Best Headlamps for Hiking
Best Quickdraws for Climbers in 2018
November 28, 2018Best Headlamps for Hiking
Nothing can compare to the joy of outdoor exploration. However, you always need to be prepared with the right equipment. Any experienced mountaineer knows that finding the best headlamp for hiking is a must prior to hitting the trails.
We've rounded up the best-selling, customer-favorite, and backpacker-approved models for hiking safely. In our guide, we have ranked them based on their weight, lumens, and maximum visibility distance. Also, each headlamp will feature a brief description followed by its pros and cons.
Get the rundown on the top headlamps of the year below!
We've rounded up the best-selling, customer-favorite, and backpacker-approved models for hiking safely. In our guide, we have ranked them based on their weight, lumens, and maximum visibility distance. Also, each headlamp will feature a brief description followed by its pros and cons.
Get the rundown on the top headlamps of the year below!
Ledlenser MH10
5
The Ledlenser MH10 is arguably the best headlamp for hiking in terms of simplicity and strength. Ledlenser's model boasts 600 Lumens and can illuminate a large path in front of the wearer. The light is highly adjustable and customizable, as you have plenty of features that let you concentrate or diffuse the emitted light.
On the other hand, the battery looks a bit big and clunky and it offers only ten hours of life before you need to recharge it again. While it could be a drawback, the aspect makes the MH10 suitable for shorter hiking sessions. On top of that, the MG10 comes with a rear-facing light to illuminate the path of those walking behind you.
On the other hand, the battery looks a bit big and clunky and it offers only ten hours of life before you need to recharge it again. While it could be a drawback, the aspect makes the MH10 suitable for shorter hiking sessions. On top of that, the MG10 comes with a rear-facing light to illuminate the path of those walking behind you.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.2 x 5.5 x 3.6 in. / 15.7 x 14 x 9 cm
- Weight: 13.3 oz. / 0.3 kg
- Lumens: 600
- Maximum Distance: 262.4 ft. / 80 m
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Powerful light | Bulky |
| Additional illumination | |
| Beam focus options |
Black Diamond Spot (620634)
4
With 300 Lumens, the Black Diamond Spot is praised for being simple, efficient and reliable. First of all, it has an incredibly simplistic design, as it has all the features a headlamp needs and nothing else. As a result, the Spot appears sleeker and lighter than competitors.
However, it does not mean that the Spot's features are of inferior quality. Quite the contrary - the Spot features a brightness adjustment setting that makes it appropriate for any kind of activity. It is also waterproof, so you won’t have to worry that accidents will ruin it. The Black Diamond headlamp can lay soaking in water for thirty minutes before you will have to take it out to dry.
However, it does not mean that the Spot's features are of inferior quality. Quite the contrary - the Spot features a brightness adjustment setting that makes it appropriate for any kind of activity. It is also waterproof, so you won’t have to worry that accidents will ruin it. The Black Diamond headlamp can lay soaking in water for thirty minutes before you will have to take it out to dry.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 1 x 2.3 x 1.5 in. / 2.5 x 5.8 x 3.8 cm
- Weight: 3.1 oz. / 0.08 kg
- Lumens: 300
- Maximum Distance: 262.4 ft. / 80 m
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Minimalist design | Button sensitivity may decrease overtime |
| Brightness adjustment setting | |
| Additional red light for emergencies |
Petzl ACTIK CORE (E99ABB)
3
The ACTIK CORE model from Petzl is the best headlamp for hiking and other competitive adventure sports. Petzl's headlamp is designed to offer high performance while still being incredibly easy to use. The ACTIK CORE comes with 350 Lumens, which is fantastic even for a headlamp that has specifically been designed for hiking.
To provide the most comfortable fit, you get a range of adjustable settings to prevent the ACTIK CORE from constantly falling off. In addition, the Petzl model is also durable and can withstand a high amount of force, sweat, friction, and water.
To provide the most comfortable fit, you get a range of adjustable settings to prevent the ACTIK CORE from constantly falling off. In addition, the Petzl model is also durable and can withstand a high amount of force, sweat, friction, and water.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 4.7 x 0.4 x 4.7 in. / 12 x 1 x 12 cm
- Weight: 3.2 oz. / 0.09 kg
- Lumens: 300
- Maximum Distance: 311.6 ft. / 95 m
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| High performance | Buttons sometimes harder to use |
| Multi-charge ability | |
| Adjustable Fit |
Princeton Tec Apex Extreme (APXC-EXT-BK)
2
The Princeton Tec Apex Extreme was designed to face even the harshest of conditions. Be it rain, extreme temperatures, snow, or any kind of force, the Apex Extreme is one product that can withstand it all. Therefore, it's definitely the best headlamp for hiking in colder places.
Nevertheless, if you're not an experienced hiker, you may have troubles getting accustomed to it. Still, the Apex Extreme boasts a total of 550 Lumens and has an incredible maximum beam that ranges up to 120 meters. Given its impressive power, it's perfect for any kind of outdoor activity or household tasks.
Nevertheless, if you're not an experienced hiker, you may have troubles getting accustomed to it. Still, the Apex Extreme boasts a total of 550 Lumens and has an incredible maximum beam that ranges up to 120 meters. Given its impressive power, it's perfect for any kind of outdoor activity or household tasks.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.2 x 7.5 in. / 11.4 x 5.5 x 19 cm
- Weight: 10.4 oz. / 0.2 kg
- Lumens: 550
- Max Distance: 393.7 ft. / 120 m
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| High brightness | A bit on the heavy side |
| Long distance beam | |
| Resistant to any kind of weather conditions |
Foxelli MX20
1
Last but certainly not least, we have the best headlamp for hiking in terms of sales, customer feedback, AND overall value. We're talking about the Foxelli MX20, a true gem among outdoor lighting accessories.
From its lightweight design and IPX5 waterproof rating to the 90-degree tilt option, the MX20 really had it all. Even though some users experienced current drainage, most are thrilled that the Foxelli model has a long-lasting battery.
From its lightweight design and IPX5 waterproof rating to the 90-degree tilt option, the MX20 really had it all. Even though some users experienced current drainage, most are thrilled that the Foxelli model has a long-lasting battery.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 1.6 x 2 x 1.6 in. / 4 x 5 x 4 cm
- Weight: 3.2 oz. / 0.09 kg
- Lumens: 165
- Max Distance: 164 ft. / 50 m
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Long battery life | Potential phantom current drain |
| Comfortable fit | |
| Outstanding value for the money |
Conclusion
To conclude, we're glad that you now possess the know-how to buy the best headlamp for hiking for you. When narrowing down your options, make sure you pay close attention to features such as lumens, brightness settings or weight.What is your favorite headlamp on the list? Do you have any additional thoughts or suggestions to add to the conversation? Let's talk below!
