Are you trying to find backpacking headlamps among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling backpacking headlamps on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 11 hours of research and did 15 backpacking headlamps tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best backpacking headlamps you can buy today
- BRIGHT LIGHTWEIGHT HEADLAMP- the NU25 headlamp is capable of a 400 lumen max, Instead of traditional headband, it comes with a pair of paracord, which make NU25 even more lightweight, perfect for backpacking, biking, jogging and trekking.
- TRIPLE OUTPUT VERSATILITY - a combined spotlight and floodlight mode, spotlight mode, floodlight mode, and dual auxiliary red LEDs for variety usage scenarios.
- USB-C RECHARGEABLE - The headlamp is great for travel and daily use. It can be easily be charged on-the-go using a USB-c charging cable connected to any USB power source or use the Adapter for other power source.
- TOUGH OUTDOOR HEADLAMP – rated IP66 water resistant, bold new aerodynamic unibody design of polycarbonate for excellent heat dissipation.
- PACKAGE CONTENTS - NITECORE NU25 400 Lumen UL edition with paracord, USB-C Cable, LumenTac Organizer
- SUPER BRIGHT LED TECHNOLOGY - Illuminate your adventures with a 300-foot beam and 180 lumens. Our rechargeable headlamp is perfect for runners, campers, and hikers. With its adjustable 45° tilt and long-lasting battery, you can explore confidently and hands-free.
- A LIGHT FOR EVERYONE - Whether you're a kid scout or an experienced backpacker, our versatile headlamp is suitable for all ages. With comfortable, adjustable non-slip strap, it's easy to find the perfect fit.
- WATERPROOF & DURABLE - Rain or shine, this IPX5 waterproof headlamp is built to withstand the elements. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, it delivers reliable performance even in wet conditions, so you can confidently take on any challenge.
- LIGHTING FOR EVERY NEED - With 5 light modes, including white and red lights, this headlamp versatile enough for any situation. Whether you’re camping, backpacking, or on a night run, the right light is just a click away, making every adventure safer and more enjoyable.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & RECHARGEABLE - Lightweight, USB-rechargeable headlamp (only 2.4 oz) means no more worrying about batteries. Easily recharge it from your power bank, laptop, or car charger.
- Brightness Memory allows you to turn the headlamp on and off at last used brightness level without reverting to max brightness
- Settings include full strength, dimming and strobe
- Digital lock mode feature safeguards against accidental use when stored in a pack or pocket
- Super Bright & 6 Light Modes - Providing 1500 lux brightness with 3 levels of white light brightness (High/Low/Strobe)，floodlight mood and two modes of red light (stay on/flash).
- Long Lasting - Powered by 3 AAA batteries, offering up to 50 hours run time on low brightness and 7 hours on high brightness,which exceeds 98% of similar products on the market. (Batteries are not included in the package.)
- IPX4 Waterproof Headlamp - Heavy rain or splashing water are no longer a concern while using it for any outdoor activities.
- Lightweight & Comfortable - Weighting only 1.6 oz, with sweat proof elastic headband and 60° adjustable angle.
- Solid Built Quality - Ergonomically designed with polyethylene coating provide reliable protection for droping and scratching in all direction.
- 90° Angle Variation, 2-meter Impact Resistant, & IPX4 water resistant technology.
- 90-Meter Beam Distance: Cree LED head light with adaptive multi-color lighting makes this a bright, white headlamp with red light mode.
- Battery powered headlight that runs on 3 AAA batteries & has a 4.5-hour run time.
- Fully adjustable comfort headlamp band makes this the perfect trail running headlamp.
- Often used for hiking, hunting, and camping outdoors, this Columbia headlamp is one of the best water-resistant headlamps for adults and a great kids headlamp, too.
- SUPER BRIGHT LED HEADLAMP: Value pack of two Energizer PRO LED Headlamps that illuminate up to 80 meters with light that's up to 4X brighter than standard LED technology, so you can light up the room, or the campsite, with ease
- MAXIMUM DURABILITY: This durable head flashlight features a shatterproof lens and a water-resistant IPX4 rated body that withstands a 1-meter drop test, making it the perfect hunting, hiking and camping headlamp
- 7 VERSATILE MODES: Provides 7 light modes (High, Low, Spot High, Spot Low, Wide High, Wide Low, and Red), with convenient Smart Dimming technology to control light intensity for almost any situation
- LONG RUN TIME: Long-lasting and effective Energizer headlamp delivers up to 35 hours of LED light in Low mode, giving you the reliable light you need during power outages or DIY projects
- BATTERIES INCLUDED: Each head lamp comes with 3 Energizer Max AAA batteries, so they're ready to use as camping, hiking or running headlamps
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: With Petzl's 50:50 Brightness-to-Burn-Time ratio, 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.
