How do I clean my headlamp?

For routine care, avoid any cleaning agent that will irritate the skin. Using a cotton swab to apply rubbing alcohol is a safe way to sanitize the headlamp without leaving moisture behind. If there’s battery discharge due to rusting or corroding, use a cotton swab to apply white vinegar or lemon juice to neutralize the battery. Afterwards, a swab of rubbing alcohol will take care of any residue left behind. It’s important to wear protective gloves to prevent battery discharge from touching the skin.

Are headlamps waterproof?

Most headlamps have some level of water resistance to handle exposure to rain or snow. Check the IP rating to determine what level of protection you can expect.

How many lumens do I really need?

Lumens are simply the unit of measuring the quantity of visible light created by a source per unit of time, and bulbs can range from producing 90 to 4,000 lumens. When it comes to headlamps (and most other camping gear), 100-150 lumens is really all you need to be able to see. That said, for hikers who like to explore at night, 250-500 lumen headlamps can help improve visibility and ensure safety. Headlamps with higher lumens will also utilize battery power faster, so take that into consideration when heading out on a long trip.

The 10 Best Headlamps of 2023

the-best-headlamps-tout — Travel + Leisure / Jaclyn Mastropasqua

From the hiking trail to the backyard, a headlamp is a handy tool to find your way in the dark. At first thought, the range of features and specifications that distinguish headlamps may not appear obvious or significant. But between battery options, runtime, brightness, and light settings, headlamps have become increasingly sophisticated gadgets designed for different uses.

There are many headlamps to choose from for hands-free illumination, but our favorite is the Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp. It provides a high degree of customization — both in battery type and lighting modes — in a lightweight and durable package. Other headlamps catering to runners, backpackers, kids, and more also made our list of the best on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp at Walmart

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Best for Backpacking:

PETZL Actik Core at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Petzl Tikkina Headlamp at Amazon

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Best for Emergency Kits:

Nitecore NU32 Headlamp at Amazon

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Best for Kids:

Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp at Amazon

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Best Lightweight:

Petzl Bindi Rechargeable Headlamp at Amazon

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Best for Running:

BioLite Lumen Headlamp 330 at Amazon

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Highest Lumens:

Fenix HP30R V2.0 Headlamp at Amazon

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Best Angle Adjustment:

Ledlenser MH6 Headlamp at Amazon

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Best Rechargeable:

Fenix HL32R Headlamp at Amazon

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REI

View On Walmart View On REI View On Backcountry.com

Why We Love It

This versatile headlamp offers highly adjustable settings, waterproof protection, and the ability to use different battery types at a competitive price point.

What to Consider

The rechargeable battery must be purchased separately.

The Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp is the complete package, with a lengthy runtime, sleek profile, and intuitive design supporting all-around use. With batteries, the Spot 400 weighs in at just 2.7 ounces. Adjustable, stretchy bands help achieve a secure fit to reduce bouncing during active use. The compact headlamp is fitted with just two buttons — an on/off switch and a larger button to toggle between an impressive list of settings: proximity, spot, red, and strobe. Proximity mode emits a softer, wide beam to illuminate one’s immediate surroundings while the spot setting delivers a narrow bright beam to light up the trail ahead. Meanwhile, the red and strobe are well-suited for camp chores and visibility on morning runs, respectively.

The Spot 400’s power-tap technology lets users further customize the level of brightness from 1 to 400 lumens. Simply hold down and release the larger button when the desired light is achieved. Thanks to the brightness memory feature, the light and brightness settings will remain unchanged when you turn the Spot 400 back on. The flexibility to use both rechargeable or alkaline batteries is ideal for longer excursions. Its IPX8 waterproofing, which means the headlamp can be submerged in 3 feet of water for up to half an hour without losing any functionality, is another reason to put the Spot 400 to test on your next outdoor adventure.

Price at time of publish: $50

Backcountry

View On Amazon View On REI View On Backcountry.com

Why We Love It

It’s a user-friendly headlamp with single-button adjustment and a USB-rechargeable battery.

What to Consider

The battery life only lasts up to two hours on high.

The Petzl Actik Core Headlamp has versatile use and long-lasting performance for venturing out in the elements. It features three LED bulbs that produce a mix of flood and spotlight across three brightness levels as well as red light for night vision. Jeremy Scott Foster, founder of TravelFreak, recommends sporting a headlamp with a red-light mode while backpacking. “When climbing into your tent or milling about camp, the red light is much less abrasive and helps your brain wind down after a long day on the trail,” says Foster. At just 2.65 ounces, the Actik Core also won’t weigh down your pack or weary head. Though the USB-rechargeable battery may not last a multi-day trek, it can be switched out for three AAA batteries in a pinch. And a handy lock function helps preserve the battery life by ensuring the headlamp remains off when not in use. After the trek, the detachable headband can be thrown in the wash for a fresh start on the next adventure.

