Backpacking at night can be a challenge, but the thrill is worth every effort. Whether it is hiking uphill to enjoy the panoramic view or simply going further away from light pollution to take a better look at the stars, it promises unforgettable experiences. To make it less challenging, equip yourself with one of the best headlamps for backpacking. And here is our ultimate guide to help you pick the best for you!
How To Choose The Best Headlamps For Backpacking
You’re probably thinking, “Isn’t it just about picking whatever I like at the store?” No. Even if your backpacker-buddy recommends you one, it doesn’t mean it will suit you as well. You need to do your own research and decide based on your preference. Also, it’s important to think about your travel plans. Where are you going? How rough is the terrain? How dark it will be? To help you answer these questions, let’s discuss it deeper.
Headband
Choosing the headband is as important as choosing the light itself. Besides holding the light, the headband will stick to your head for as long as you need it. Think of it as choosing the t-shirt you’re going to wear. It should be comfortable and suitable for the weather conditions. Some people like elastic materials, but keep in mind that these are usually rubbery. You may not like how it feels on your skin after a few hours. On the other hand, fabric-based materials are more comfortable but do not fit better than elastic ones. The choice is in your hand, which one do you prefer: comfort or practicality?
Battery
Some of these best headlamps for backpacking comes with a rechargeable battery. That’s great if you don’t feel like buying or packing tons of batteries. However, also think about emergency situations. What if there’s no power to recharge? This is where AAA batteries come into play. Can’t decide which one to choose? Why not pick one that offers both types of battery?
Lumen Output
Each product has its own level of lumen output. It can range from 200 to 1000! So, it’s very important to check before buying. Are 200 lumens enough for the cave you’re going spelunking to? Or do you need a bigger lumen output? Keep in mind that the bigger the lumen, the more battery power it will need. And this will affect battery life. Therefore, you should also consider how long you want your headlamp to last?
Zebralight H600w Mk IV
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We start our list of best headlamps for backpacking with Zebralight. Suitable for backpackers, Zebralight H600w Mk IV is reliable. Unlike any other headlamps, it can be easily detached from the headband so you can use it as a hand-held flashlight. It has a single button with three brightness modes. The power indicator helps you keep an eye on its rechargeable Li-ion 18650 battery (sold separately). It weighs 4.5 oz. (127gr) and is available in black.
This product feels and looks tough, thanks to its hard-anodized aluminum casing (Type III Class I). It’s also equipped with a Cree XHP35 Neutral White LED that delivers 2 types of light: bright beam and flood beam. It lasts for 3.1 hours in high mode. There’s a nifty ‘tailcap lockout’ where you can unscrew the battery cap part-way and disconnects the battery.
What we love:
It’s designed for easy adjustments, such as converting it into a hand-held flashlight.
Pros:
- Easy to disconnect the battery
- Hard-anodized aluminum casing
- Reliable
- Runs on rechargeable Li-ion battery
Cons:
- No red-light mode
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Yalumi LED Spark Dual
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If you’re looking for a simple, basic headlamp, and at a reasonable price, Yalumi LED is the one you’re looking for. Perfect for outdoor activities, it’s easy to use with a single button control system. It provides a quick three lighting mode selections (economic, high-brightness, strobe). With the lamp-angle tilt feature, it allows you to aim the beam. It also features Lock mode to keep you from accidentally enabling the light and draining the batteries. With lightweight materials, it weighs 2.7oz (77 gr) only. This one is available in several colors, including Black, Pink, and Green/Gray.
Yalumi LED Spark Dual headlamp integrates two-colored light sources. The first one is high-output Cree XP-E white LED for long-distance illumination. And the second one is two-red-LED for safety and visibility. These two colored light sources provide five lighting modes. The optical lens helps to enhance light beams with a maximum output of 140 lumens. It uses three standard AAA batteries. Its average battery life is 4.3 hours in high mode and 47 hours in low mode. As for environmental resistance, its IPX-4 technology should do well to repel water.
What we love:
It’s super lightweight, making it perfect for heavy-duty.
Pros:
- Water-repellent
- Optical lens enhances the beam
- Can last up to 47 hours
- Super lightweight
Cons:
- Only runs on AAA batteries
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Streamlight 61601
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A multifunction headlamp, Streamlight 61601 is built for hands-free operations. Instead of traditional buttons, it uses an innovative functional Facecap switch. The Facecap twists easy, even with gloves. It also features a charge status indicator to keep track of lithium-polymer battery usage (AAA alkaline battery compatible). There’s an adjustable elastic strap that feels secure on your head. The weight is varied depending on the power source. With Dual Fuel technology, you can switch between AAA alkaline batteries and rechargeable ones. It’s available in two colors: black and yellow.
