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10 Best Backpacking Headlamps 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Coast XPH30R 1200 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable Dual Power Headlamp with Twist Focus Beam and Magnetic Base
The Coast XPH30R headlamp offers impressive features tailored for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike. With a powerful brightness of 1200 lumens in turbo mode, it provides significant illumination for both short and long-range visibility, making it ideal for camping, hiking, and emergency situations. The Pure Beam Focusing Optic allows users to seamlessly adjust the focus, ensuring you can see clearly without any distracting hotspots.
Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!#2
BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400 LED Headlamp, Waterproof and Dimmable Battery Powered Headlamp for Camping, Hiking, Running, Hunting, Work with Red Light Headlamp Mode, Dark Olive
The BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400 LED Headlamp is a versatile and reliable choice for backpacking and outdoor activities. It delivers a powerful brightness of 400 lumens, which is sufficient for most night-time activities like camping, hiking, and running. The headlamp features multiple modes, including proximity and distance settings, dimming, strobe, and a red LED night-vision mode.
Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!#3
BLACK DIAMOND Storm 500-R Rechargeable LED Headlamp, Waterproof and Dimmable for Camping, Hiking, Running, Hunting, Work with Red Light Headlamp Mode, Graphite
The BLACK DIAMOND Storm 500-R Rechargeable LED Headlamp is a robust choice for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those involved in activities like camping, hiking, running, and hunting. With a maximum brightness of 500 lumens, it provides ample illumination for various scenarios, whether close-up tasks or spotting distant objects. The headlamp's beam distance is significant, making it versatile for different environments. One of its standout features is the PowerTap Technology, which allows users to switch between full and dimmed power instantly, making it very user-friendly in changing light conditions.
Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Top 10 Best Backpacking Headlamps 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
9.8 score
Coast XPH30R 1200 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable Dual Power Headlamp with Twist Focus Beam and Magnetic Base
Coast XPH30R 1200 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable Dual Power Headlamp with Twist Focus Beam and Magnetic Base
Brightness (Lumens): 1200 Lumens
Beam Distance: 165 Meters
Battery Life: 28 hours on low, 6.75 hours on turbo
Weight: 8 ounces
Water Resistance: IP54
Modes and Features: Rechargeable, Adjustable Focus, Long Range
Chosen by 1405 this week
BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400 LED Headlamp, Waterproof and Dimmable Battery Powered Headlamp for Camping, Hiking, Running, Hunting, Work with Red Light Headlamp Mode, Dark Olive
BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400 LED Headlamp, Waterproof and Dimmable Battery Powered Headlamp for Camping, Hiking, Running, Hunting, Work with Red Light Headlamp Mode, Dark Olive
Brightness (Lumens): 400 Lumens
Battery Life: 200 hours
Weight: 1.6 ounces
Water Resistance: IPX8 waterproof
Modes and Features: proximity, distance, dimming, strobe, red LED
BLACK DIAMOND Storm 500-R Rechargeable LED Headlamp, Waterproof and Dimmable for Camping, Hiking, Running, Hunting, Work with Red Light Headlamp Mode, Graphite
BLACK DIAMOND Storm 500-R Rechargeable LED Headlamp, Waterproof and Dimmable for Camping, Hiking, Running, Hunting, Work with Red Light Headlamp Mode, Graphite
Brightness (Lumens): 500 Lumens
Weight: 5 ounces
Water Resistance: IPX67
Modes and Features: PowerTap, red/green/blue night-vision, dimmable
Coast® XPH34R 2075 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable-Dual Power LED Headlamp withPURE Beam® Twist Focus™ and Magnetic Base
Coast® XPH34R 2075 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable-Dual Power LED Headlamp withPURE Beam® Twist Focus™ and Magnetic Base
Brightness (Lumens): 2075 Lumens
Beam Distance: 195 Meters
Battery Life: 36 hours
Weight: 6.3 ounces
Water Resistance: IP54
Modes and Features: PURE BEAM TWIST FOCUS, Rechargeable
PETZL Actik Core, Rechargeable Front Lamp, Gray, U, Unisex-Adult
PETZL Actik Core, Rechargeable Front Lamp, Gray, U, Unisex-Adult
Brightness (Lumens): 600 Lumens
Battery Life: 160 hours
Weight: 88 grams
Water Resistance: IPX4
Modes and Features: Three white levels, red lighting, LOCK
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Fenix HM70R Headlamp, 1600 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable with White, High CRI and Red Beams and Lumentac Organizer
Fenix HM70R Headlamp, 1600 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable with White, High CRI and Red Beams and Lumentac Organizer
Brightness (Lumens): 1600
Beam Distance: 203 yards
Battery Life: 100 hours on low
Weight: 7.3 ounces
Water Resistance: IP68
Modes and Features: Red and high CRI LEDs, USB-C rechargeable
BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400-R Rechargeable LED Headlamp, Waterproof and Dimmable for Camping, Hiking, Running, Hunting, Work with Red Light Headlamp Mode, Bordeaux
BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400-R Rechargeable LED Headlamp, Waterproof and Dimmable for Camping, Hiking, Running, Hunting, Work with Red Light Headlamp Mode, Bordeaux
Brightness (Lumens): 400 Lumens
Weight: 0.11 Kilograms
Water Resistance: IP68
Modes and Features: Full strength, dimming, strobe, red vision
#10
7.7 score
Princeton Tec Remix 450 Lumen Maxbright & Ultrabright Black / Dark Gray, LED Headlamp, IPX4 Water Resistance, Essential for Hiking, Camping, Hunting, Fishing, Running, & Safety Preparedness.
