3 Best Headlamps for Camping

Hey there campers and welcome to my post discussing my 3 best headlamps for camping this year. Now, if you have ever been camping, hiking, backpacking or fishing at night, then there is a good chance that you have needed to light things up a little. Of course there are plenty of options for this purpose, however if you need to light up your immediate area all the while keeping your hands free, then a good camping headlamp may just suit.

And with that, there is also the fact that headlamps for camping are now more sophisticated than ever meaning there are seemingly limitless options on the market. So to assist you in determining the best product for you I have outlined my three top camping headlamps below…

I will review these in more detail below, but if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:

05/14/2023 07:34 pm GMT

Also called a headlight or head torch, a camping headlamp is a light source that is attached to the head via a headband or hat and used for nighttime or low-light outdoor activities such as caving, orienteering, hiking, fishing, backpacking and of course, camping. And when it comes to camping, headlamps allow you to have both hands free while performing tasks such as cooking, setting up your campsite, chopping firewood or even night hiking.

As above, there are a variety of different headlamps on the market with extra options such as different light colours, display strengths and safety strobes as well.

Check out these: Hunting Headlamps

The beauty here is that decent headlamps do not have to be expensive and in general, I have usually in the past just looked for something that will light things up whilst I am running around the campsite at night. So, as you look to purchase your own headlamp, below are some things that you may want to consider:

1. Brightness
2. Light modes
3. Power source
4. Durability
5. Weight
6. Additions

Brightness

Lumens are essentially a unit of brightness emitted by a light source and used for all camping options such as lanterns and flashlights as well. While it is a helpful descriptor, the lumens measurement does not take into account the quality of the beam pattern but only the total sum of light in any direction.

When deciding on the appropriate number of lumens, keep in mind that you shouldn’t plan on using the light’s maximum setting for extended periods because it will quickly drain the battery. Still, it’s always nice to have an intense beam just in case.

Light modes

Specific light modes will be more appropriate for the activity you are engaged in. Here are some of the light settings available for current headlamps on the market.

1. Spotlight – refers to the concentrated, focused bright light that is usually directed at a distant object. This mode is highly recommended for night hiking or performing specific tasks.
2. Floodlight – This is the most common option which conserves battery power by emitting a wider beam of softer, dimmer light. Such light is typically directed downwards to see nearby objects and ideal for cooking, erecting tents and so on.
3. Red light – consumes very little energy and does not dilate pupils during nighttime. It is ideal for camping as insects are not attracted to it and it is less intrusive. A flashing red light is also good for highlighting emergencies as well.
4. Strobe light – allows you to be seen while hiking or if you have strayed further from your campsite. As with the red light above, this option can also be used as a distress signal for emergencies.

Power source

Common among LED headlamps is to have AAA batteries or a rechargeable lithium-ion battery as a power source. These batteries are located in the light’s main body or at the back of the strap. If your headlamp uses AA or AAA batteries, you may be able to upgrade to Lithium for a longer burn time, improved efficiency in extreme temperatures, and reduced weight.

USB-rechargeable batteries have become more common in recent years and their significant advantage obviously comes from the reduced need to constantly purchase new batteries.

Durability

Look for headlamps made of high-quality materials that can withstand the rough conditions of camping. Here manufacturers use an IPX rating system to indicate how weather resistant something is. Essentially, any product that claims to be waterproof must include an IP Code, which specifies how well electrical components are protected from water and dust.

Measures such as IPX4 are built to withstand light rain and ambient humidity. If you require a fully waterproof headlamp however, look for one with an IPX8 or IPX7 rating. The IPX7 is waterproof in one meter of water for 30 minutes, while the IPX8 can be submerged for a longer time.

Weight

In general terms, the heavier the lamp, the more powerful it is but this does of course mean more weight on your head. Lightweight headlamps have thin plastic casings and require fewer batteries, whereas heavier options have aluminum or hard plastic cases to endure hard impacts. A lightweight lamp is a good investment if you do not need the most extreme lighting as they are more comfortable to wear, will not limit your movements, and fit more readily into a pack.

