If you’ve ever gone camping, hiking, backpacking, climbing, biking, trail running, or anything else in the outdoors, chances are you’ve used a headlamp. I don’t need to go into detail about how great hands-free illumination is.. it’s just awesome, and more efficient than a flashlight in most cases. But everyone should own a headlamp. Don’t allow yourself the stress of getting caught in the dark. A headlamp can be an essential tool that we can keep in our backpack, home or our car for emergencies. The beauty is, not all headlamps are the same. They all offer us different features which make them ideal in different situations. The problem is, there are so many different kinds out there, it’s hard to narrow it down to one that is perfect for you. So let’s talk about the best headlamps of 2020, and I’ll help you find the best headlamp to fit your needs.
QUICK ANSWER:
- Black Diamond Spot 325
- Petzl Actik Core
- Nitecore NU25
- Petzl Bindi
- Biolite Headlamp 330
- Fenix HM50R
- Petzl Tikkina
- Black Diamond Sprinter
- Black Diamond Icon
- Petzl Tikka
COMPARISON TABLE OF THE BEST HEADLAMP
| Picture | Name | Weight | Run Time | Output Capacity | Beam Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Black Diamond Spot 325 | 3 oz. (with batteries) | 4hrs./200hrs. (High/Low) | 325 lumens | 80 meters | $ | |
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Petzl Actik Core | 2.8 oz. (with batteries) | 2 hrs./130hrs. (High/Low) | 450 lumens | 90 meters | $$ | |
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Nitecore NU25 | 1.8 oz. (with strap) | 5 hrs./160 hrs. (High/Low) | 360 lumens | 81 meters | $ | |
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Petzl Bindi | 1.2 oz. | 2 hrs./50 hrs. (High/Low) | 200 lumens | 60 meters | $$ | |
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BioLite Headlamp 330 | 2.43 oz. (with batteries) | 3.5 hrs./40 hrs. (High/Low) | 330 lumens | 74 meters | $$ | |
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Fenix HM50R | 2.2 oz (with batteries) | 2 hrs./128 hrs. (High/Low) | 500 lumens | 80 meters | $$ | |
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Petzl Tikkina | 3 oz (with batteries) | 1.5hrs/12hrs. (High/Low) | 750 lumens | 140 meters | $ | |
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Black Diamond Sprinter | 3.7 oz. | 4hrs./42hrs. (High/Low) | 200 lumens | 110 meters | $$ | |
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Black Diamond Icon | 8.1 oz. | 50hrs./250hrs. (High/Low) | 500 lumens | 110 meters | $$$ | |
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Petzl Tikka | 2.9 oz. | 2hr./120hrs. (High/Low) | 300 lumens | 65 meters | $ | |
| Picture | Name | Weight | Run Time | Output Capacity | Beam Distance | Price |
REVIEWS OF THE BEST HEADLAMP
BLACK DIAMOND SPOT 325
SPECS
- BEAM DISTANCE: 80 meters
- WEIGHT: 3 oz. (with batteries)
- LUMENS: 300
- OUTPUT CAPACITY: 325 lumens
- BURN TIME: 4hrs./200hrs. (High/Low)
- IPX RATING: IPX8
FEATURES
- Waterproof
- Brightness Memory For On/Off At Chosen Brightness
- Red-Night Vision
BEST FOR: BACKPACKING
When it comes to weight and performance, the Black Diamond Spot 325 outshines the competition in its price range making it a top contender at the best headlamp. Weighing in at 3-ounces, this hiking headlamp has all the features you need for a backpacking trip.
To start, the Black Diamond Spot 325 can shed light on 80 meters worth of trail, which is plenty of light to guide your way. At the click of a button, you can go from high to dimming mode or shift over to one of the other modes like the red light to preserve your night vision. Either way, you can still return to your previous mode of choice after you turn the headlamp off. Waterproof and compact, this headlamp is built for adding up overnight miles on the trail.
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PETZL ACTIK CORE
SPECS
- BEAM DISTANCE: 90 meters
- WEIGHT: 2.8 oz. (with batteries)
- LUMENS: 300
- OUTPUT CAPACITY: 450 lumens
- BURN TIME: 2 hrs./130hrs. (High/Low)
- IPX RATING: IPX4
FEATURES
- Rechargeable Batteries
- Detachable Reflective Headband
- Water-Resistant
BEST FOR: BATTERY HYBRID
The Petzl Actik Core delivers solid performance at a reasonable price. Packing 450 lumens worth of radiant light into 2.8-ounces, this headlamp is efficient yet lightweight.
The flood and mixed beam pattern come in several brightness levels along with red light mode. This allows you to adjust between a flat or concentrated light source as well as light strength so you choose your visibility. When you’re not lighting your path, plug the headlamp into a USB port and charge the core battery in as little as 3-hours. No USB access? This headlamp is also AAA battery compatible.
