Hey there, fellow adventurers! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably got a serious case of wanderlust. Whether you’re hiking through dense forests, camping under the stars, or exploring hidden caves, a reliable climbing headlamp is an absolute must-have. It’s your trusty companion, lighting the way and keeping your hands free for all those epic moments.
But let’s face it, not all headlamps are created equal. Some are dim, others are bulky, and a few might even leave you fumbling in the dark. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the best headlamps on the market. We’re talking bright beams, comfortable fits, and features that’ll make your outdoor adventures even more awesome.
So, strap on your boots, grab your backpack, and let’s dive into the world of climbing headlamps with me and nationalparkshops.com!
Contents
- 1 Best Overall: Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp (From $49.95 on Amazon)
- 2 Best for Waterproof: Black Diamond Astro 300 (From $20 on Amazon)
- 3 Top-Rated: Petzl Actik Core Headlamp (From $69.10 on Amazon)
- 4 Best for Climbing: Petzl Swift RL (From $117.80 on Amazon)
- 5 Best Headlamp for Running: Black Diamond Deploy 325 (From $59.95)
- 6 Best Ultralight Headlamp: Nitecore NU25 400 UL (From $36.95 on Amazon)
- 7 BioLite HeadLamp 800 Pro (From $99.95 on Amazon)
- 8 Best Bright for High-Performance Use: Petzl IKO Core (From $79.00 on Amazon)
- 9 Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp for Kids’ (From $22.39 on Amazon)
- 10 Fenix HM50R V2.0 Rechargeable (From $60 on Amazon)
- 11 How we test the best climbing headlamps?
- 12 Conclusion
- 13 FAQs
Best Overall: Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp (From $49.95 on Amazon)
- Max Light Output: 400 lumens
- Light Output: High: 400; medium: 200; low: 6 lumens
- Max Beam Distance (m): 100 meters
- Average Run Time: High: 2.5; medium: 5; low: 200 hours
- Batteries: 3 AAA alkaline (included); also compatible with BD 1500 mAh rechargeable (not included)
- Weight With Batteries: 2.7 ounces
I’ve gotta tell you, the Black Diamond Spot 400 has become my go-to headlamp. It’s seriously bright, which is perfect when I’m hiking back to camp after sunset and climbing. Plus, the buttons are super easy to use, even when I’m wearing gloves. And let’s talk about battery life – this thing lasts forever!
I also love that it has a red light mode (no more blinding my tent-mates!), plus a floodlight option for when I need to see a wider area. And hey, who doesn’t love a good strobe light for those dance parties in the woods?
This climbing headlamp is lightweight, it’s weather-resistant, and honestly, for the performance you get, it’s a steal. Oh, and did I mention you can grab an extra rechargeable battery for it? Yeah, it’s that good.
Best for Waterproof: Black Diamond Astro 300 (From $20 on Amazon)
- Max Light Output: 300 lumens
- Light Output: High: 300; medium: 150; low: 6 lumens
- Max Beam Distance (m): 55 meters
- Average Run Time: High: 4; medium: 8; low: 140 hours
- Batteries: 3 AAA alkaline (included); also compatible with BD 1500 mAh rechargeable (not included)
- Weight With Batteries: 2.65 ounces
Priced at only $20, the Black Diamond Astro headlamp offers a brightness level that can compete with more expensive models, even though it has a lower lumen count. Additionally, this climbing headlamp is lightweight, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
The Black Diamond Astro can run for up to 10 hours on high mode using its battery, which is quite impressive considering its affordable price point. This makes it a reliable choice for various tasks around the house or outdoor activities like camping or hiking.
One of the advantages of the Black Diamond Astro is its compatibility with the same rechargeable battery used for the Spot model, allowing you to easily switch between the two if needed. Overall, the Black Diamond Astro is a solid and cost-effective option for those in need of a dependable headlamp for everyday use.
