June 13, 2022 3 min read

Whether you’re hiking, camping, or planning for any outdoor adventure, a headlamp is necessary and always useful. Your purchase should depend on the activity and further, it determines the lumen you require, whether the lamp has to be waterproof, and how it can be recharged.

Depending on the area of application, you need to pay attention to how snugly the lamp has to fit. For instance, in more movement-intensive sports like trail running, you will need a light that sits tighter than when reading in a tent.

This guide will help you learn how to pick a headlamp for your needs.

Best Activities You Can Do With High-Power Headlamp
Well, no two headlamps are the same. For tough adventures, opt for a waterproof headlamp that can be operated hands-free for maximum convenience. Always pick the right one based on the activity for which you will be using it. Here’s what it means:

  • Running – consider the weight and beam distance of your headlamp
  • Backpacking and hiking – focus on weight, beam distance, battery life, and mode options
  • Cycling – consider light output (lumens) and beam distance of your headlamp
  • Climbing – light output and beam distance
  • Paddling – fit and light output
  • Travel and camping – prioritize battery life, beam width, and price

Shop by Weight
High power headlamp comes in all shapes and sizes. The more intense your activity, the less your headlamp should weigh. Take an example of trail running – if you’re running with a headlamp that’s too heavy or bulky, it will interrupt your movement.

They range anywhere around 12.5 ounces to under 2 ounces. If you need a lightweight headlamp, go for anything from the 2 to the 3-ounce range. External batteries and top straps can add weight, so consider these factors as well.

Bulb and Beam Type
Most headlamps are designed with LED bulbs nowadays because they are durable and long-lasting. When it comes to bulbs, you need to decide whether to go for a spot beam or a wide beam.

  • Spot beam – It will illuminate the path far ahead, which is useful for dark, unknown territory while hiking or cycling at dusk, dawn, or any dark hours.
  • Wide beam – It will produce a dispersed light at a wide-angle to light close objects and campsites.
  • Variable beam – This feature can be switched between a spot and a wide-angle.
  • Beam pattern – It will produce a uniform beam without dark rings or splotches.

Brightness Levels and Mode Options
The good news is most headlamps have settings for both high and low brightness, which comes in handy for different areas of application. Some headlamps offer three settings, while others include a strobe and red light mode too. Here’s what you should know:

  • High – great for dark places, giving you the brightest light possible. It also uses more battery power than low and mid.
  • Middle – Mid-level brightness can work just right for some activities
  • Low – when hitting a tree-covered trail on a gloomy evening, you will need a low level of light to keep trekking.
  • Strobe – it comes useful in emergency scenarios, whether you’re thru-hiking solo or on an evening run.
  • Red light – helps to maintain night vision as it doesn’t cause pupils to shrink while offering a decent illumination.

Want the best LED headlamps? Check out an impressive range of products at Hokolite.

 

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.