Best Headlamps For Camping, Hunting, Survival, Etc.

If You’re Searching For The Best Headlamp, You’re In The Right Place

Because it’s easy to get overwhelmed with thousands of options on the market today.

Sure, some are great, but most are complete rubbish!

This article covers all the features to help find the best headlamp for YOU.

We also look at the best ones per activity, for example:

• From Camping to Running
• Hiking to Home Maintenance
• Backpacking to Climbing
• Boating to Fishing…
• Etc.

That’s why today, I’m going to use my extensive Engineering, Offical Gear Design | Testing, and Mountain Rescue background to cover the following:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Headlamps For Sale Today

→ General Use

→ Running

→ High Powered

→ Ultra Light | Emergency

What Is A Headlamp Anyway?

Brief Head Torch History Lesson

 Headlamps Vs. Flashlights

Best Headlamp Features

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Best Headlamps On The Market Today

General-Use

First, let’s talk about “general use.”

These are the ones you reach for when:

• Fixing stuff around the home
• Car camping
• Short backpacking trips
• Or survival scenarios

They put out a reasonable amount of light and have long use at low power (to preserve battery life).

They’re compact but not minimalist.

I believe everyone should have at least one of these:

↓ BioLite 330 Headlamp Review ↓

↓ Petzl Tikkina 150 Lumen Headlamp ↓

↓ Princeton Tec: SNAP (+ adapt!) Multi-Use Light ↓

↓ Black Diamond ReVolt Headlamp ↓

↓ The Black Diamond Spot 325 Headlamp ↓

↓ Petzl Actik Core Review (The Best Headlamp?) ↓

↓ Black Diamond Storm Headlamp (Best Headlamp) ↓

↓ Let’s Take A Look At The Fenix HM50R Headlamp ↓

Running

Let’s talk about a new popular category: running headlamps.

These are lightweight lamps with medium power and relatively short battery lives.

They cut out all unnecessary ounces.

They’re generally very stable lights with comfortable straps.

So they stay put and don’t irritate your head while running, even if you sweat a lot.

While they’re a niche market, they’re finding increased favor.

They also focus on safety, with features like rear lights and reflective headbands to increase visibility.

↓ Ledlenser NEO4 Head Torch Unboxing & First Impressions ↓

↓ BioLite Headlamp 200 | Ultralight USB ↓

↓ Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp ↓

↓ Hitecore NU25 Review ↓

High-Powered

These high-powered headlamps are another smaller segment of the market.

And they’re built with the worst-case in mind.

Search and rescue, law enforcement, and military personnel look to this type of light for its tactical advantages.

So do mountaineers, bikers, and other trail users who need maximum visibility to see and avoid obstacles.

↓ Led Lenser MH10 Review ↓

↓ The Icon 700 By Black Diamond Review ↓

↓ Petzl Nao + Headtorch Review ↓

↓ Nitecore HU60 1600 Lumen E-Focusable Dual Beam Review ↓

Emergency

Finally, backup and emergency headlamps are a safety net when your primary light source goes out.

You turn to these lights when it’s time to limp home to safety.

They’re not always as comfortable or as powerful as other options.

But they’re dependable.

↓ Petzl eLite 50 Lumes Torch Review ↓

↓ Best Ultralight Backpacking Torch? | Black Diamond SpotLite 160 ↓

↓ Should Hikers Be Upgrading? Petzl BINDI After 1 Year ↓

What Is A Headlamp Anyway?

This seems like a silly question with an obvious answer – because it IS.

The term “Headlamp” is precisely what it sounds like:

“A small light source worn on your head.”

Moving on…

Brief Head Torch History Lesson

Headlamps began as a way for miners to work in pitch-black mine shafts.

Especially deep mine shafts nowhere near natural light.

• The first ones were very crude.
• They let off only a faint source of light.
• Not much better than a birthday candle.
• But they were much better than the alternative (nothing).

And even weak light works well once your eyes adjust to low light conditions.

A combustible carbide powered the very first head torches.

They were later upgraded to incandescent electric bulbs.