Price at time of publish: $69

Eastern Mountain Sports

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Why We Love It

This easy-to-use headlamp offers three brightness settings and a solid run time at a price that’s hard to beat.

What to Consider

It doesn’t come with a red-light setting or rechargeable battery.

Of the Petzl models, the Tikkina headlamp is the most basic. But it still delivers the quality performance the French brand has come to be known for. The Tikkina is fitted with a single button to easily adjust between low, medium, and high white-light settings, putting out 6, 100, and 250 lumens, respectively. Like the Actik Core, the Tikkina’s headband can be removed and washed. Though it lacks a red-light setting and other advanced features, it’ll do the job while saving money to boot.

Price at time of publish: $18

Home Depot

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Why We Love It

The incredibly long runtime and versatile features give peace of mind in an emergency situation.

What to Consider

The rechargeable battery is built in, so there’s no options to replace with alkaline batteries.

With a maximum runtime of 330 hours, the Nitecore NU32 is an excellent candidate for any emergency kit. The 3.5-ounce headlamp has four brightness levels (ultralow, mid, high, and turbo) and two special modes (beacon and SOS), ranging from 1 to 550 lumens. To balance battery life and output in a power outage, the mid-setting affords 33 lumens and 50 hours of light. Meanwhile, the turbo, beacon, and SOS options emit 550 lumens, in a range of up to 124 meters in the case of turbo mode. The NU32 is also fitted with red and high CRI auxiliary LEDs to support night vision and up-close tasks. A power indicator and locking function are helpful features to monitor and control battery use. The headlamp design allows 60 degrees of tilt to further enhance visibility.

Price at time of publish: $40

Black Diamond

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Why We Love It

This durable, functional headlamp was designed with fun and safety in mind.

What to Consider

It doesn’t have a rechargeable battery, so it’s not the most eco-conscious option.

Perfect for family camping trips, the Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp helps little ones navigate the dark while keeping them highly visible to watchful parents. It also packs a host of kid-friendly specs and features that sets it apart from other headlamps. For starters, it employs a breakaway elastic safety strap on the headband to avert a choking hazard. The modest output of 60 lumens provides ample visibility but is dim enough not to shine too bright in others’ eyes. The Wiz comes in multiple colors, and kids can press the headlamp button to alternate between a rainbow of colored light, too. Other perks include a child-proof battery case and an automated setting to turn off after two hours to conserve battery power.

Price at time of publish: $30

Backcountry

View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com View On Moosejaw.com

Why We Love It

This ultralight headlamp performs well for any type of adventure.

What to Consider

The maximum output is lower than most headlamps on this list.

Weighing a mere 1.2 ounces, the Petzl Bindi can fit neatly in a pocket and support a variety of uses. The Bindi’s reflective cord offers a sleek alternative to bulkier conventional headbands that are prone to losing their elasticity. The adjustable fit and lamp tilt give the option of wearing it around the neck, too. A single button makes it easy to switch between three lighting levels (proximity, movement, and distance), a red-light mode, and a locking feature. Despite its compact size, the rechargeable battery supports a runtime of up to 50 hours.

Price at time of publish: $42

BioLite

View On Amazon View On REI View On Bioliteenergy.com

Why We Love It

The plush headband provides a snug and comfy fit while running.

What to Consider

With an IPX4 waterproof rating, this headlamp only provides moderate water resistance.

The BioLite Headlamp 330 delivers reliable illumination and comfort for running in the wee morning hours. The headlamp emits 330 lumens (hence the name) and up to 75 meters of range on high mode. Runners can easily adjust the lamp’s tilt with one hand without breaking stride. The 330’s USB-rechargeable battery provides up to three and a half hours of battery life on high, which will serve most runners’ needs. Fitted with moisture-wicking fabric, the 330 also helps keep runners cool and dry. Yet, the biggest standout feature is the 330’s integrated design, which incorporates the lamp and battery within the padded headband to reduce rubbing and bouncing. The battery sits on the back of the headband to better distribute the 330’s weight, which totals a miniscule 2.43 ounces.

Price at time of publish: $51

Fenix

View On Amazon View On Fenix-store.com

Why We Love It

This rugged headlamp packs more power and durability than the competition.

What to Consider

The cost and bulk well exceed the other headlamps on this list.

