The Best Headlamps Of 2023

Headlamps are one of the most essential items to have on hand when it comes to hiking. It is part of the ten essentials and is great to use around the campground instead of a big bulky lamp. There have been times when I have gone on a hike, and I thought it was only going to take me a few hours, and it took me a lot longer. I didn’t have a headlamp hiking at night, and it was a terrifying experience. I now never leave without my headlamp, no matter how easy the trail is. Below I list the best headlamps in the market. Black Diamond headlamps and Petzl headlamps dominate the market, but I still included some other pretty great brands. Stay safe, and don’t be like me. Always bring your headlamp with you.

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Headlamp Reviews

Best Headlamps

My Pick For The Best LED Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot 325 Headlamp

One of the best headlamps on this list is the Black Diamond Spot 325. This headlamp has it all. It is bright, has three different beam types (flood, spot, and red), and various light outputs. What is cool is that you can adjust the dimness by just touching the side headlamp. I love how Black Diamond has added more buttons. I have an older model of this headlamp, and it was so difficult to use because there weren’t enough buttons.

You can also use this lamp for a long time before it burns out, which I love because no one wants to keep on having to buy batteries. Speaking of batteries, the Spot 325 does use them. This might bug some people who would like something more up to date. I don’t mind it as long as the burn time isn’t low, which it isn’t with this model. Overall this headlamp is fantastic and a great buy. I have used Black Diamond for years and have not had to rebuy headlamps. You can not go wrong with a Black Diamond Spot 325.

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Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Petzl is another well-known headlamp brand out there. So the Actik Core is, of course, a reliable, high-quality lamp. This lamp is lightweight, bright, rechargeable, and easy to use. With the bright 450 lumens it outputs, you will surely be able to hike in the dark after a sunset hike. But I will say that this high-quality headlamp does come at a hefty price. And it is also not fully waterproof. You can splash water on it, but you can not dunk it inside a lake. Depending on your activity, this might be a deal-breaker for you.

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Petzl Tikkina Headlamp

If you want a high quality, no-frills, inexpensive headlamp, then get on the Tikkina bandwagon. This is probably the best quality inexpensive headlamp here. There might be cheaper headlamps in the market, but if you want more bang for your buck, I highly recommend the Tikkina. It is easy to use. Just push the button many times for different lighting outputs (High, Medium, Low).

Sadly there aren’t any red light options, and the lamp is splash-proof, not waterproof. Also, it doesn’t come with a rechargeable battery, but you can buy one here if you want to upgrade your headlamp. But for the price and high-quality lamp, I feel like these small negatives aren’t that big of a deal.

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Black Diamond Spot Lite 160 Headlamp

The Black Diamond Spot-Lite is a smaller version of the Spot Lite 325. This headlamp is lightweight, has a red light feature, is waterproof, and is affordable. It is an excellent option for someone looking for a cheaper version of the Spot Lite 325. But please note that this lamp is not too bright. The output is only at 160 lumens, a lot less then the Petzl Tikkina mentioned above. It is also more expensive than the Tikkina. But if waterproofness and red light ability are more critical then brightness, then this headlamp might be for you.

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BioLite HeadLamp 200

The BioLite Headlamp is probably the best option for running. This headlamp is super comfortable and made for sudden movements when you run. It is lightweight, rechargeable, and even has a red light option. I love the sleek, clean look of the BioLite and how it sits flush on your forehead. No clunky design like the other headlamps on this list. This lamp is perfect for someone that would like to combine running, trail running, or hiking. It is versatile and can be used in many different ways. It isn’t that bright, but if you are looking for a brighter option, there is another BioLite I list below.

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Fenix HL60R Rechargeable LED Headlamp

The Fenix HL60R is the brightest headlamp on this list at a whopping 950 lumens. This light is bright! But it is recommended only to use this max lumens output when you need it because it drains the battery to the extreme. There are options for fewer lumens output, which you get by pushing the button on the side.

This lamp is super durable, waterproof, and has a red light option. It is also pretty inexpensive for how bright it is. Some headlamps cost around $400 with around the same lumens output. At only $80, this is a steal. But please note that an average hiker or runner does not need this much light. This is for a more intense activity that requires more light, like biking or hunting. But it is nice that you have the option to use such a bright light if you need to.

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Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp

One of the most well-known headlamps in the market is the Black Diamond Storm 400. It has been dominating the market for years and for a good reason. The burn time lasts around 5 hours for a 400-lumen output, and it is also pretty durable, waterproof, and dust-proof. What this light does lack is the weight. The 4.25 ounces makes it some of the most heavier lamps on this list. The Black Diamond Spot would be a better option for backpacking and even hiking. But if you are looking for a burly, durable, long-lasting, bright headlamp, the Black Diamond Storm might be for you.

