Best Headlamps of 2023

Reasons to Buy

• Excellent beam distance
• Reasonably long battery life
• Durable and water-resistant
• Great value for money

Reasons to Avoid

• Some reports of flickering with extended use
• Dimming switch can be tricky

The Important Specs

• Brightness: 400 Lumens
• Battery Life: 200 hours (low setting)
• Power Option: 3 AAA batteries
• Beam Distance: 80 meters
• Water Resistance: IPX8 - up to 1m for 30 minutes

Reasons to Buy

• Exceptionally bright
• Long battery life
• Great build quality

Reasons to Avoid

• More expensive than most
• Expensive batteries
• Your local outdoor store won't carry it

The Important Specs

• Lumens: 1816
• Dimension: 3.85 inches long
• Battery Type: 18650 Li-ion
• Beam Distance: 156 meters
• Water Resistance Rating: IPX-8

Review Roundup

The Zebralight H600c Mk IV has taken the headlamp market by storm, consistently raking in high praise across a range of reviews online. A versatile tool, the H600c Mk IV proves to be a reliable friend in the dark wilderness to climbers, backpackers, and campers alike. This is not just a simple light for your forehead, but a powerful and adaptable device that can take your outdoor adventure to another level.

What stood out to many users about the Zebralight H600c Mk IV is its impressive brightness and the ability to adjust to different light settings. Extending the range of vision for campers navigating thick woods or mountaineers taking tricky paths, the headlamp delivers on its promise of outstanding illumination with sharp, evenly distributed light. With a whopping 1400 lumens at its disposal, it's no surprise that the product is crowned one of the brightest headlamps on the market.

In addition to packing a whopper in terms of brightness, it's the headlamp's flexibility that multiple online reviews rave about. With a choice of different light settings ranging from a full-blown sweep of the terrain to a minimalistic lighting setup for a quiet read in the tent, users commend the adaptability of the Zebralight H600c Mk IV.

Another point of praise for the headlamp is its robust structure, water resistance, and overall durability. Loved by many for its ruggedness, it withstands rough use and harsh weather conditions, making it an ideal companion for those treacherous climbing expeditions and heavy downpours you may encounter outdoors. However, some users did mention that while the device undoubtedly boasts solid construction, it could be lighter for more comfortable use, particularly on prolonged trips.

One feature that several online reviews commend is the long-lasting battery life that the Zebralight H600c Mk IV boasts. The product reportedly delivers good performance over an extended period without constant battery replacement. But, it must be said, a few users did air disappointment over the lack of a battery indicator, highlighting the need to keep a vigilant eye on the battery, so it does not cut midway during use.

In terms of usability, the headlamp gains appreciation for its intuitive push-button operation, even if some users reported a slight learning curve to get the hang of it initially. But once mastered, the control scheme allows easy and quick usage of the device with minimal fuss.

Reasons to Buy

• Impressive brightness and beam distance
• Long-lasting battery life
• High water and dust resistance rating
• Easy to operate, even in dark and wet conditions

Reasons to Avoid

• More expensive than the similar Spot 400

The Important Specs

• Brightness: 450 lumens
• Battery Type: 4 AAA batteries
• Beam Distance: up to 85 meters
• Lighting Modes: full strength, dim, red, green, blue, strobe, lock
• Water Resistance Rating: IPX67

Review Roundup

The Black Diamond Storm 450 is a gem among headlamps. The words that come up time and time again in user reviews are 'reliable', 'durable', and 'bright'. This particular model is crafted to suit the needs of everything from casual camping enthusiasts to serious climbers.

The brightness level is a big selling point. With a 450-lumen output, it's got an incredibly powerful light for its size. Users have noted just how effective it is, illuminating the path ahead even in the darkest conditions. Whether you're out for a night hike or trying to set up camp after sundown, the Black Diamond Storm 450 is your reliable source of brightness.

Don’t worry about the weather spoiling your trip – Black Diamond Storm 450 is fully dustproof and waterproof. This headlamp has an IP67 rating, meaning it can be submerged up to 1 meter for about 30 minutes. Users have been particularly impressed by its resilience against the elements, standing up well to rain, dust, and snow.

