Top 5 Headlamps For Camping
Don't be left in the dark on your outdoor adventures again - make sure to bring the right headlamp!
Never worry about being left in the dark on your camping trips again. Invariably, this happens at night, when its cold or raining, and its time for a restroom break. When we say headlamps are a must-have for any camping or outdoor adventure, it comes from experience.
They provide convenient, bright, hands-free lighting to make it easy to navigate trails, bathrooms, and obstacles without having to use your hands to make your way. They provide a great sense of security for both kids and adults alike who don't want really want to find out what is in the dark in the woods.
Forget worrying about bringing along extra flashlights or trying to find the one lantern. Headlamps are lightweight and simple to operate, so you can pack them along for any camping trip or outdoor adventure with peace of mind. They are great for power outages as well if your area is prone to that. Let’s walk through the options for headlamps together.
Headlamps
Headlamps are small flat shaped lights that fit on a band around your head. They are similar to flashlights in that they have a beam that helps you see further ahead than if you had no light. Some tasks when they come in handy are setting up camp if you arrive after dark, restroom breaks at night, running or hiking along with simply hanging around the campsite.
When choosing a headlamp, it is important to consider the factors such as battery life, lumens, weight, water-resistance beam distance and run-time. Other considerations are how your headlamp will be powered. The two options are battery power or rechargeable.
Battery Powered or Rechargeable?
When deciding which type of headlamp to buy, there is often a debate between battery powered and rechargeable models. While both have their own advantages and disadvantages, the decision ultimately comes down to convenience. Battery powered models are convenient because they don't need to be recharged and can be used right away, but they require frequent replacement of batteries which will continue to cost money over time.
Rechargeable models offer more convenience in the long run as they don't need frequent replacement but require charging before use. As long as you have a source to charge your headlamps, this is the best option. In this article, we will explore some of the different types of headlamps so that you can make an informed decision on which one best suits your needs.
Lumens
Lumens are a measure of the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. Its an important measurement when considering the brightness from a headlamp or camping light. However, as you will see, the brightness of the light does not always translate to a beam that travels far.
The best bet, regardless of whether you choose a rechargeable or battery operated headlamp, is to ensure the width of the field of the beam as well as the depth match your needs.
Run Time
Knowing how long the headlamp will run is essential for getting the full benefit from the equipment. No need to berate the point in the era of cell phones and tablets, but knowing the battery characteristics of those devices are great at helping to understand your rechargeable headlamp. Battery aging and charging options in camp are often limiting factors just like personal devices.
Battery operated headlamps last longer than rechargeable, so, do the math and have enough on hand for the whole trip. And, you cannot count on the pack of batteries you threw in the camper last year to always work. It is best to keep them rotated with the in-home use batteries.
Water Resistance
When camping or other outdoor activities, it is important to understand the level of water resistance of the equipment you are using. This is also true for headlamps, which are often exposed to varying levels of moisture and humidity. The IP (Ingress Protection) rating system is used to classify and rate the degree of protection provided against intrusion (by foreign objects) and ingress (by water). The higher the IP rating, the better protected your headlamp will be from any water damage. Understanding this rating system can help ensure that you choose a headlamp that is suitable for your needs and will last longer in wet conditions.
Weight
Weight can be a real concern when camping and using your headlamp for various activities. Fortunately, modern headlamps are designed with weight in mind. They are made from lightweight materials and feature adjustable straps for a comfortable fit. With the right headlamp, you can even enjoy your morning runs if you are inclined to get up that early.
Generally speaking, rechargeable headlamps weigh less with their built in battery packs that the manufacturer often designs in-house. Battery operated headlamps, on the other hand, are at the mercy of the weight of standard batteries.
How we choose
Camping has its share of safety concerns and one of the most common issues is nighttime navigation. When you need to go to the restroom, determine which path to take, or head out for an evening hike, having a trusty headlamp can help ensure safety and peace of mind.
Traditional flashlights require the use of one of your hands which ma create an issue depending on your activity. Without some kind of light, however, you're left fumbling around in the dark — a potentially dangerous situation.
Outdoor Verified recommends only those headlamps that have been thoroughly tested. We've combed through countless reviews to bring you the most reliable and comfortable head lamps so that you can enjoy the night without worry! Get your outdoor adventure started and make sure it is Outdoor Verified today!
What we like
The Curtsod headlamp is a highly rated unit that makes our list as the rechargeable headlamp with the best value. With 1200 lumens and a daylight color & clarity, the Curtsod helps to light up the night with ease. No more struggling to find your way in the dark, thanks to two powerful headlamps that are perfect for running, hiking or camping.
It features a clever memory function that remembers your last mode and a smart sensor to control the light on and off with just a wave of your hand. With its rechargeable 1500 mAh high-capacity battery, adjustable 60° angle, and adjustable elastic band, you'll be able to securely light up the night whether you're camping, hiking, or just exploring. No more fumbling around in the dark.
