Best Headlamp for Every Type of Adventure

Being able to see in the dark is critical to most outdoor pursuits, whether climbing, running, hiking, or camping. We recommend bringing a headlamp with you pretty much for every outdoor adventure, even if you don’t think you’ll be out after dark. And given how small, lightweight, and inexpensive headlamps are, there’s really no reason to not pack one. In this article, we list the very best headlamps in a variety of categories, including best overall, best for emergency use, best for running, best for those on a budget, and more. Keep reading to find the best headlamp for your next adventure. Note: All weights listed include the batteries in the headlamp.

Best All Around Headlamp

Black Diamond Spot

Price: $40

Weight: 3.25oz

Lumens: 300

What we like:

Full featured—excellent power at a great price.
Very water-resistant and up to 180 hour run time.
Multiple modes: distance high beam, low proximity mode, red light, and strobe, plus a lock mode for when it’s packed away.

Compare Prices: REI Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry Ι Amazon

Best Headlamp for Emergency Use

Petzl e+LITE

Price: $30

Weight: 1oz

Lumens: 50

What we like:

Great for emergency use; waterproof, lightweight, small, and can be stored with batteries for up to 10 years.
Red light and strobe options to increase chances of being seen from a distance.
Elastic headband has integrated emergency whistle.

Compare Prices: REI Ι Backcountry Ι Amazon

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Best Budget Headlamp

Energizer Vision HD

Price: $14

Weight: 3.68oz

Lumens: 200

What we like:

Has high and low modes in both spotlight and floodlight modes.
Impact and water-resistant.
Pivoting head allows you to control exactly where your light goes.

Check Prices: Amazon

Best Headlamp for Running

Black Diamond Sprinter

Price: $80

Weight: 3.7oz

Lumens: 200

What we like:

Bright front light has single-tap method for instantly changing power between dimmed and full power.
Rear red strobe light for increased visibility during early morning or evening runs.
Additional strap over the head secures headlamp during your run.

Compare Prices: REI Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry Ι Amazon

Best High-End Headlamp

Petzl NAO+

Price: $200

Weight: 6.5oz

Lumens: 750

What we like:

Reactive lighting technology automatically adjust beam based on ambient light and distance of objects for longer battery time and minimal handling.
Connects via bluetooth to free Petzl app where you can create personal lighting profiles for different activities.
Recharges via microUSB in only 5 hours.

Compare Prices: REI Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry Ι Amazon

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Best Lightweight Headlamp

Black Diamond Iota

Price: $40

Weight: 1.9oz

Lumens: 150

What we like:

Powered by a rechargeable battery that only takes 3 hours to fully charge.
Includes dimming ability as well as strobe setting.
Water-resistant, plus a locking ability to make sure headlamp doesn’t accidentally turn on.

Compare Prices: REI Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry Ι Amazon

Related article: Outdoor Adventure Gift Buying Guide

Best Rechargeable Headlamp

Petzl Actik Core

Price: $70

Weight: 2.9oz

Lumens: 350

What we like:

Rechargeable with standard USB cable while also compatible with normal AAA batteries.
Red light, high, and low beam are both adjustable.
Water-resistant and emergency whistle installed on the headband.

Compare Prices: REI Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry Ι Amazon

Check out: 11 Reasons YOU Should Try Rock Climbing

Best Weatherproof Headlamp

Black Diamond Storm

Price: $50

Weight: 3.9oz

Lumens: 350

What we like:

Dustproof and waterproof designs with a sealed battery housing.
Incredibly versatile range of light options with dimming and strobe in white, red, blue, and green light.
Lock mode makes sure it doesn’t turn on when in your pocket or backpack.

Compare Prices: REI Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry Ι Amazon

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Best High-Lumens Headlamp

Coast FL85 Headlamp

Price: $70

Weight: 4.5oz

Lumens: 615

What we like:

If pure power is what you’re after, the FL85 provides an incredible 615 lumens for only $70.
Single button powers on light and then bezel twists to adjust focus into long powerful beam.
Impact- and weather-resistant as well as red light for maintaining night vision.

Check Price: Amazon

Best Headlamp For Kids

Black Diamond Wiz

Price: $20

Lumens: 30

What we like:

The light tilts both ways, so it works well even if put on upside down (if you’re a parent, you know this will happen 50%of the time, just like with pants).
Water-resistant, and a child-safe screw closure.
Shuts off automatically after 2 hours to prevent unintended battery drain.

Compare Prices: REI Ι Moosejaw Ι Backcountry Ι Amazon

Hope you enjoyed our article on the best headlamp for every type of adventure. Missing your favorite headlamp? Have any questions about headlamps? Comment below!

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Best Headlamp for Every Type of Adventure