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Top-Rated: Petzl Actik Core Headlamp (From $69.10 on Amazon)
- Max Light Output: 600 lumens
- Light Output: High: 600 lumens / Medium: 100 lumens / Low: 7 lumens
- Max Beam Distance (m): 115 meters
- Average Run Time: High: 2 hrs.; medium: 7 hrs.; low: 100 hrs.
- Batteries: 1250 mAh CORE rechargeable battery (included); also compatible with 3 standard AAA batteries (not included)
- Weight With Batteries: 3.1 ounces
Imagine going on climbing and never having to worry about your headlamp running out of battery mid-trip. With the Petzl Actik Core, that’s possible! Its lightweight lithium-ion battery lasts for days. And when it’s time to recharge, you can just plug it into a USB port – how convenient is that?
I especially like how you can switch between three brightness levels and a red light mode with the push of a button. Whether you’re pitching a tent or doing housework at night, its powerful 600 lumen beam will keep you going. The flashlight is also lightly waterproof and can be powered by spare AAA batteries, so you’ll always have light come rain or shine.
Best for Climbing: Petzl Swift RL (From $117.80 on Amazon)
- Max Light Output: 1100 lumens
- Light Output: High Reactive: 1100 lumens; medium Reactive: 275 lumens; low Reactive: 100 lumens; high standard: 700 lumens; medium standard: 160 lumens; low standard: 10 lumens; red: 3 lumens
- Max Beam Distance (m): 154 meters
- Average Run Time: 7 hours
- Batteries: 1 lithium-ion 2350
- Weight With Batteries: 3.5 ounces
The Swift RL from Petzl is hard to beat for its versatility and power right out of the box. With an impressive 1100 lumens, it is one of the brightest climbing headlamps available, comparable to the low beam of most cars or a 75-watt lightbulb. It offers a maximum distance of 154 meters, ensuring excellent visibility on the trail or around camp all night long.
One tester found the Swift RL very user-friendly with its one-button control, making it ideal for situations where you need maximum light and versatility without any distractions. You can easily switch between bright white light, continuous red light for night vision, or strobe red lighting for emergencies.
Although it weighs 35 ounces, which is not the lightest on the list, its sleek design provides a barely-there feel. The adjustable headband fits snugly and has reflective strips to keep it securely in place. Additionally, the headband can be detached and washed for convenience.
Best Headlamp for Running: Black Diamond Deploy 325 (From $59.95)
- Max Light Output: 325 lumens
- Max Beam Distance (m): 52 meters
- Average Run Time: High: 2.5 hours; low: 30 hours
- Batteries: Li-ion
- Weight With Batteries: 1.4 ounce
I’ve had the chance to try out the Black Diamond Deploy 325 headlamp, and while it’s not perfect, it’s definitely a solid choice for those looking for a simple and lightweight option.
First, the good stuff: the Deploy 325 is incredibly easy to wear, and its compact design makes it perfect for tossing into your backpack or clipping onto your belt. It’s also surprisingly bright, with a high setting that throws out a steady beam of light up to 53 meters.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. One major omission is the lack of a red-light option, which can be a bummer for those who want to preserve their night vision. On the other hand, the climbing headlamp does have a strobe function, which can be useful in emergency situations.
Another potential issue is the battery life, which is unfortunately quite short. If you’re planning on using the Deploy 325 for long outings or extended periods of time, you may want to look elsewhere. However, for shorter trips or casual use, the battery life shouldn’t be a major concern.
Despite these limitations, I think the Deploy 325 is still a great choice for many users. Its price is very reasonable, and its convenience, comfort, and brightness make it a great option for those who want a no-frills climbing headlamp that gets the job done.
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Best Ultralight Headlamp: Nitecore NU25 400 UL (From $36.95 on Amazon)
- Weight: 1.6 oz
- Max lumens: 400
- Batteries: Rechargeable
- Light Source Type: LED
- Special Features: Adjustable Light Modes, Rechargeable
For minimalists and those counting every ounce, the Nitecore NU25 400 UL stands out as our top ultralight headlamp of 2024. Weighing only 1.6 ounces, it features a simple elastic headband, delivers an impressive 400-lumen max output, and charges easily via micro USB. This climbing headlamp is intuitive to use with one button dedicated to the white beam and another for the red, a refreshing change from the often-complicated toggling in other models. Plus, the battery life is impressively long-lasting. Overall, whether as a powerful backup or for ultralight adventures, the NU25 UL is both bright and budget-friendly.