Its C4 LED Technology produces 125 lumens extreme brightness. It has both spot and flood beams with high and low modes. Spot beam for distance, and flood beam for lighting up your surroundings. Use high mode for bright light and low mode for longer run time. It has 10 hours average battery life. It’s water-resistant with the support from IPX4. This product is considerably lightweight, 4.03 oz. (114.25gr) with a rechargeable battery and 4.69 oz. (132.96gr) with AAA batteries.
What we love:
The Facecap switch makes it easy to operate.
Pros:
- Relatively lightweight
- Water-resistant
- Flood beam helps light up your surroundings
Cons:
- Heavier for longer run
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OVLED 802100 Broadbeam LED
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OVLED 802100 Broadbeam LED is a portable and hands-free headlamp. It features a simple power button and three power modes. It can be switched between high brightness, medium brightness, or completely off. The durable and stretchable elastic headband is adjustable to any head size or most baseball caps and beanies. Weighing only 2.72 oz. (77gr), this hands-free lamp is perfect for your adventurous activities like backpacking, hiking, or camping.
It’s comfortable to wear and less bulky compared to other best headlamps for backpacking. The structure is well-thought indeed. The OVLED 802100 Broadbeam LED has 20 bright high-efficiency LED lights. Though it’s small, it packs a 300-lumen output. The LED lights are positioned on a flexible strip to provide 210° of continuous illumination. However, it runs only on AAA alkaline batteries. Fully charged, this headlamp has an average of 24 hours run time in low mode.
What we love:
It’s small yet provides 300-lumen output for 24 hours.
Pros:
- Provides 210° of continuous illumination
- Lightweight and less bulky
- Elastic and adjustable headband
Cons:
- It only runs on AAA batteries.
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Ledlenser-MH10
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Recommended for backpackers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts, Ledlenser-MH10 is designed for durability and comfort. The MH10 operates with one button on the front top to switch on/off. It’s equipped with a low battery and charge indicator. The headlamp has a removable and washable wide headband. And it weighs 5.6 oz. (158gr).
The Ledlenser-MH10 produces bright 600 lumen light with Smart Light Technology. This particular technology features three programmable light functions: Power, Low Power, and Defense Strobe. And there’s a red backlight so you’re visible from behind. This headlamp also has Transportation Lock that keeps it off when unused. Its Micro-USB rechargeable battery powers 120-hour light on a low brightness setting. To prevent environmental damage, it features IPX 4 and IPX5, which makes it water and dust resistant respectively.
What we love:
Durable and lasts long, isn’t that what we need from a headlamp?
Pros:
- Lights up to 120 hours
- Micro-USD rechargeable battery
- Water and dust resistant
Cons:
- A bit too heavy for its size
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Nitecore HC90
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A headlamp suitable for hiking, climbing, and outdoor recreations, Nitecore HC90 is an extremely bright and lightweight headlamp. An easy-to-push button is located on the side to control seven brightness levels and four special modes. Its tough, ultra-clear, and anti-reflective mineral glass will make your evening trekking brighter. There’s also a built-in indicator to check battery levels. And it provides comfortable hands-free and breathable adjustable nylon headband. It’s available in Black color and weighs 2.21 oz. (62.7 gr).
The outer case is made of full aluminum alloy construction to provide excellent cooling performance. It’s also equipped with a CREE XM-L2 (T6) LED that gives out 1000 lumen light. There’s an extra secondary RGB LEDs (red, green, and blue) that are useful for signaling. Intelligent memory function and micro-USB charging port is built into the piece. It can stay on for 200 hours run time on low mode. Plus, it’s waterproof.
What we love:
With full aluminum alloy construction, the headband stays cool even after long hours.
Pros:
- Stays on up to 200 hours
- Micro-USD charging port
- Waterproof
- Up to 1000 lumens
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy rain or underwater
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Fenix HP25R (404)
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Need a headlamp that can put up with any backpacking activities? Fenix HP25R is your partner. Unlike some of the best headlamps for backpacking, this one features a dual switch that controls the spotlight and floodlight separately. It also features an innovative battery strength indicator. The indicator uses the flood/spot/red lights to flash in different sequences depending on the battery life. It weighs at 6.5 oz. (183.5 gr) excluding battery, and currently available in Gray color.
