3 best lightweight headlamp for backpacking

A lightweight headlamp for backpacking is an essential tool for outdoor enthusiasts engaged in backpacking and camping activities. These headlamps are designed to provide hands-free illumination in low-light conditions, making them ideal for navigating trails, setting up camp, or performing tasks after dark. Here are key points about lightweight headlamps for backpacking:

  1. Weight: As the name suggests, these headlamps are designed to be lightweight, minimizing the burden on your head and making them comfortable to wear for extended periods.

  2. Brightness: Backpacking headlamps typically offer adjustable brightness settings, allowing you to choose the level of illumination needed for your specific tasks. Some models also have a spotlight and floodlight mode for versatility.

  3. Battery Life: Efficient power management is crucial for backpackers. Many headlamps use LED technology, which provides bright light while conserving battery life. Consider headlamps with long battery life or models that use rechargeable batteries for extended trips.

  4. Beam Distance: Look for headlamps with adjustable beam distance to focus the light where you need it. This feature is useful for trail navigation, reading, and performing campsite tasks.

  5. Beam Type: Headlamps can have a spot or flood beam. A spot beam focuses light in a narrow, concentrated area, while a flood beam provides a broader, even spread of light. Choose a headlamp that suits your specific needs.

  6. Weight Distribution: A comfortable headband design ensures even weight distribution across your head, reducing discomfort during extended use.

  7. Water Resistance: For outdoor adventures, it's advisable to choose a headlamp with some level of water resistance or waterproofing to handle rain or unexpected splashes.

  8. Red Light Mode: Some headlamps have a red light mode, which is useful for preserving night vision and minimizing disturbance to fellow campers.

  9. Durability: Backpacking headlamps should be built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Look for models with sturdy construction and materials that can endure rough handling and exposure to the elements.

  10. Strap Adjustability: Adjustable straps ensure a secure fit on your head or helmet, accommodating different head sizes and allowing you to wear the headlamp comfortably with or without a hat.

  11. Regulated Output: Some headlamps offer regulated output, which means they maintain a consistent level of brightness throughout the battery's lifespan, rather than dimming as the battery drains.

  12. Lock Mode: Some headlamps have a lock mode to prevent accidental activation during storage or transport.

  13. Brand Options: Well-known brands that produce quality backpacking headlamps include Black Diamond, Petzl, Princeton Tec, and Fenix, among others.These brands offer a range of options to cater to different preferences and budgets.

  14. Price Range: The price of lightweight backpacking headlamps varies depending on features and brand reputation. You can find affordable options for budget-conscious backpackers and more premium models with advanced features for those seeking the best performance.

In conclusion, a lightweight headlamp for backpacking is a valuable tool for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hands-free illumination that is crucial for safety and convenience during nighttime activities in the wilderness. Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the right headlamp for your backpacking adventures.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best lightweight headlamp for backpacking on the market
  

Nitecore NU25 360 LM Rechargeable Headlamp

Nitecore

Based on 233 reviews Check latest price
  • Equipped with a primary CREE xp-g2 S3 LED that produces a bright 360 Lumen wide beam capable of 88 yards of throw
  • Auxiliary high CRI produces richer more natural colors and is great for up-close work
  • Auxiliary red LED is great for preserving night vision
  • Weighs less than an ounce and small enough to fit in a pocket
  • No charger needed, powered by built-in USB rechargeable battery

User questions & answers

Question: Is it waterproof
Answer: The waterproof polycarbonate housing is impact-resistant to five feet and is rated IP66 water-resistant. A rubber cover protects the micro-USB charging port.
Question: Do you have to cycle through all of the brightness levels to turn off? How has no one asked this yet
Answer: After you have it on a particular setting for about three seconds it will turn off without cycling through them all.
Question: Is this headlamp water resistant
Answer: The waterproof polycarbonate housing is impact-resistant to five feet and is rated IP66 water-resistant. A rubber cover protects the micro-USB charging port.
Question: Can you be able to use the headlight while charging
Answer: no, you can't. it will be switched off when charging

Product features

Ultra Compact Rechargeable Headlamp with 3 Outputs

The NU25 utilizes three light sources to create a versatile and lightweight headlamp you'll find endless uses for. Capable of 360 lumens and an 88 yard throw, the NU25 is ideal for outdoor activities like running, cycling, hiking or camping.

