Tested: The Best Headlamps for Every Activity

Whether you’re an avid adventurer who’s used to going all-out while off-grid or a casual camper who enjoys a weekend away from the city to reset and reevaluate, you’re going to need a headlamp to illuminate your path. Luckily, both the EDC and outdoor gear industries are filled to the brim with flashlight providers, including those that have found a way to make the traditional handheld device even more ergonomic through the use of head-bound elastics. Below, we’ll dive into the wide world of illustrious lumen output, paying extra attention to the performance-focused variants that have been built with additional durability in mind. These are the best headlamps to buy for your next outdoor adventure.

How We Tested

For this guide, we scoured the web for the best headlamps by heading first to our favorite outdoor tech brands and seeing what they had to offer. Much of the time, we were comparing and contrasting models from the same brands. Whatever the case was, we looked at aesthetic, weight, battery life, lumen output, and other unique features that made them unique.

From there, we sourced our units for testing and spent time with each one, taking them outside and using them when camping, hiking, or trail running, often comparing each model side by side to see how each performed differently. We also considered how each headlamp felt, especially for longer periods, and how easy they were to use. All of our results are detailed below.

What to Look For

Weight/Comfort: Since the main point of a headlamp is to provide illumination without you needing to use your hands, it’s important to find a device that can stay out of mind, even though it’s literally on your head. Meaning, the lighter the better — within reason. The brighter the bulb, the heavier the headlamp is going to be due to the extra weight of the batteries required to power it. Strike a good balance between the two.

Max Output: One thing that every headlamp will tell you right away is how many lumens it puts out. Measuring the amount of visible light from your source, this number is less of a right to brag than it is to ensure the consumer gets what they want. Not everyone needs a high-lumen output. It might come in handy for trail runners or those who need to illuminate a large area at night, but the average camper or road tripper will be just fine with a lower lumen count.

Rechargeable: In theory, a rechargeable headlamp should be preferred. However, there are advantages to battery-operated devices as well. For one, a rechargeable headlamp means that you have to wait until it’s powered up to use it (i.e., it stays plugged in until fully charged). On the other hand, if your headlamp requires batteries instead, you can simply carry backups for replacement so you don’t have to miss much usage if/when it dies. Likewise, most battery-powered headlamps allow for the use of rechargeable AA or AAA batteries — the best of both worlds!

Waterproofness: Most headlamps will also provide their IP dustproof and waterproof ratings. If you’re planning on camping in the rain or doing any night fishing, you may want to consider something with higher resilience to moisture.

Foxelli MX20

Best Budget Headlamp: Whether you’re buying several of these for the family (lower-lumen headlamps are great for kids too) or it’s your first time trying out a headlamp and aren’t sure if you want to commit to a more capable option, the MX20 from Foxelli is simply the best budget pick you can find (and it’s often on sale). With 165 lumens and weighing just 3.2oz, this device boasts a whopping 8 light modes, including strobe, red light, and SOS. For wetter conditions, the AAA battery-powered headlamp has an IPX5 waterproof rating as well, which some pricier options don’t even include. There’s also the option to tilt the LED unit down to a 45-degree angle for reading and hiking.

The Good

If you’re looking to save a ton of money, the Foxelli MX20 is THE best budget option. Also, if you have a family full of nighttime adventurers, you won’t balk at the idea of picking up more than one of these. And this was so straightforward to use, my kids had no problem using them. There’s just one button (which is all you need/want sometimes), which toggles between the three brightness settings and strobe function (hold down for a few seconds for the red light setting). And if you stop at, say, the medium brightness level, you don’t have to cycle through the remaining two to turn the headlamp off. If left on for a few seconds, the next click will turn the light off. I used the lower setting a lot for reading (along with the tilting function).

This won’t get as bright as some of the other headlamps here, but the 165 lumens were perfectly fine for casual camping and finding things in your trunk. I love the simplicity of the AAA battery replacements. However, while I didn’t personally experience this, I do worry about rust over time if the unit gets wet; the battery compartment is very easy to access and could potentially let moisture inside.

The Not So Good

My biggest complaint with the Foxelli –– because I really liked it a lot –– was its lack of comfort against my forehead. The back of the unit is rather pointed and was digging into my cranium during use. The strap isn’t very thick, so that didn’t help with padding at all. To rectify the situation, I put some cotton balls under the strap, which isn’t a super sustainable method but worked for the time being.