The headlamp features 1000 lumens at most that comes from a combination of four brightness levels. The distinctive feature is the two-beam options. Turn on cool white for distance and brightness, or switch to neutral white for proximity light. It’s also powered by a rechargeable battery. It offers 1.5 hours runtime on high mode and 96 hours in low mode. In addition, it’s also a water-resistant and dustproof headlamp.
What we love:
The innovative indicator tells you how much battery you have left.
Pros:
- Two-beam options
- Water-resistant
- Dustproof
- Beams up to 1000 lumens
Cons:
- Only last 1.5 hours on high mode
Black Diamond Spot
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Are you looking for the best headlamps for backpacking with all the necessary functions? Consider this powerful Black Diamond Spot. This headlamp features PowerTap Technology. It only takes one button to switch between full power and dimmed mode. The Quad Power LED and Double Power LED combo offers brightness up to 300 lumens. It also offers various lighting modes and a red-night vision. It’s available in four colors (Black, Aluminum, Dark Olive, and Octane). It’s lightweight (3.1 oz. /88 gr) and compact, which fits in any backpack or glove compartment.
The headlamp has a convenient feature: Brightness Memory. It stores its brightness last setting for the next switch-on. It uses standard alkaline batteries (AAA) and gives maximum burn time for 30 hours in high setting mode and 175 hours in low setting mode. Rain or underwater, the IPX8 waterproof technology allows this headlamp to be submerged in up to one meter for about 30 minutes.
What we love:
It’s lightweight and compact.
Pros:
- Brightness Memory stores the last setting
- Burn up to 30 hours in high setting more
- Waterproof
- Can be used underwater
Cons:
- The one-button control takes some times to get used to
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BioLite HeadLamp 330
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This super low-profile shape headlamp is good for backpacking and running. The BioLite Headlamp 330 has a small on-off button. Featured technologies such as Spot and Flood settings offer distance and area lighting options to adjust the lumens accordingly. With the most output of 330 Lumens, it’s good enough for night trekking, especially with the Red Night Vision. This headlamp is ultralight, weighing 2.43 oz. (68.89 gr). The weight is distributed across its front and rear side, thanks to the SlimFit Construction. It’s available in four colors: Ocean Teal, Midnight Grey, Sunrise Yellow, and Amber Red.
The Biolite HeadLamp 330 is powered by BioLite’s 3D Slimfit Technologies. These technologies are Flush Front, Better Balance, and Smart Fabric. The Flash Front will keep the headlamp sit firmly flat. The Better Balance provides a near weightless feel, while Smart Fabrics is moisture-wicking that will keep you cool and dry for any activities. The headlamp benefits from a rechargeable battery, which is compatible with power banks, solar panels, or any other micro-USB power source. The battery runs for 40 hours in low mode and 3.5 hours in high mode. With IPX4, it’s water-resistant and can be worn through the rain, though it’s not recommended for extended periods in a downpour.
What we love:
It’s more well-balanced than most headlamps, even the best headlamps for backpacking.
Pros:
- Slimfit technology makes it well-balanced in weight
- Feels weightless
- Features red night vision
- Adjustable lumens
Cons:
- Not recommended for extended periods in a downpour.
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Black Diamond Spot325
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For backpacking and most outdoor adventuring, this multi-purpose headlamp is a must-have. It features two separate buttons: the power button and the lens mode button. It also has lock mode to keep it off when not in use. The adjustable elastic band is made of synthetic and breathable mesh ventilation. It’s pretty though and steady fit, even though it doesn’t have a cross strap. This product has a well-rounded shape with Multi-faceted Optical Lens Settings. Weighing 3 oz. (85 gr), it falls into the lightweight category. It comes in eight colors including vibrant Blue, Citrus, and Red.
The Black Diamond Spot325 features 325 lumens light beam. It also has two kinds of beams to choose from, depending on what you need. The first option is a wide but dim beam for proximity light, and the other one is a bright narrow beam for the spotlight. There’s also a red light for night vision. Its longest burn time is 4 to 8 hours in use and 200 hours in low mode. Equipped with PX8, this headlamp is waterproof and can stay underwater (up to 1.1 meters) for 30 minutes.
What we love:
Two beam options allow you to adjust based on your needs.
