A headlamp is a good piece of gear to have while hiking. I have lots of them and they are super useful in any summit attempt. When looking for the best headlamps for hiking, think carefully about the fit, brightness level and battery life.
Best Headlamps For Hiking (Top Picks)
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Top Hiking Headlamps (Detailed Reviews)
I've used my fair share of cheap and expensive hiking headlamps. Avoid making my mistakes, check my list of the best headlamps for hiking.
- Petzl Actik Core - Best Overall
- Black Diamond Spot - Editor's Choice
- Vont Spark Headlamp - Best Budget
- Black Diamond 350 ReVolt - Best Rechargeable
- Petzl Tikkina - Best Value
- Petzl Nao Plus
- Black Diamond Storm
- Coast HL7 Headlamp
- Fenix HP25R
- Princeton Tec Apex
- Foxelli LED Headlamp - For kids and adults
Read our complete buyers guide for hiking headlamps.
Best Overall Headlamps
1. Petzl Actik Core
The Petzl Actik Core is the most innovative headlamp in this review making it well worth the average price of $70 and earning it the best overall headlamp award. The Actik Core has high-end features, such as 110m beam length, without compromising on comfort. This is also true for its red lighting setting, preserving night vision extremely well during nightly excursions.
The Actik Core has the two main types of beams (wide and mixed), but reactive lighting mode is what sets this lamp apart from the others in this review. In this mode, the lamp uses a sensor to monitor the ambient light and adjust the beam pattern accordingly.
It alternates between Max Power, Standard and Max Autonomy battery modes resulting in optimal battery usage but you can still change between these modes manually. This function also dims the light when you look down to read something or if another headlamp is detected.
The battery itself is rechargeable but can be replaced with disposable batteries (with an adapter) if need be.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The Petzl Actik Core is our pick for the best overall headlamp because of its intuitive reactive lighting mode and reliability at a reasonable price.
2. Black Diamond Spot
4.5/5 Overall Rating
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Black Diamond Spot's lightweight, compact design makes it one of the most comfortable in this review. It boasts the highest waterproof rating, IPX8, making it the most reliable in heavy rains.
Brightness memory allows you to turn the lamp on and off at the same brightness setting so it won’t revert to default setting each time. Useful extras include the battery level indicator and lock function, which prevents the lamp turning on in your bag.
The Black Diamond Spot includes all three lighting options, namely the QUAD power LED, a DoublePower LED and a SinglePower red LED. These options make this lamp extremely versatile and suitable for most uses.
To change between the beams and brightness settings requires just a tap of the PowerTap technology on the side of the lamp. However, the PowerTap is hypersensitive and this along with number of different settings makes the operation of the lamp overly complicated at first.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The Black Diamond Spot finds the perfect balance between durability, brightness, weight and price.
3. Vont Spark Headlamp
The makers of the Vont Spark Headlamp were unrelenting when they decided they wanted to deliver on their mission to give their customer base total satisfactory experience with their innovative products that are precision designed with meticulous attention to detail.
From design to materials to its multi-functions and features, the Vont Spark Headlamp illustrates excellence when it comes to performance.
Comfortability, convenience, and versatility were rigidly considered in the design and construction in this monster of a headlamp. With one single button, easily alternate between Low/Medium/High/Strobe modes and not worry about straining your neck as it provides an ergonomically designed 45° light throw.
Packed with 200 lumens of LED lights, the powerful Vont Spark Headlamp prides in its waterproof, drop-resistant, and military-grade construction that has been rigorously tested to prove its remarkable indestructibility even under extreme conditions.
All that plus the super-bright, long-lasting illumination you get from the Spark’s proprietary vLEDs can vividly light up your immediate vicinity even in total darkness. With a battery life of up to 90 hours, you should feel safe camping overnight in the woods, biking at night with friends, or hiking up the mountain or your favorite trail even by yourself with this reliable masterpiece of a headlamp.
For no more than $10 for a 2-pack Vont Spark Headlamp that carries a lifetime promise of quality guarantee, this is one great deal you cannot afford to pass up on!
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The Vont Spark Headlamp is a reliable headlight and offers incredible value for money, especially since you get two for the price of one!
4. Black Diamond 350 ReVolt
Despite the Petzl Actik Core being awarded the best overall headlamp, the Black Diamond 350 ReVolt takes the award for the best rechargeable headlamp. At almost half the price of the Actik Core, it still boasts above average performance and is highly practical.
The Black Diamond 350 ReVolt can be recharged with a micro-USB charger that can be used in car-chargers, solar chargers, power banks and many other power sources.
The rechargeable batteries can be replaced with disposable batteries without the use of an adapter, making the Revolt especially useful on long hiking trips where you don’t have easy access to electricity.
A useful feature is the Brightness Memory, which allows you to turn the light on and off at a chosen brightness without reverting back to full power. The only downfall of the Black Diamond 350 ReVolt lamp is its below average beam length.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The Black Diamond 350 ReVolt is an affordable rechargeable headlamp. It has a practical, USB charger which can be used in many devices.
