Greatest Operating Headlamps of 2023 – iRunFar

The iRunFar crew examined operating headlamps on dozens of runs that can assist you discover the appropriate one on this information. Right here, iRunFar’s Meghan Hicks preps for an early morning run. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

When operating at night time, you need the very best operating headlamp doable to mild your approach down the path. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for one thing to maintain stashed in your pack for these days you don’t fairly make it again to the trailhead earlier than darkish or a headlamp that may illuminate each rock and root by way of a nighttime extremely; there’s an abundance of lighting options from which to decide on. Battery and lighting expertise enhancements have made headlamps brighter, lighter, and longer lasting. There are alternatives for all the things from ultralight headlamps perfect for every day operating at the hours of darkness to highly effective and long-lasting headlamps that may make it simpler to maneuver confidently over rugged terrain all through the night time.

Battery life, consolation, and obtainable lumens are all concerns when choosing the proper headlamp on your operating wants. We’ve scoured {the marketplace} for the very best of the very best, after which a small crew of iRunFar gear testers took them out for miles upon miles of dawn, sundown, and nighttime runs. Beneath, we’ve rounded up our high suggestions for the very best headlamps for operating.

For extra background info, see our shopping for recommendation, testing methodology, and steadily requested questions under the picks.

Greatest Operating Headlamps

A shiny headlamp could make nighttime operating sooner and simpler. Picture: iRunFar/Meghan Hicks

Execs:

• Snug
• Light-weight
• Accepts AAA batteries along with the included rechargeable battery

Cons:

• The battery pack is awkward to alter out

The Petzl Iko Core checks all of our containers for the very best headlamp for operating with its lighting expertise, weight, and luxury. With this headlamp, Petzl does what no different headlamp maker does by innovating in lighting and luxury. We’ve often discovered one to come back on the compromise of the opposite. Not right here.

With 500 lumens, this high-quality headlamp creates clear and sharp, cool mild. It has two lighting beam choices — flood or combined — and three lighting ranges. We discovered the silicone band and battery cradle exceptionally snug — we couldn’t even really feel the LED panel on the entrance. The general package deal is sufficiently light-weight for a path runner’s wants.

The one draw back with this headlamp is that switching out the battery is tough. Whereas it’s straightforward to hold a spare battery on an all-night run, getting it changed at the hours of darkness and whereas sleep-deprived is difficult.

Remember to take a look at our in-depth Petzl Iko Core overview.

Precise Weight: 2.4 ounces (68 grams) | Most Mild Output: 500 lumens | Battery Supply(s): 1,250-milliampere-hour Petzl Core lithium-ion rechargeable (included) or three AAA/LR03s (not included)

Store the Petzl Iko Core

Execs:

• Snug
• Simple to alter batteries

Cons:

• Questionable sturdiness of the headscarf strings

We now have to confess we have been skeptical once we noticed the Boa-style dial on the headscarf of the Fenix HL18R-T Rechargeable Headlamp. Nevertheless, after utilizing it, we needed to swallow our doubt and provides Fenix props for creating a completely snug headband. The dial on the again permits sufficient micro-adjustment for actually dialing within the excellent match. The one extra progressive headband on the market now could be the Petzl Iko Core reviewed above — although we expect this Fenix headband is extra snug. One other benefit to this headlamp is that it’s tremendous straightforward to alter the battery on the go — and for those who’re on the market lengthy sufficient to wish recent batteries, you want the method to be straightforward. Further headlamp options embody a 500-lumen lamp with three brightness settings and an possibility for highlight or floodlight.

Whereas we have been initially nervous about snapping the dial strings and rendering the headlamp ineffective within the subject, we’ve come to understand the click-and-twist headband adjustment. As we’ve racked up early mornings and late evenings with this headlamp, we’ve discovered no sturdiness points and found this to be an excellent mild.

