To change the batteries in a headlamp, you will need to follow these steps:
- Locate the battery compartment on your headlamp. This is usually found on the back or side of the headlamp casing.
- Open the battery compartment by sliding it off, pulling it open, or removing the screw that secures it, depending on the design of your headlamp.
- Take note of the orientation of the existing batteries to ensure you insert the new ones correctly.
- Remove the old batteries from the headlamp by gently sliding them out or lifting them out, depending on how they are held in place.
- Dispose of the old batteries properly according to local regulations.
- Take your fresh batteries and insert them into the battery compartment, matching the correct polarity as indicated by the markings inside the compartment.
- Ensure the batteries are securely placed and positioned correctly to avoid loose connections or malfunctions.
- Close the battery compartment by sliding it back into place, snapping it shut, or reattaching the screw, depending on the type of closure used.
- Give the headlamp a quick test to ensure that the batteries are properly installed and the headlamp is functioning correctly.
- If the headlamp does not turn on, double-check the battery orientation and ensure they are securely fitted.
- Enjoy using your headlamp with fresh batteries, and remember to replace them when they run out to maintain optimal performance.
Best Headlamps of 2024
Rating is 5 out of 5
PETZL, Swift RL Rechargeable Headlamp with 900 Lumens & Automatic Brightness Adjustment, Black
- GREAT FOR TRAIL RUNNING & SKIING: Designed with a 2-part headband that provides excellent stability for dynamic and intense activities; Ideal for trail running, skiing, mountaineering and more
- AUTOMATIC BRIGHTNESS: Features REACTIVE LIGHTING technology that senses light levels and automatically adjusts the brightness for you; Optimizes burn time, battery usage and visual comfort
- POWERFUL & LIGHTWEIGHT: Swift RL offers 900 lumens in just 100g, making it one of Petzl’s most powerful compact headlamps; Provides up to 100 hours of battery life and up to 150 m of distance
- EASY TO USE: Press a single button to turn it on/off, switch light modes, change brightness and lock when not in use; Features a battery charge indicator and a reflective headband
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Petzl BINDI Headlamp - Ultra-Compact Rechargeable 200 Lumen Headlamp Designed for Everyday Athletic Activities - Orange
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: With Petzl's 50:50 Brightness-to-Burn-Time ratio, your Petzl headlamp will retain 50% of its original brightness halfway through the Burn-Time, rather than the 20-30% brightness you get in other brands.
- RECHARGEABLE: Lithium-Ion 680 mAh battery is rechargeable via micro USB port, with charge indicator.
- FULL TILT: Petzl headlamps can be tilted up or down — allowing users to illuminate their surroundings while wearing the headlamp on their head or neck.
- LIGHT FOR ANY ACTIVITY: Three lighting modes: proximity, movement and distance. Red lighting option preserves night vision.
- LOCK FUNCTION: Prevents headlamp from accidentally turning on and draining the battery when not in use.
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Nitecore NU25 400 USB-C Rechargeable Headlamp, Lightweight, Dual Beam, with Red Lighting for Hiking, Climbing, and Camping, with Lumentac Organizer
- BRIGHT LIGHTWEIGHT HEADLAMP- Less than 2oz with headband included, the NU25-400 headlamp is capable of a 400 lumen max, perfect for backpacking, biking, jogging and trekking.
- TRIPLE OUTPUT VERSATILITY - A combined spotlight and floodlight mode, and dual auxiliary red LEDs for variety usage scenarios.
- USB-C RECHARGEABLE - The headlamp is great for travel and daily use. It can be easily be charged on-the-go using a USB-c charging cable connected to any USB power source or use the Adapter for other power source.
- TOUGH OUTDOOR HEADLAMP – Rated IP66 water resistant, bold new aerodynamic unibody design of polycarbonate for excellent heat dissipation.
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
PETZL Tikka Headlamp - Compact 350 Lumen Light with Red Lighting, for Hiking, Climbing, Running, and Camping - Grey
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: With Petzl's 50:50 Brightness-to-Burn-Time ratio, your Petzl headlamp will retain 50% of its original brightness halfway through the Burn-Time, rather than the 20-30% brightness you get in other brands.
- HYBRID CONCEPT: Petzl headlamps can run on either the CORE rechargeable battery or three AAA batteries without an adapter.
- FULL TILT: Petzl headlamps can be tilted up or down — allowing users to illuminate their surroundings while wearing the headlamp on their head or neck.
- EASE OF USE: Battery indicator shows the battery level each time lamp is turned on or off. Glow-in-the-dark reflector for locating the lamp in the dark. Rechargeable via micro USB port when using with CORE battery.
