There are many excellent headlamps out there, but there is also a lot of variables to consider, and the best LED headlamp for one person might not be the best for another person. For camping, hiking, backpacking and other outdoor pursuits, there are a couple of things to consider. One is battery life, another is the weight of the LED headlamp itself. And of course you have to think hard about just how powerful a headlamp you will need, and what kind of power settings will best suit your purposes.
Best LED Headlamp
What you should expect to find on the best LED headlamps.- Lens Color – Many headlamps are either tinted red or will have a removable lens that goes over the LEDs that is tinted red. The reason for this is that red light does not spoil night vision. When you’re in the outdoors having night vision can be important, and so that little red lens can be an important addition to your headlamp.
- Battery Life – Another important variable when it comes to LED headlamps is battery life. Many headlamps will have low power modes that can last for a hundred hours or more. Some very bright LED headlamps will only last a few hours. Be aware of the difference, and plan according to what your needs are.
Best LED Headlamp Reviews
A few of the very best LED headlamps to help you see in the dark.- Black Diamond Storm Headlamp - First up, a very solid LED headlamp from Black Diamond. It just has one strap for around your head, no over the top strap. But at 3.9 ounces, or 110 grams it's not so heavy that you really need that extra strap. It has a max output of 100 lumens, and will last for a very impressive total of 200 hours on the lowest power setting. It also has a red LED option, to preserve night vision. A great headlamp with all the best features.
- Petzl Tactikka Plus Headlamp - Another headlamp without an over the top strap, this one better suited to lightweight backpackers and campers, with a very impressive weight of 2.4 ounces, or 70 grams. It's not especially powerful, but will go for 150 hours on the lowest power setting, which is nothing to frown at. It doesn't have any actual red LEDs, but it does have a red lens for preserving night vision. Another very good LED headlamp, this one ideal for lightweight backpackers.
- Black Diamond Icon LED Headlamp - Winner of the Best in Gear award from the climbing magazine Rock and Ice, the Icon is a great LED headlamp. It's the heaviest on the list, at 4.1 ounces, or 116 grams, but it has a top strap to help handle that extra weight. It will put out 100 lumens on the high power setting, and will go for 165 hours on the lowest power setting. It also has a medium power setting in between those two extremes.
