Choosing the best led headlamp for you

1. How bright a headlamp do you need?

The standard unit for measuring brightness is in lumens. Lumen brightness can range from 20 lumens to a powerful 1,500 lumens. 

Your headlamps optics focus the lumens directing and defining the cone of light where you want it. Popular headlamp brands such as Black Diamond, Petzl, Silva, and Fenix provide various settings for their lighting optics. When considering lighting capacity, the amount of lumens tells you how powerful the headlamp is. Just because a headlamp has a high lumen number doesn't mean it will provide powerful lighting because the optical quality of the light also affects function. 

Remember, bright doesn't always mean best. Keep in mind that the amount of lumens you need depends on the activities you need to accomplish. Most headlamps have low, medium, and high modes so that a high-output light can give you low lighting output capability. Here are a few critical points: 

• Low lumens (25+): Use when you're setting up your tent or campsite in the dark, reading in your tent, doing work up close, taking the dog for a stroll, or when you're around a group of people and don't want to annoy them with overly bright lighting. 
• High lumens (200+): Use when you're moving quickly and need to see clearly, such as hiking after dusk or running in the evening. 
• Higher lumens (600+): Use when you're doing sports such as night skiing or night rides on your mountain bike
• Really high lumens (1,000+): Use when you need to see clearly and well, such as following poorly. Good for spotting badly distinguished trails, skiing at night or high-speed trail runs or bike rides, or for search and rescue purposes.

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2. Battery or USB powered, or both?

Think about how you intend to recharge your light and the available power sources. If you're going on an extended trip, batteries are best for you, especially when traveling to other countries or remote areas where electricity isn't readily available. If your using your headlamp for short trips like weekend excursions, early morning runs, or twilight trail walks, then a rechargeable light might suit you perfectly. 

• Batteries: Batteries such as AA and AAA are easy to purchase worldwide and provide instant power. Consider rechargeable batteries or bring extra disposable batteries.
• USB: USB headlamps can be recharged via most power sources, including wall outlets, power banks, AC, and solar chargers. As long as you don't forget your power cord at home, you have easy access to power so long as you have an accessible power source. 

Keep in mind that some headlamps offer both battery and USB options giving you the best of both worlds. 

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3. Battery life

The brighter the light, the shorter the battery life. When assessing light specs, review the "burn time" for different lighting outputs. Your headlamp's battery life or charge is determined by the different modes such as low, medium, high, or strobing. Consider the modes you require and select the headlamp that runs the best in the modes you need. 

When the battery life or charge decreases, some LED headlamps lose lighting strength. It is essential to consider the activity you're using the headlamp for; do you need consistent and reliable illumination, or are you comfortable with losing brightness? If you require consistent output, then select headlamps that have regulated output. These lights have innovative circuitry that maintains constant brightness until the battery or charge can no longer be sustained. Once the light can no longer stay at the desired brightness, it dims to lower output, usually for an hour, allowing you to return to your camp or home and replace the battery or recharge the headlamp. 

COLD WEATHER AFFECTS BATTERY LIFE

Sometimes cold weather can negatively affect battery life, including your headlamp. External battery packs work well for cold-weather use; place the external battery back inside your outerwear pocket to optimize performance. 

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4. Beam focus and distance

Many lights offer focused spotlighting or wider floodlighting, or both. Always check the manufacturer's specs relating to beam focus.

• Spot beam: If you need a focused cone of light to see your running trail clearly or patrolling in the dark and want to stay safe, then a spot beam is your best option. 
• Wide beam: A wide flood beam is better if you're using a headlamp around the campsite or working on problems requiring broad range vision after sunset.
• Both: Headlamps that conveniently provide both spot and floodlights are perfect for those doing various activities like night skiing or setting up camp. The combination of options gives you greater selection, especially in changing environments and terrain. 

The distance a light projects its beam is important, and keep in mind that there are inconsistencies in how different brands rate their beam range. Consider beam type, lumens, and beam distance to understand better how a headlamp will illuminate. 

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5. Red lights and their uses

The red light mode has many advantages. Red light is less distracting and noticeable at night, so it is perfect if you wish to keep a low profile and avoid disturbing sleeping campers while reading in your tent or heading to the toilet. Red light is also used in combat settings when you don't want to draw unwanted attention or give away your position to the enemy. Red light also helps preserve your night vision as red light doesn't constrict your pupils in the same way white light can. Red light is also ideal for viewing wildlife at night or enjoying the stars.

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6. Some additional headlamp features to consider

Child-friendly headlamps

Headlamps for children are smaller, lighter, colourfully designed, and less powerful. Features such as automatic shut-off may be convenient for young campers who don't need too many complicated settings. It's important to note that LEDs that are too bright can cause permanent vision damage. Educating your children about using their headlamps responsibly should be a priority. 

Waterproofing

When using your headlamp in inclement weather, make sure it is waterproof or water-resistant. The water resistance of electronics is rated on the IPX scale, and on the scale, IPX-0 indicates no water resistance, and IPX-8 is waterproof. Check the manufacturer's parameters for their IPX rating.

Most outdoor headlamps have some waterproofing and usually start at IPX-4 (multi-directional splash protection for up to 5 minutes) to IPX-7 or higher (immersion protection up to 1m for a 30-minute duration).

Lightweight design

Most outdoor headlamps are of the same weight and size. If you're trekking long distances carrying your own gear, then headlamp weight is something to consider. 

Weight can affect the number of features available and battery life; it is critical to consider what functions you consider the most important. Choose the headlamp that provides you with the features you value most. 

Tip: If you want to decrease weight, consider headlamps that use lithium batteries. Lithium batteries are lighter than NiMH and alkaline counterparts and do better in cold weather, but they also cost more. 

Lock-out mode

The lock-out feature is helpful because accidental bumps or button presses will not turn the headlamp on, decreasing the risk of accidentally using up battery or charge life. It's a handy feature when storing your headlamp with other gear in your pack or toolbox.

Strobing or boost modes

Strobing modes are helpful if you want to alert others to your presence. Boost mode is ideal when you need a quick boost of extra brightness.