Pros:
- 325 lumens light beam
- Burn up to 8 hours
- Waterproof
- Can be used underwater
Cons:
- No cross strap
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PETZL – TIKKINA
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Reliable at a reasonable price, Petzl-Tikkina should be in your hiking backpack, Ladies and Gentlemen, before you head out to nature. It has a single on/off button that also works as a lighting mode selector (3 lighting modes available). It’s designed with glove-operation in mind. Like other Petzl headlamps, this one is also detachable and washable. It’s compatible with mounting accessories that allow the lamp to be attached to any kind of helmet or a bicycle. It weighs only 81 gr (2.85 oz.) and is available in four colors Black, White, Blue, and Red.
This headlamp has an impressive 250-lumen extra-wide light beam, making it ideal for a sunrise hike or camping with the family. It runs on AAA battery that’s included in the purchase. You can also buy rechargeable Petzl Core Battery separately. It gives the convenience of USB charging that provides more power. The longest burn time is at 220 hours. It’s weather-resistant thanks to its IPX4 technology.
What we love:
It’s simple, lightweight, and does its job pretty well.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Detachable and washable
- Battery included
- Weather-resistant
Cons:
- Not suitable for darkest nights
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Fenix HL60R (404)
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If you’re looking for the best headlamps for backpacking with more light, Fenix HL60R headlamp is a perfect choice. It has a single side switch and features a second strap to securely sit on the top of your head. The headlamp is available in two colors, Black and Desert Yellow.
The Fenix HL60R is made of high-grade aluminum. It also features premium Type III hard-anodized and anti-abrasive finishing. These make the headlamp durable and waterproof. With Cree XM-L2 T6 Neutral White LED, it gives you super bright lighting for a maximum of 950 lumens. There are four brightness levels and it includes night-vision red light. Powered by one 18650 Li-ion battery or two CR123A batteries, it can provide light for one to three hours. Fenix HL60R is already equipped with IPX8 waterproof technology so you can snorkel away with it (underwater 2-meter depth for 30 min) in Bali.
What we love:
It’s great for snorkeling or even diving underwater up to 2 meters deep.
Pros:
- Durable
- Waterproof and can be used underwater
- With night-vision mode
- Up to 950 lumens
Cons:
- It’s a bit heavy at 4.2 oz. (119 gr), might not suitable for fast-and-light backpacking.
Vont ‘Spark’ LED Headlamp
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Ultra brightness is one of the things Vont ‘Spark’ LED Headlamp has to offer. Don’t be fooled by its affordable price. This headlamp is reliable and versatile. Both adults and kids can benefit from its ergonomic 45-degree tilt feature. With this, you won’t need to turn your neck in awkward positions just to see clearly. Hiking in the dark will be more comfortable!
Spark is powered by regular AAA batteries, but it’s designed to last up to 90 hours! This doesn’t compromise the brightness level, though, as it is capable of producing 200 lumens light beam among its 7 light modes. These modes are available through the one-touch button. Even in total darkness, you’ll be able to switch through them comfortably. The whole product is designed to be drop-resistant and waterproof, thanks to its IPX5 material. Also, every purchase comes with a lifetime warranty!
What we love:
Spark is designed to be comfortable in versatile conditions.
Pros:
- Ergonomic 45-degree tilt
- Drop-resistant and waterproof
- Lifetime warranty
- Pocket-size and lightweight
Cons:
- It comes with a lack of instruction and may confuse some users, especially newbies
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PETZL – TACTIKKA Headlamp
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If you’re up for some evening backpacking, chances are you will need a headlamp. This Petzl-Tactikka Headlamp may be the perfect companion. It has a single button for quick and easy selection of brightness or light color. Its thick and adjustable headband sits comfortably on your head. The headband is also detachable so you can wash it. It features a whistle in the back in case of an emergency. This pocket-size headlamp is ultralight (only 82 gr/2.89 oz.) and available in three colors (Black, Camo, and Desert).
Capable of producing 300 lumens light beam, wearing this will help you move safely in the dark. It also has red lighting for night vision as you stealthily night hunt. This beast runs on AAA batteries or a CORE rechargeable battery (sold separately). It claims burn time for 240 hours on the lowest setting. The headlamp is weather-resistant with IPX4 technology.
What we love:
Its thick and adjustable headband sits comfortably on your head.
Pros:
- Detachable, easy to wash
- Produces 300 lumens light beam
- Night vision mode
- Two battery options: AAA or CORE
Cons:
- Not waterproof
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