5. Petzl Tikkina
The Petzl Tikkina bridges the gap between high performance headlamps and entry level lamps. It is a lower-end headlamp which is does not skimp on quality.
This model is best suited for beginner level hiking and camping. It is slightly less powerful than the black diamond spot. With that said, the Tikkina has a 50:50 Brightness-to-Burn-Time ratio. This means your Petzl headlamp will retain 50% of its original brightness halfway through the Burn-Time, rather than the 20-30% brightness you get in other brands.
The Petzl Tikkina now comes equipped with a washable headband and a compact design. As with the other two Petzl models before, the Tikkina can accommodate disposable and rechargeable batteries through its hybrid concept but requires a CORE USB kit which is sold separately.
The Tikka is equipped with three white lighting levels: proximity, movement and distance. The single button operation, in this case, is simple and easy to use because there are only a few different modes of operation.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
Despite not being a standout in any categories, the Petzl Tikkina is perfect for beginner hikers that need a functional yet simple headlamp that doesn’t break the bank.
6. Petzl Nao Plus
4.5/5 Overall Rating
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The Petzl Nao Plus like the Petzl Actik Core includes a reactive lighting mode, can connect to the MYPetzl Light app and is rechargeable. However, the main difference is that it can produce more than double the number of lumens allowing you to see 30m further than the Reactik.
The Petzl Nao Plus has a spot and flood light setting on the headlamp as well as a visibility/emergency light on the battery back at the back of the head.
Its multi-beam lighting combines a wide beam for proximity lighting with a focused beam for long-range vision for a great trail finding function. Despite this headlamp being one of the heaviest we reviewed it is still very comfortable. This is due to batteries being placed at the back of the head giving the headlamp a balanced feel.
The batteries can also be detached and clipped onto a belt to lighten the headlamp. A top strap ensures that the lamp doesn’t move around. Unfortunately, only rechargeable batteries can be used in this lamp and their battery life is below average.
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Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
Despite the hefty price, the Petzl Nao+ proves itself in terms of quality, durability and performance. It is the perfect choice for experienced hikers and advanced trails.
7. Black Diamond Storm
4/5 Overall Rating
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The Black Diamond Storm is one of the most well-equipped lights on this list. It has a spot and flood mode as well as three different night-mode colours (blue, green and red). The night-modes have a dimming and strobe setting and can be activated without turning on the white light.
Black Diamond Storm is extremely water resistant, has brightness memory and, like the other Black Diamond headlamps, has a lock mode. The Storm outperforms the other Black Diamond headlamps on this list in lumens but still only has a maximum beam length of 80m.
Considering the difference in performance is not drastic, the addition of an extra battery increasing the weight of the storm is unnecessary. This added weight is the reason for it being the lowest of the three Black Diamonds on this list. Another downside is the buckle on the inside of the strap which makes the headlamp less comfortable.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The Black Diamond Storm has all the main features of the other two Black diamond headlamps in this review and is an excellent choice. However, it is the heaviest of the three making it slightly less comfortable.
8. Coast HL7 Focusing
4/5 Overall Rating
The Coast HL7 Headlamp provides outstanding performance at around the same price as the Black Diamond Revolt. The focusing ring allows you to adjust between the flood and spot modes effortlessly and in spot mode the beam length reaches 120m out performing even our best overall headlamp.
The HL7 Focusing only scores a four-star rating because of its weight and battery life. In high power mode, the battery can last as little as 3 hours and this just does not measure up to the standards set by the headlamps higher on this list.
The battery pack is positioned at the back of the head to balance out the weight but since there is no top strap there is not significant support for longer treks.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The Coast HL7 Headlamp boasts excellent performance with an intuitive focusing ring making it the perfect lamp for trail finding on short to medium distance hikes.
9. Fenix HP25R
4.3/5 Overall Rating
The Fenix HP25R has the most powerful maximum setting (1000 lumens) in this review. It features separate spot and flood lights each with 4 brightness settings making the it extremely versatile.
The two different beams have their own individual controls and can be used together. Unfortunately, using the headlamp in this combined light mode drains the battery very quickly. The headlamp is made from an aluminum alloy making it durable but quite heavy.
Despite its casings weight the Fenix HP25R is not completely water and dust resistant, unlike the Black Diamond models in this review.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The Fenix HP25R provides a unique turbo mode and variety of settings making it a premium product for advanced hikers. However, it is very heavy and we therefore do not recommend it for long night hikes.
10. Princeton Tec Apex
4/5 Overall Rating
The Princeton Tec Apex headlamp was designed with extreme outdoorsmen and cavers in mind. It has spot and flood light functions and boasts a 120m maximum beam length.
Like the Fenix HP25R each function has its own control, making it easy to use. It features 4 Ultrabright LEDs, in white, red and green, as well as a central Maxbright LED. The biggest problem with the Princeton Tec Apex is that it is one of the heavier headlamps on the market (and the heaviest in this review).
