To turn on a headlamp, locate the power button on the headlamp itself. The power button is usually found on the front or side of the lamp. Press and hold the power button for a few seconds until the headlamp turns on.
To turn off the headlamp, press and hold the power button again until it switches off. Make sure to hold the button long enough to completely turn off the headlamp. Some headlamps may have different settings, so familiarize yourself with the instructions specific to your headlamp model if you need to adjust brightness or switch between different modes.
Best Headlamps of 2024
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
PETZL, Swift RL Rechargeable Headlamp with 900 Lumens & Automatic Brightness Adjustment, Black
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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
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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
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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
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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
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Petzl BINDI Headlamp - Ultra-Compact Rechargeable 200 Lumen Headlamp Designed for Everyday Athletic Activities - Orange
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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.
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RECHARGEABLE: Lithium-Ion 680 mAh battery is rechargeable via micro USB port, with charge indicator.
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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.
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LIGHT FOR ANY ACTIVITY: Three lighting modes: proximity, movement and distance. Red lighting option preserves night vision.
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LOCK FUNCTION: Prevents headlamp from accidentally turning on and draining the battery when not in use.
3
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
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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.
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TRIPLE OUTPUT VERSATILITY - A combined spotlight and floodlight mode, and dual auxiliary red LEDs for variety usage scenarios.
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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.
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TOUGH OUTDOOR HEADLAMP – Rated IP66 water resistant, bold new aerodynamic unibody design of polycarbonate for excellent heat dissipation.
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
PETZL Tikka Headlamp - Compact 350 Lumen Light with Red Lighting, for Hiking, Climbing, Running, and Camping - Grey
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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.
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HYBRID CONCEPT: Petzl headlamps can run on either the CORE rechargeable battery or three AAA batteries without an adapter.
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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.
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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.
5
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)
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
6
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)
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One (1) Energizer High Lumen Hybrid LED Headlamp with two (2) CR123 batteries
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Hybrid design can be powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries or CR123 batteries
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Great rechargeable light for handheld and hands-free use for work tasks
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Powerful beam casts 400 lumens on High and 1000 lumens on Turbo
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Detaches from base for use as a handheld LED light
7
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
8
![EVEREADY LED Headlamps Pro200 [5-Pack], IPX4 Water Resistant, Bright and Durable Head Lights for Camping, Hiking, Emergency Power Outage (Batteries Included)](https://blogweb-static.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/d7c1b18a-4f7a-44c9-8ac5-1b45600ea4ae/rating/51jkvdl1jml-sl160.jpg)
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)
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🟩 5-PACK VALUE: Includes 5 bright and durable headlamps, reliable quality at an economical price.
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🟩 EAST-TO-USE: Convenient power button placement allows easy cycling through High and Low mode.
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🟩 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)
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🟩 RELIABLE POWER: Operating on 3 AAA batteries per headlamp (INCLUDED), these headlamps give you efficient, long-lasting visibility.
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🟩 DURABILITY: Featuring a shatterproof lens and an IPX4 Water Resistant rating, these headlamps can handle just about anything you throw at them.
9
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
10
Rating is 4.1 out of 5
BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400-R Headlamp, Graphite
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Rechargeable: Powered with integrated 1500 mAh Li-ion battery with micro-USB charge port
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Red night vision has dimming and strobe modes and activates without cycling through the white mode
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400 Lumen max output
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Recycled elastic headband featuring comfortable next to skin Repreve fiber construction
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IP67: Waterproof-Tested to operate at least 1.0 meters underwater for 30 minutes
11
Rating is 4 out of 5
BLACK DIAMOND Storm 500-R Headlamp, Black
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Settings include full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, red, green and blue night-vision, and lock mode
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Brightness Memory allows you to turn the light on and off at a chosen brightness without reverting back to default setting
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PowerTap Technology allows instant transitioning between full and dimmed power
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Recycled elastic headband featuring comfortable next to skin Repreve fiber construction
12
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
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Compact and powerful headlamp, ideal for hunting and fishing. White or red lighting to preserve night vision and ensure stealth. 350 lumens
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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
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VERSATILE BATTERY: Thanks to the HYBRID CONCEPT design, TACTIKKA + is compatible with 3 AAA batteries (included) and our CORE rechargeable battery (sold separately)
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EASY TO USE & CLEAN: Switch between light modes and colors with one button; Features a detachable headband that you can wash between adventures
What types of headlamps are available?
There are several types of headlamps available, including:
- Traditional Incandescent: These headlamps use a filament that is heated to produce light. They are inexpensive but have a shorter lifespan and lower brightness compared to other types.