- HYBRID CONCEPT: Petzl headlamps can run on either the CORE rechargeable battery or three AAA batteries without an adapter.
- FULL TILT: Petzl headlamps can be tilted up or down — allowing users to illuminate their surroundings while wearing the headlamp on their head or neck.
- COMPACT and LIGHTWEIGHT: Only 92 g for 300 lumens.
- EASE OF USE: Battery indicator shows the battery level each time lamp is turned on or off. Glow-in-the-dark reflector for locating the lamp in the dark. Rechargeable via micro USB port when using with CORE battery.
- PowerTap Technology allows instant transitioning between full and dimmed power
- Compact, low-profile design uses three AAA batteries, included
- Settings include full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, red night-visionand digital lock mode
- Settings include full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, red night-visiod digital lock mode
- LED Light Source: Illuminates with 350 lumens of bright LED light
- Rechargeable Battery Power: Runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for long-lasting use
- Waterproof Design: Rugged rubber housing is waterproof for outdoor use
- Modern Style: Sleek and modern design with adjustable headband and arm
- Long Battery Life: Runs for up to 8 hours on a single charge
- LIGHT FOR EVERYDAY ADVENTURES: The Petzl TIKKA (300 Lumens) has three white lighting levels: proximity, movement and distance. Red lighting feature preserves night vision and prevents members of a group from blinding each other.
- LIGHTWEIGHT and COMPACT: At only 82 g 2.9 oz, the TIKKA will light your path on the trail, on the rock, or in camp. Without weighing you down.
- HYBRID CONCEPT: Petzl headlamps can run on either the CORE rechargeable battery or three AAA batteries without an adapter.
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: With Petzl's 50:50 Brightness-to-Burn-Time ratio, 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.
- INTUITIVE DESIGN: The Petzl TIKKA has a: single button for quick and easy selection of brightness or light color, phosphorescent reflector (useful for locating the lamp in the dark), and a detachable, washable headband.
- DESIGNED FOR OUTDOOR - The NITECORE HA11 headlamp produces up to 240 lumens of light that reaches 98 yards with 3 brightness, for late night runs, camping and hiking expeditions.
- DESIGNED FOR OUTDOOR - The NITECORE HA11 headlamp produces up to 240 lumens of light that reaches 98 yards with 3 brightness, for late night runs, camping and hiking expeditions.
- EASY TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN - Powered by a single AA battery, the HA11 can run up to 40 hours on its lowest setting. Its dual switch design makes operation fast and easy.
- MULTI PURPOSE - clip the headlamp on cap brim, sling bag, backpack, pocket or belt, or turn the headlamp to a lantern with the diffusing stuff sack.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - Built with durable polycarbonate, it is impact resistant with a waterproof rating of IP66, ready for any tough outdoor environment.
- Content - Nitecore HA11 headlamp, the headlamp adapter clip, a AA battery
- LIGHT FOR ANY ACTIVITY: With 450 lumens, two beam patterns (flood or mixed), and several white brightness levels; the ACTIK CORE provides high-performance lighting in dynamic outdoor activities. Lighting can adapt to proximity, distance, or rapid movement. Red lighting preserves night vision and prevents members of a group from blinding each other.
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: With Petzl's 50:50 Brightness-to-Burn-Time ratio, 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.
- HYBRID CONCEPT: The Petzl ACTIK CORE comes with a rechargeable CORE battery. Like other Petzl Headlamps it can run on either the CORE rechargeable battery or three AAA/LR03 batteries without an adapter.
- ANY USER-FRIENDLY: The ACTIK is simple to use. And practical. Single button for quick and easy selection of brightness or light color. LOCK function to avoid accidentally turning it on during transit or storage. reflective headband for night visibility.
- RED LED: Red lighting preserves night vision and prevents members of a group from blinding each other.
- BRIGHT LIGHTWEIGHT HEADLAMP- Less than 2oz with headband included, the NU25-400 headlamp is capable of a 400 lumen max, perfect for backpacking, biking, jogging and trekking.
- TRIPLE OUTPUT VERSATILITY - A combined spotlight and floodlight mode, and dual auxiliary red LEDs for variety usage scenarios.
- USB-C RECHARGEABLE - The headlamp is great for travel and daily use. It can be easily be charged on-the-go using a USB-c charging cable connected to any USB power source or use the Adapter for other power source.