Although it has an extra support strap, it is not ideal for serious mountaineers and we would rather recommend the Fenix HP25R because the 50g weight difference is very noticeable.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The Princeton Tec Apex is an excellent option for hikers who value brightness and versatility but because of its weight we do not recommend it for long trails or vigorous activities.
11. Foxelli LED
4/5 Overall Rating
The Foxelli LED Headlamp features four different lighting options a high beam, low beam, red beam and red flashing beam. The single button operation makes this lamp easy for kids to flip through the different lighting options.
What makes it perfect for kids is that it is extremely lightweight and comes with a non-slip strap making it one of the most comfortable options in this review. It is also durable and reasonably waterproof so it can withstand a bit of rough treatment.
Where this LED headlamp falls short is that it is not very powerful and has a maximum beam length of up to 27 meters. While this headlamp serves its purpose in the campsite or very relaxed evening hikes it is not ideal for more serious hiking trips.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The Foxelli LED Headlamp is perfect for parents who don’t want to break the bank on headlamps for their kids but value good quality.
Buyer's Guide For Hiking Headlamps (Key Features)
There are hundreds of headlamps on the market, all boasting different features, designs and specs, making the selection of a suitable headlamp quite a daunting task.
The following key feature guide will hopefully provide some clarity as to what is important when purchasing a headlamp and make choosing the right headlamp that much easier.
It is essential that your headlamp can withstand the rainy conditions that can occur on trails. Waterproofing ratings range from IPX1 to IPX8. IPX7 offers protection from submersion up to 1m for 30 minutes and IPX4 offers protection from splashes of water. Anything between IPX4 and IPX8 should be suitable for rainy trails.
How many lumens do you need in a headlamp?
Anywhere between 100 and 300 lumens should be enough for hiking in the dark. This kind of brightness will allow for visibility of 50 to over 100 meters, which is sufficient even for mountain trekking, where you need to see far but also below your feet.
Brightness and Lumens Explained
Each year headlamp manufacturers are bringing out more powerful lamps, which leaves us with the question: how bright should a headlamp be? Lumens measure the amount of visible light a certain headlamp can produce, although this does not always translate to brightness or quality.
All the products on this list are, however, high quality and lumens do give a good comparative idea of the brightness of the lamps. Beam distance is also a good indication of the quality of the optical lens system in a headlamp. When choosing a headlamp, it should be noted that you will not be operating it at the maximum brightness setting for extended periods of time as it drains the battery very quickly.
For general use around the campsite and casual hiking we recommend a headlamp with a range between 25 and 150 lumens. If you are planning on doing hikes or trail runs in complete darkness we recommend any lamps with 250 lumens and above.
LED Type
There are three common LED types, namely spot, flood and red lights. Most headlamps come standard with a spot beam. Spot beams focus the light allowing you to see further down a trail or look features in the distance.
Flood lights, on the other hand, are useful to see what is near you and come in handy particularly on the campsite.
And lastly, red lights are useful to provide soft light which doesn’t disturb the eyes of those around you and can function as emergency or visibility light.
Weight and Comfort
The weight of a headlamp can make or break a user’s experience. Generally, the more powerful the lamps are heavier due to extra batteries and an aluminum or thick plastic casing.
For example, Princeton Tec Apex has a 350-lumen rating and weighs in at 283g. We recommend that you should opt for the lightest option available that is still suitable for your purpose. This is typically the more comfortable option and will allow you to move more freely.
The weight distribution of the headlamp is also a key factor contributing to comfort. This is where the design of straps come into play. Lighter more compact lamps tend to have a single elastic nylon strap that wraps around the sides of your head.
Heavier lamps employ a second strap that runs over the top of your head. This provides a more secure fit suitable for more vigorous activities. As the lamps become more powerful batteries stored in the front tend to unbalance the headlamp leading to the light moving up and down as you walk.
When opting for more powerful lamps be sure that the battery pack is situated at the back of the head or that it has the necessary support straps.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life there are often discrepancies in the figures reported by suppliers. For this reason and because each lamp has different settings making their battery life’s difficult to compare, we have not included a battery life section in the comparison table above.
For long hiking trips, we recommend headlamps with disposable batteries as it is easier to carry around replacement batteries than a power bank or solar charger.
Another factor to consider is the type of lighting technology. Constant lighting technology provides steady brightness, even when the battery has reached lower levels, resulting in a shorter battery life.
On the other hand, headlamps without this technology provide poor illumination when the batteries begin to reach lower levels.
Water Resistance
It is essential that your headlamp can withstand the rainy conditions that can occur on trails. Waterproofing ratings range from IPX1 to IPX8.
IPX7 offers protection from submersion up to 1m for 30 minutes and IPX4 offers protection from splashes of water. Anything between IPX4 and IPX 8 should be suitable for rainy trails.
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