- Halogen: Halogen headlamps are an improved version of incandescent lamps. They use a halogen gas mixture in the bulb, which increases their lifespan and provides a whiter light output.
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID): HID headlamps use a high-voltage electrical discharge to create a bright, blue-white light. They produce more illumination than halogen lamps and are often found in high-end or luxury vehicles.
- Light-Emitting Diode (LED): LED headlamps use light-emitting diodes to produce a bright, efficient, and long-lasting light. They are the most energy-efficient option and are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability and versatility.
- Laser: Laser headlamps are a relatively new technology that uses laser diodes to create an intense and highly focused beam of light. They offer exceptional visibility, but currently, they are mostly found in high-end luxury vehicles.
- Adaptive: Adaptive headlamps use sensors and actuators to automatically adjust the direction and intensity of the light beam based on factors such as vehicle speed, steering input, and surrounding conditions. They enhance visibility during cornering, in varying weather conditions, and when approaching other vehicles.
What features should I consider when buying a headlamp?
When buying a headlamp, consider the following features:
- Brightness: Look for lumens, which indicate the light output. Higher lumens provide brighter light, but consider your specific needs and activities.
- Beam distance: This measures how far the light can reach. Depending on your use case, choose a headlamp with an appropriate beam distance.
- Beam type: Select between floodlights (wide and diffused beam) or spotlights (focused and long-range beam) based on your intended use.
- Light modes: Headlamps may offer different light modes such as high, low, strobe, red light, or SOS mode. Consider the modes you'll frequently require.
- Battery life: Check the runtime of the headlamp on different modes and opt for longer-lasting batteries, whether they are rechargeable or disposable.
- Comfort and weight: Ensure the headlamp is lightweight and comfortable to wear, especially if you plan to use it for extended periods.
- Adjustable strap and tilt: Look for a headlamp with easily adjustable straps that fit securely and a tilt mechanism to adjust the direction of the light beam.
- Water resistance: Consider the IPX rating (Ingress Protection) to ensure the headlamp is water-resistant and suitable for your outdoor activities.
- Durability: Look for a headlamp that can withstand rough conditions, impact, and extreme temperatures if you require it for demanding activities.
- Additional features: Some headlamps may offer features like a lock mode, battery level indicator, rechargeable USB port, or compatibility with accessories like helmet mounts.
Consider your specific needs and activities to select a headlamp that best suits your requirements.
How to fix a broken headlamp strap?
To fix a broken headlamp strap, you can follow these steps:
- Gather the necessary materials: You will need a replacement strap, a sewing kit, or a strong adhesive like fabric glue.
- Assess the damage: Determine the extent of the damage. If the strap is simply detached from the headlamp, proceed to the next step. If the strap is damaged or torn, you may need to replace it entirely.
- Detach the broken strap: If the strap is still attached to the headlamp, carefully remove it. You may need to use a small screwdriver or pliers to detach any fasteners.
- Prepare the replacement strap: If you have a replacement strap, measure and cut it to the appropriate length. Make sure it is long enough to fit comfortably around your head.
- Reattach the strap: Determine the best method to reattach the strap based on the type of headlamp. If there are existing fasteners, thread the strap through and secure it. If there are no fasteners, you can use a sewing kit to stitch the strap to the headlamp or a strong adhesive like fabric glue to bond them together.
- Allow time for the repair: If you are sewing or gluing the strap, allow sufficient time for the adhesive to dry or the stitches to set before using the headlamp.
- Test the repair: Once the strap is securely attached, test the headlamp to make sure it is working properly. Adjust the strap to ensure a comfortable fit.
If the headlamp strap is beyond repair, you may need to purchase a new headlamp or find a compatible replacement strap.
How to turn on a headlamp?
To turn on a headlamp, follow these steps:
- Locate the power button or switch on the headlamp. It is usually located on the front of the lamp unit or on the side.
- Depending on the type of headlamp, the power button may be a simple push button, a toggle switch, or a twist dial.
- Press the power button or switch to turn on the headlamp. If it is a push button, press and release it once. If it is a toggle switch, flip it to the "on" position. If it is a twist dial, rotate it in a clockwise direction until it clicks on.
- Once turned on, the headlamp should emit a beam of light from the front. Adjust the angle or direction of the light to suit your needs.
- To turn off the headlamp, repeat the process by pressing the power button or switch again. If it is a twist dial, rotate it in an anti-clockwise direction until it clicks off.
- Some headlamps may have additional modes or settings such as low, medium, or high beams, or a strobe mode. Refer to the headlamp's user manual for instructions on how to access these settings if needed.
