Best 15 Backpacking Headlamps Of 2024

When you find yourself on a trail at night, you will realize that you will not be able to see anything because it is completely dark. The night in the woods will often mean devoid of any light. The only way to continue traveling a trail is to have some sort of light. Using a backpacking headlamp is ideal for these situations. Headlamps allow the user to illuminate the path while freeing up his hands. I listed some amazing headlamps below. They are durable and have lots of capabilities so I am certain you will find at least one of them to be suitable for your outdoor adventures.

Best Backpacking Headlamps – Quick Chart

How To Choose A Backpacking Headlamp

Types Of Lights Used For Backpacking

Flashlight

Flashlights are small handheld devices used to illuminate the front area of the user. Flashlights are not very powerful with lots of options to choose from. Flashlights shine brighter than ever and they can even blind people by directly shining the beam on their head.

Lantern

Lanterns provide a 360 degree light. Lanterns illuminate the area around it which makes it ideal for a campground or campsite. Lanterns are often found on a table so that people can eat their foods or cook during the night.

Headlamp

Headlamps are mounted on the head of the user. This type of light is meant to illuminate the front area of the user. Headlamps will often have the bulb in front of the head with a cord that attaches to the back of the head where the battery container is located.

Reasons To Choose Headlamps Over Flashlights And Lanterns

Hand’s Free

Headlamps are frees up the user’s hands by being mounted on the top of the head. This allows users to be able to hold hiking sticks, maps, and so on while in a hiking or backpacking trip. A flashlight and lantern will often require an arm or hand to hold the item which can be troublesome while hiking in the dark.

Beam Direction

The beam direction will always going to be in the front of the head. So the path that people are walking on is always illuminated by using a headlamp. The beam of flashlights will often wiggle up and down because the arm or hand will keep moving while the person walks. With a headlamp, the light is often in a fixed position.

Beam Distance

The beam distance of a headlamp is often enough to illuminate the trail or footpath in front of the user. This can allow the user to save battery life by using the lowest setting available.

Less Risk Of Breaking Due To Falls

Since the headlamp is mounted on top of a person’s head, it has less of a chance that it will break. If the hiker trips and falls, the flashlight has a big chance of getting broken or thrown away because the user will instinctively use their hands to prevent injuries happening on their bodies.

Multi-Purpose

Headlamps are multipurpose items that can be used at home, work and can be used for backpacking purposes. I often use them for barbecue. It is nice to barbecue at night. Headlamps are very useful to have.

Beam Type Of Your Headlamp

Strobe Or Flashing

Strobe or flashing lights are often used for emergencies. This type of light is very hard to ignore and it can tell others your location even if they are very far away. This is a great option for emergencies and survival situations.

Flood

Flood is a wide angle beam that allows the headlamp to illuminate a wide area. This is a great beam type if you are hiking at night as you can illuminate a big portion of the footpath in front of you while also conserving battery charges.

Focus

Focus beam types are used to illuminate an object that is very far away from the user. Focus beams often uses the highest setting and will require a lot of battery power. Focus is often not used in hiking or backpacking as this setting drains the battery in a very fast way.

Red Light

Red light is a great option or beam type as this light does not attract bugs or insects like white light. This type of light does not use a lot of battery power as well. This is great for emergency situations and for photography as well. Flashing red light can be seen from a distance a lot easier than flashing white light.

Main Characteristics And Features To Consider

Here are the main characteristics that I often want whenever I want a headlamp for hiking purposes.

Lumens

The lumen of the headlamp matters also. I like my lumen as high as possible. I want my headlamp to be a portable sun shining bright light into the darkness. I am very enthusiastic about headlamps, flashlights, and lanterns. I like them to be as bright as possible. In reality, you don’t really need a high powered headlamp. Just something that can illuminate the front of you is sufficient or adequate enough.

Waterproof / Water Resistance

Since headlamps are going to be used for outdoor purposes, they should be water resistant or waterproof. Whenever it rains in the outdoors, your head is going to get wet especially if you do not have a hat or hood to cover your head. If the headlamp is not water resistant, it will die or get destroyed by the water.