Precise weight: 3.2 ounces (92 grams) | Most mild output: 500 lumens | Battery supply(s): 1,300-milliampere-hour lithium-polymer rechargeable (included) or three AAA batteries (not included)

Store the Fenix HL18R-T Rechargeable Headlamp

Greatest Operating Headlamp for Trails — Runner-Up: Petzl Swift RL ($130)

Execs:

• Fabulous softshell materials on the headscarf
• Reactive lighting adjusts brightness mechanically

Cons:

• It’s plenty of headlamp and spendy for an on a regular basis path operating mild

Earlier than diving into this headlamp’s expertise, we’d wish to take a second to understand the headscarf on the Petzl Swift RL. Its padded softshell materials on the entrance half is extremely snug with out including a weight penalty. The truth is, this is likely one of the most snug headbands we’ve present in our seek for the very best operating headlamps.

Furthermore, Petzl’s progressive Reactive Lighting expertise additionally units this headlamp aside. Along with offering a constant stage of sunshine with 900 lumens, it may be set to adapt to ambient lighting situations, rising dimmer the place there’s different mild round and brighter the place there’s not. This expertise can also be discovered within the Petzt Nao RL, our high headlamp selection for ultrarunning, reviewed under.

That stated, it is a lot of headlamp — and plenty of value — on your on a regular basis path operating headlamp. You possibly can very a lot get pleasure from operating with a headlamp that’s half the price of this one. However, one of many runners on our testing crew likes this mild a lot that they’ve been utilizing it frequently for nearly eight years for each path operating and ski touring. Apart from the headscarf stretching out from being worn over snowboarding and climbing helmets through the years, our tester confirms that this headlamp continues to carry out flawlessly, making it a worthy funding, particularly for those who frequently run at the hours of darkness.

Precise Weight: 3.6 ounces (100 grams) | Most Mild Output: 900 lumens | Battery Supply(s): 2,350-milliampere-hour lithium-ion rechargeable (included)

Store the Petzl Swift RL

Execs:

• Programmable brightness settings
• Snug headband
• Batteries are straightforward to alter within the subject

Cons:

• Heavy for a every day operating headlamp
• Solely obtainable for buy within the U.S.
• We’d love a shorter and less complicated identify for this headlamp

Crew iRunFar has lengthy been a fan of what ZebraLight does for the lighting business, and the ZebraLight H600d Mk IV 18650 XHP50.2 5000K Excessive CRI Headlamp is one other instance of why we proceed keeping track of this firm. One factor that ZebraLight has lengthy been identified for is having a ton of programmable brightness settings in its lights. Though it’s a little bit of a dedication to program your headlamp, which means we’d advocate setting it up at house with the directions earlier than you’re within the subject, the upside is that you just’ll get to know your headlamp intimately and finally program it on the fly.

The headscarf is straightforward, delicate, and comfy, and the batteries are straightforward to swap out on the run, making it straightforward to advocate this headlamp as a every day path operating companion. Simply don’t ask us to say its identify aloud 5 instances quick.

We discovered that the battery is a little more than most individuals want for a every day path operating headlamp. Whereas we’d have thought of this headlamp for the ultrarunning class of this information, it doesn’t have a candy spot of brightness and run time that works nicely for an entire night time of operating on trails. As a substitute, this headlamp will likely be extremely shiny for a number of hours throughout a pre-dawn or post-dusk run. Sadly, it gained’t maintain regular all night time with no battery change. That stated, the primary draw back of this headlamp as a every day runner is its weight.

Precise Weight: 4.6 ounces (129 grams) | Most Mild Output: 1,616 lumens | Battery Supply(s): 2,600-milliampere-hour 18,650-size lithium-ion rechargeable (not included)

Store the ZebraLight H600d Mk IV 18650 XHP50.2 5000K Excessive CRI Headlamp

Execs:

• Reactive Lighting system mechanically adapts to altering mild situations
• The battery will final by way of the night time
• Comparatively straightforward to alter out the battery

Cons:

• Not our best choice for consolation
• Expensive

The Petzl Nao RL is the extremely anticipated up to date model of the Nao+,  which has been the go-to ultrarunning headlamp for a half-decade.

As with its predecessor, this headlamp has so much occurring. At the beginning is its lighting, which is available in each common and Reactive Lighting choices. The latter setting adapts to ambient mild by rising dimmer when it’s lighter and brighter when it will get darkish. Should you’re into this Reactive Lighting however don’t want such a strong package deal, take a look at the Petzl Swift RL above, our runner-up on this information’s finest headlamp for the path operating class.