The Black Diamond Storm 450 also earns high marks for its battery life. It runs on four AAA batteries and has a regulated output that keeps the brightness consistent even as the batteries drain. Users were pleasantly surprised by how long the batteries lasted, and the headlamp's power tap feature gives an added boost of light when needed.

Ease of use is another area where The Black Diamond Storm 450 shines. It's easy to adjust the light mode to specific situations with the touch of a button. Users were delighted at the ease of swapping between full power, dimmed, strobe, red night vision, or lock mode. The lock mode is especially appreciated as it prevents accidental turn-ons while being stored.

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Some users find that the Storm 450 is slightly heavier than its competitors. At 120g, it may not be the lightest on the market, but most agree that the difference in weight is not significant enough to offset the benefits. While it’s a minor nuisance to some, others actually find the bit of extra weight reassuring, as it feels substantial and well-built.

Some users also found the headband a tad uncomfortable after extended use. They suggested a slight redesign could make the product perfect, although this seems to be a personal preference for most.

In a nutshell, The Black Diamond Storm 450 strikes a great balance between power, durability, and practicality. Most users concur that this product provides good value for money, exceeding expectations in performance and design. It's a hardy companion that would not fail you in the great outdoors.

Reasons to Buy

• Excellent value for money
• Easy operation with simple button
• Comfortable to wear for extended periods
• Good brightness level for various tasks

Reasons to Avoid

• Not as bright as some other models
• Doesn't have red light mode
• Minimum waterproof rating

The Important Specs

• Batteries: 3 AAA or CORE rechargeable
• Beam Length: 60 meters
• Max Lumen Output: 250 lumens
• Waterproof Rating: IPX4 - weather resistant

Review Roundup

The Petzl Tikkina is a no-nonsense headlamp that's been seen as a star in the budget category. It's designed with functionality and affordability in mind, while not compromising on quality or durability. It sports an easy-to-use design that's simply a hit amongst camping, backpacking, and clambering enthusiasts.

This headlamp shines with a comfortable band and a bright light, making it just the ticket for night time campsite navigating or trail spotting. It pumps out up to 250 Lumens which is pretty remarkable for something at its price point and size.

Its battery life is also remarkable. Thanks to its three lighting modes: low, medium, and high, you can choose the right amount of light for the situation, thus effectively managing the battery life. With standard AAA batteries, it gives a brilliant shine for around 120 hours on low setting.

The Petzl Tikkina isn't a headlamp you'd bring on a month-long expedition, and it doesn’t claim to be. It's more akin to a reliable set of wheels that gets you from point A to point B without any fuss. Those searching for a headlamp with bells and whistles might find the Tikkina lacking as it doesn't offer a red light mode, or a flashing mode.

However, what it misses in advanced features, it more than makes up for with its simplicity and solid performance. No overly complicated settings or buttons, which many find refreshing, especially those who just need a reliable light source without the hassle.

In terms of durability, the Tikkina doesn’t disappoint. Numerous users have reported dropping it multiple times and the thing just keeps on going. Its IPX4 rating also means it can handle a little rain, another plus for outdoor enthusiasts.

Many users have praised the headlamp’s simple, user-friendly design, longevity and affordability, while some have noted the absence of red light as a downside. But for its price, the Petzl Tikkina definitely holds its own, and could be a great addition to anyone's outdoor kit.

Reasons to Buy

• High output for an ultralight headlamp
• Long battery life and rechargeable
• Multiple light modes, including red light mode
• Compact and comfortable design
• Good value for the price

Reasons to Avoid

• Some users found the controls confusing
• Lacks the beam distance of larger, heavier headlamps
• Low mode can still be too bright for some users
• Battery drains quickly on high mode

The Important Specs

• Led Type: CREE XP-G2 S3 LED
• Water Resistance: IP66
• Lowest Brightness: 1 lumen
• Max Beam Distance: 81 meters
• Maximum Brightness: 360 lumens

Review Roundup

If you are looking for something light as a feather in your backpacking expedition, then Nitecore NU25 could be your best bet. This headlamp, spot-on for the 'Ultralight' niche, won't force you to compromise between weight and performance.