But nowadays, nearly all modern ones feature LED lights.

And most now include features that would put an 1800s miner in shock and awe.

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Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

Why Get A Headlamp Instead Of A Flashlight

As we just discussed, they’ve been a mainstay of the caving and mining world for over a century.

But early on, they were slowly accepted within the outdoor sporting world.

They were a rare oddball tool even a few decades ago.

For example:

Growing up, my family had a dozen flashlights we took camping.

We had flashlights ranging from my Dad’s giant D-cell MagLight to a tiny hand-crank light I got on my 6th birthday.

And I still recall my first mini-MagLight was the envy of my entire Boy Scout troop.

Later, as I got into more serious mountain biking, I bought my first “trail lights.”

They were essentially high-powered, bike-specific flashlights.

It was a light I mounted to my bike’s handlebars to ride a few local trails in the middle of the night.

It wasn’t until my college years that shops began carrying a selection of headlamps.

Of course, I bought one and recall the odd looks I got on my next camping trip.

Despite living in the heart of coal-mining country, everyone I passed looked at me like I was insane!

A few people asked me,

“Why didn’t you get an ordinary flashlight.”

Even my Dad was unimpressed, noting it would,

“Work for changing a flat tire if you don’t have a quality lantern handy.”

Even so, I bought him one later that year.

But I doubt if it ever made it out of his truck.

Yet, as I got into even more outdoor sports, I found folks quickly embraced them!

Nearly everyone in the climbing and backpacking world was ditching their tactical flashlights for headlamps.

Why? For one brilliant reason!

Hands-Free

This one is obvious, but I can’t overstate it enough. HANDS-FREE!

This inherent design feature is a significant step up over a handheld flashlight.

It makes nearly every task more manageable, especially for detailed work!

Lighter Weight

When it comes to weight, headlamps are a winning design.

They don’t require the batteries and circuitry to be stuffed into the handle.

This design allows you to separate the bulk and weight from the light.

Some modern ones put the battery pack on the back of the head.

While others sandwich a flat rechargeable battery between the LED and the headband, this feature makes it an all-in-one unit with no external wiring or battery packs.

Faster

What do I mean by “faster”?

When you hear a scary sound, you instinctively turn towards the noise FAST.

But with a headlamp, you immediately illuminate exactly where you look.

With a traditional flashlight, moving your hand toward the sound is slightly delayed.

Your reaction time with your hand involved is a fraction slower.

In Line With Your Vision

Unlike handheld flashlights, head torches shine a beam along your natural sightline.

This feature means less shadowing and better positioning to put the light where needed.

20+ years after they’ve come out, they’re taking over the outdoor lighting market by an enormous margin.

And technology is growing each year.

Manufacturers continue to add new features and brighter lights all the time.

Sure, I think I still own a flashlight or two.

I could find one under the seat in my Jeep or the back of the glove box.

But I’m sure the batteries are dead by now.

To be fair, I likely haven’t tried turning them on in a decade.

Even my Dad switched to using one more than a flashlight for most tasks.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our

Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

Best Headlamp Features To Look For

It seems like a good headlamp should be easy to find.

But many factors come into play when it’s time to pick the right one for your needs.

And the latest ones have come a long way.

And the range of features and specifications available is dizzying.

So to narrow down your list, it’s essential to consider a few specific features.

Lumens

Lumens measure the amount of light emitted by a given light source.

Think of it as the “overall” power of a light source.

In simple terms, higher lumens equates to brighter light.

But several other factors control how useful that light is for the task.

Beam Shape

Once the light leaves the LED, it disperses in all directions.

But, it loses intensity if a lens or reflector does not focus it.

Light intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance.

This means the light is 10,000 times fainter at a distance of 100ft than it was at 1ft.

So, a light source with a high lumen rating is technically “brighter.”

But the shape of the reflector and lens control how it projects.

That’s why reflection and lens control drastically affect “how bright” it seems to the eye.

Focusing the light in a narrow spot beam puts more lumens on the target.

But leaves the surroundings less illuminated.