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Energizer LED Headlamp Pro360, Rugged IPX4 Water Resistant Head Light, Ultra Bright Headlamps for Running, Camping, Outdoor, Storm Power Outage (Batteries Included)
- [SUPER BRIGHT LED]: Illuminates up to 85 meters with a 360-lumen beam of LED light in high mode - This head lamp can light up the room, or the campsite, with ease.
- [MAXIMUM DURABILITY]: Features a durable construction that withstands 1-meter drop test, a shatterproof lens, and a water-resistant IPX4 rated body - making this head light the perfect rugged companion both indoors and outdoors.
- [7 VERSATILE MODES]: Provides 7 light modes: high, low, wide, wide low, red, flashing red, and green. With versatile modes, you'll have optimal lighting for just about any situation.
- [LONG RUN TIME]: Long-lasting and effective with up to 50 hours of LED light in low mode. So you have the reliable power and light you need. The perfect back-up light in case of power outages.
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Energizer LED Headlamp Rechargeable X1000, Ultra Bright IPX4 Water Resistant Head Light, 1000 Lumen Turbo Mode, Headlamp for Outdoors, Power Outage Emergency, (USB Cable Included)
- One (1) Energizer High Lumen Hybrid LED Headlamp with two (2) CR123 batteries
- Hybrid design can be powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries or CR123 batteries
- Great rechargeable light for handheld and hands-free use for work tasks
- Powerful beam casts 400 lumens on High and 1000 lumens on Turbo
- Detaches from base for use as a handheld LED light
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
PETZL ACTIK CORE Headlamp - Rechargeable, Compact 450 Lumen Light with Red Lighting for Hiking, Climbing, and Camping - Black
- LIGHT FOR ANY ACTIVITY: With 450 lumens, two beam patterns (flood or mixed), and several white brightness levels; the ACTIK CORE provides high-performance lighting in dynamic outdoor activities. Lighting can adapt to proximity, distance, or rapid movement. Red lighting preserves night vision and prevents members of a group from blinding each other.
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: With Petzl's 50:50 Brightness-to-Burn-Time ratio, your Petzl headlamp will retain 50% of its original brightness halfway through the Burn-Time, rather than the 20-30% brightness you get in other brands.
- HYBRID CONCEPT: The Petzl ACTIK CORE comes with a rechargeable CORE battery. Like other Petzl Headlamps it can run on either the CORE rechargeable battery or three AAA/LR03 batteries without an adapter.
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
EVEREADY LED Headlamps Pro200 [5-Pack], IPX4 Water Resistant, Bright and Durable Head Lights for Camping, Hiking, Emergency Power Outage (Batteries Included)
- 🟩 5-PACK VALUE: Includes 5 bright and durable headlamps, reliable quality at an economical price.
- 🟩 EAST-TO-USE: Convenient power button placement allows easy cycling through High and Low mode.
- 🟩 BRIGHT LED: Powerful, bright white LEDs and 2 settings give you control of light intensity, to provide all-around visibility for indoor tasks, outdoor activities (camping, fishing, hiking, running, walking the dog)
- 🟩 RELIABLE POWER: Operating on 3 AAA batteries per headlamp (INCLUDED), these headlamps give you efficient, long-lasting visibility.
- 🟩 DURABILITY: Featuring a shatterproof lens and an IPX4 Water Resistant rating, these headlamps can handle just about anything you throw at them.
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
Headlamp Rechargeable 2PCS, 230° Wide Beam Head Lamp LED with Motion Sensor for Adults - Camping Accessories Gear, Waterproof Head Light Flashlight for Hiking, Running, Repairing, Fishing, Cycling
- 230° WIDE BEAM HEADLIGHT & SPOTLIGHT - The new 230° wide beam headlight allows you to illuminate the viewing area without moving your head. Unlike traditional headlights, it has a better view, and you can also use its spotlight to focus on specific areas.
- MOTION SENSOR MODE - LED Headlamp Camping Accessories is equipped with the latest intelligent sensors. Even if wearing gloves, as long as the distance from the device is within 10 cm, you can quickly switch the ON/OFF by waving your hand in motion mode.
- 6 LIGHT MODES - press the power button to cycle through, COB light high, COB light low, XPE high, XPE low, Strobe Mode, Motion Sensor, long press the On/Off Button to transform the strobe mode, then the XPE and COB light will flash at the same time.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMFORTABLE - The Rechargeable headlamp is composed of soft silicone and an adjustable elastic headband, suitable for adults or children. The product weighs only 2.47oz. Small size design can be folded and easily put into the pocket.