This mild has a purple mild within the again to maintain you seen to approaching vehicles or different runners. It could actually illuminate as a strong purple mild or a strobe, and you may management it independently from the entrance mild. The reflective headband additionally will increase your visibility to others.

With regards to the battery, the entire package deal shouldn’t be ultralight, however one battery gives you a whole night time of decently lit path operating, although we will say from expertise it’s most likely well worth the 4 a.m. battery switch-out to make the final hour or so of darkness a bit brighter. And on that notice, switching batteries within the subject is a comparatively straightforward, two-step course of.

Now for the downsides. This headlamp’s consolation shouldn’t be wonderful, and we advocate a buff or backwards cap beneath it for a full night time of operating. Additionally, it’s costly.

Precise Weight: 5.2 ounces (146 grams) | Most Mild Output: 1,500 lumens | Battery Supply(s): 3,200-milliampere-hour lithium-ion rechargeable (included)

Store the Petzl Nao RL

Execs:

• A number of choices for carrying a battery pack
• Possibility for mixed flood and spot lighting

Cons:

• The headscarf is stiff at first and requires breaking in

In order for you the very best operating headlamp for all-night efforts however don’t like carrying all that battery weight and bulk in your head, the Silva Path Runner Free Extremely headlamp is for you. Its battery pack will be carried both on the again of the pinnacle or in your hydration vest utilizing the included extra-long twine.

Silva is doing cool issues with the standard of its lighting, providing a mixture of each flood lighting and long-throw spotlighting in a single beam — what they name Clever Mild — with out compromising a lot on the battery runtime. This setting offers a bit additional peripheral imaginative and prescient even once we largely look straight forward. This appears to ease eye pressure over a protracted night time of use, as your eyes don’t should maintain adjusting to the fast adjustments in path {that a} long-throw mild will make with a easy 10-degree head tilt.

This isn’t our favourite headband, and we have been stunned by its stiffness, given the model’s work in making the battery pack movable for elevated consolation. That stated, utilizing it makes it much less stiff, so give it a strong break-in interval earlier than judging its consolation.

Precise Weight: 5.4 ounces (153 grams) | Most Mild Output: 400 lumens | Battery Supply(s): 4,000-milliampere-hour hour rechargeable (included) or three AAAs (not included)

Store the Silva Path Runner Free Extremely

Execs:

• A number of lighting choices with a most of 1,400 lumens
• Lengthy battery run time (most 280 hours)
• An affordable value for what you get

Cons:

• Heavier than comparable operating headlamps
• Each the sunshine and the battery are within the entrance

The Fenix HM65R Rechargeable Headlamp is a feature-filled package deal and a very good headlamp for ultrarunning. The headlamp consists of highlight and floodlight modes that may be operated individually or mixed for a most of 1,400 lumens of sunshine, making it one of many brightest lights on our checklist. With a strong 2,600-milliampere-hour 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable battery and three lighting choices in each the floodlight and highlight settings, this headlamp affords loads of mild for both an entire night time of tremendous brightly lit operating or two nights with first rate lighting with out having to cost or change the battery.

Each the lights and the battery are saved on the entrance of the headlamp, which implies so much is happening up entrance, and also you’ll wish to put on a layer, like a folded neck gaiter or beanie, beneath it for all-night consolation. Whereas it might appear like you’re carrying a small alien in your brow while you put on it, you’ll have a brilliant high-quality headlamp made for being out for so long as your legs will carry you.

The first draw back of this headlamp is the consolation issue as a result of having all the weight on the entrance, however as we stated, this may be mitigated with a skinny gaiter or an identical layer beneath the headlamp.

