Running in the morning is very interesting and refreshing. However, it’s sometimes too sunny to run in the open air. Many runners prefer the dawn time or when the sun is about to go down. In this case, you might need the best headlamp for runners, especially if you run on trails covered by trees. If the trails become so dark that you can’t find your way, you might slip on muddy terrains or small rocks. So, it’s always better to have a headlamp for trail running.
In this wrap-up, we have searched the headlamps found on the market and picked the top 13 best headlamps you can get today. Those headlamps can be very useful in running and other activities such as camping or hiking. So, take a look below and read the features of each one to choose your favorite.
Table of contents
- Hoxida LED Headlamp Rechargeable
- SEVENKA 2 Pack Rechargeable Headlamps
- COSOOS 2 LED Headlamp Rechargeable Flashlight
- ENERGIZER LED Headlamp Pro360
- LHKNL Headlamp Rechargeable
- GETOVIN Headlamp Rechargeable
- Jaylene Led Headlamp Rechargeable
- Morpilot Headlamp
- Hurkins Orbit, 180˚ Wide Angle
- Foxelli USB Rechargeable Headlamp
- GOFORWILD 2 Pack of Rechargeable Headlamp
- Streamlight 61601 Double Clutch USB Rechargeable Headlamp
- GearLight LED Head Lamp
- How To Choose The Best Headlamps for Runners?
- What are the uses of headlamps?
- What is the best number of lumens for a running headlamp?
- Are flashlights brighter than headlamps?
Hoxida LED Headlamp Rechargeable
13
Let’s start our list with something very attractive and packed with features such as Hoxida LED Headlamp Rechargeable. This sleek headlamp for runners has three light options according to the natural light intensity you’re facing. It has a LED lamp and a red taillight on the back side, and both work together on one of the three modes you choose. You either choose high, low, or strobe.
The red taillight is essential to make other runners or hikers see you. On the other side, the front LED light produces a 230-degree light beam. This provides wider illumination. Moreover, the headlamp is very comfortable and lightweight. It works with a charger, and a light indicator tells you how much power is remaining.
Pros
- Three light modes
- Red taillight
- Lightweight
- power indicator
Cons
- Doesn’t hold a charge for too long
SEVENKA 2 Pack Rechargeable Headlamps
12
Equipped with a sensor mode, SEVENKA 2 Pack Rechargeable Headlamps are an excellent purchase for those who run and hike a lot in night modes. The headlamp has four different light modes plus a strobe light mode for emergencies. In addition, all the modes produce a 360-degree light beam for better visibility.
Speaking of the sensor mode, you can turn this mode on and off easily using a single button long press. Later, you’ll be able to control your headlamp without clicking on anything. Just move your hands near the sensor. Similar to any other headlamp, this one comes with an adjustable strap to fit different heads. It also has the clips needed for fixing it on a hat.
Pros
- Sensor mode
- Four light modes
- Adjustable strap
- A pack of two
Cons
- The battery drains fast
COSOOS 2 LED Headlamp Rechargeable Flashlight
11
COSOOS 2 LED Headlamp Rechargeable Flashlight offers a pack of two headlamps for runners with decent battery life and light lumens. The idea of buying two headlamps at the same time is very useful if you’re an avid runner or hiker. Hence, you can use one while keeping the other charging and switching between them.
As for the specs of this headlamp for trail running, it comes with a 210-degree LED light and a red taillight for your safety. Both work simultaneously so other people can see you from the back. The light beam is 500 lumen which is sometimes lower than what you might need in very low light conditions.
Pros
- Pack of two headlamps
- Red taillight
- super lightweight
- Fast charging
Cons
- Low-intensity light beam
ENERGIZER LED Headlamp Pro360
10
If you usually run in very low light conditions and a 230-degree headlamp won’t work for you, ENERGIZER LED Headlamp Pro360 is another option you can look at. This headlamp for trail running lights up to 85 meters in front of you. The light beam will light everything in front of you.