The souped-up Fenix HP30R V2.0 is an incredibly powerful headlamp with a wide selection of features to experiment with. With an IP rating of IP68, this headlamp scores the highest mark in water resistance and is well-suited for outdoor activities. Additional versatility is afforded by 11 lighting modes, including four spotlight levels, three floodlight levels, and four combined brightness modes. Running the spot and flood lights simultaneously on max emits 3,000 lumens and illuminates up to 270 meters. The HP30R V2.0’s two 21700 Li-ion batteries deliver between five and 120 hours of power, depending on the lighting mode, and can be used to charge other devices. It’s worth noting that the headlamp and battery pack add up to a considerable 15.41 ounces — just shy of a pound. However, the battery pack includes an extension cable so it can be detached and worn on a belt clip or in a backpack to relieve the neck and head.

Price at time of publish: $221

Ledlenser Headlamp.

Amazon

View On Amazon

Why We Love It

It has a range of beam settings with an adjustable angle, so you can point the light where you want to look.

What to Consider

It's not rechargeable, so you may want to bring spare batteries just in case.

This water-resistant headlamp is the perfect companion for hiking or camping. Not only can you adjust the direction of your beam for optimal viewing, but you can also change the light's brightness to utilize as it gets darker. Simply set the high beam when hiking the trail and adjust to the low beam while making camp or reading in your tent. While this may not have as high a brightness as other headlamps, it weighs in at next to nothing — under 4 ounces — so you can comfortably wear this lamp throughout your entire trek.

Price at time of publish: $40

Fenix Headlamp.

Amazon

View On Amazon

Why We Love It

The white and red bulbs have nine different settings to choose from.

What to Consider

The beam doesn't reach quite as far as other options.

This headlamp has it all — from a rechargeable battery to 120-hour SOS signaling, water-proofing, and impact-resistance — all for a very moderate price. The headlamp features dual switches so you can easily switch from the general modes and functional modes without removing the lamp. It also shows a charging and battery level indication, so you know exactly how long your battery will last. With an adjustable, reflective band that's also designed to minimize sweat, this headlamp may just be your new camping essential.

Price at time of publish: $56

Tips for Buying a Headlamp

Consider what light mode best suits your activity

Many headlamps have variable settings and modes, whether to increase the light output, alter the beam type, or change color. It’s important to identify the intended uses you have in mind for your headlamp to ensure it has appropriate light settings. For example, a strobe setting may be critical for joggers and cyclists looking for greater visibility. Meanwhile, a red-light feature is ideal for cooking and moving around a campsite without attracting bugs or disturbing others.

Foster suggests going for a headlamp with multiple light modes. “You can use it in all scenarios — running, backpacking, hiking, or just walking the dogs around the block,” he says.

Don’t overlook the power source

Headlamps can be designed to use rechargeable batteries, disposable batteries, or both. Rechargeable batteries are the more economical and sustainable choice, but they often have less runtime. If you’re using a headlamp for everyday activities or shorter trips, runtime may not be an issue, especially when using lower settings. Climate conditions are a factor, too. In colder weather, lithium-ion batteries or a rechargeable metal hybrid are better performing options.

Get a back-up headlamp

Don’t let a lost headlamp or dead battery compromise your trip or put you at a safety risk. For Foster, a second headlamp is an essential item for hiking and backpacking trips. “It’s the one thing you don’t want to be caught without, aside from food, water, and shelter, of course,” he notes.

Planning for the unexpected with another headlamp is an easy fix. Most models only weigh a few ounces, so it will hardly make a dent in the total weight of a pack.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clean my headlamp?

For routine care, avoid any cleaning agent that will irritate the skin. Using a cotton swab to apply rubbing alcohol is a safe way to sanitize the headlamp without leaving moisture behind. If there’s battery discharge due to rusting or corroding, use a cotton swab to apply white vinegar or lemon juice to neutralize the battery. Afterwards, a swab of rubbing alcohol will take care of any residue left behind. It’s important to wear protective gloves to prevent battery discharge from touching the skin.
Are headlamps waterproof?

Most headlamps have some level of water resistance to handle exposure to rain or snow. Check the IP rating to determine what level of protection you can expect.
How many lumens do I really need?

Lumens are simply the unit of measuring the quantity of visible light created by a source per unit of time, and bulbs can range from producing 90 to 4,000 lumens. When it comes to headlamps (and most other camping gear), 100-150 lumens is really all you need to be able to see. That said, for hikers who like to explore at night, 250-500 lumen headlamps can help improve visibility and ensure safety. Headlamps with higher lumens will also utilize battery power faster, so take that into consideration when heading out on a long trip.

Why Trust Travel & Leisure

Kevin Brouillard is a contributing writer at T+L, specializing in outdoor gear and apparel. His work has been published in TripSavvy, Jetsetter, and Oyster, and he served in the Peace Corps in Cambodia for two years. He used his experience with outdoor adventure as well as thorough research and tips from experts in compiling this list of the best headlamps. While researching headlamps, we spoke with Jeremy Scott Foster, founder of TravelFreak.

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