Headlamp Buyer's Guide

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a headlamp for your adventures or work – cost, weight, brightness, battery configuration, and the list goes on.  Below you will find information that will help guide you through the process. If you're having trouble deciding, one way that could help is to rank your top 3-5 requirements for a headlamp.  Use that list as a guide to helping you choose the best headlamp for you.  And as always, if you have any question, don't hesitate to email us at info@flashlights4all.com..

Carry Method – Top Strap, Single Strap, or Clip-on

Most headlamps have either a headband-style adjustable elastic strap or a headband strap with a top strap for added stability.  Some newer headlamps like the Princteon Tec Apex include a top strap that can be removed.  Another convenient type of light clips on to the bill of a baseball cap. 

Single strap headlamp – Best for most uses
Top Strap included – Best for those doing lots of physical activity like night jogging
Clip-on light – Best for casual situations like around the campfire

Bulb Type

LEDs have pretty much taken over the world of headlamps due to their shock-resistance, long life, and extended burn times.  Some headlamps still use incandescent bulbs like the Pelican Heads Up Lite which cast a more natual light than LEDs.. 

LEDs – Best for most uses. Most white LEDs cast a slightly blueish light.
Incandescents – Typically cheaper initial cost and can be brighter than LEDs. Cast a more natural light.
Combo light – Sacrifices durability for brightness

Brightness

Headlamp brightness is usually a delicate balance with battery life and price.  Most modern headlamp contains intelligent circuitry that regulates and reduces light output as the batteries are drained.  The lumen is becoming the standard measuring stick for light output or brightness although some manufacturers have not released figures for their products. 100 lumens is considered very bright, while 25 lumens is usually sufficient for most casual uses.

Battery Location

Batteries are typically located in one of three places: in the light enclosure, in a battery pack on the back of the strap, or in a battery pack connected via a wire that is stored remotely.  Smaller and more inexpensive head lamps like the Brunton RL4 or Princeton Tec EOS store batteries in front where larger and brighter headlamps like the Princeton Tec Corona store batteries in the back to balance the weight. 

In light enclosure:  Best for simplicity and casual situations
Back mount:  Usually associated with more powerful lights used for caving or night climbing.
Remote pack:  Best when doing a lot of physical activity or to move weight off of your head.

Tilting Bezel

Some headlamps have a pivoting bezel that allows adjustment of the light to suit your needs.  For going over rough or treacherous terrain or making a campfire, down facing light would be ideal.  For distance spotting, the light should be projected farther in front of you.  Choose a headlamp with an adjustable bezel if you might find yourself in a variety of situations described above. For this feature check out the following lights: Underwater Kinetics Vizion, Gerber Axle 2x3 Headlamp, Pelican Heads Up Lite

Modes

Beyond the entry level headlamps, most come with a variety of light modes typically consisting of varying brightness levels and emergency or S.O.S. modes designed to get attention.  Multiple light modes can be helpful to control brightness for when you’re trying to light a fire, reading in your tent, or to conserve your battery life. 

Single Mode:  Best for casual usage
Brightness Levels:  Best for use in a variety of situations
Emergency or S.O.S.:  Useful if you engage in potentially risky endeavors

Burn Time

Most LED headlamps have burn time of 40 hours or greater.  As was mentioned earlier, burn time is a balance against battery life.  Some of the best headlamps typically can only last an hour or two on their max brightness. 

Protection from the Elements

Most headlamps provide fairly adequate water resistance.  You’re not going to ruin them if them if you’re out in the rain a bit.  However, some are better than others.  Take the Underwater Kinetic Vizion for example.  It can be fully submerged up to 10 meters. The Apex and Apex Pro can also be submerged for up to one meter.

Other Considerations

• Weight can be a consideration for some people who wear the light constantly or carry their light in a backpack.
• Some lights can detach from their headlamps and become flashlights. 
• More LEDs are not necessarily better.  Quality components and circuitry matter more.  Stay away from ultra-discount headlamps.  They won’t last.