Whether it's for an afterwork trail session, for a night ski touring outing, a hike with a bivouac in the mountains or even for training on a bike or mountain bike that plays extra time, headlamps are simply essential to keep going and see clearly at nightfall. It is therefore essential to opt for equipment worth it to practice your outdoor activities in complete safety when night falls. However, not all models are created equal: power, autonomy, rechargeable or battery-powered... the possibilities are endless.
To be certain of making the right choice, it is therefore important to understand their main characteristics, but also your own needs according to your practice. Composition, selection criteria according to your practice: we take care of deciphering for you everything there is to know to choose the right headlamp. The night will not stop you anymore!
- Composition and operation of a headlamp
- Selection criteria
- Trail and running headlamp
- Hiking headlamp
- Camping headlamp
- Mountaineering headlamp
- Ultra-trail headlamp
- Best headlamp brands
- Headlamp accessories
Choosing the right headlamp: composition and operation
Let's start with the beginning, namely, the composition of a good headlamp. The first element that composes it is none other than the type of power supply. Two solutions exist in this area: rechargeable headlamps, and therefore with battery, and battery-operated headlamps. The second element is the printed circuit, which regulates the lighting power.
Finally, be aware that the best models are LED headlamps, a particularly effective technology for emitting light over time.
Choosing the right headlamp: selection criteria
LED headlamps: the essentials of the outdoor world
A true standard in the world of headlamps, LED lighting is appreciated for its resistance to shocks, its durability and its incredible energy efficiency. Although the LEDs used are globally equivalent from one brand to another, it is however possible to find two main types of LEDs, namely unfocused LEDs and focused LEDs. Thus, the former emit light diffusely at a short distance, while the focused LEDs provide powerful lighting over a greater distance.
Some models offer these two types of LEDs on the same product, for more versatility. In addition to the proven capabilities of led headlamps, it is however important to know that not all LED lights are created equal, especially in terms of risk for the eyes. Indeed, light-emitting diodes have the particularity of diffusing blue light, to a greater or lesser extent. However, exposure to blue light from LEDs can be harmful to the eyes.
As such, three groups of risks have been identified, each level of risk being related to the distance between the light source and the eye. Thus, group 0 headlamps are risk-free, the risk is considered low for group 1, moderate for group 2, and high for group 3 (even for momentary use).
Also, manufacturers now have the obligation to inform the risk group of each of their models, so you can easily avoid led headlamps with a group 3 risk, considered potentially harmful.
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Rechargeable headlamps vs. battery-powered headlamps: how to choose?
If USB rechargeable headlamps are now clearly popular, their battery-powered cousins are not without interest, since some can offer up to 200 hours of autonomy, which ensures you a good number of night outings. Also, at equal size, the batteries offer an autonomy about 2 times greater than that of a rechargeable battery, which makes the batteries rather advantageous.
Headlamps with battery however have a major advantage on their side: the possibility of recharging your headlamp as soon as it is discharged, thus avoiding any problem if you do not have batteries in stock for example.
To combine the advantages of both types of power supply, some manufacturers offer a hybrid solution, namely battery operation with the possibility of using batteries when, for example, the battery is discharged. In addition, some models offer remote batteries at the back of the head, or even (in a rarer way, however) on the hips. This particularity is, in general, used for lamps which have a heavy and/or voluminous battery, and is therefore not frequent.
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Lumens, true indicators of the power of a headlamp
Expressed in lumens, the power of your headlamp is decisive in ensuring you have ideal vision comfort during your activity. Crucial choice criterion, the power in lumens has a direct influence on the brightness projected by the lamp. Thus, the higher the lumen output, the more powerful the lighting will be.
It is therefore important to take into account the power in lumens to choose the right headlamp, especially according to the activity you practice. For example, if you are looking for lighting for camping, a headlamp of less than 100 lumens will be more than enough. On the other hand, if you practice mountaineering regularly, you will need a powerful headlamp of more than 200 lumens.
However, contrary to popular belief, know that the lighting distance is not related to lumens, but to the shape of the beam of your lamp. Explanations!
Beam width and lighting distance of a headlamp
Be careful not to confuse the value in lumens with the lighting distance. The illumination distance is highly related to the shape of the beam. You will find, as such, wide beams, or, conversely, focused beams. Thus, to discern close elements, a wide beam is much less effective than a focused beam.
