Related Post: We Tested 4 Popular Backpacking Headlamps
Selecting the right headlamp can be overwhelming. There are hundreds of different headlamps to choose from. However following these 5 simple steps will make it easier for you to decide what headlamp will work for you.
STEP 1: Identify Right Headlamp Use
Do you want a headlamp for emergency use only?
If you don’t plan on using a headlamp then a lightweight emergency headlamp might be the best choice. Lightweight emergency headlamps put out around 50 lumens of visible light or less and are the lightest type of headlamp you can carry. They provide just enough light to navigate around camp and read. Emergency headlamps are not designed for hiking in the night. If you have to hike at night the illumination will be minimal and you will likely hike a lot slower than normal.
Most long-distance hikers eventually find themselves in a situation where they want to hike in the night. This could be to avoid the daytime heat or to make it to camp. Hiking in the night with an emergency headlamp is not ideal. For this reason most long-distance hikers select a headlamp that produces more illumination. However, if you don’t plan on using a headlamp then the lightweight low lumen headlamp is probably the best choice for you. Just remember to carry some spare batteries and you should be ready to go!. I recommend reading the remaining steps because you might change your mind. Using an emergency headlamp as your only source of light is a big commitment.
Petzl e+LITE ,26 Grams or 0.9 ounces, uses two CR2023 batteries
STEP 2: Headlamp Functions
What headlamp functions do you want?
Power Modes
Most headlamps have at least two power modes, maximum and low power. A headlamp that has three power modes, maximum power, mid power and low power makes it easy to dial in the exact illumination needed for the situation. This will save a lot of battery power.
Red Light
Another feature that is nice to consider is the red light function on your headlamp. A red light will allow you to maintain more of your night vision and does not attract bugs like the white light.
Strobe Mode
Some headlamps offer a strobe function that would be good to have in an emergency. When a headlamp operates in strobe mode it uses a lot less power than in continuous power mode and is more visible by search and rescue.
Beam Width
A highly focused light will provide more illumination in a concentrated area. This is typically better for hiking. A wide beam will provide a wider area of illumination and this will be better for camp activities. A wide beam light will rapidly dim with distance.
See blog on how distance from the light source impacts illumination.
Other Import Headlamp Functions
Tilt
Most headlamps allow for you to tilt the headlamp up and down from the head strap mount. This makes it easy to adjust where the beam focuses while you are walking.
Runtime
It is important that you have a headlamp that will operate for the time you need. Different headlamps have different runtimes. You should always carry spare batteries.
Weight
It is important that you select a headlamp that fits your desired weight criteria.
On/off Switches
Make sure you like the switches that cycle through the different light modes. Some switches have a lock mode so you can’t accidentally turn your light on in your pack.
Water resistance
Most headlamps can withstand some degree of exposure to rain. Some headlamps can tolerate immersion in water.
STEP 3: Headlamp Power
What power level in lumens do you want in your headlamp?
There are three general power ranges. In general the higher the power or lumens the brighter the headlamp will be. But it isn’t always this simple. This is because the area light covers increases exponentially with distance.
Less than 100 lumens
A headlamp that produces less than 100 lumens will not provide enough illumination to hike on a trail without hiking really slow. A headlamp that produces less than 100 lumens is typically the light given off by a lightweight emergency headlamp.
100 to 200 lumens
A headlamp with 100 to 200 lumens will likely provide enough illumination to safely hike well groomed trails at a slow to normal pace. A headlamp that produces 100 to 200 lumens is typically powered by two AAA batteries and is lighter than brighter headlamps that require three AAA batteries. The 100 to 200 lumen headlamp is best for the hiker that will only occasionally hike during the night. A 100 to 200 lumen headlamp is far superior in illumination to an emergency headlamp that produces less than 100 lumens of visible light.
250 to 500 lumens
A headlamp with 250 to 500 lumens will likely provide enough illumination to safely hike at a normal pace. These headlamps are typically powered by three AAA batteries or a USB rechargeable battery. A 250 to 500 lumen headlamp would be best for a hiker who plans to hike at night. The higher illumination headlamp is also better for hikers that tend to hike fast at night.
STEP 4: Battery Type
Do you want to use disposable batteries or a USB rechargeable battery to power your headlamp?
Headlamps that use disposable batteries weigh about 2.8 ounces (79 grams) and are about 0.3 ounces (9 grams) lighter than headlamps that use a USB rechargeable battery. The typical cost of a headlamp that uses disposable batteries is around $28 and is about $31 cheaper than a comparable USB rechargeable battery headlamp. The cost difference between the two types is essentially the cost of the rechargeable battery pack. It might seem that choosing a headlamp that uses disposable batteries to be the clear winner. But the long term cost of using disposable batteries can add up. I recommend answering the questions on the Headlamp Battery Calculator to estimate how many disposable batteries you will use on your hike and the approximate cost. Knowing how many batteries you will likely use for your hike and the cost will help you make a more informed choice.
If you decided a USB rechargeable battery headlamp is the best for your hike I still recommend carrying spare disposable batteries for your headlamp. It is very important to always carry backup batteries while hiking because it is very difficult to know how much charge you have left.
You should never hike in the night without having spare batteries or an alternative light source.
STEP 5: Right Headlamp Research
Prioritize Needs, Research and Purchase
You should now have a good idea what you need and what you are looking for in a headlamp based on your personal needs. Create a list of your desired functions (STEP 2), lumen range (STEP 3) and battery type (STEP 4). Now it is time to research the customer reviews of the headlamp that meets your requirements. It is important to keep an open mind and look at both positive and negative comments.
If you are happy with the headlamp features and customer reviews it is time to make the purchase.
After your list is complete you should be ready to purchase the right headlamp for your hike.