag.
What to look for when buying the best headlamps for hiking
By various difficulties to different experience levels, no two headlights are the same. Here’s what to think about before you snag a new headlight.
Duration of the walk
Are you going out for half a day? Or use your headlamp for a serious hike on the mountain for months Appalachian Route? A shorter walk rated Easiest or Modest means you can get away with something that’s battery-powered, less shock-resistant, and has a shorter battery life. Anything considered moderately strenuous, strenuous or very strenuous means you might want to consider one that’s rechargeable (which you can charge while staying in a trek) and has a very long battery life.
If your trek is longer and you’ll be chilling in the camp at night rather than in a trek cabin, a headlamp is a great way to light up the whole tent and keep your hands free while building a fire or looking for kindling.
Weather conditions
If it gets wet and rainy, consider upgrading to a head torch which is good IP value, which provides protection against the ingress of solids and liquids. IPX4 should be the minimum IP rating you consider for your headlamp, and hikers who will be traversing more extreme conditions should consider something IPX7 or IPX8 rated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many lumens do I need for a head torch for hiking?
You should look for a headlamp with at least 300 lumens if you use it for hiking. Anything less is better for walking the dog at night or for novice young walkers accompanying their more experienced parents.
Q: Is white or yellow light better for walking at night?
Not technically either. Red light is actually the best light for walking at night because it affects your night vision less compared to white or yellow light. Otherwise it’s a matter of preference.
Question: How important is a headlamp when hiking?
We think it is very important to bring a headlamp when hiking. It keeps your hands free and makes you more agile and efficient. But if you’re camping overnight, a headlamp is a must-have – no one wants to pitch a tent in the dark.
Final thoughts on the best headlamps for hiking
Headlamps for hiking are made to keep your path lit while you enjoy a nice trip under a beautiful starry sky. They also have many uses when the walk ends and you’re back home – use the night to get through your “reading” pile, banish dark dog walks to the light, and wear one to see what’s going on under the hood of your car. Tell flashlights to go for a walk after you grab hold of one of the best headlamps for hiking.
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