Precise Weight: 5.2 ounces (146 grams) | Most Mild Output: 1,400 lumens | Battery Supply(s): 2,600-milliampere-hour 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable (included) or two CR123As (not included)

Store the Fenix HM65R Rechargeable Headlamp

Greatest Headlamp for Ultrarunning — Runner-Up: Nitecore UT32 ($75)

Execs:

• Light-weight for its mild and battery energy
• Snug
• Nice worth

Cons:

• None — it is a nice minimalist ultrarunning headlamp

Gram counters who need an ultrarunning-worthy headlamp ought to look to the Nitecore UT32, which is yet one more providing constructed on the highly effective 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable battery. This headlamp ideas the scales at 144 grams whereas providing a highlight, floodlight, and as much as 1,100 lumens at its brightest setting. It could actually additionally present greater than 400 lumens for an evening and a half. If it is advisable to go longer, no drawback — the battery is simple to alter within the subject. See what we imply concerning the golden period of headlamp lighting and batteries? Living proof proper right here.

This headlamp has no bells and whistles, so to maneuver your beam up and right down to accommodate hills, you’ll should rotate the entire battery package deal within the O-ring pair that hosts it. Apart from that, we had no points with consolation, although all the load is up entrance. Should you actually wish to go minimalist, you may take away the strap that goes excessive of the pinnacle to avoid wasting one other 20 grams — however then you might begin to sacrifice some consolation. Proceed at your individual threat.

There are not any downsides to report with this headlamp. It is a incredible minimalist tackle supplying you with a great deal of mild with a long-lasting battery.

Precise Weight: 5.1 ounces (144 grams) | Most Mild Output: 1,100 lumens | Battery Supply(s): 2,600-milliampere-hour 18650-size lithium-ion rechargeable (included) or two CR123As (not included)

Store the Nitecore UT32

Execs:

• Snug match throughout the stomach
• The best choice for those who don’t like sporting a light-weight in your head
• Simple to alter batteries within the subject

Cons:

Some folks discover {that a} waist-worn mild offers them higher depth notion on nighttime trails, whereas others merely dislike having a light-weight hooked up to their head whereas operating at night time, and a few folks like having each a waistlamp and a headlamp to maximise their imaginative and prescient at night time. When situations or your preferences name for placing a light-weight in your waist, we advocate the UltrAspire Lumen 600 4.0 Waist Mild. Whereas our crew is at present testing this new model, we put the earlier model of this waistlight, the UltrAspire Lumen 600 3.0 Waist Mild, by way of rigorous testing to name it our favourite waistlight. This replace solely improves on the earlier model, altering the aesthetics barely and including a USB Sort-C charging port for sooner charging. Whereas the earlier model was a bit heavier, it was tremendous snug across the waist, which meant so much to these of us whose abdomens develop into delicate throughout ultramarathons. It was straightforward to regulate each the belt and the angle of the sunshine, and the buckle was straightforward to unclip with drained or chilly arms. The sunshine got here with a tilt mechanism to adapt the beam on the fly for uphills, downhills, and flats. It was additionally straightforward to alter this mild’s battery within the subject. The outdated and new model of this waistlight has a detachable pocket on the belt to retailer your cellphone or some snacks or go away it behind if you wish to shed a couple of grams.

The primary draw back of this method is its weight and bulk. It’s not light-weight, and for these seeking to shave grams, this could be a hefty load to bear. Equally, the waistbelt makes this mild bulkier than others when the solar comes up, and also you wish to stuff it into your hydration vest. Nevertheless, this might be an excellent possibility in case your precedence is having a strong waist-worn mild to get you thru a protracted night time of operating.

You possibly can be taught extra with our in-depth UltrAspire Lumen 600 3.0 Waist Mild overview.

Claimed Weight: 5.1 ounces (145 grams) | Most Mild Output: 600 lumens | Battery Supply(s): 2,600-milliampere-hour 18650-size lithium-ion rechargeable (included)

Store the UltrAspire Lumen 600 4.0 Waist Mild

Execs:

• It weighs lower than two ounces
• Nice worth
• Good backup headlamp possibility

Cons:

• We don’t love the aesthetic

The Nitecore NU25UL is likely to be the niftiest little headlamp you didn’t know existed — or that you just wanted. However for those who’re somebody who has gotten caught out at the hours of darkness throughout a run that’s gone a bit too lengthy and wished you had one thing aside from your cellphone to mild your approach again house, you’ll admire this little mild that you may maintain completely stowed away in your pack.