With a cheeky weight of just 28 grams, Nitecore NU25 seems almost negligible. Yet despite its petite size, it packs a wallop in the illumination department, boasting a maximum output of 360 lumens. Plenty of users praised its high performance considering its bite-sized structure.

NU25 features three customizable light settings - high, mid, and low, which many users found handy for different situations. The turbo mode is especially useful for those sudden needs for intense illumination.

The design of NU25 is like a friendly nod to all outdoor enthusiasts. It's compact and comes with a handy lockout mode which is great for preventing accidental turn-ons that can drain your power supply. Many users appreciated this feature and found it really useful.

One of the notable features according to reviews is its multi-colored (red and white) reading light, saving night vision while providing ample light for close quarters. This is a standout feature not commonly shared by other models in its weight class.

Battery life, as noted by many users, is something to write home about. The NU25 can last up to 160 hours on a single charge at its lowest setting. Akin to an Energizer bunny, this headlamp keeps going and going.

However, it's not all sunshine, unicorns, and rainbows. While most users found the NU25 to exceed expectations, some gripes were aired about the built-in battery. The fact that the battery is non-replaceable pinched a nerve for some consumers who would've preferred an option to swap out batteries during prolonged use.

Most users, though, notched up this minor qualm as a trade-off for the compact size and lighter weight of the Nitecore NU25. The rechargeable feature did receive broad commendation, though, as it lets users power up their headlamp on-the-go with power banks or solar chargers.

Reasons to Buy

• Super bright beam
• Excellent battery life
• Incredible durability
• Water resistant
• Comfortable fit
• Multiple light modes
• Easy to use
• Great value for money

Reasons to Avoid

• A bit on the heavier side
• Might be too bright for some
• Price is a bit steep compared to other options

The Important Specs

• Brightness: 200 lumens
• Battery Type: Rechargeable lithium polymer
• Beam Distance: Up to 50 meters
• Lighting Modes: High, low, strobe
• Water Resistance: IPX4

Review Roundup

Light, bright, and built for speed —that's an apt description of the Black Diamond Sprinter. Aimed specifically at trail runners, this headlamp impresses in nearly every category with its sharp focus on meeting the needs of the running community.

The Black Diamond Sprinter is rechargeable, which is a huge plus. With its lithium polymer battery that can be recharged via a USB connector, it saves you the inconvenience of constantly swapping out batteries —a blessing for frequent trail runners and eco-conscious folks. A common compliment is that the battery life is superb, maintaining high brightness levels for extended periods.

The average Joe or Jane would appreciate the triple power LED with 200-lumen light output. It casts a reliable and even light that's helpful in varied conditions, from well-lit urban parks to rural trails. Customer reviews rave about its strong lighting performance, making night runs a lot less daunting.

One feature that trail runners rave about is its back red taillight strobe. It aims to increase visibility in urban areas, making it safer to enjoy night runs on busier streets or paths. It can also be switched off when not required, which is a thoughtful consideration by Black Diamond.

The headlamp's design has also won over a good deal of outdoor enthusiasts. Its balanced weight is mostly appreciated —the lamp at the front and the battery at the back of the head strap makes it well-distributed and minimizes bounce when running. Single-handed tilt adjustment was also an appreciated feature, allowing users to easily adjust the beam direction on the go.

Yet, it's not all roses and rainbows. Some users have mentioned that the Sprinter may not be the best fit for small heads, as they found it tricky to get the right adjustment. Others have raised concerns about durability over long-term use, mentioning that some parts may appear to wear out prematurely.

Overall, the Black Diamond Sprinter's performance and design have made it a standout among trail runners. The product has struck a great balance between function, comfort and battery life, and is widely praised among its users for its consistently bright light and adjustable features. Some concerns are there, but they've been the exception, not the rule.

