When the days start getting shorter, you may find yourself itching for an after-work run after sunset. Or, you might be an early bird that loves hitting the trails before sunrise. Whatever your reasons, a good running headlamp is an essential piece of kit for staying safe on a dark run. In this article, we’ll go through the top seven running headlamps on the market and discuss what we love about each one.
When testing running headlamps, we looked at factors such as the price for value, weight, brightness, runtime, and durability. Our favourite overall is Black Diamond’s Spot 400, which features optimal lighting, settings, longevity, and other useful features for an all-around performance. Read on for an in-depth look at the best running headlamps on the market this year.
Best Running Headlamps Reviewed
Best Overall Running Headlamp
Black Diamond's Spot 400 Headlamp offers an all-around performance that goes even beyond running. Buring at a maximum of 400 lumens to light your way even under a new moon night, this lamp features dimmable and optional light settings that are easy to switch in between whether the sun is rising or setting.
At its lowest setting, the Spot 400 Headlamp offers an impressive 200-hour runtime, ranking it among the longest-lasting options in our lineup. It's even been waterproof tested to operate at a depth of 1.1 m for up to 30 minutes. This headlamp is boasted as one of the best for any activity that takes you outdoors after hours.
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Best Budget Running Headlamp
For a solid headlamp with an incredible price point, check out the TIKKINA 250 Lumens headlamp. With the simple strap adjustment and three lighting levels that are easily changed with a single button, it’s a great starter headlamp. It comes with three standard batteries and is also compatible with the CORE rechargeable battery. Clocking in at 81 grams, this 250-lumen floodlight-focused headlamp is lightweight, affordable, and effective.
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Best Ultralight Running Headlamp
Don't be fooled by its quaint appearance. The BINDI is an exceptional headlamp with a maximum of 200 lumens to do just about any activities from road to the mountain summit. Weighing in at just 35 g, it's lightweight and can easily fit in the palm of your hand or can be worn as a necklace and pointed.
Rechargeable via micro USB port. It's the perfect little must-have wherever lighting is low.
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Most Durable Running Headlamp
Petzl has always been a reliable favourite for the casual outdoorsperson or athlete, whether for running, hiking, camping, or otherwise. The ACTIK 350 Lumens Headlamp offers a maximum brightness of 350 lm. At its lowest setting, the core battery will last 120 h, but also comes with a hybrid design, letting you swap between AAA batteries or the rechargeable core, making it a versatile companion for off-grid excursions.
This headlamp also features reflecting detailing for added visibility in low-light settings for safety on the road.
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Most Powerful Running Headlamp
With a whopping 1500-lumen output at its maximum, the Distance 1500 Headlamp by Black Diamond can cleave through 117 meters of darkness to ensure safety on the terrain, a handy benefit for the avid trail and ultra runner pushing the distance. Most will find its optimal use at 300 lumens, which has a battery life of 8 hours, more than enough for most users.
This headlamp also has a Comfort Cradle™ adjustable contouring frame, bounce-free, and with dispersed padding for amazing comfort.
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Most Features
The Icon features a maximum output of 700 lumens with 7 hours of battery life or 190 hours at its lowest setting. It also features multiple modes from proximity settings to strobes and red/green/blue night vision lights and a multifaceted optical lens for efficiency. It's also dual-compatible, allowing users to opt for the battery pack or 4x AA batteries. The battery pack can be attached to its cable and stored in a warm pocket for the "polar mode" designed to survive excursions in colder climates.
Versatile for rugged adventurers, the Icon 700 Headlamp from Black Diamond is an absolute powerhouse.
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Best Weather Resistance
The E+Lite 50 Lumens has a lot to offer. Weighing in at only 27 grams, it's a lightweight and compact piece of gear by Petzl that contends well with others on the market. But what we're interested in for this headlamp is the water-resistibility and weather resistance. Submergible up to 1 metre underwater, this headlamp can also withstand temperatures as low as -30° C and as high as 60° C, making it an all-season all-star, whether running under summer nights or winter mornings.
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What to Look for in a Running Headlamp
Brightness & Distance
Your lighting needs will change depending on your location: under a full moon, through a dark park, or on a tree-lined singletrack trail, all require different levels of brightness. Lumens measure the light intensity or brightness of a headlamp. Look for at least 200-lumen maximum power in a headlamp; higher lumens (300 and up) are better for starless nights and dense trails.
If you want a multipurpose headlamp, look for more settings than just high, medium, and low. Some more advanced headlamps have dimming features and intelligent lights that adjust automatically.
Runtime
Longer runtimes come at the cost of a bigger battery pack, which translates to a bulkier, heavier headlamp. Heavier battery packs can lead to bounce, which can be annoying for some runners. Some headlamps place the battery pack in the back of your head, such as the BioLite models. Laps around the local park should be fine with a budget headlamp, whereas prepping for ultramarathons will require headlamps with longer runtimes.
USB vs. Batteries
There are pros and cons to both USB and battery-powered headlamps. As with any battery-free device, you have to remember to charge it. If you usually wind up with uncharged devices, you’d better opt for a headlamp that uses standard AAA or AA batteries and keep a few extras on hand. Like the Petzl models, some headlamps are hybrid models that work with either batteries or a rechargeable battery pack.
Beam Patterns & Modes
More advanced models of headlamps have more than just high and low light settings. Some also have a spotlight and floodlight that you can use separately or combine for maximum light. A spotlight is for viewing down the road or seeing directly in front of you while a floodlight disperses the light to improve peripheral vision.
Weight & Size
Weight is a crucial consideration for running headlamps – even a few grams can make the difference when feeling strain and fatigue. Depending on the intensity of your runs, you’ll want a more heavy-duty or lightweight headlamp. Most of the headlamps on this list are under 100 grams, the average headlamp is around 200 grams. In most cases, the more lightweight, the better.
Water Resistance
Whether you’re caught in a rainstorm or are braving icy conditions, a water-resistant headlamp is a must. Water resistance is measured by the IP rating, ranging from 0-9, and shows how well the product is protected from water. For instance, the SILVA Explore 4 Headlamp has a rating of IPX7, which means it can be submerged in 1 metre of water for up to 30 minutes.
Other Features
Other convenient features may be the deciding factor when buying a running headlamp. For example, some people might look for a thick, comfortable headband or one that’s moisture-wicking. Other features can include a red-light mode, tilt adjustment, or a lock-out system that keeps the light from turning on or off.
FAQ
How many lumens do good headlamps have?
A good rule of thumb is to look for 200 to 300 lumens in running headlamps.
How many lumens do I need for trail running?
For darker trail runs, look for a running headlamp with over 300 lumens.
How many hours of use does a good headlamp have?
Runtime can range from 4 to 200 hours, depending on the setting you use. Many headlamps have a runtime of 100 to 200 hours for the lowest lumen setting and 4 to 10 hours for the brightest setting.
Conclusion
Although a headlamp might not be your top priority for running gear, it’s a safety tool that shouldn’t be overlooked. Whether an ultramarathon has you training all night, or you prefer the quietness or running in the darkness, a headlamp will keep your path well lit. For its excellent runtime, lightweight feel, and ample brightness, the best overall option is the BioLite 330. Start your search here for the best running headlamps to light your next nighttime jog.
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