That is an upgraded model of the unique Nitecore NU25 (hat tip to the thru-hiking group, which has identified about this little gem for a very long time). Along with rising the lumens and the dimensions of the battery, the NU25 UL has a distinct headband than its predecessor.

Weighing beneath two ounces,  it is a nice backup or easy ultralight headlamp for those who’re counting grams. This headlamp is a powerhouse of sunshine for its weight. It’s adequate for a few hours of sunshine for path operating, so long as the path isn’t tremendous technical. The dim settings will will let you do chores round your fastpacking campsite whereas consuming virtually no battery energy.

Our solely grievance with this headlamp is its aesthetic. We are able to hardly ding one thing so great simply on seems to be. Nevertheless, it does remind us of a child’s toy headlamp.

Precise Weight: 1.6 ounces (46 grams) | Most Mild Output: 400 lumens | Battery Supply(s): 650-milliampere-hour lithium-ion rechargeable (included)

Store the Nitecore NU25UL

Greatest Ultralight Operating Headlamp — Runner-Up: Petzl Bindi ($45)

Execs:

• Nice backup mild
• Ultralight
• Snug

Cons:

• Not shiny sufficient for technical trails

The small and smooth Petzl Bindi is a good headlamp to maintain stashed in your hydration pack or operating belt for these instances you both forgot your common mild or forgot to cost it. Tiny and compact, this headlamp weighs barely greater than an oz., and it’s so snug that you can simply overlook you’re sporting it. It’s formed to suit the brow and is definitely adjustable. The sunshine has three modes and will be tilted up or right down to mild the path higher forward. It’s rechargeable through a micro USB port on the aspect and signifies with a inexperienced mild when it’s totally charged. In brief, plenty of expertise and performance is packed into this little mild, making it a wonderful worth for the worth.

In fact, the first draw back of the Bindi is that its brightness tops out at 200 lumens, and most runners need extra mild for prolonged nighttime operating, particularly on technical terrain that requires extra mild distinction to navigate it effectively. That’s why we love this as a backup mild; it’s additionally nice for digging by way of your automotive or hydration vest for spare gloves on the trailhead, protecting in your tent for nighttime lavatory breaks, or related “in-a-pinch” makes use of.

Precise Weight: 1.2 ounces (35 grams) | Most Mild Output: 200 lumens | Battery Supply(s): 680-milliampere-hour lithium-ion rechargeable battery with micro USB port

Store the Petzl Bindi

Most Ridiculously Vivid Operating Headlamp We’ve Seen: Nitecore HC35 ($100)

Execs:

• Exceptionally shiny
• Simple to alter batteries within the subject

Cons:

• It’s not snug and requires cloth padding beneath
• Heavy
• We don’t love the aesthetic

Should you’ve ever wished for a motorcycle mild for path operating, then the Nitecore HC35 is your headlamp. This headlamp’s highly effective beam pumps out 2,700 lumens for 45 minutes. Spectacular as that’s, the settings that present 800 lumens for 3 hours or 270 lumens for all-night runs are essentially the most sensible and, subsequently, seize our consideration as runners. Add in the truth that you may fairly simply change the battery within the subject and maintain going, and also you’ve bought a setup for an evening of operating on a brightly lit path.

The primary draw back of this headlamp is consolation. Since all the load sits in your brow, you want some cloth beneath as padding for prolonged put on. Lastly, the aesthetic differs from many of the different headlamps we examined, and we expect it seems to be fairly alien-like.

Precise Weight: 7.6 ounces (217 grams) | Most Mild Output: 2,700 lumens | Battery Supply(s): 4,000-milliampere-hour 21700-size lithium-ion rechargeable (included), one 18650-size lithium-ion rechargeable (not included), or two CR123As (not included)

Store the Nitecore HC35

Evaluating the Greatest Operating Headlamps

Purchaser’s Information: Methods to Select a Operating Headlamp

Brightness

For a lot of runners, brightness is the highest consideration when discovering the very best operating headlamp. Nevertheless, it’s value noting that brighter shouldn’t be essentially higher. We imagine there’s such a factor as too shiny, and we’ve discovered each an excessive amount of mild and too little mild will trigger eye pressure. Moreover, an excessive amount of mild can blind your fellow path customers.