Verdict: All you need for a simple camping outing, the Foxelli MX20 is also a great option if you’re camping with family and small kids. Batteries are easily replaceable and these headlamps still have an IPX5 waterproof rating. We also loved the tilting function and the lower output for simple needs like night reading or trunk searching. While we didn’t love the comfort level of the frontal unit itself, a little padding helped the situation.

Black Diamond Spot 400-R

Best for Casual Campers: When balancing performance, features, and price, Black Diamond’s classic Spot 400-R is the best around. It’s comfortable, lightweight, waterproof, and incredibly user-friendly. Plus, it can still toss out 400 lumens up to 328ft, which is more than enough for most of your nighttime activities. On its lowest setting (6 lumens at 40ft), it could theoretically be left on for over a week straight before you’d even need to think about recharging. There’s also a useful “brightness memory” feature that retains your last-used setting upon turning the headlamp back on again.

The Good

Think of the Black Diamond Spot 400-R as an “upgrade” from the Foxelli MX20 above. At about quadruple the price (yet still very affordable), you also get a much higher lumen output, but not too high that it’s impractical. This is also lighter in weight, higher in battery life (it’s also rechargeable) and water resistance, and has more bulb options. I’m a personal fan of the soft white LED, which is easier on the eyes, especially if you’re traveling with others.

Very lightweight at just 2.6oz, the headlamp is user-friendly for the most part, especially if you’re just looking to rotate between the three basic settings (white, soft white, and red). And the on/off button has memory enough to recall your last-used setting, so if you’re just looking for the same thing over and over again, you only have to click a single button every time. I also need to mention the absolute breeze of a strap adjustment system, which I was able to make bigger and smaller without much effort or confusion.

The Not So Good

One could say that the Powertap feature is an asset but I found it incredibly finicky and hard to use. I felt like I was approaching it the same way each time yet kept getting different results. I was obviously doing it wrong, but upon reading the instructions, I still wasn’t sure how to get different results. There was a level of randomness to it all that I couldn’t get on board with. Fortunately, I didn’t need the higher settings really so this wasn’t a big deal.

Verdict: Despite the finicky, inconsistent brightness adjustor, the Black Diamond Spot 400-R is a great level up from the budget options, with features that will serve you perfectly well on any casual camping trip: high waterproofing, lightweight build, high max lumen and runtime, and a rechargeable battery. We also loved the memory recall feature which prevents you from cycling through the settings if you find one you use the most.

BioLite HeadLamp 800 Pro

Best for Experts: BioLite’s headlamps are known to be some of the most comfortable out there, but that’s just a bonus when it comes to the 800 Pro which came out last year. Whether you’re rummaging through your trunk or stranded near dusk, the company’s most capable headlamp yet will do the trick. Unlike a lot of the competition, this light will last you a whopping 7 hours on the highest 800-lumen setting. With eight different lighting modes, including red flood, white flood, burst, strobe, and several rear visibility options, the 800 Pro also features Constant Mode to avoid dimming after being on for too long (other headlamps will get dimmer to preserve battery). When it comes to the higher-lumen range, this headlamp is the best you’ll find.

The Good

So, funny thing, I had this headlamp on backwards the first couple of times I used it and was wondering why it was behaving so strangely. Anyway, once I got it straightened out, the BioLite 800 Pro was a solid headlamp. Admittedly, it takes some getting used to in terms of figuring out which button does which (there are 3 and a couple of them can do the same thing).

Needless to say, the headlamp can get very bright and the red light in the back makes this good for trail running, especially on roads. And for just $100, you’re getting the best balance of capability and weight. I love the gradual brightness adjustment, which is activated by holding down the button on the front. This offers a sort of stepless capability that other headlamps don’t have. Likewise, I appreciated the “constant” feature which prevents the bulb from dimming after prolonged use.

The Not So Good

The obvious downside of the BioLite 800 Pro is the heavy pack in the back of your head, which helps with runtime but also creates a strange unevenness to the entire wearing experience. However, I was surprised how little the pack bounced when I was moving quickly. Nevertheless, I still didn’t love the extra weight, especially since the back was so much heavier than the front. However, once I tightened it enough, the unbalanced profile wasn’t as big of an issue.