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NITECORE NU25
SPECS
- BEAM DISTANCE: 81 meters
- WEIGHT: 1.8 oz. (with batteries)
- LUMENS: 190
- OUTPUT CAPACITY: 360 lumens
- BURN TIME: 5 hrs./160hrs. (High/Low)
- IPX RATING: IP66
FEATURES
- Ultralight, Compact
- Rechargeable
- Waterproof (IP66)
BEST FOR: ULTRALIGHT
Why is this a good option as the best headlamp you ask? 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 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.
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PETZL BINDI
SPECS
- BEAM DISTANCE: 60 meters
- WEIGHT: 1.2 oz.
- LUMENS: 200
- OUTPUT CAPACITY: 200 lumens
- BURN TIME: 2 hrs./50hrs. (High/Low)
FEATURES
- Ultralight, Compact
- Rechargeable
- Great Fit
BEST FOR: ULTRALIGHT RUNNING
The Bindi is one of Petzl’s newer and more stylish options. It’s great for night time runners who need something less bulky and light weight that doesn’t flop around when in motion. With its low profile draw-cord, this is a headlamp that is easy to adjust and fits well in places other than your head. It makes a nice bike light if wrapped around the handlebars (the flashing red light is a great feature in this instance). I personally like to use this light on my dog at night (with the red light) when we are out camping, and it comes in handy as a back-up.
BIOLITE HEADLAMP 330
SPECS
- BEAM DISTANCE: 74 meters
- WEIGHT: 2.43 oz. (with batteries)
- OUTPUT CAPACITY: 330 lumens
- RUN TIME: 3.5 hrs./40 hrs. (High/Low)
FEATURES
- Multiple Modes
- Slim
- Moisture-Wicking Headband
- Bounce-Free Design For Secure Fit
BEST FOR: SECURE FIT
The slim design of the BioLite 330 has an attractive look about it that stands out among the competition. The product of a Kickstarter campaign, the lightweight BioLite 330 fits flush to your forehand to optimize comfort and light direction. This way you can focus on the trail in front of you rather than an annoying bouncing headlamp.
Featuring five modes, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from when encountering varying terrain. Charge up the battery and get ready to tackle the trail. You’ll have up to 40 hours worth of running time which is more than you’ll need to hike at night.
FENIX HM50R
SPECS
- BEAM DISTANCE: 80 meters
- WEIGHT: 2.2 oz. (with batteries)
- OUTPUT CAPACITY: 500 lumens
- RUN TIME: 2 hrs./128 hrs. (High/Low)
FEATURES
- Rechargeable
- Waterproof
- Dust-Proof
BEST FOR: EXTREME COLD
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 I feel that this headlamp’s specs are slightly misleading (it can only output its max lumens for a few seconds before leveling down), I’m 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.
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PETZL TIKKINA
SPECS
- BEAM DISTANCE: 60 meters
- WEIGHT: 3 oz. (with batteries)
- LUMENS: 150
- OUTPUT CAPACITY: 250 lumens
- RUN TIME: 2 hrs./120 hrs. (High/Low)
- IPX RATING: IPX4
FEATURES
- Easy To Use
- Water-Resistant
- Affordable
BEST FOR: BUDGET
Petzl has been in the headlamp business for over 30 years. Featuring everything from classic to specialized, there’s something in their headlamp product line for everyone. For the budget hiker, I recommend their Petzel Tikkina.
The Petzl Tikkina offers three lighting modes at the push of a button. With 250 lumens worth of light, it’s bright enough to light the trail and set up camp at night. Although this model doesn’t come rechargeable, it is compatible with Petzl’s rechargeable battery so you can swap that out if you’d like. Easy to adjust and water-resistant, this headlamp is a viable option for the headlamp user looking for an affordable price.
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BLACK DIAMOND SPRINTER
SPECS
- BEAM DISTANCE: 110 meters
- WEIGHT: 3.7 oz.
- LUMENS: 200
- BURN TIME: 4 hrs./42hrs. (High/Low)
FEATURES
- Ultralight, Compact
- Rechargeable
- Great Fit
BEST FOR: RUNNING
Most of the headlamps in this article are intended for general use—hiking, camping, climbing, or as an emergency lamp to store in your house or vehicle. And while many of these lamps can be used for running, dedicated nighttime runners are better off getting a model built specifically for the sport. In my opinion, the top running headlamp is the Black Diamond Sprinter: it puts off a strong, consistent beam for seeing the trail ahead, is nicely balanced with the battery on the back of the strap, and has a red taillight on the rear housing to increase visibility.
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BLACK DIAMOND ICON
SPECS
- BEAM DISTANCE: 110 meters
- WEIGHT: 8.1 oz.