We imagine 200 lumens are lots for easy path operating on developed trails, and 300 lumens gives you nice brightness for extra rugged trails. It’s good to have a setting the place a headlamp can produce 500 or extra lumens — discovered within the Fenix HL18R-T Rechargeable Headlamp, the Petzl Iko Core, the Petzl Swift RL, and the Petzl Nao RL on this information — that means that you can look farther for path indicators, course markers, or to see what’s going bump within the night time within the surrounding bushes.

Sort of Mild

Headlamps with a number of mild settings often supply two sorts of lighting — flood and long-throw — or a mixture of the 2. Floodlighting casts a broad cone of sunshine over a shorter distance and is good for digging one thing out of your pack, studying a map, or organising camp at the hours of darkness. Lengthy-throw, additionally referred to as highlight, would be the commonest sort of sunshine used on the path. It casts a narrower beam out in entrance of you, lighting up the path forward. Many runners admire utilizing each sorts of lighting without delay to assist cut back pressure on their eyes through the lengthy darkish hours of the night time.

Having sufficient mild on the path instantly in entrance will likely be most vital for runners, although having a number of mild choices is a bonus. Fortuitously, most headlamps these days supply each sorts of lighting, and a few — just like the Petzl Iko Core and Fenix HM65R Rechargeable Headlamp — even have a setting that gives each flood and long-throw mild concurrently. This is able to drain your battery shortly if used on a regular basis however might come in useful for those who lose sight of the path at the hours of darkness.

The Fenix HM65R is a good ultrarunning headlamp. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Sort of Battery

Headlamps typically use rechargeable batteries or single-use AAA or AA batteries. There are a couple of styles of rechargeable batteries, together with Petzl’s proprietary Core rechargeable battery, the 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable battery present in most of the headlamps above, and different sorts of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. The generally used 2,600-milliampere hour 18650 battery is fashionable for its reliability, long term time, and skill to be recharged many instances — all of that are beneficial to a path runner.

Usually, we advocate selecting a headlamp with a chargeable battery because it’s extra environment friendly, handy, and higher for the setting. Some headlamps, just like the Petzl Swift RL, Silva Path Runner Free Extremely, and Fenix HL18R-T Rechargeable Headlamp, include a chargeable battery and may run on disposable batteries. That is perfect for conditions the place you might not have entry to energy, similar to on an prolonged backpacking journey, or while you need that additional versatility.

Battery Life

Battery life is likely one of the most vital concerns when selecting a headlamp. One of the best operating headlamp is the one which gained’t die on you unexpectedly. Nobody needs to be caught on a ridgeline or descend a steep scree slope with a useless battery — although it looks as if the very best of us have been caught out earlier than. For the sake of your ankles, it’s finest to decide on a headlamp with a protracted battery life. Some superior lamps, such because the Petzl Nao RL and the Petzl Swift RL, have Reactive Lighting expertise — the flexibility for the lamp to sense the obtainable mild and alter the brightness accordingly, which saves battery life.

Match and Consolation

It ought to be snug if one thing is happening your head, doubtlessly for hours at a time. Pick a lamp that gained’t trigger complications, that gained’t snare your hair, and that’s straightforward to regulate on the transfer. Some headlamps use a fabric that’s delicate and sweat-wicking, whereas others use minimalistic cord-like constructions. In case you are utilizing the sunshine within the winter or for a extra technical outing, search for a lamp that will likely be snug over a operating hat or helmet. The Petzl Swift RL has an extremely snug strap and is snug to put on for lengthy intervals.

The Fenix HL18R-T was our decide for a high path operating headlamp due to its lighting, battery options, and progressive and comfy headband. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Portability

There are conditions the place you’ll carry a backup headlamp, like throughout a protracted extremely with many hours run at night time, or stow away the one mild you introduced throughout a pre-dawn run that extends previous dawn. Having a headlamp that stows away simply in a operating shorts pocket or hydration vest with out creating undue stress on some a part of your physique is good. It’s additionally a good suggestion to have a backup mild supply in your pack everytime you head out into the mountains for those who return later than anticipated. The small measurement and shiny mild of the Nitecore NU25 UL and Petzl Bindi make them nice “just-in-case” choices.