Princeton Tec Remix 450 Lumen Maxbright & Ultrabright Black / Dark Gray, LED Headlamp, IPX4 Water Resistance, Essential for Hiking, Camping, Hunting, Fishing, Running, & Safety Preparedness.
Brightness (Lumens): 450 Lumens
Battery Life: 43 hours
Weight: 3.52 ounces
Water Resistance: IPX4
Modes and Features: Spot High, Medium, Low, Red High, Low
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Buying Guide for the Best Backpacking Headlamps
Choosing the right backpacking headlamp is crucial for ensuring safety and convenience during your outdoor adventures. A headlamp allows you to keep your hands free while providing the necessary illumination for navigating trails, setting up camp, or reading a map in the dark. When selecting a headlamp, consider the following key specifications to find the best fit for your needs.Brightness (Lumens)Brightness, measured in lumens, indicates how much light the headlamp emits. This is important because it determines how well you can see in the dark. Headlamps with lower lumens (around 50-100) are suitable for close-up tasks like reading or cooking. Mid-range lumens (100-300) are good for general camp activities and short hikes. High lumens (300 and above) are ideal for night hiking or navigating difficult terrain. Choose a brightness level based on the type of activities you plan to do and the environments you will be in.
Beam DistanceBeam distance refers to how far the light from the headlamp can reach. This is important for seeing obstacles and navigating trails in the dark. Short beam distances (up to 50 meters) are sufficient for camp activities and close-up tasks. Medium beam distances (50-100 meters) are good for general hiking. Long beam distances (over 100 meters) are necessary for night hiking in unfamiliar or challenging terrain. Consider the typical distance you need to see when choosing the beam distance.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the headlamp will last on a set of batteries or a single charge. This is crucial for ensuring you have light throughout your trip. Short battery life (up to 10 hours) may be sufficient for short trips or occasional use. Medium battery life (10-30 hours) is suitable for weekend trips or regular use. Long battery life (over 30 hours) is ideal for extended trips or frequent use. Think about the duration of your trips and how often you will use the headlamp when considering battery life.
WeightWeight is an important factor because you will be carrying the headlamp on your head for extended periods. Lighter headlamps (under 3 ounces) are more comfortable for long-term wear and are suitable for ultralight backpacking. Medium-weight headlamps (3-6 ounces) offer a balance between comfort and features. Heavier headlamps (over 6 ounces) may provide more features but can be less comfortable for extended use. Consider how much weight you are willing to carry and how long you will be wearing the headlamp.
Water ResistanceWater resistance is important for ensuring the headlamp can withstand rain, splashes, or accidental submersion. Headlamps are rated using the IPX system. IPX4-rated headlamps can handle splashes and light rain, making them suitable for most conditions. IPX7-rated headlamps can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, providing extra protection for wet environments. IPX8-rated headlamps can be submerged deeper and longer, ideal for extreme conditions. Choose a water resistance level based on the weather conditions you expect to encounter.
Modes and FeaturesModes and features refer to the different lighting options and additional functionalities a headlamp offers. Common modes include low, medium, high, and strobe. Some headlamps also offer red light mode, which preserves night vision. Features like adjustable beam angles, lock mode to prevent accidental activation, and rechargeable batteries can enhance usability. Consider what modes and features are important for your activities and preferences when selecting a headlamp.