On the other side, if the moon is full and you don’t need much light, there is no need to drain the batteries. You can just turn on the low light mode, and the batteries can run for up to 50 hours. Did we mention that you have seven light modes in this headlamp?
Pros
- 85 meters light beam
- Seven light modes
- Water-resistant
- Shatterproof lens
Cons
- Heavier due to replaceable batteries
LHKNL Headlamp Rechargeable
9
One of the brightest and best headlamps for runners is LHKNL Headlamp Rechargeable. This headlamp comes with an 1100 lumen LED light in addition to red light as well. This red light is different from other headlamps as it isn’t a backlight. It’s also a front light in case you just need dim lighting for the area in front of you when you’re resting after a long run.
Regarding the light modes, this headlamp has eight light modes. You can easily switch between them using a button or sensor mode. However, the sensor mode only switches between two of the eight modes. LHKNL headlamp is very lightweight, so it’s ranked among the best headlamps for backpacking.
Pros
- Eight light modes
- Sensor mode
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
Cons
- No backlight
GETOVIN Headlamp Rechargeable
8
Another pack of two headlamps but at a much lower price than most other headlamps for trail running. GETOVIN Headlamp Rechargeable also offers two color options if you don’t want the traditional black headlamp. Also, we must mention that the light coming from this incredible headlamp can reach 1600LM. This is pretty much more than enough for any runner.
You might think the batteries won’t run more than an hour or so in this light condition. However, the batteries here, after being fully charged, can run for up to five or six hours. We don’t think you’ll run more than this.
Pros
- 1600 Lumen
- Decent battery life
- Cheap price
- Two-color options
Cons
- Strap isn’t the best quality
Jaylene Led Headlamp Rechargeable
7
Jaylene Led Headlamp Rechargeable has the widest light beam we have found so far for better visibility and area exposure. Being one of the best headlamps for runners, it produces 1000 lumens. Further, the headlamp features five light modes, including a strobe light for notifying other runners around about an emergency case if it happened.
One signifying feature of this headlamp light is the zoomable and tiltable lens. The lens zooms in to focus the light beam more on a single spot. Also, it tilts to 90 degrees if you want to see something on a higher level, for example, a tree. Moreover, it has a sensor mode similar to previous headlamps for trail running.
Pros
- Zoomable and tiltable lens
- Sensor mode
- Five light modes
- 270 degrees light beam
Cons
- Produces a buzzing sound
Morpilot Headlamp
6
Powered with 2600mAh batteries, Morpilot Headlamp will never fail you when you go out for long runs. The headlamp is one of the best for runners for several reasons; the powerful batteries are one of them. Further, the light beam is 1200 lumens which is another powerful thing in this headlamp.
Apart from that, the Morpilot headlamp has two straps, one around your head and the other on top of your head. Both are adjustable and will tighten around your head, so it never falls off. The headlamp has a 180-degree light beam. Many other headlamps are better in this particular point, but Morpilot is still superior to others in the light intensity.
Pros
- Powerful batteries
- 1200 lumens LED light
- Two straps
- Value for money
Cons
- The light beam isn’t very wide.
Hurkins Orbit, 180˚ Wide Angle
5
Another 180-degree headlamp for runners from Hurkins. Hurkins Orbit, 180˚ Wide Angle, offers one of the best light beams and intensity of light, among others. The description says it produces 1000 lumens, and if you try it, you’ll feel it’s the sunlight. The light produced is very powerful that you can replace the best flashlights for hiking or camping with this product.
Aside from that, the headlamp weighs only 4.6 ounces. The strap is also elastic and adjustable, so it’s very comfortable. This headband is very high-quality and different from all other options in terms of quality. It works with Samsung S6 grade LED chips. This might justify the reason for this expensive price.
Pros
- High-quality LED lights
- Lightweight and comfortable
- 1000 Lumens
Cons
- Expensive
Foxelli USB Rechargeable Headlamp
4
Your kids will love Foxelli USB Rechargeable Headlamp a lot as there are many color options, including bright colors such as yellow and blue. Thus, they have a variety of choices here. The headlamp we are showing you here isn’t the most powerful in terms of the intensity of light. Yet, it has other features you might need rather than light intensity.