Battery Life

Battery life is something you need to check also. You may end up hiking in the dark for 4 hours and the battery life only lasts for 2 hours. I always forget to check this but it is important that you do check it. I am always impressed with lumens that I tend to forget this. But this is something important that you need to check also.

USB Rechargeable

Since most of us use a car to get to a trailhead, it is best that the headlamp can be recharged using a USB. Cars these days allow us to charge multiple devices using a USB port.

Weight

The weight of the headlamp matters. We have to think about the battery weight as well. Most companies do not include the battery weight. You may get surprised that your lantern is so heavy after putting some D or AAA batteries to power it up. So always check the weight. Weight is a very big factor when it comes to backpacking.

Dimensions

Different headlamps will have different designs. It is best to check the dimensions to make sure that they will feel comfortable on the head. A headlamp that is too big can be really annoying on the head while hiking.

Options

The options that come with the headlamp is also very important. If it can lower the lumen, have flood lights, options for fog, and so on. You don’t really need the highest lumen nor the brightest possible setting. In fact, most people get annoyed whenever I put on the brightest setting. It has something to do with them getting temporary blindness and getting disoriented. They are just a bunch whiny babies hahaha. I am just kidding. Anyway, a good headlamp should have options and different settings to suit your needs.

Price

You need to check the price also. There are a lot of counterfeits and copycat items out there. Some are advertising very high lumen flashlights that are really not that high lumen at all. Some are worth $10 that do not work at all. So check the price often. If it is too good to be true, it maybe is.

Additional Characteristics And Features To Consider

Durability / Impact Resistance

Since you are going to use the headlamps for outdoor purposes, there will always be a chance that it will fall or hit a hard object. It is best that the container or casing of the headlamp to be very durable so that it can handle accidents and mishaps while you are backpacking or in camping trip.

Bulb Type

LED bulbs are now the preferred bulb type. LED bulbs are very bright and they last for a significant amount of time before needing to be replaced. Most people will only need one headlamp for 5 or more years. Well, it depends on how much they use the item also.

Modes

It is often a good idea to have modes or being able to switch from very bright to very low setting. Flood lights and focused beam type modes are very good and useful also.

Power Source Of Your Headlamp

AA or AAA

These batteries can be rechargeable or disposable. These batteries are very popular. However, they do not provide a lot of power to the LED bulbs. If you want a very bright and powerful light, these batteries will not be able to give you that kind of light.

18650 batteries

These batteries are often rechargeable. These batteries are the preferred batteries to be used for headlamps because these batteries provide a lot of power and people do not have to replace them for a very long time.

CR123A batteries

These batteries often cannot be recharged. These batteries are often a onetime use only battery. Once the battery charge is gone, you have to throw away the battery. These batteries provide a lot of power to the headlamp and can make the light very bright or powerful as well.

Best Backpacking Headlamps

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Affordable Headlamps

Here are some very affordable headlamps to choose from.

1. GearLight LED Head Lamp

Technical Specs
Weight: 3 oz
Lumen: 200
Battery Type: 3 AAA batteries
Dimensions: 6.5 x 2.75 x 2.25 inches
Feature Summary: Premium head lights are designed with a 45 degree adjustable head, water resistant and shockproof, the S500 headlamp flashlight is suitable for rain or snow, generate a brilliant, long-lasting beam with daylight color and definition

Short Review: This backpacking headlamp is amazing and I know you will like this when you try it. This comes with removable, washable, and adjustable headband on this LED headlamp comfortably fits adults and children alike. This is designed with a 45 degree adjustable head to direct light exactly where you need it. This is very affordable which is amazing. I love that the company made this item very light so that we can carry more items. A very useful item for the outdoors that can allow you to navigate at night. I really like that this is easy to use. Just press a button and this is good to go. One of the best headlamps that you can get right now.

