Still, our one issue with the Nitecore NU 25 is battery life. When using the max light output of 360 lumens, it only lasts 0.5 hour–which is the lowest time of the headlamps we tested. However, in low light mode, it runs for 160 hours, which is better than some other rechargeable headlamps, like the BioLite 330. Still, it’s lower but in the general ballpark of AAA battery headlamps like the Spot 400. Tell me what you think. I spent a lot of time writing this review, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it. Most headlamps are designed to work in cold conditions, but extremely low temperatures can affect battery performance. Keeping spare batteries warm and close to your body can help maintain their capacity in the cold. Can I use my headlamp in rainy or wet conditions? Let's take a closer look at the two Spot 350* and Storm 400* brand headlamps and see the differences.

For minimalists and true ounce-counters, our favorite ultralight headlamp of 2023 is the Nitecore NU25 400 UL. At just 1.6 ounces, the Nitecore secures via a streamlined elastic headband, is surprisingly bright with a 400-lumen max output, and is rechargeable via micro USB. We’ve also found it incredibly easy to operate (cryptic toggling between modes is a common issue with headlamps), with one button for the white beam and one for red, and the battery seemingly lasts forever. All told, as a high-powered emergency light or for those trying to keep their load as light as possible, the NU25 UL is a bright and relatively cheap option. The brightest flashlight we've found is well over 100,000 lumens. That is brighter than all of the headlamps on the market. So why would someone choose a headlamp over a flashlight? Text on the Spot 350 claims and IPX8 standard of waterproofing. With this rating users should be able to submerge a given device to a depth of over 1 meter for at least 30 minutes. Most would interpret this standard to mean the headlamp is somehow sealed to prevent water from entering the housing, and it might even float under the right conditions.What we like: Compact yet bright; reactive lighting offers hands-free illumination and optimizes battery life. Remove the batteries before long-term storage. Moisture and sweat can cause battery corrosion and ruin your headlamp (we speak from experience!) A headlamp is an essential tool for outdoor adventures, but it's important to use it responsibly to ensure your safety and the comfort of others. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind: Mind your beam angle For rechargeable headlamps, follow the manufacturer's guidelines for charging. Overcharging or letting the battery drain completely can affect battery life. Especially when hiking or climbing, ballast is undesirable. But also when running a lighter lamp is of course more comfortable.

If your headlamp uses replaceable batteries, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for replacement intervals. Like the BioLite 330, the 800 has a four-point tilt. We found this tilt useful for angling the headlamp, but some media reviewers found it a fault. Please also consider sharing it using one of the buttons at right and leaving a comment or question at the bottom. Thank you, I really appreciate it. Store your headlamp in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Remove batteries to prevent corrosion. As an ultralight headlamp, we didn't expect the battery life to be on the same level as headlamps with batteries that are three times the weight.For those who enjoy nighttime adventures like night hiking or wildlife photography, a headlamp is arguably the most important gear item. The slender headband is wide enough to remain comfortable for hours, and the battery compartment opens easily with the flip of a small lever, requiring no tools. Self-discharge (the gradual loss of battery life even when the batteries are not in use) is low in the CORE rechargeable battery; it is negligible in standard batteries.

For devices that use disposable batteries, remove them when not in use for extended periods to prevent battery leakage. You may need replace your strap, especially if you loaned your headlamp to a friend with a big head. Treeline writer Kate Hoch has used its predecessor, the BioLite 750, for the past year climbing and mountaineering in the Cascades and Pacific Northwest, including Mt. Shasta. For these kinds of trips, being able to see farther out is essential for smart route-finding decisions. In addition, many ultramarathoners enjoy trail running with a brighter headlamp, especially when they are likely to hallucinate or become sleep-deprived enough to see things in the dark.BD’s PowerTap technology—found in other BD headlamps—allows you to simply tap the right side of the casing to cycle between max brightness and whatever dimmed level you previously set. The brightness memory technology means the Spot350 turns on in the mode and brightness level you last turned it off. Avoid touching the lens with your fingers, as oils and residues from your skin can affect light output and clarity. This one seems obvious, but when talking to others or passing by fellow outdoor enthusiasts, avoid shining your headlamp directly into their eyes. It can be temporarily blinding and disrupt their night vision. Use dimming or red light mode when appropriate Adjust the brightness level of your headlamp to match the situation. For tasks that require more precision, use a higher brightness setting. When navigating open trails or paths, use a lower setting to conserve battery and avoid blinding others. Respect no-light zones For many headlamps there are also special rechargeable batteries from the manufacturer to use the lamps longer. However, normal rechargeable batteries can also be used.

With long-lasting batteries or the option to use rechargeable ones, a headlamp means that you don't have to just be out for a few hours or a day—you'll have a reliable source of light for extended outdoor adventures, including multi-day hikes, or camping trips. Emergency preparednessThe Tikkina uses 3 AAA batteries. However, it does support the CORE rechargeable battery. This is the rechargeable battery used in the Petzl Actik Core, our Best Headlamp for Camping winner. The CORE battery is an optional accessory. When turned on, the brightness of the rechargeable battery and AAA batteries is the same. However, with the rechargeable battery, the brightness is generally constant during the burn time. This is a perk compared to standard batteries, where the brightness gradually decreases as the batteries are drained. Accidental drops or impacts can mess with the headlamp's internal components and the lens. Most of the headlamps we recommend are pretty rugged and are designed to handle some dropping. However, sometimes a small drop at a weird angle can cause more damage than a bigger drop onto a part that is designed to take more wear. The most powerful of Petzl’s compact headlamps, the Petzl Swift RL shouldn’t be overlooked by those looking for a high-end light. This lamp features the same Reactive Lighting tech as the Nao RL above, which is not only convenient for adapting to the environment hands-free (think of it as the photochromic lens of headlamps) but also optimizes battery life throughout the charge. In standard Reactive mode, you get a minimum of 7 hours of burn time and up to 275 lumens of light, which is sufficient brightness for navigating trails and even more complex terrain. Compare that to the top-ranked Actik Core, which lasts for 7 hours at 100 lumens, and the contrast is obvious: The Swift RL is a much more powerful lamp for just a small 0.4-ounce weight penalty.