Reasons to Buy

• Exceptionally bright light
• Long battery life
• Durable and resilient
• Comfortable fit
• Water-resistant
• Multiple light modes
• Considerable value

Reasons to Avoid

• May be heavy for some
• Button configuration may not suit all
• Slightly pricier than some models
• Potential for slippage over time

The Important Specs

• Max Lumens: 700
• Battery Type: AA/Li-ion
• Max Distance: 140 meters
• Lighting Modes: Full strength, dimming, strobe, red, green and blue modes
• Weather Resistance: IP67

Review Roundup

Black Diamond is known for their high-quality outdoor gear and the Icon 700 headlamp doesn't disappoint. This headlamp is a dream come true for mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Recognized for its superior lighting capacity, it emits a powerful 700 lumens, perfect for late-night ascents or dusk till dawn backpacking trips.

Buyers have praised the performance of Black Diamond Icon 700, with one customer describing it as 'unbeatable for night hikes'. The beam distance and brightness is frequently referenced as 'exceptional' and 'powerful'. Folks have appreciated the programmable brightness settings, making it easy to adjust the luminosity to match their needs.

Another outstanding feature users have singled out is the waterproof rating of IP67, meaning it can withstand submergence up to 1 meter for almost 30 minutes. Whether caught in a downpour or crossing a river, the Icon 700 won't let you down, a trait many buyers have found useful.

Additional features that grabbed customers’ attention are the removable battery pack and the combination of strap options. The removable battery pack not only allows for quick replacement in the field but also shifts some weight away from the head making the lamp less front-heavy and more comfortable. Customers have relished in the strap options, saying it gives them versatility to attach the lamp in multiple ways.

However, customer reviews suggest it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Some users have reported the headlamp being of substantial weight, making it a bit bulky for longer trips. Additionally, they pointed out that the headlamp might be an overkill for simple outings or for those who prefer minimalist backpacking due to its power and size.

Finally, there were minor gripes about the battery life not living up to the expectations, especially when used at maximum brightness. Users have noticed that to maintain long battery life, lower brightness settings had to be used.

Reasons to Buy

• Enhanced brightness with a max output of 1600 lumens
• Exceptional beam distance
• Impressive battery life
• Strong durability
• Handy lockout function
• Easy to use

Reasons to Avoid

• Not the lightest headlamp on the market
• Initially tricky to adjust brightness levels
• May feel bulky for some users

The Important Specs

• Brightness: 1600 lumens
• Battery Type: Fenix ARB-L18-3500 rechargeable Li-ion battery
• Beam Distance: 187 meters
• Water Resistance: IP66

Review Roundup

The Fenix HP25R V2.0 is a nifty piece of kit. It's not just a headlamp, but a Swiss Army knife of lighting solutions. Making your way through backcountry skiing terrain after sunset? This headlamp quickly becomes an indispensable partner.

Users rave about the multiple settings. With a ‘Floodlight’, ‘Spotlight’ and ‘Red-light’ mode, it's adaptable to various night conditions. Its ‘Floodlight’ feature is particularly applauded for its ability to light up a wide field of view, making it particularly useful for skiing where lateral visibility is as important as what's up front.

Of course, one of the key elements of a headlamp is its brightness. With the Fenix HP25R V2.0, you get a powerful lamp, rated up to 1600 lumens which is more than enough to illuminate the path ahead. It's a feature that many customers confirm, stating they're impressed with its illumination during extremely low light conditions.

The Fenix HP25R V2.0 also offers the longevity that skiers need when they're facing a long night out in the wilderness. It's packing a dedicated, rechargeable battery source and users comment positively on its battery life. They’re particularly impressed by its battery-status indicator, providing an early warning when it's time to recharge.

In terms of comfort, reviewers have chimed in about the easy-to-adjust headband. It's both secure and comfortable during action-packed skiing ventures. Customers also speak highly of its robust build quality and the water-resistant IP66 rating, justifying its place in the rugged backcountry skiing environment.

Of course, no product is perfect. Some users have knocked it for having an elaborate control system – toggling through the different modes with just one button can be a bit of a hassle especially if you're wearing thick winter gloves. Also, the headlamp, while featuring a rechargeable internal battery, doesn't seem to offer the option of using disposable batteries, which some outdoor enthusiasts might find limiting.

But despite these trade-offs, many users feel that the Fenix HP25R V2.0 continues to tick most of the right boxes when it comes to a reliable, feature-rich headlamp that clearly has been designed with the backcountry skier in mind.