2. EverBrite 5-Pack LED Headlamp

Technical Specs
Weight: 3 oz
Lumen: 150
Battery Type: 3 x AAA
Dimensions:
Feature Summary: Rotate the head from 0 to 90 degrees, design is ergonomic and built with high-end materials to make it durable and able to withstand harsh conditions, can be used at home, in garage or in case of emergency like sudden power outage, hurricane

Short Review: This exceptional camping headlamp will fulfill your needs. This is designed to be ergonomic and built with high-end materials to make it durable and able to withstand harsh conditions. Can be used at home, in garage or in case of emergency like sudden power outage, hurricane. This little gem is exceptionally enticing, and it is incredibly inexpensive also. If you want something that can illuminate the trail and path during the night then you should get this headlamp. It is magnificent as well as resilient. Walking at night in the woods can be easier if you have a good item like this. The item is very light and very durable as well.

3. PETZL, TIKKINA Outdoor Headlamp

Technical Specs
Weight: 4 Ounces
Lumen: 250
Battery Type: AAA batteries or CORE rechargeable battery
Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 2 inches
Feature Summary: Close range light is ideal for activities like a sunrise hike or camping with the family, longest burn time at 220 hours, compatible with the CORE rechargeable battery

Short Review: This headlamp for backpacking is among the best that I have ever tried. This features 250 Lumens and has three white lighting levels: proximity, movement and distance. This can run on CORE rechargeable battery or three AAA batteries without an adapter. Amazing headlamp that is just as good for reading in your tent as it is for getting around the campsite or hiking. This is one of the best items that works well and can illuminate the trail during the night. Amazing design that saves space which makes this ideal for the outdoors. This is a pretty good item for hiking and this makes hiking during the night a lot easier.

4. ENERGIZER LED Headlamp

Technical Specs
Weight: 3.53 Ounces
Lumen: 260
Battery Type: 3 AAA batteries
Dimensions: 4.29 x 2.36 x 1.93 inches
Feature Summary: 250 lumens with state-of-the-art LED technology, 4 light modes: spot light, flood light, spot and flood light combined, adjustable, washable band and includes a pivoting headlight, red light for night vision

Short Review: This camping headlamp is extremely affordable and it works well also. This has a powerful beam reaches up to 50 meters and puts out up to 200 lumens with state-of-the-art LED technology. People can switch easily between 4 light modes: high, low, spot, and flood. Amazing and durable headlamp that resists damage from drops up to 1 meter high, for worry-free use, whether you’re hiking, biking, or working around the garage. This is an amazing company that creates very good headlamps for the outdoors. This item is amazing and long lasting that its no wonder that this has a whole lot of positive consumer reviews. This is exceptionally easy to use and can illuminate the trail during the night.

5. Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight

Technical Specs
Weight: 3.2 oz
Lumen: 165
Battery Type: 3 AAA batteries
Dimensions: 1.6 x 2 x 1.6 inches
Feature Summary: Super bright cree-3w led technology, waterproof and durable, MX20 is built to last. It is rated to IPX5,  adjustable, ergonomically designed elastic headband

Short Review: This headlamp is awesome that I am loving making use of it. This is rated to IPX5, which means it is protected against splashing or spraying water from any angle. This comes with easily adjustable, ergonomically designed elastic headband makes this light perfect for long distance runners looking for a comfortable fit. I have discovered this item to meet my needs and have so far found no troubles with it. The design is very innovative and this works well. This saves a lot of space and the weight is very light. This is pretty inexpensive and it is well made.

Mid Range Headlamps

Here are some headlamps that are pretty much in the middle when it comes to price. These headlamps are very powerful as well while having a pretty reasonable price tag.

6. Fenix HL60R 950 Lumens Headlamp

Technical Specs
Weight: 4.2 oz
Lumen: 950
Battery Type: One rechargeable battery or two CR123A batteries
Dimensions: 3.4 x 2 x 1.8 inches
Feature Summary: light can stay in Turbo mode for nearly an hour and in Eco mode for over 100 hours,  neutral white LED bulb means superior definition and penetration in high-humidity environments, all-metal housing and ANSI rated

Short Review: If you’re looking for an astonishing backpacking headlamp then you need to think about this. This comes with five brightness levels plus red light alert mode with a maximum of 950 lumen output that is very bright and reaches over 127 yards. This has exceeded my expectations and it is one of the best that I have found online. Easy to use with single side button allows for easy on/off operation. Lightweight items like this one is great for backpackers. A very versatile item that gives lots of usefulness for hiking. The positive consumer reviews that this item has are fantastic.