Rating is 4.1 out of 5
BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400-R Headlamp, Graphite
- Rechargeable: Powered with integrated 1500 mAh Li-ion battery with micro-USB charge port
- Red night vision has dimming and strobe modes and activates without cycling through the white mode
- 400 Lumen max output
- Recycled elastic headband featuring comfortable next to skin Repreve fiber construction
- IP67: Waterproof-Tested to operate at least 1.0 meters underwater for 30 minutes
Rating is 4 out of 5
BLACK DIAMOND Storm 500-R Headlamp, Black
- Settings include full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, red, green and blue night-vision, and lock mode
- Brightness Memory allows you to turn the light on and off at a chosen brightness without reverting back to default setting
- PowerTap Technology allows instant transitioning between full and dimmed power
- Recycled elastic headband featuring comfortable next to skin Repreve fiber construction
Rating is 3.9 out of 5
Petzl TACTIKKA+ Headlamp - Compact and Powerful 350 Lumen Headlamp, for Hunting and Fishing With White or Red Lighting - Camo
- Compact and powerful headlamp, ideal for hunting and fishing. White or red lighting to preserve night vision and ensure stealth. 350 lumens
- MADE FOR FISHING & HUNTING: Features a red-light mode to preserve night vision and ensure stealth; Available in 3 colors designed to blend in with your environment
- VERSATILE BATTERY: Thanks to the HYBRID CONCEPT design, TACTIKKA + is compatible with 3 AAA batteries (included) and our CORE rechargeable battery (sold separately)
- EASY TO USE & CLEAN: Switch between light modes and colors with one button; Features a detachable headband that you can wash between adventures
How to replace the batteries in a waterproof headlamp?
Replacing the batteries in a waterproof headlamp is a relatively straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Start by turning off the headlamp and removing it from your head.
- Locate the battery compartment on the headlamp. This is usually located on the back or side of the headlamp and is covered by a panel or cap.
- Depending on the model, you may need to unscrew the compartment cover or press a release button to open it.
- Once the compartment is open, carefully remove the old batteries. Note the polarity of each battery (positive and negative ends).
- Dispose of the old batteries properly and make sure they are recycled if required in your area.
- Take the new batteries (make sure they are the correct type and size recommended by the manufacturer) and insert them into the battery compartment following the correct polarity.
- Close the battery compartment cover, ensuring it is sealed tightly to maintain the waterproof seal.
- Test the headlamp by turning it on to check that the new batteries are functioning properly.
- If the headlamp is not functioning after battery replacement, check for any loose connections or debris that might be obstructing the battery contacts.
- Once you have confirmed that the headlamp is working with the new batteries, you're ready to use it again.
Note: Always refer to your specific headlamp's user manual for detailed instructions on battery replacement as different headlamp models may have slight variations in their design.
How to clean the battery contacts in a headlamp?
To clean the battery contacts in a headlamp, follow these steps:
- Remove the batteries from the headlamp to prevent accidental activation or damage.
- Inspect the battery contacts for any signs of corrosion, dirt, or other debris. Corrosion appears as a white or greenish powder-like substance.
- If there is visible corrosion, use a small brush or cotton swab dipped in vinegar or lemon juice to lightly scrub the contacts. These mild acids can help dissolve the corrosion.
- If there is no corrosion, use a dry cloth or cotton swab to gently wipe the contacts to remove any dust or debris.
- Once the contacts are clean, use a dry cloth or paper towel to ensure they are completely dry before reinserting the batteries.
- If the battery contacts are severely corroded or damaged, it may be necessary to replace the headlamp or contact the manufacturer for repair options.
- Reinstall the batteries and test the headlamp to ensure it is functioning properly.
Remember to always handle batteries with care and dispose of them properly when they reach the end of their lifespan.
What is the expected brightness of a headlamp with fresh batteries?
The expected brightness of a headlamp with fresh batteries can vary depending on factors such as the type of headlamp, the specific batteries being used, and the settings or modes of the headlamp.
However, in general, most headlamps with fresh batteries should provide a bright and illuminating beam. The brightness is usually measured in lumens, which is a unit that indicates the total amount of visible light emitted by a source.
High-quality headlamps using fresh batteries can typically range from around 100 to 1000 lumens or even higher. For example, a common range for headlamps used in outdoor activities like hiking or camping might be between 200 to 500 lumens.
It is important to note that the brightness of a headlamp can often be adjustable, allowing the user to switch between different modes or levels of brightness to conserve battery life or tailor the illumination to their needs.
Always refer to the manufacturer's specifications or product manual for the specific headlamp you are using to determine the expected brightness with fresh batteries.