Lightweight Design

Weighing only 0.99 ounces, the NU25 is so lightweight and comfortable you'll hardly notice it's there!

Rechargeable Built-In Battery

A built-in rechargeable battery reduces the size and the weight of the NU25 while ensuring your headlamp is ready to go whenever you are.

Powerful Primary Output

Featuring a CREE XP-G2 S3 LED, the NU25 delivers up to 360 lumens in a 100° wide beam perfect for biking or jogging.

4 adjustable brightness modes make sure you have exactly the right light for any task!

High CRI Output for Detail Illumination

The 20 lumen high CRI LED produces richer and more natural looking colors making it a great tool for close up tasks like photography and reading.

Red Output to Preserve Night Vision

An auxiliary red LED helps preserve night vision for nighttime photography, map reading, and stargazing.

The NU25 also includes a red caution (blink) mode for emergency signaling.

Ultra Compact for Maximum Comfort & Portability

Weighing less than an ounce and small enough to fit in a pocket, the NU25 is comfortable for cycling, hiking, running, camping, household tasks, and everyday carry.

60° Tiltable Angle Illuminates the Road Ahead

With the included bracket and adjustable headband, the NU25 is capable of achieving up to 60° tiltable angle so you can effortlessly direct the light where you need it.

Sweat Diverting Headband Protects Eyes

A silicone strip hidden within the headband diverts sweat to the sides of the head and prevents the headband from sliding during activity.

Dual Switches for Easy Operation

Dual switches located on the top of the NU25 provide easy access to the main and auxiliary lights so you can focus on the goal ahead.

Built-In Rechargeable Battery

Recharging the NU25 is so easy! Simply plug-in the included charging cable into the built-in micro USB port and any USB compatible power source.

Compatable with USB Sources

NU25 can also be connected to external USB power sources like powerbanks, solar panels, and laptops for extended runtimes.

Battery Power Indicator

A convenient power indicator ensures you'll always know the remaining charge.

QUALIS Headlamp Flashlight 170 Lumens Super Bright White LED + Red Lights + Smart Memory + 4 Light Modes. Running, Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Outdoor Head Lamps/Headlight for Adults & Kids (Black)

Based on 43 reviews Check latest price

Product description

QUALIS - BRIGHT IDEAS DONE WELL

The core value of our brand is "Bright Ideas Done Well". We believe in the power of innovation to improve day-to-day living. We strive to reach more homes by making our technology affordable without compromising the quality required to deliver high performance when you need it most.

WHY WE CHOOSE TO USE SILICON CASE?

  • Scratch protective
  • Real tight fitting
  • Dust resistant
  • Tactile and anti-slip
  • More durable than common hard plastic case headlamps in the market 
  • Easy to clean

 

BUILT FOR ANY ENVIRONMENT

Easyway is a brand offering multi-function led headlamps for adults, headlamps for kids, waterproof headlamp suitable for most environments. You can use it as a running headlamp, camping headlamp, hiking headlamp, red light headlamp, or during jogging, fishing, backpacking, hunting, cycling, night walking, dog walking, climbing or general purposes e.g. home & household chores, crafting & repairs, outdoors or Indoors. With Easyway, we make your way easy!

ULTRA BRIGHT HEAD FLASHLIGHT

With an ULTRA-BRIGHT & LONG RANGE head light design that provides up to a 200 ft beam distance at full brightness, you will be able to see everything you need to get the task done. Unique TRANSPARENT CASE design crafted with precision mechanical calculations and craftsmanship maximizes the lighting efficiency.