Nevertheless, a wide beam is rather pleasant if you are hiking in the mountains at night, for example. Your use, and in fact your needs, are therefore decisive in choosing the right headlamp.
Be reassured, however: many models today offer wide beams and focused beams, thus adapting to several activities. Whatever beam is selected, its autonomy will be impacted to a greater or lesser extent.
Autonomy of a headlamp: constant lightning vs reactive lightning
It's a fact: the autonomy of a headlamp decreases over time. This time can be longer or shorter depending on the mode in which you use your equipment. Thus, on the maximum lighting mode, the autonomy decreases extremely quickly, while on an intermediate or low mode, the duration of autonomy can be several tens of hours.
A crucial point for choosing the right lighting, autonomy is, in fact, decisive depending on your use. Manufacturers have understood this, and in particular the Petzl brand, which acts as a true pioneer in this field by having launched two modes of consumption managed electronically: constant lightning and reactiv lightning.
- Constant lightning : this consumption mode makes it possible to maintain constant lighting power over time. The main drawback of this system is therefore the drastic reduction in autonomy, since a lamp in constant lightning illuminates four times less than one in conventional consumption. On the other hand, it always lights up at its maximum power, regardless of the amount of energy available.
- Reactiv lightning : another very different mode of consumption this time, the lamps equipped with a reactive lightning mode have a light sensor which aims to adapt the intensity of the lighting according to the conditions and your field of vision. Thus, when you look far away in a dark environment, the intensity of the illumination increases. On the other hand, when you lower your head, the luminous flux decreases. This lighting mode is particularly appreciated for intensive sports, such as trail running, for which the lighting mode thus adapts ideally to your needs at crucial moments.
Some advanced models offer to combine the advantages of these two technologies, namely high power when necessary, and an eco-mode which offers low lighting over the longest period available. In addition to autonomy, which is a crucial point for choosing the right headlamp, another parameter should not be overlooked when making your choice: waterproofing.
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The waterproofness of a headlamp: a criterion not to be overlooked
Lovers of outdoor sports know it better than anyone: the rain can sometimes come unexpectedly during your outings in the mountains. The level of sealing is therefore a criterion to be taken into account.
Overall, all headlamps are relatively waterproof. The water resistance of each model may vary, however, and is expressed in the form of the IPX standard. The majority of products have a water resistance between IPX4 and IPX6 (the maximum being IPX8). So remember to check this criterion before setting your sights on any model.
The possible lighting modes of a headlamp
The majority of headlamps offer different lighting modes, which can generally be changed by pressing the ignition button, until the desired mode is obtained. The two main modes are usually diffuse (flood) and focused (spot or focus), making your headlamp quite versatile. However, it is possible to find other lighting modes, which may prove to be particularly relevant depending on your use, namely:
- a strong mode for high visibility for fast-moving sports
- an eco-mode for better autonomy
- a mode red which avoids any dazzling of people around
- a flashing mode, at the front or at the rear depending on the model, which improves your visibility
You now have in mind all the key points to take into account to properly choose your headlamp! In addition to the basic criteria, let's now move on to a more in-depth analysis: how to choose your headlamp according to your sports practice?
From trail running to hiking via mountaineering, camping and ultra-trail, we take care of deciphering the essential points in order to choose the most suitable model according to your needs! The opportunity also to make your job easier thanks to our selection of the best products according to the sporting activity!
Choosing the right headlamp for trail running and running
Requiring significant lighting due to the speed of movement, trail running and running therefore require powerful lighting that allows you to see at a distance and anticipate all obstacles. For a run, opt for a headlamp with a power between 150 and 200 lumens. If you prefer tarmac trails, choosing your trail headlamp is a bit more technical. Opt for a more powerful headlamp of at least 200 lumens.
A strong lighting mode is also necessary to evolve in particularly dark environments, while a flashing mode will give you more safety when approaching traffic.
A red light headlamp is also ideal if you are running in a group, to avoid dazzling those around you.