The NU25 UL offers four brightness levels: 400, 200, 60, and 6 lumens, with a consistent 10-lumen red mode. Though it lacks a dimmer, it’s an adjustment many find manageable. The lightweight strap does make wearing this climbing headlamp all night less comfortable, but for ultralight enthusiasts, it’s our top pick.
BioLite HeadLamp 800 Pro (From $99.95 on Amazon)
- Max Light Output: 800 lumens
- Light Output: Burst: 800 lumens; high: 500 lumens; med: 250 lumens; low: 5 lumens
- Max Beam Distance (m): 135 meters
- Average Run Time: High: 7 hrs.; med: 8.5 hrs.; low: 150 hrs.
- Batteries: 3000 mAh Li-ion
- Weight With Batteries: 5.3 ounces
For many people, 800 lumens may be too bright. However, for some individuals, having supernova-like brightness in a compact 5.3-ounce package can make the difference between going out and staying home. During spring nights in the Utah desert, when the tester needed to see clearly across the landscape after sunset, the blinding brightness of the HeadLamp 800 was seen as a blessing.
Similar to its counterpart, the HeadLamp 425, the power pack of the 800 model is positioned at the back of the head, providing better balance compared to other climbing headlamps with similar power. Additionally, you won’t have to constantly change AAA batteries to use it on its highest settings – it can last up to seven hours on high and up to 150 hours on low, making it one of the top performers in tests.
A notable feature of this lamp is the tail light flood, dimming, or strobe options on the battery pack, ensuring visibility while on the move.
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Best Bright for High-Performance Use: Petzl IKO Core (From $79.00 on Amazon)
- Max Light Output: 500 lumens
- Light Output: High: 500; standard: 100; low: 6 lumens
- Max Beam Distance (m): 100 meters
- Average Run Time: High: 2.5 hours / Standard: 9 hours / low: 100 hours
- Batteries: 1250 mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery (included); also compatible with 3 AAA (not included)
- Weight With Batteries: 2.8 ounces
- Price: From $104.95
The Petzl IKO Core has revolutionized the headlamp industry with its unique and innovative design. The IKO Core is super lightweight, weighing only 28 ounces, yet still packs a powerful punch. This makes it an ideal choice for activities like night running or mountain climbing.
The unique design of the IKO Core also helps distribute the weight evenly, making it comfortable to wear. The flexible plastic band hugs your head like a hat, preventing any vibrations. The battery pack at the back helps balance the weight, making it stable when moving.
Another cool feature of the IKO Core is that the band can be adjusted to become a handheld flashlight or worn around the neck. This allows you to use this flashlight in a variety of situations.
Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp for Kids’ (From $22.39 on Amazon)
- Max Light Output: 30 lumens
- Light Output: 30 lumens
- Max Beam Distance (m): 20 meters
- Average Run Time: 120 hours
- Batteries: 2 AAA
- Weight With Batteries: 2.4 ounces
Young campers also need to have a light source in the dark, and the Black Diamond Wiz’s kid specific features make it safe, easy to use, and nearly indestructible. The tough plastic housing is water-resistant and protects the Wiz from drops and rough handling, even surviving a child’s experiment involving a puddle.
Although the maximum of 30 lumens may seem low compared to other lamps, it was sufficient for a 3-year-old tester during two days of exploring dark caves in Iowa. The Wiz offers full, dimmed, and strobe light modes, as well as a variety of colored light options that kids can switch through with a single button.
Additional features include the ability to tilt the light in both directions, an elastic strap with a breakaway feature for safety, and an automatic shut-off after two hours to prevent unnecessary battery drain if left on accidentally by the child.