Weight

Whereas weight is arguably one of many much less vital components when selecting a headlamp, minimal weight and maximal battery life are optimum. Whereas a couple of ounces don’t look like they might matter, weight performs into general consolation — these added ounces in your head over many hours of concentrating on the path can add additional pressure in your neck. The distribution of the load on the headlamp can also be vital. An excessive amount of weight on the entrance of a headlamp could make it uncomfortable for lengthy runs. The Silva Path Runner Free Extremely means that you can place the battery pack on the again of your head or in a pack, which takes the load off your head.

Why You Ought to Belief Us

We run far at iRunFar, which frequently consists of operating at the hours of darkness throughout 100-mile races, multi-day fastpack adventures, or pre-dawn begin instances. Our testers have expertise operating on their native trails at the hours of darkness and at premiere long-distance races just like the Hardrock 100, UTMB, and Tor des Géants, the place it’s widespread for some finishers to endure a couple of darkish night time on the path.

The UltrAspire Lumen 600 3.0 Waist Mild is iRunFar’s decide for the very best waistlight for operating. Picture: iRunFar/Bryon Powell

Our intensive testing course of ensures you get not solely the very best headlamp for operating on your cash but in addition the precise headlamp that matches your wants. As ultra-long distance runs and races have develop into extra mainstream, the on a regular basis runner must have a high-quality headlamp. For this information, we’ve recognized each heritage manufacturers and new progressive corporations bringing mild to the path, and we put every of the lights above by way of the paces — testing their sturdiness, versatility, match, and battery life — to make sure that you gained’t be caught at the hours of darkness out on the path.

Sadly, we’ve but to acquire and check the Mild of Eärendil, “a light-weight for you in darkish locations when all different lights exit.” So, maintain your batteries charged and a backup mild available!

Please notice that product fashions are routinely discontinued within the lighting world, whereas new ones steadily come to market. On the identical time, we right here at iRunFar usually maintain utilizing our high picks in our every day operating … they’re our high picks, in any case! Generally, that continued use leads to uncovering product failures. With all this — product discontinuations, product introductions, and product failures — in thoughts, we routinely replace our purchaser’s guides based mostly on previous and ongoing testing and analysis by our authors and editorial crew. Whereas these updates can look like us pushing the latest product, it’s something however that. Once we replace any purchaser’s information, most merchandise will seemingly stay the identical. That matches our aim: to get you in the very best gear you’ll use for a very long time.

As runners, we would like a headlamp that’s shiny sufficient to mild up rocks and different terrain options underfoot, but we additionally need sufficient battery energy to final till we get the place we’re going — whether or not that’s again to the trailhead or by way of your complete night time. And we don’t need our headlamps to weigh an excessive amount of. Nevertheless, in order for you as a lot mild as doable, the Nitecore HC35 has a turbo mode the place you may outshine the moon at 2,700 lumens for 45 minutes.

Meghan Hicks makes use of the Petzl Iko Core to mild the way in which on runs that begin earlier than daybreak. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

How shiny ought to my headlamp be for path operating?

We advocate utilizing a headlamp with 200 to 300 lumens for path operating. In case you are on technical terrain, going off path, or on a path that’s tough to observe, you would possibly contemplate a headlamp with a brighter setting to bump up the brightness when wanted. Nevertheless, there’s such a factor as too shiny. Headlamps which can be both too dim or too shiny can pressure the eyes, particularly all through the night time, similar to in a 100-mile race. Our testers discovered that the Petzl Iko Core supplied the correct amount of sunshine for operating on all sorts of trails.

What sorts of batteries do headlamps use?

Most headlamps can run from rechargeable battery packs or disposable AA or AAA batteries. Most modern headlamps use some rechargeable battery pack — and may usually accommodate disposable batteries for those who don’t have entry to an influence supply to recharge the battery pack. This versatility makes it straightforward to swap out batteries on the go. Many Petzl lights, together with the Petzl Iko Core, use a proprietary battery.

How a lot battery energy do I want on my path operating headlamp?