The headband is tiltable and very versatile when wearing. Moreover, it’s very lightweight, and that’s one of the reasons we prefer it for running. Moreover, its construction is durable, and it can withstand heat and extreme weather conditions. Above all, the price is very cheap and perhaps the cheapest of its kind.
Pros
- Cheap price
- Lightweight
- Durable construction
Cons
- Low light intensity
GOFORWILD 2 Pack of Rechargeable Headlamp
3
GOFORWILD 2 Pack of Rechargeable Headlamp looks bold and rigorous, and it works the same. The offer includes two headlamps with two chargers and a user manual. This shall tell you how exactly the headlamp works. Another feature is the motion sensor, and we have already talked about this feature before.
Although the base where the lens is fixed looks large, it doesn’t weigh much. Further, it rotates 45 degrees for better vision. The lights produced include a white and red light. Also, the band is flexible and not very tight around your head. Overall, it’s a good purchase with decent light intensity and a good price.
Pros
- Value for money
- Lightweight
- Rotates 45 degrees
- Motion sensor
Cons
- Tight light beam
Streamlight 61601 Double Clutch USB Rechargeable Headlamp
2
Streamlight 61601 Double Clutch USB Rechargeable Headlamp is an innovative headlamp for runners with a different feature you won’t find in most other headlamps for trail running. It has two types of flashlights it can produce; the spot and flood light. Each light has two modes as well, so you have different choices here.
Additionally, there is another thing that the headlamp differs in; it’s the way it powers. The headlamp works with a rechargeable battery. However, you can use an AAA battery in case of emergencies. Instead of motion sensors, this headlamp has a face cap that works with one hand, and it’s glove-friendly as well.
Pros
- Rechargeable and AAA batteries
- Flood and spotlights
- Face cap control
Cons
- Not very bright light
GearLight LED Head Lamp
1
The last option we are presenting on the list is GearLight LED Head Lamp. It’s a cheap, powerful, and functional headlamp for runners. It has seven lighting modes, including the strobe emergency light and the red notifying light. Also, the light intensity is just enough for a runner, whereas the lowest allows for 10 hours of continuous work.
On the other side, the lenses are rotatable. They can rotate 45 degrees offering good visibility in all directions. As a running headlamp, it’s water-resistant and won’t slip off if you sweat a lot during running. Finally, it’s lightweight to feel comfortable while running.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Seven light modes
- Rotates 45 degrees
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Doesn’t come with batteries
How To Choose The Best Headlamps for Runners?
Here, we will tell you how to choose the best headlamps for runners and which criteria to check before buying. You don’t have to get a headlamp with all the features yet; you need to know what works best for you.
Batteries
Most headlamps work with rechargeable batteries, and most of them also come with a USB charger. Yet, there are options that come with replaceable batteries too. Replaceable batteries usually work for longer hours, but you always need to have spare ones in case of emergencies. Best of all, get the headlamps with both types of batteries.
Light intensity and wideness
The light intensity is measured by lumens, so the higher, the brighter. However, remember that higher light intensities mean the batteries will die quickly. So, choose a headlamp with suitable light intensity. Also, the light beam wideness is determined by the angel of light. The same thing applies; the wider, the better.
Light modes
High-quality headlamps have different light modes as you can switch between high and low lights. Light modes can also include strobe light used for emergencies. The more light modes, the more control you can have.
What are the uses of headlamps?
Headlamps have several uses, and they can be used in different activities. The main purpose is to lighten the area in front of you if there is no other source of light around. Hiking or hunting headlights are the same as running and camping headlights.
What is the best number of lumens for a running headlamp?
It depends on the trail you are running on. If there is no other light source, then a 500 and above lumens headlamp will be good.
Are flashlights brighter than headlamps?
Not necessarily. However, flashlights can be useful in case you want to direct the light beam to an exact spot, and you don’t mind holding the flashlight in your hands all the time.