Fenix HM50R V2.0 Rechargeable (From $60 on Amazon)
- Max Light Output: 700 lumens
- Light Output: Turbo: 700; high: 400; medium: 130; low: 30; red: 5 lumens
- Max Beam Distance (m): 115 meters
- Average Run Time: Turbo: 1 hour; high: 3 hours; medium: 8 hours; low: 42 hours
- Batteries: 700 mAh rechargeable 16340 lithium ion
- Weight With Batteries: 2.75 ounces
Fenix HM50R V2.0 Rechargeable blasts out a hefty 700 lumens, which is more than enough to illuminate your path from a distance, making it perfect for those who venture into the great outdoors or need visibility over longer ranges. Sure, it might not come with all the bells and whistles of some competitors in its price bracket, but what it lacks in variety, it makes up for in functionality and design.
Here’s what makes it stand out: its cylindrical body can be rotated within its mount. This means you can easily adjust the beam angle without moving your head, allowing for precision lighting exactly where you need it. And let’s talk about comfort – the band is not only lightweight but also breathable, thanks to its perforated design. Plus, it has this clever rubber lining which means no slipping, whether it’s perched on your head or your hat.
Durability? This climbing headlamp is tough. Crafted from aluminum, it’s built to endure the kind of drops and knocks that would leave lesser, plastic-based headlamps in pieces. And for those of you who are into adventures that might involve water, this headlamp has proven its mettle by staying lit even after a 30-minute underwater test.
How we test the best climbing headlamps?
At National Park Shops, we strive to thoroughly test each product we feature in real-world settings. This means our team of seasoned outdoor reviewers and writers – spanning the US, UK puts each product to use in the conditions it was designed for. If, for any reason, we can’t perform these tests, we make that clear in our buying guides and reviews.
Our reviewers evaluate climbing headlamps in a variety of outdoor activities, including climbing (sure), camping, hiking, trail running, caving, and, when relevant, watersports. They assess each headlamp’s value and performance by comparing the brand’s claims on factors such as brightness, comfort, beam range, weight, battery efficiency, durability, and additional features.
Conclusion
Choosing the right climbing headlamp for your outdoor adventures is essential to ensure you have reliable illumination and visibility in low-light conditions. Investing in a quality headlamp is not only a practical decision but also a safety measure that can provide peace of mind during your outdoor escapades. So, equip yourself with the right gear and light up your adventures with a reliable and efficient headlamp tailored to your needs.
FAQs
How many lumens do you need?
Typically, 100 to 300 lumens work well for home use or slower-paced outdoor activities like hiking, backpacking, and camping. For navigating in complete darkness, stepping up to 300 lumens or more is advisable. For more intense situations, such as spelunking, night climbing, or high-speed activities like trail running or mountain biking at night, a headlamp starting at 600 lumens is recommended to ensure you have sufficient visibility and safety.
What to do with your old headlamp?
Recycling climbing headlamps can be challenging because of the mix of materials they’re made from. If you’re upgrading and your current headlamp still works, consider donating it to a thrift store, charity shop, scout group, or outdoor gear exchange.
If your headlamp is broken, start by safely removing and recycling the battery. Most recycling centers and some supermarkets offer bins specifically for lithium and alkaline batteries.
What’s the red light feature on headlamps for?
Red light helps maintain night vision, making it ideal for tasks like reading maps, checking on sleeping campmates, or moving quietly around camp without harshly resetting your eyes to bright white light. This feature not only reduces eye strain in the dark but is also less likely to disturb others, making it a great choice for communal camp settings or nighttime navigation.
Can I use my headlamp underwater?
Some headlamps are specially designed for underwater activities, coming with waterproof ratings to handle snorkeling or diving. These models are clearly marketed for water use. For the headlamps featured in this guide, however, underwater use is not recommended, as they lack the waterproofing needed for submersion.
Can I use my headlamp in rainy or wet conditions?
Many headlamps come with weather-resistant or waterproof features to handle varying conditions. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications for the water resistance rating of your headlamp. While most models can withstand light rain, it’s best to use an umbrella or wear your headlamp under a hood during heavier downpours for added protection.
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