How Many Lumens Should Your Light Have?
First thing, think about how much
illumination you require for your headlamp. These lights range from a maximum output of 200 lumens to a maximum output of 1,000 lumens. The brightness of most headlamps can be adjusted by dimming or multiple modes.
You shouldn't use the light's maximum setting for extended periods because it will quickly drain the battery, but it's good to have a powerful beam available just in case.
In our experience, lights with 100-300 lumens work well for general household use and as emergency backups while backpacking, camping, and hiking.
Get something with at least 300 lumens if you plan on using it as a navigational aid in pitch black.
earching at 400 lumens is a good starting point for extreme activities like spelunking or night climbing or when you'll be moving at higher speeds (like on a night trail run or mountain bike ride).
Lumens are not a perfect measurement of a headlamp's brightness and quality. The visible light output of these lamps is measured in lumens, which is not always indicative of how far you can see and how well they will light up a trail or campsite.
The recommendations above are high-quality headlamps with advanced optics (and we highlight any exceptions), so lumens are still a reliable measure of a headlamp's brightness. Instead of relying solely on the lumen spec, make sure also to consider beam distance, beam type, and brand reputation.
Spot, Flood, Colored, and Strobe Lights
The standard headlamp has several lighting modes: spot, flood, colored, and strobe. Most lamps come pre-set to shine a powerful LED spot beam designed to illuminate a specific area rather than flood the room with light. While not always required, a long-range beam can come in handy when trying to see far down a trail, finding an anchor while climbing down, or even for more extreme uses like caving.
Although a floodlight setting is an excellent addition to any headlamp, it is not standard equipment. Floodlights are ideal for illuminating large areas around a campsite or inside a tent while providing a good view of what's immediately in front of you. Depending on the model, you may switch between a focused beam and a wider floodlight using a single LED in your headlamp. Many manufacturers will list the effective range of a lamp in its product description.
Red (and sometimes blue and green) LEDs
1. Can be found in many premium and upper-tier headlamps.
2. Great for late-night reading or hanging out with friends
3. Not blinding
Blue and green LEDs
For specialized nighttime needs (e.g., hunting)
AAA and Rechargeable Batteries
You can find the AAA batteries or the rechargeable lithium-ion battery that powers most standards LED headlamps tucked away in the light's body or the strap's rear. Because of their portability, USB-rechargeable batteries have become the standard in recent years.
The major drawback of rechargeable batteries is that replacing a dead battery is not as simple as replacing AAAs, so you'll need to bring along a power bank or solar panel if you're going to be in the field for days.
Although there is a slight price premium for rechargeable options, it is important to remember that AAA batteries can quickly add up the cost and waste. While we recommend rechargeable headlamps for most people and situations, a AAA model can be a good option if you're on a budget, don't need a backup, or won't use your headlamp frequently.
Weight
A headlamp's weight can range from unnoticeable to substantial. The more robust and profound the headlamp's purpose, the heavier it will be. Lighter headlamps typically have a thinner plastic casing and use fewer batteries, while heavier models made from aluminum or thick plastic can withstand more complex impacts.
Straps
The variety of strap designs is directly proportional to the load of the headlamp. There are two main types of straps: one that merely encircles your head with elastic nylon and another that consists of a separate strap that crosses your forehead.
The two-strap design is the way to go if you wear a helmet while rock climbing, mountaineering, or caving. However, the classic around-the-sides style is still widely popular. They can be worn with a helmet, are simple to adjust, and provide adequate support for many everyday activities at home and in the great outdoors.
IP Ratings and Waterproofing
You should consider the headlamp's weather resistance if you use it extensively outside. You should probably cover up and head for your tent as soon as it rains since some cheap headlamps offer little to no protection.
More robust safeguards are standard on most mid and high-end models, though. The IP rating scale is used to determine the durability of electronic devices in adverse weather conditions. The lowest rating, IPX0, indicates a total lack of protection, while the highest rating, IPX8, indicates the item can withstand extended exposure to water.