- OUTPUT CAPACITY: 500 lumens
- RUN TIME: 50hrs./250hrs. (High/Low)
FEATURES
- Removable Battery Pack
- Dustproof And Waterproof
- Red/Green/Blue Night Vision Modes
BEST FOR: HARSH WEATHER
Black Diamond features some of the highest-rated headlamps on the market. For the hiker in need of some serious performance, consider the Black Diamond Icon. Waterproof, dustproof, and powerful, the Black Diamond Icon is designed to handle harsh trail conditions.
This headlamp features one of the highest headlamp beam distances at 110 meters with a strong 500 lumens worth of light. It also offers red, green, and blue night-vision along with 2 strobes and multiple distance modes. When not in use, stash the removable battery pack in your pocket to preserve battery life by keeping it warm.
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PETZL TIKKA
SPECS
- BEAM DISTANCE: 65 meters
- WEIGHT: 2.9 oz.
- OUTPUT CAPACITY: 300 lumens
- RUN TIME: 2hrs./120hrs. (High/Low)
FEATURES
- AAA batteries only
- Convenient Glow Light
- Simple to Use
BEST FOR: SIMPLICITY
When it comes to simplicity, the Petzl Tikka is a great go-to. Its easy to use 3-click features are perfect for setting up camp, working around the house or a quick grab out the the car for emergencies. It offers the red light to preserve night visions, as well as the flashing red light for emergency situations. Another popular feature this headlamp offers that most do not is the phosphorescent glow reflector which makes it easy to find in your tent when nature calls during the night. The price and convenience makes this one a contender for the best headlamp.
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THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A HEADLAMP
COST
When you’re determining how to choose the best headlamp, there are a number of features you’ll encounter. As these features add up, so does the cost.
If you plan on using your headlamp for a short amount of time during dawn or dusk, you may find the less expensive options suit you just fine. On the other hand, if you’re a long-distance backpacker who plans on doing a lot of night hiking, you’ll probably benefit from a more expensive headlamp.
WEIGHT
A few ounces may not seem to make a difference, that is until you’re carrying it on your head. How light or heavy your headlamp will be is all a matter of use and preference. If you’re looking to hike fast and light, a lighter option will be in your favor. For casual use, you’re likely to be wearing your headlamp less, so a heavier option that shines more brightly or lasts longer may be right for you.
AVERAGE RUNNING TIME
Do you plan on hiking at night for long distances? Or would you rather be back at the trailhead by dusk? Your hiking headlamp will be the light that guides you, so you’ll want to ensure you have ample light for the trek. The average running time of your light should be long enough to last you the length of your hike before needing to recharge, so it’s important to find the best headlamp that works for you.
BEAM DISTANCE
Beam distance is relative to the use of your headlamp. A far beam distance can be useful in backcountry navigation. You can use it to scan your surroundings and find things off in the distance like trailheads. A short beam distance is more useful for rummaging through your pack or shining light on objects in your immediate area. A combination of both works best. However, keep in mind the further your beam goes, the faster it depletes the battery in max mode.
BRIGHTNESS
Most hiking headlamps come with a variety of modes that alter how bright your headlamp gets. This typically ranges from a high to dim setting. The maximum brightness you need your headlamp to be will vary according to use.
For instance, if you plan on using your headlamp at dusk, you won’t need an incredibly bright light compared to hiking in pitch black. However, it’s good practice to plan ahead in case of an emergency. In this case, we recommend a hiking headlamp bright enough to handle the dark once the sun has gone down.
FIT
Nothing is more annoying than a hiking headlamp that needs constant readjustment. Before deciding on a hiking headlamp, make sure it fits comfortably and securely enough for the activity for which you’ll be using it.
FEATURES EXPLAINED
LUMENS
Unit of measurement representing the brightness of light omitted. This will tell you how bright a hiking headlamp is.
FLOODLIGHT
Wide light that does not go a very long distance.
SPOTLIGHT
Focused light that can be used for long distances or rummaging through your pack.
RED NIGHT VISION
This is the best color to preserve our eyes at night because our eyes are less sensitive to red light. Red light also minimizes the attraction of pesky insects to your headlamp (and thus your head).
BLUE NIGHT VISION
Blue light helps see through fog as well as read maps at night while preserving vision.
GREEN NIGHT VISION
This is a popular light used in hunting because it doesn’t disturb wild animals and helps to preserve vision.
MORE INFORMATION
I hope you found this review helpful and you were able to narrow down the best headlamp that works for you! As I stated in the beginning of this article, my goal here at TheEpicReviews is to help you narrow down your search by doing all the work for you. I have spent countless hours in the backcountry learning and testing out gear so you don’t have to. If you have any questions regarding something in this article or if there is something else you’d like to see me cover in the future, drop me a line in the comment section below and I’ll get to work! Let me bring the information to you!
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