- TOUGH OUTDOOR HEADLAMP – Rated IP66 water resistant, bold new aerodynamic unibody design of polycarbonate for excellent heat dissipation.
- PACKAGE CONTENTS - NITECORE NU25 400 Lumen, Headband, USB Cable, LumenTac Organizer
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: With Petzl's 50:50 Brightness-to-Burn-Time ratio, 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.
- RECHARGEABLE: Lithium-Ion 680 mAh battery is rechargeable via micro USB port, with charge indicator.
- FULL TILT: Petzl headlamps can be tilted up or down — allowing users to illuminate their surroundings while wearing the headlamp on their head or neck.
- LIGHT FOR ANY ACTIVITY: Three lighting modes: proximity, movement and distance. Red lighting option preserves night vision.
- LOCK FUNCTION: Prevents headlamp from accidentally turning on and draining the battery when not in use.
- Utah based Black Diamond has been producing premium quality outdoor equipment since 1957. All Black Diamond Headlamps Include a 3 Year Warranty.
- Rechargeable: Powered with integrated 1500 mAh Li-ion battery with micro-USB charge port
- 400 Lumen max output
- Settings include full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, red night-vision and digital lock mode
- Integrated battery meter display shows % of power remaining
- Brightness Memory allows you to turn the light on and off at a chosen brightness without reverting back to default setting
- Red night vision has dimming and strobe modes and activates without cycling through the white mode
- Emits up to 400 lumens on max setting
- PowerTap Technology allows instant transitioning between full and dimmed power
- Settings include full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, red, green and blue night-vision, and lock mode
- Compact, low-profile design uses four AAA batteries, included
- Waterproof and dustproof: Sealed housing withstands immersion over 1m for 30 minutes (IP67)
- SUPER BRIGHT - Experience powerful hands-free LED camping lights that generate a brilliant, long-lasting beam with daylight color and definition, boasting a runtime of up to 10+ hours on the low setting making it the perfect work headlamp.
- ADJUSTABLE COMFORT - The removable, washable, and adjustable headband on this LED headlamp ensures a comfortable fit for both adults and kids. Weighing only 3 oz with batteries, it’s the perfect headlight for outdoor adventurers.
- VERSATILE DESIGN - Our premium headlamps feature a 45-degree adjustable head to direct light precisely where you need it. Choose from 7 different lighting modes, ranging from white strobe to red beam for safety. Works great as a Running Headlamp.
- WEATHER RESISTANT - With water resistance and shockproof capabilities, the S500 headlamp flashlight is suitable for use in rain or snow, indoors or outdoors and the perfect Father's Day Gift for Dad. A must-have addition to your running, hiking, and camping accessories list!
- VALUE PACK - Each order includes 2 S500 GearLight headlamps (AAA batteries not included). Keep one in your car and another at home for convenience. Like a head light for your forehead.
- [BRIGHT HANDS FREE LIGHT]: Two (2) lightweight, durable Energizer Universal Plus LED Headlamps offer bright light for a variety of activities. Includes four (4) Energizer MAX AAA alkaline batteries
- [COMFORTABLE AND VERSATILE]: Lightweight, compact hands free light offers comfortable wear for a variety of activities
- [LED HANDS FREE LIGHT]: Headlamp with red light is ideal for indoor and outdoor activities that require two hands such as DIY projects and outdoor adventures at night
- [SUPERIOR LED TECHNOLOGY]: 12x brighter than standard LED technology with 100 lumens of light that illuminates objects up to 40 meters away with a red light for night vision mode
- [DURABLE CONSTRUCTION]: This High-performance headlamp features a Rugged yet lightweight LED design and is impact resistant up to 1 meter for reliable use- headlamp does not pivot or rotate
- Brightness: 300 lumens provide powerful illumination for tasks and activities.
- Compact Design: The headlamp's modern style and lightweight (83g) design make it easy to carry and use.
- Night Vision: The LED light source allows you to see clearly in low light conditions.
- Battery Powered: The included 3 AAA batteries provide long-lasting power for extended use.
- Durable Construction: The headlamp is built with a durable, black diamond finish and alkaline battery cells.
How to choose a good backpacking headlamps
Does the idea of finding a fantastic backpacking headlamps make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in backpacking headlamps. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top backpacking headlamps products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top backpacking headlamps on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top backpacking headlamps brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top backpacking headlamps based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the backpacking headlamps were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good backpacking headlamps, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your backpacking headlamps.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting backpacking headlamps for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our backpacking headlamps. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what backpacking headlamps should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on backpacking headlamps.