Remark: 2 AAA batteries required (Batteries NOT Included)

  • ✔ ULTRA-BRIGHT SAMSUNG WHITE LED with ex-ordinary TRANSPARENT CASE design crafted with precision mechanical calculations to maximize lighting efficiency for the BEST BALANCE of Wideness and Beam Range (Powered by 2 AAA batteries - NOT included).
  • ✔ SAVE WEIGHT: the REAL LIGHTWEIGHT ultralight head light for your head weighs only 1.76oz (2.54oz with aaa batteries) which is 20% LIGHTER than most lightweight claimed forehead headlamps in the market.
  • ✔ SAVE TIME: SMART MEMORY feature automatically remembers your recently used mode. NO MORE CYCLING THROUGH MODES to get to your desired light mode!
  • ✔ PRACTICAL LIGHT MODES: HIGH – Full Brightness (adventures, searching, cycling, tactical, spot)/ LOW – Power Saving (runner/ running, hiking, fishing, crafting & repairs, dog walking, home & indoor). Headlamp with red light option: RED – preserve Night Vision (non-blinding, less disturbing, reading, camping, hunting, outdoors)/ RED STROBE – Visibility (distance alert, safety warning or signal, emergency blinker, rear light). WATERPOOF (IPX4) allows you to get your tasks done under HEAVY RAIN.
  • ✔ 100% SATISFACTION: NO QUESTIONS AKSED MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. 2 YEARS WORRY-FREE WARRANTY.

Acebeam H30 LED USB-C Rechargeable Headlamp | 4000 Lumens | White, Red, and Green LED | Great for Hunting, Fishing, Cycling, Camping, Backpacking, and Reading | with a Lumintrail Wall Charger

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

ACEBEAM H30 provides an unparalleled output from Ultra-Low 3 lumens to Turbo- max. 4000 lumens widely used from night reading to outdoor searching, making ACEBEAM H30 the most powerful headlamp. The equipped Type-C rechargeable function with Triple times charging speeds makes H30 much more convenient to charging the 21700 5100mAh battery inside the tube without taking the battery out. Being fitted with a CREE XHP70.2 LED white light for a better color rendering, the additional CREE XPE2-R2 630nm Red light and CREE XPE2-G3 530nm Green light allows the capability for any mission such as outdoor hunting, and easily protects the night vision. The special SOS for an emergency can even last 72 hours without turning off the light. The compact headlamp H30 is ideal for demanding sports such as hunting, fishing, cycling, camping, backpacking, reading and all night activities.

 

FEATURES

  • Dual switches for all easy operation
  • Made of durable aerospace-grade aluminum alloy
  • Premium type Ⅲ hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish 
  • Highly polished smooth reflector creates max throw

 

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Charging current: 2A
  • Discharge current: 2A
  • Working voltage: 3V to 8.4V
  • Impact resistance: 1 meter
  • Waterproof: IPX68 (2 meters submersible)
  • Size:89.4mm(length)x40.8mm(head diameter)x29mm(tube diameter)
  • Weight: 80g excluding battery; 151.5g including 1x21700 battery (IMR21700NP-510A); headband with silicone holder 38.8g

  • 7 OUTPUT MODES: 4000 Lumens White CREE XHP70.2 LED outputs 6 brightness modes ranging from 3 to 4000 lumens with a 7th SOS mode.
  • 2 COLOR NIGHT VISION: Red CREE XPE2-R2 630nm light and Green CREE XPE2-G3 530nm light. Both colors protexts the night vision and allows the capability for any mission such as outdoor hunting.
  • USB-C RECHARGEABLE: The equipped Type-C rechargeable flashlight function with triple times charging speed makes the H30 much more convenient to charge the 21700 5100mAh inside the tube without taking the battery out.
  • POWER BANK FUNCTION: The Acebeam H30 is also a power bank that can be used to charge any mobile device at 5V/2A, perfect for when you need emergency power.
  • WATERPROOF: H30 is rated for IPX68 waterproof (2 meters submersible) making it the perfect headlamp to be used in any outdoor environment.

User questions & answers

Question: What are the run times of this headlamp
Answer: The runtimes for this headlamp are: Turbo Max: 2 Hours Turbo: 2 hours 15 minute High: 3 Hours Medium: 7 hours 30 min Low: 23 hours 30 min Ultra-Low: 200 hours SOS: 72 hours

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