7. Nitecore HC60 1200 Lumen USB Rechargeable LED Headlamp

Technical Specs
Weight: 3.47 oz
Lumen: 1000
Battery Type: 1x 18650 or 2x CR123A
Dimensions: ‎9.1 x 4.7 x 2.2 inches
Feature Summary: Remarkably wide 100° beam angle for more even illumination, easy-to-use single switch interface allows for easy one-hand operation, memory function saves last used brightness level

Short Review: I am happy to recommend this headlamp for backpacking simply because this is superb. This has a maximum of 1200 lumen output reaches up to 142 yards. Its 100° flood beam covers your entire field of vision. People can fast charge the headlamp via its built-in USB-C charging port and this includes a 3400mAh high capacity battery. There are plenty of people that like this high quality item and a good amount of people are incredibly pleased with this as well. This item is excellent and long lasting this is why this has lots of positive consumer feedback. This is very compact and should not take a lot of space in the backpack. This is a very versatile item to have for the outdoors.

8. Coast XPH30R 1000 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable Dual Power Headlamp

Technical Specs
Weight: 11.3 ounces
Lumen: 1000
Battery Type: Rechargeable Pack & 2 x CR123
Dimensions: 7.24 x 2.91 x 2.48 inches
Feature Summary: Pack two powerful beams into one and seamlessly twist focus system, patented focusing technology adapts to your need, headlamp body also easily detaches from the head

Short Review: I am suggesting this camping headlamp mainly because I am positive you will really like it. This is very bright. At the highest setting, very very bright. Blinds people for a short time rather easily. This features features standard light modes and also coast’s signature turbo mode for 1000 lumens of light for critical situations. This comes with ported zithion-x rechargeable battery and is also compatible with cr123 battery types. I love that this is very compact which makes it ideal for the outdoors. A very useful item for the backpacking and hiking. Very durable and very bright.

9. ThruNite TH30 Rechargeable Headlamp

Technical Specs
Weight: 8.8 ounces
Lumen: 3350
Battery Type: Rechargeable 3100MAH 18650 IMR battery
Dimensions: 4.21 x 1.12 x 0.94 inches
Feature Summary: Settings include full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, red night-vision and lock mode, brightness Memory allows you to turn the light on and off at a chosen brightness without reverting back to full power

Short Review: I have used and analyzed this outdoor headlamp. This item has an affordable price and can illuminate the trail and path during the night. This features 3350 lumens and max beam distance of 155 meters, illuminate a large area like the daytime, match your ambition in the dark. This comes with micro USB charging port and a high power capacity rechargeable IMR battery. This is a high quality item with an incredibly good price tag. I love that this saves a lot of space because I can easily find room for it in my backpack. A great item to have if you love hiking and this works well.

10. PETZL, ACTIK CORE Headlamp

Technical Specs
Weight: 2.65 oz
Lumen: 450
Battery Type: CORE battery or 3 AAA
Dimensions:
Feature Summary: multi-beam design, 3 brightness levels and a red light mode, this headlamp provides the right light for any situation, single-button design is intuitive and easy to operate, equipped with a detachable, washable headband

Short Review: You must check out this headlamp for backpacking due to the fact it may well be the item that you are looking for. This provides high-performance lighting in dynamic outdoor activities. This runs on either the CORE rechargeable battery or three AAA/LR03 batteries without an adapter. Coast is an amazing company that creates lots of headlamps and flashlights . I see this a lot with people who love to go hiking and backpacking since this is pretty good. If you look at this very closely, you will see clearly that this is an extremely sturdy item. Very bright and very light.

Very Powerful And Somewhat Expensive Headlamps

These headlamps are a little bit pricey but they are very powerful while offering a lot options, beam types and features.