The best battery energy, and thus run time, depends upon your meant headlamp use. Should you primarily run throughout daylight however sometimes begin or end at the hours of darkness, battery energy will likely be much less vital than for somebody who constantly runs by way of the night time throughout coaching runs or races.

For normal path operating, the very best operating headlamp can have sufficient energy to final 4 to 6 hours at 200 to 300 lumens. For ultrarunning, search for a headlamp with sufficient energy to final eight to 12 hours and has a simple mechanism for swapping batteries. Bigger batteries, such because the Fenix HM65R Rechargeable Headlamp, can present practically two nights of affordable lighting.

iRunFar’s Meghan Hicks makes use of a headlamp to pack a fastpack at daybreak. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

What are the completely different modes of headlamps?

Most headlamps have a couple of common modes: a continuing or flashing white mild and a continuing or flashing purple mild. Extra advanced lamps permit for extra changes: the lumens of the white mild will be turned up or down, affecting battery life, and the width of the beam can widen or slender, typically mechanically, as with Petzl’s Reactive Lighting expertise, which will be discovered on the Petzl Swift RL and the Petzl Nao RL.

When ought to I take advantage of another mild supply like a waistlight?

Whereas headlamps are the most typical sort of sunshine, some waistlight choices, just like the UltrAspire Lumen 600 4.0 Waist Mild, are gaining popularity. Kogalla additionally makes a waistlight for runners. These corporations declare the lighting supplied by a waistlight affords a wider beam of sunshine at a greater angle, enabling runners to see extra shadows and have a greater depth of view of their operating path. Should you don’t need one thing additional in your head, want a wider visual field, or need the benefit of a number of mild sources, a waistlight could be the resolution.

iRunFar’s Meghan Hicks wears a Black Diamond headlamp and fastpacking gear on a cold morning. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

My head begins to harm when sporting a headlamp all night time. How can I make it extra snug?

In case your headlamp is constantly inflicting discomfort after a couple of hours, you may strive a couple of issues. One is including a layer of material beneath your headlamp band, as we steered with the Fenix HM65R Rechargeable Headlamp. A delicate layer of material may help soak up the band’s stress in opposition to your head. A second possibility is to decide on a headlamp with a couple of strap to assist disperse the stress – just like the ZebraLight H600d Mk IV 18650 XHP50.2 5000K Excessive CRI Headlamp, which we discovered extraordinarily snug. Equally, attempting a lighter-weight headlamp or one with a battery pack on the again, such because the Petzl Iko Core, may additionally alleviate discomfort. If all else fails, we advocate attempting a waistlight, such because the UltrAspire Lumen 600 4.0 Waist Mild.

My headlamp battery ran out on the path. How do I forestall this from taking place subsequent time?

One of the simplest ways to keep away from getting caught at the hours of darkness is to hold spare batteries, a backup headlamp that’s totally charged or has recent batteries, or each. We additionally advocate frequently charging your on a regular basis headlamp and ensuring to high it off earlier than any huge adventures that may start or finish in darkness. It’s additionally vital to take precautions to maintain your headlamp from turning on by accident in your pack and depleting the battery. Lastly, for those who’re nervous about your headlamp’s energy stage, protecting it on the bottom doable brightness setting will assist prolong its run time. Should you run out of battery on the path, you’ll admire having a small backup mild, just like the Nitecore NU25 UL or Petzl Bindi, to get you again to the trailhead.

Do I want each a entrance and rear mild?

Should you steadily run on roads at the hours of darkness, a rear-facing mild may help vehicles see you. Some headlamps, just like the Petzl Nao RL, have a built-in purple mild on the pinnacle strap, however you may all the time carry a small extra purple mild to offer a flashing mild for visibility. An additional mild for elevated visibility can be helpful for those who’re operating on fashionable trails at the hours of darkness. They will make your presence identified to different path customers developing behind you and assist keep away from collisions or startling one another.

Name for Feedback

• What’s your favourite operating headlamp?
• Path runners, what headlamp do you employ essentially the most on the paths?
• What’s your prized operating headlamp for all-night ultrarunning?

Again to Our High Operating Headlamps Picks