Again, this headlamp takes a while to get used to, which I didn’t love. It was the unit that required me to study and refer back to the instruction manual the most…by far. I also don’t love the tilt feature, which feels very haphazardly assembled –– as if the unit was constantly resisting me when I tried to tilt it down for reading or walking.

Verdict: Not the most user-friendly, the BioLite 800 Pro is still the best option when balancing budget, weight, and output. It has a stepless adjustment feature and a “constant” feature that can be activated to prevent it from self-dimming after prolonged use. The pack in the back adds some extra weight but if you tighten this properly, it won’t be as much of an issue. Once you get the hang of it, this unit can be your best friend, but just keep the instruction manual handy.

Ledlenser HF8R

Best Tactical Headlamp: If you’re serious about your outdoor nighttime activities, then opt for Ledlenser’s HF8R model, a tactical-focused unit with 2,000 lumens of max brightness and over 700ft of reach. This headlamp is also great for off-the-grid adventures where there’s much less ambient light available and far more obstacles in your surroundings. Aside from the standard three-tier brightness, SOS, red light, and strobe settings, this device also has blink and RGB modes. What’s more, there’s a patent-pending automatic brightness option that adjusts to your surroundings as well as Bluetooth connectivity that lets you adjust the brightness right from your phone and even personalize your settings.

The Good

If you’re looking for sheer power, the Ledlenser is your best choice. Admittedly, the super high 2,000 lumens only get activated for about 10 seconds at a time (mostly to save battery, although I wish there were a constant option for this) but also, your next-highest output is still pretty high itself. The automatic brightness option was quite helpful, especially when my hands were full carrying bags from the well-lit parking lot to the darkened campsite. Aside from that, I almost exclusively operated this headlamp from the phone app, which is awesome (I can’t emphasize that enough)!

I opted out of the top strap just because I have a lot of hair that I wear up in a bun most of the time, so it was impractical. However, it should be noted that this is the only headlamp here with that accessory. Speaking of accessories, there’s a super handy wall mount that you can use for any nighttime yard work or just to help illuminate the campsite.

The Not So Good

As the heaviest of the units I tested, I wasn’t so sure about what this would feel like. And while it wasn’t terribly cumbersome, it was noticeably more uncomfortable than the others. Luckily, Ledlenser equips you with an extra rubber padding to go behind the lamp if you need it there. This headlamp does require a bit of a learning curve, especially if you’re operating the multi-bulb unit manually. However, the phone app definitely makes all of this easier.

Verdict: When it comes to uniqueness and power, the Ledlenser HF8R is at the top of the pack. There’s a useful top strap, a 2,000-lumen max output, and an incredibly helpful phone app that lets you control the unit remotely. While the headlamp is admittedly heavy and comes with a small learning curve, you’ll be glad you invested your time in a spectacular product such as this.

Fenix HM65R-T V2

Best for Trail Running: When covering a lot of distance in a short amount of time, you’ll want a headlamp that can illuminate your surroundings adequately. Likewise, if you’re going for a run on the trails around sunset (or end up farther from base camp than planned), you’ll want a device that can help you make the transition safely. The best choice in that regard is the Fenix HM65R-T, a 1,600-lumen headlamp specifically designed for trail running with an innovative rotary headband system for a super-precise fit. Featuring aluminum and magnesium construction, it can throw its beam up to 558ft for up to 4 hours, is IP68 water-submersible for up to 2m for rainier nights, and boasts 2m of impact resistance. You can also activate the floodlight mode for a wider beam angle in more complex conditions. Fenix recently updated its HM65R-T headlamp with a warm light for foggy conditions and higher lumen output.

The Good

Right away, the first thing you’ll notice about the Fenix HM65R-T is how fantastic it fits. It’s arguably the most comfortable headlamp in existence (pardon the hyperbole). Not only was I an absolute fan of the band itself, which is incredibly soft against the skin and highly breathable thanks to the pores all over it, but the front bulb unit is shaped to fit your forehead, unlike other options. Not only that but it never feels like it’s pressing too hard against your head. If that’s not enough, the adjustability on this is also top-notch, with one of those circular systems you might see on a bicycle helmet so that you don’t have to worry about it being slightly too loose or tight.