Additions

Other potential additions include:

1. Straps – There are usually two types of straps on a camping headlamp: a simple elastic nylon wrap that wraps around the sides of your head and a two-piece system with an additional strap that runs over the top of your head. Remember that the straps are directly tied to the weight of the headlamp.
2. Detachable parts – Some manufacturers made the headlamp detachable from the straps so that you can easily wash the latter if it has accumulated dirt and dust.
3. Sweatproof – A sweat proof feature allows the strap to be protected from sagging as you continue to sweat during your outdoor fun.
4. Non strap options – in comparison to option 1 above – headlamps are also available that can be clipped onto a hat or form part of a beanie.

I have two headlamps that I use. The first is a plain clip-on type housing a single, rechargeable LED light with low, medium and high settings. I use it on high setting only and then turn it off when I don’t need it. It is a cheapie that I bought once when my headband one sagged too much to wear and it was only one I could find in the little beach village we were at. It is however waterproof and has not let me down yet.

I also have a beanie headlamp which I love (I also use it for fishing in winter). The light is waterproof, charged via a USB port and has one setting, on and off. It is bright enough for what I need and keeps my head nice and warm.

And as I have said above, I did have a headband one as well, but the elastic band sagged to the point where the light kept falling in front of my eyes… haha

So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:

1. GearLight LED Head Lamp

This first headlamp has a detachable strap so you can wash it without damaging the essential parts which at low setting, will run for up to 10 straight hours. It comes with a 45 degree adjustable head to direct light exactly where you need it and you can choose from 7 different lighting modes from white strobe to red beam for safety. Oh, and there are two in the box! See its specifications below:

• Brand: GearLight
• Weight: 0.19 pounds
• Dimensions: ‎6.5 x 2.75 x 2.25 inches
• Brightness: 200 lumens
• Light modes: Seven

Other inclusions:

• Waterproof
• Detachable strap
• Adjustable head (45 degrees)
• Warranty card

Why have I chosen it?

This headlamp is very lightweight with an adjustable strap to fit onto the heads of adults and kids alike. You can freely choose which brightness fits your specific situation with the headlamp’s seven light modes. A great option for camping with families or night hiking trips alike.

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2. LE LED Headlamp

This next headlamp comes with an IPX 6 rating and sweat proof band for greater durability. Being USB rechargeable, this lighting gear can stay up to 15 hours fully charged. See its specifications below:

• Brand: LE
• Weight: 0.17 pounds
• Dimensions: ‎2.48 x 1.77 x 1.38 inches
• Brightness: 2000 lumens
• Light modes: Six

Other inclusions:

• USB rechargeable
• IPX6 waterproof
• Adjustable head (45 degrees)
• USB cable
• Warranty – 2-year warranty

Why have I chosen this?

This headlamp consists of XP-G2 LEDs providing powerful beam up to 2000lux to give impressive brightness reaching 150 meters. With a 45-degree adjustable torch, the product allows you to respond to any situation in the dark with six varying light modes as well including spotlight, floodlight, and red light. And like the first option above, there are two in the pack here as well.

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3. LIGHTBAR | LED Headlamp

This final product offers a wide 210-degree illumination from long-lasting components that are easily removable for cleaning or upgrading. The lighting is actually created by a LED light bar meaning it will give good solid ground covering light for all those nighttime camping tasks. See its specifications below:

• Brand: LIGHTBAR
• Weight: 0.44 pounds
• Dimensions: ‎10.71 x 4.09 x 1.65 inches
• Brightness: 300 lumens
• Light modes: Six

Other inclusions:

• IPX4 Waterproof
• Removable strap
• Additional Lightbar rechargeable batteries available

Why have I chosen this?

This product is easily operated and is a great assistant to working in the dark. The strap is heavy-duty and can be adjusted to fit hardhats or other head coverings as well. And although made from an all covering LED light strip, there are still six light modes available to meet altering lighting needs no matter what the situation.

05/14/2023 07:34 pm GMT

And there they are, my three best headlamps for camping this year. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time

Have fun

Paul