More details
- Type Rechargeable
- Lumens 1200
- Run Time 4-8 hours
- Water Resistance IPX4
- Weight 2.08 oz
- Beam distance 99' / 30 meters
What we like
The Energizer Vision headlamp is our choice in the battery operated category for the best value. This particular model comes as a two pack as reviewed. Since most people do not camp alone, this covers two tents. The light offers maximum brightness of 260 lumens and up to 80 meters beam distance so you can see the trail and what else may, or, may not be in the woods.
It's 4x brighter than the standard LED technology, with a long runtime allowing you to enjoy hands-free light over extended periods of time. Its advanced dimming technology and three modes will let you customize the intensity of your headlamp from 10% to 100%. The fact that this headlamp is from a known brand helped aid in the choice as well.
More details
- Type Battery
- Lumens 260
- Run Time 35 hr
- Water Resistance IPX4
- Weight 3.52 oz
- Beam Distance 262' / 80 meters
What we like
The Coast HL8R is our pick for the best premium headlamp. That does not mean it is the most expensive out there, just that it performs well and and the company has a good reputation. Its rechargeable battery pack with micro USB allows you to charge on or off the headlamp, while the PURE BEAM® focusing system and TWIST FOCUS™ technology make it easy to switch from an ultra-wide flood to a long reaching spot. This is key in producing the longest bean of our choices today at 702’ with its focused beam!
With the advanced LED light technology, three adjustable brightness modes, and easy-to-use control dial, Coast HL8R provides superior brightness and powerful beam for any level of lighting need. Plus, it's weather & impact resistant, so you can count on long-lasting durability. How do we know, well its backed by a lifetime warranty!
More details
- Type Rechargeable
- Lumens 800
- Run Time 4 hr 15 min
- Water Resistance IPX4
- Weight 12.32 oz
- Beam Distance 702'/214 meters
Best Headlamp For Sports
Black Diamond Sprint 225
What we like
The Black Diamond Sprint225 Headlamp is our pick for the best headlamp for sports due to its ubiquity amongst runners. This ultra-lightweight and rechargeable headlamp is the perfect companion for any outdoor sport whether you are camping or not. With 225 lumens of powerful light, an IPX4 rating for storm protection, and an average 2.5 hours of burn time, you'll be ready to take on any terrain.
The updated optical efficiency provides brighter light with more peak intensity, and you'll stay powered up with the three-LED battery meter. Keep your hands free and adjust brightness in an instant with PowerTap Technology, plus use Brightness Memory to easily turn the light on and off without reverting back to default. The benefit of all those features add up to an active person being able to remain so while operating the headlamp.
More details
- Type Rechargeable
- Lumens 225
- Run Time 2.5
- Water Resistance IPX4
- Weight 1.76 oz
- Beam Distance N/A
What we like
The Lichamp's Camping headlamp is our pick for the best value and rated multipack (more than 2). Lichamp is not a French name. These are made squarely in China, like so many things. We chose to add this to the list because there are times when you need quantity over quality. If you have several kids camping with you, this is an inexpensive way to help get buy-in for camp chores and ownership of the experience. That is important.
Even still, this multipack has 724 5-star reviews. These units are battery operated and provide 120 lumens of light to handle any potty break. The light portion swivels to 90 degrees to adjust to the height of the user. All in all, a great deal.
More details
- Type Battery
- Lumens 120
- Run Time N/A
- Water Resistance none
- Weight 2.3 oz (w/o batteries)
- Beam Distance N/A
Buyer's Guide and FAQs for Camping Headlamps
Are headlamps good for camping?
Headlamps are a must-have item for everyone. It can prove to be an incredibly useful tool in a variety of situations, from backpacking, walking the dog in the dark or even car camping with friends - you'll quickly see why it's one of your favorite pieces of technology.
How many lumens do I need for night hiking?
If you plan to participate in activities such as night hiking or backpacking, it is recommended that you use a headlamp with a minimum of 150 to 200 lumens for best performance.
Are rechargeable headlamps worth it?
In short, opting for a rechargeable headlamp is recommended due to several factors, mainly high lumen output, cost effectiveness, environmental friendliness as well as convenience and reliability. Your needs will ultimately dictate your choice but rechargeable headlamps offer clear advantages.
What is a disadvantage of rechargeable batteries?
Rechargeable batteries tend to have a shorter shelf life in comparison to disposable batteries, but this is not an issue when the battery is being used. Holding a charge while in storage can be quite limited with rechargeable batteries.
How many times can you recharge rechargeable batteries?
Rechargeable batteries have a lifespan of up to 5 years and can be recharged up to 1,000 times. This means they save money in the long-run as you will not need to buy them as often compared to single-use batteries.
Final Word for Camping Headlamps
Here we are at the end. We hope thoughts about headlamps helps out along with some suggestions to get you going the right direction. The most important part of any camping trip is not the gear, it really is the people with whom you spend time. Whether it is family or friends, out goal is to minimize the distractions of either not having the right gear, or the gear malfunctioning so you can focus on what's most important.
~ Ron
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