Conversely, a similar lumen-rated wide flood beam will light up the whole area but not seem as bright.

Beam Distance

Better optics affect how well they work at a distance and how far you can see in the dark.

Therefore, most manufacturers also list a max range at which the light is effective.

Most of us are looking for a measure of how far the light reaches.

So this is one of the best comparison metrics.

For example:

I reach for a long beam distance option with Survival And Rescue activities.

Such a tool helps me see the trail and surroundings as far out in advance as possible.

Battery Life

What if you’re looking for an in-camp headlamp to do kitchen tasks, read, or keep a low profile?

In this case, you may not be interested in high lumens or long distances.

My in-camp one (also a backup for emergencies) has long battery life.

That way, I don’t have to worry about it going out mid-use.

Battery life is directly related to the power setting you use.

If you’re trying to conserve battery, turn the brightness to the lowest setting.

And turn it off when you’re finished using it (obvious but easily forgotten!)

Battery Type

Battery type is another factor in your selection process.

And it stems from how you plan to use it.

Rechargeable

Most manufacturers are going with either integrated or removable rechargeable batteries.

Rechargeable batteries are more environmentally friendly and reduce waste.

For many, this is a significant selling point.

But they’re also harder to maintain on an extended trip, where charging points may be few and far between.

Solar chargers, battery banks, and other accessories can help.

But that’s even more survival gear to add to your pack on an extended trip.

Alkaline or Lithium Disposable

Standard alkaline batteries are easy to find in even the most remote gas station or gift shops.

Plus, they come in bulk packages if you need to have lots on hand.

They’re not the best choice for the environment.

But sometimes there are few better viable options.

Lithium disposables are a little more expensive and harder to find in remote locations.

But they’re more powerful and lighter than comparable alkaline batteries.

Dual Battery Options

Some headlamps feature a rechargeable battery pack that can be removed and replaced.

They usually feature standard-size alkaline or lithium batteries (AA or AAA).

This setup gives you tremendous flexibility.

And it still allows for greener choices.

Durability

Light is a nearly non-negotiable survival necessity.

Humans are practically crippled in the dark without good lighting.

So look for a reliable, well-built one that can takke all the abuse you can throw at it.

Manufacturer testing and certifications are essential.

If they pass, they test for water, dust, and shock resistance, adding ratings on their electronics.

Look for an IP/IPX code of at least IPX4 (splash and dust resistant) for everyday use.

For example:

Heavy rain and snow in the Pacific Northwest test the water resistance.

And in the summer, dust, and ash are the concern.

I look for electronics for critical work with an IPX7 or IPX8 rating.

These ratings state it should remain sealed from dust and water even if fully submerged.

But I relax that rule for my daily use tasks (i.e., walking the dog or going for a jog).

Why? Because I know I can still get home safely if something drastic happens.

Comfort

The proper weight distribution, strap comfort, and fit can give you confidence.

A snug fit is essential. But don’t get one that’s too tight, or it will eventually feel like it’s slowly crushing your head.

Soft strap materials and a smooth profile help minimize irritation.

Weight

Sure, a couple of ounces may not seem like much.

But it always amazes me how much you notice when every head turn has a little extra resistance.

Of course, weight savings and reduced battery size go hand in hand, so it’s always a trade-off.

Get the lightest model that meets all your specifications.

That way, you won’t be disappointed.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our

Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of things to consider when you choose a headlamp.

But we’ve walked through the essential features and shared some of our favorite suggestions based on how you might use them.

As with pocket knives, crossbows, bowie knives, survival backpacks, and many other outdoor tools, there’s not always one headlamp that does all the jobs you need.

Consider your primary use and a backup light at a minimum.

Don’t get left in the dark!

Jason K.

Born & Raised In The Remote Woods Of Michigan

Engineering Degree From A Major University

Long Standing Member Of Mountain Search & Rescue

Offical Gear Tester For Several Outdoor Companies

Avid Outdoorsman: Backpacking, Camping, Fishing

Years Researching & Writing About Surival & Gear

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