In terms of usage, the Fenix is as straightforward as it gets. A great upgrade from the Foxelli above, the headlamp has just two buttons: one for soft light and one for bright white light. You press one or the other, and keep pressing until it’s at your desired brightness level. Simple as that!

The Not So Good

With the new update, the gen-2 version weighs over 1.5oz more than the outgoing model, which isn’t that big of an issue; this headlamp still clocks in at under 5oz total. My main concern with the Fenix is its difficulty of use when it’s not tilted downward. There’s this strange plastic housing that extends over the top buttons, only revealing small parts of both of them. I was only able to use my fingernail to click it on when it wasn’t tilted.

Verdict: As the best-fitting headlamp on this guide, the Fenix HM65R-T has a superb adjustment feature for fitting onto your head and is equipped with a soft, breathable strap for ultra comfort. We loved the straightforward, user-friendly operation of the bulbs, even though we felt like the two top buttons could’ve been more accessible when it wasn’t tilted. Either way, this headlamp is still arguably the best option for the price and a good pick if you don’t want all the fancy bells and whistles.

Coast FL78R

Best for Wearing Gloves: If you’re collecting firewood or engaging in some other chore that requires you to wear gloves, the Coast FL78R is a great option thanks to its large toggle buttons and is a quintessential headlamp for those who are looking to bridge the gap between great-looking design and adequate performance. Capable of 530 lumens up to 511ft, the headlamp allows you to switch between spot and flood-focusing beams with a simple twist of the beam dial. The runtime is a bit on the lower end, but you can switch to AAA batteries for extra longevity. Aside from enhancing your effective viewing area, the FL78R also boasts an IPX4-rated design to help it stand up to inclement weather, general shock, and even 1m drops.

The Good

For the best of both worlds in terms of battery power, check out this Coast FL78R model, which I loved for the very fact that I got a little extra peace of mind from the additional AAA battery power; if the rechargeable pack conked out, I would have a little extra power until I could get back to a charger. Also, this headlamp is very comfortable on the head, similar to (but not quite the same as) the Fenix above. The soft, breathable band wasn’t annoying to wear by any means and provided some extra padding between my forehead and the lamp unit. It also adjusts the fit quite easily, whether you’re making this bigger or smaller.

In terms of functionality, the Coast is pretty straightforward as well, with two buttons: one for red/green light and one for the bright white light. I loved how it starts out on the medium brightness setting since it will likely be used the most often –– it’s certainly the one I used the most. Hold down the white light button for a couple of seconds for the brighter wash of the 530-lumen max. You can still get the benefit of the extra color bulbs without it taking over for the main bulb. Also, I loved the flood-focusing beam adjustment which gave me an extra sense of control over a piece of gear that often doesn’t lend itself to that trait.

The Not So Good

Considering the price of the Coast, any complaint I had was extremely minor and inconsequential to the overall user experience. However, the runtime is notably low but at least you have the extra oomph of the AAA batteries. Likewise, I didn’t love that you had to cycle through all of the brightness options in order to power off the unit. It’s also pretty easy to accidentally turn on (by design, so you can use it easier with gloves on). I should also point out that it’s strange that the red/green switch shares the same look and feel as the main bulb activator. Most headlamps have at least an indicator on each button so you don’t get confused prior to turning on the light.

Verdict: There’s a lot to like about the Coast FL78R. It’s affordable, lightweight, comfortable, and has all the things you’re looking for in a headlamp. Not to mention, the oversized buttons are crucial if you’re wearing gloves and there’s a beam-focusing knob on the front. Aside from the green and red bulbs on the side, there’s only a single white light in four different brightness levels, which might be limiting for those with options but we loved the straightforward nature of the unit.

Nitecore HA11

Best for Backpacking: While there are certainly some lighter options available, the HA11 from Nitecore is a better bet when traversing the outdoors for long periods on end. The IP66 rating ensures that it’s dustproof and waterproof, and the PC plastic makes it resistant to 1m drops. Despite the fact that you can’t exactly recharge it directly (it uses AA batteries that can be recharged), the lamp lasts up to 40 hours on its lowest setting which still illuminates up to 33ft in front of you. If you need to see up to 295ft at 240 lumens, it will still give you 4 hours of performance. The main selling point here is the unbelievable 1.27-ounce weight.