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Choosing the right headlamp for hiking
To escape in the mountains while hiking or even bivouacking, a headlamp of 100 to 150 lumens is sufficient. A good hiking headlamp should, in fact, provide you with lighting of around 50 meters and a battery life of several hours. However, for a night advance on steep terrain, you can opt for a powerful headlamp of 160 to 290 lumens, giving you an average range of 100 meters and sufficient illumination to discern all obstacles.
Choosing the right headlamp for camping
For proximity lighting in your camping area, your headlamp can be satisfied with a power between 24 and 100 lumens. Such power allows you to easily set up your tent at nightfall, to discern the elements present in the surroundings, to eat quietly or to read in your tent.
Choosing the right headlamp for mountaineering
Achieved in more demanding and committed environments, the practice of mountaineering requires high-power lighting, adapted to evolution in the high mountains. A power of between 300 and 900 lumens is therefore required. Lightness is also an important parameter to take into account. The general-purpose models offer a weight between 60 and 80 grams, while the specialized models are rather between 175 and 300 grams.
Finally, a certain resistance to cold is required, so that autonomy is not drastically reduced in the event of particularly low outside temperatures.
Choosing the right headlamp for ultra-trail
A rapidly growing discipline, ultra-trail also requires an ultra-powerful light source, capable of accompanying you during your nights outdoors. Thus, a minimum power of 300 lumens is required, but depending on your practice and the ultra-trail you are going to achieve, it may be recommended to opt for a much more powerful headlamp. We also recommend a level of waterproofing between IPX6 to IPX8, in order to be able to cope with any weather degradation.
To be sure to opt for the best trail headlamp, it must however be light enough not to hinder your practice and your comfort during your long nights in the mountains.
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The best headlamps on the market
With all the choice available, finding the best headlamp is no easy task! To help you in your selection, we have decided to present the best brands on the market. Black Diamond, Petzl, Led Lenser, Silva: find a comparison of the leading brands in the sector!
Black Diamond headlamps
A true reference in the world of mountaineering and climbing, Black Diamond offers high quality headlamps designed for the practice of the most demanding outdoor activities. As such, the brand offers a new rechargeable modular battery compatible with standard batteries, making each Black Diamond headlamp an ideal companion to achieve your goals in the mountains.
Petzl headlamps
Pioneering brand in headlamps, in particular thanks to its reactiv lightning technology particularly appreciated by experienced practitioners, Petzl offers high-performance and reliable products for all your mountain activities. As such, the brand offers a performance range: these Petzl headlamps are thus equipped with intelligent lighting, ideal for dynamic and committed activities, such as trail running, mountain biking, or even mountaineering. Three other ranges are also present at the brand: Classic, Active, and Specialized, thus covering all outdoor uses.
Led Lenser headlamps
From your most extreme sports activities to professional use, Led Lenser headlamps are renowned for their lightness and exceptional quality of light. You will find different ranges and series of Led Lenser headlamps to meet your specific needs: the Outdoor range, the H series, the NEO series, SEO, and XEO. Each series offers a range of very specific products and technologies, dedicated to the most common uses as well as to the most extreme uses depending on the series.
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Silva headlamps
Renowned in the world of trail running and mountain biking, Silva headlamps offer an excellent compromise between power and lightness for your outdoor activities. The brand thus offers several series of products, namely the Scout, Explore, Trail Runner, Cross Trail, Trail Speed and Exceed series. Silva brand products are perfectly designed to accompany you on your many outdoor adventures.
Choosing the right accessories for your headlamp
Some accessories can be particularly useful, especially to ensure that your equipment goes through the years in good condition. As such, you will find, for example, spare headbands, ideal for avoiding any discomfort when the one present on your lamp is no longer young.
Likewise, protective pockets allow you to safely store your equipment after each use. Other accessories, meanwhile, are extremely practical, such as helmet attachment systems, for example. Enough to make you want to practice your favorite outdoor activities after dark!
You now know everything about headlamps! However, you have a doubt or a question about the choice of your headlamp? Contact our team by phone on the +33 (0)1 84 67 14 24 (free call) or through our Help Center. We will be happy to answer all your questions and help you find the perfect equipment for your outdoor adventures!
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Crédits photos (dans l'ordre d'apparition) : (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,10)©Black Diamond - (8)©Free-Photos/Pixabay - (9)©Noel_Bauza/Pixabay