11. Fenix HP25R V2.0 CREE LED Headlamp

Technical Specs
Weight: 8.4 oz
Lumen: 1600
Battery Type: 5000mAh Li-ion battery
Dimensions:  2.35″ x 1.85″ x 1.3″
Feature Summary: Amazing company specializes in lots of items, 1600 lumen maximum output with versatile spotlight and floodlight combination and 4 brightness levels, cool white for high brightness, neutral white for wide angle visibility

Short Review: You will need to check this out backpacking headlamp before this is sold out. This is constructed out of durable materials and rated at IP66 waterproof, this headlamp can tolerate any harsh outdoor environments. Comes with built-in charging port. Includes a 5000mAh high capacity battery. Runs up to 400 hours on the lowest mode. This emits up to 1600 lumen spotlight reaching 317 yards. This item has a great deal of positive customer reviews which should help men and women understand what they are going to acquire. The design is extremely straightforward but the item has a great deal of capabilities. Lightweight items like this one allow us to carry more items in our backpacking trip. Versatile item that is very bright and can illuminate the trails rather easily.

 

12. Ledlenser, H19R Core Rechargeable Headlamp

Technical Specs
Weight: 13.2 ounces
Lumen: 3500
Battery Type: 2 Lithium ion batteries
Dimensions: 3.35 x 5.71 x 4.72 inches
Feature Summary: Lights up any situation with ease, true multipurpose headlamp ready for any challenge, Fusion Beam technology allows you to individually adjust flood and spot lighting

Short Review: I recommend at least looking at this headlamp for the outdoors simply because this could possibly be the one that you need. This is equipped with 2 powerful lenses and an impressive 3500 lumens, this headlamp lights up any situation with ease. Comes with a removable, rechargeable battery with a magnetic charging cable. This is extremely effective, and I am exceptionally satisfied. This company is a great company that creates lots of amazing light related items like lanterns, headlamps and flashlights. The space saving design is great for the outdoors. This hiking item is good to have and this works well also.

 

13. Acebeam H30 Headlamp

Technical Specs
Weight: 0.5 lbs
Lumen: 4000
Battery Type: 21700 battery
Dimensions: 8.94 x 4.45 x 2.13 inches
Feature Summary:  Designed the lightweight adjustable strap,  high quality material-Reflective headband design with sweat channels, all Aluminum alloy shell, more durable, IPX8 water-resistant material

Short Review: You simply will not go wrong when you purchase this headlamp for the outdoors. This is super bright 4000 Lumens 7 modes adjustable Led headlamp. This is equipped with 3 high speed charging USB -C port 3 times faster as the normal. This is constructed with high quality material-reflective headband design with sweat channels. This awesome item is one of the best that can be acquired at this time and you will be shocked at how impressive this is. This is very bright as well. Great for lighting up the path when we are backpacking at night. A very good item to have if you love to hike which is why I highly recommend this.

 

14. PETZL – NAO+ Headlamp

Technical Specs
Weight: 0.41 lbs
Lumen: 750
Battery Type: AAA, E362002B
Dimensions:
Feature Summary: Comfortable, adjustable headband, povides up to 750 lumens and shines up to 140m, senses light levels and automatically adjusts the brightness

Short Review: This headlamp sticks out over a great deal of other similar items because this is very well made. This features up to 750 lumens of light and shines up to 140 m. This  features reactive lighting technology that automatically adjusts the brightness so you don’t have to. This is rechargeable, easy to use with gloves and features a comfortable headband with an additional strap for technical activities. There are a lot of people who love the simplicity and design of this headlamp. The company who manufactured this item continues to create high quality items such as this one. This is very lightweight which allows us to carry more items like accessories or emergency supplies. Amazing headlamp that is very powerful.

 

15. NITECORE HC35 Headlamp

Technical Specs
Weight: 15 oz
Lumen: 2700
Battery Type: 1 Lithium ion battery
Dimensions: 11.54 x 10.13 x 2.36 inches
Feature Summary: capable of 2700 lumens at over 146 yards,  quick detach bracket, used as a handheld flashlight or work light with a magnetic tail cap and pocket clip

Short Review: This is definitely one of the best headlamps for backpacking that you can get. This is capable of 2700 lumens at over 146 yards of throw that freely rotate the light on the headband mount for directional illumination. Comes with a  quick detach bracket allows the HC35 to be used as a handheld flashlight or work-light with a magnetic tailcap and pocket clip. Lightweight items like this one are great for outdoor and backpacking purposes. The usefulness this brings is amazing. This brightens up the trail rather easily if you find yourself hiking at night. This is extremely durable. It is easy to tell simply because this is made of high quality materials.