The Good

As the most unique headlamp on this list, the Nitecore HA11 is also one of the most affordable. Clocking in at around $20, the unit is appropriately lightweight and incredibly easy to fit inside your pocket. It also has tons of versatility, with the ability to convert it to a light clip for 90-degree attachment to your backpack or hat. I thought I wasn’t going to like the band system but found it very easy to loosen and tighten, and it didn’t get tangled at all in my pocket.

In terms of function, the headlamp has two buttons: one to toggle between red and white light, and one to turn on/off and adjust the brightness. There are admittedly not a lot of brightness settings here but the 240-lumen maximum is plenty good for hiking, backpacking, and camping.

The Not So Good

My main complaint with the HA11 is the downward tilting function, which goes so low that it literally shines into your eyes. Of course, this makes it a good choice for external clipping onto backpacks, upping the range of the tilt. And at least there is a stepped clicking mechanism so it’s not just freefalling down from your forehead, but it’s something to be cautious of when using. Also, I must mention that the elastic cords, while versatile, aren’t nearly as comfortable as the other band options on this list.

Verdict: One of the least comfortable headlamps we tested, the Nitecore HA11 is still a super lightweight and capable option for backpacking and those who want a bit more versatility in their lighting. It can clip onto your hat or backpack and has a ton of range when angling it at your desired object –– but be careful not to shine it into your eyes when worn on your forehead. Nevertheless, for just $20, you’re getting a superb piece of gear from a great brand.

Headlamps Comparison Chart

Why Do You Need a Headlamp?

If you’re thinking of heading out for the adventure of a lifetime, you’ve got to be cognizant of all the different fates that might befall you, including, but not limited to, getting stranded after nightfall without a light source. It might not seem like the most pressing of matters, but preparing for any outcome, however slight, has been proven time and time again as a staple characteristic of history’s most prolific adventurers.

Fortunately, not everything is a life-or-death situation. Sometimes, you just want to be able to sift through some firewood to find the perfect piece, head into the forest for a quick kindling search, or illuminate a book for better late-night reading while sitting around your newly-stoked campfire. Headlamps can also be a great choice for road trips or nighttime driving, aiding you when looking under the hood or rifling through your trunk for tools.

Are Higher Lumens Always Better?

That said, not everyone needs a searchlight beaming from their craniums. While 1,000+ lumens sounds impressive (and is), the average camper won’t require something this bright. However, if you’re planning on doing some sort of nighttime activity that requires you to move quickly in one direction (such as running), then you might want to go a little higher since that also means a farther beam range.

This is also a good place to mention: Make good use of your lower brightness settings. Although the max output may be tempting, you’ll save yourself from having to replace or charge the batteries as often at even half-power. That said, if you find yourself on “low” more often than “high,” consider getting yourself a cheaper, lighter option.

Honorable Mentions

BioLite makes a lot of solid options, including the HeadLamp 325, which will be a bit more affordable. However, it’s not as comfortable as the 800 Pro, nor does it have the same performance numbers. But if you like the brand and want a lower-end model, this is the one to get.

As with the BioLite above, if you’re a fan of Black Diamond but want a cheaper model from the brand, this Astro 300 is a solid choice.

Petzl’s athletically focused headlamps are recognized as some of the finest examples for use while running, but if you ask us, they’re just as formidable for casual trail and conventional home use. A really solid budget-plus option, the brand’s flagship Actik model recently upped the output to 450 lumens to illuminate your path, allowing you to switch between wide or regular beams to navigate to your heart’s content.

Last year, Nitecore made a purpose-built headlamp for trail running. However, we preferred the on-the-fly adjustments of the Fenix above instead, which is now in its second iteration. Nonetheless, the Nitecore UT27 is a lower-end option that’s also very good.

Looking for a low-end, basic option instead of heading straight to the premium options? If so, the Knog Quokka 150 is a popular choice worth mentioning.

Tested: The Best Hiking Boots for the Trails

Headlamps are a great companion for hiking, but hiking boots are the best companion. Check out our recent guide where we got hands-on with the best hiking boots on the market.