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Black Diamond Icon Headlamp

The Black Diamond Icon is an excellent headlamp for anyone looking for a bright lamp with a wide spotlight (for climbing). This lamp is durable, waterproof, and dust-proof, and has a red light option. But this lamp is pretty bulky so it’s not the best for ultralight backpackers and it is on the more expensive side for a Black Diamond headlamp. Still, it is pretty bright, and if that is important for you, then the Icon is a great choice.

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BioLite HeadLamp 330

Biolite is the new cool headlamp in the market. I mean, look how sleek and clean this headlamp looks! The 330 is an excellent option for someone that wants a brighter lamp then the BioLite Headlamp 200. Like the Headlamp 200, the Headlamp 330 is comfortable, lightweight, and is great for trail runners or just runners. The only problem is that this lamp might not do well on extended backpacking trips. The low average time is only at 40 hours.

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Nitecore NU25 360

Ultralight backpackers take a look at this headlamp! The Nitecore NU25 360 is super lightweight, weighing in at only .99 ounces! Insane right? It is also inexpensive, compact, bright, and waterproof. This light has it all, with not many negatives. If you are looking to save some serious weight on your next backpacking trip, then the Nitecore might be for you :-).

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More Information On Best Head Light

Brightness

When it comes to headlamps, the brightness levels are measured by a term called lumens. The higher the lumens, the brighter your headlamp will be. Many of the headlamps on this list come at all different types of lumen levels, which is probably why you are asking what lumen level should I buy?

If you are doing things around the house, you only need a lumen level of around 100-200. Hiking and camping, I would say around 200-300 lumens. I also want to note that you generally don’t want to use headlamps at the max lumen output. That will drain the battery quickly, which might be vital to you if you are backpacking. So try to get a headlamp with many different lumen outputs.

LED Types

Red Light

I like to use this light at campgrounds. You can still see around you, and it doesn’t disturb as many people. I have also been to campgrounds where this is the only type of light you are supposed to use. I recommend getting a lamp that has a red light. These are typically the best headlamps for camping.

Spot Light

Spot light is the most common type of light for hiking. It casts a strong light in the distance, which is helpful when you are running or hiking.

Flood Light

The floodlight casts a wide light and is pretty soft. I like to use this when I am at the campground cooking or doing something that requires more light than the red light.

Strobe Light

I don’t use this light, but it is helpful if you are around a highway or a street and need to be spotted for safety.

Battery

When it comes to power, most headlamps are usually powered by regular AAA/AA batteries or have a rechargeable battery pack. Nowadays, it seems like most headlamps are moving towards rechargeable batteries, but that does come at a cost. Rechargeable headlamps are usually more expensive. But think about all the AAA batteries you have to buy in the next few years, and the price might not look too terrible. Also, using a rechargeable battery is less wasteful.

I do want to say that it can be annoying having to recharge your headlamp in the middle of nowhere. You might have to bring a power bank to get your headlamp to work, instead of just popping in those AAA batteries.

Weight

Most of the lightweight headlamp options have fewer lumens. That is why it is essential to think about all the activities you will use your headlamp for. If you don’t need an extremely bright light, then having a more lightweight, less bright lamp is a great option. Plus, they are usually more comfortable and inexpensive.

Durability

When it comes to headlamps, durability is essential to me. I usually use my headlamps when I go hiking and camping so generally in harsher conditions then my house. Being able to withstand the outdoors is important to me. That is why I try to look at the IPX rating the manufacturers have listed. This rating can tell you if the headlamp is waterproof or dustproof. This is super important to make sure you have a long-lasting light for years.

Price

You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a good quality headlamp that with last you for years. My first headlamp was around $39, and I have been using that thing for eight years now. It is still going strong! But I do only use my headlamp for hiking and camping and nothing too crazy like biking or climbing.

Usually, the brighter robust headlamps are more expensive. While the more lightweight with fewer lumens are more inexpensive, it all depends on your activity and how much you are willing to spend on that activity. I have also noticed that having a rechargeable headlamp is more expensive to buy initially, but you might save in the long run because you don’t have to keep on buying AAA batteries.

Final Thoughts On Best Hiking Headlamp

Thanks for reading all about the best headlight in the market. Make sure to check out some of my other outdoor gear posts:

• Best Backpacking Chair
• Best Budget Backpacking Gear
• Best Hiking Sandals For Women

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