The Best Headlamps of 2023

Light the Way with These Outstanding Outdoor Headlamps: Our Top Choices for Camping Use

Headlamps are a hotly debated topic among camping enthusiasts that are looking to get out into the forest and desert with friends or family. Of course, each outdoors person has their preferred headlamps for their preferred activities, but we wanted to put that aside and check out a variety of headlamps to determine and analyze the best ones on the market. For a reliable and affordable headlamp option within most budgets, we recommend the Black Diamond Spot 400-R. It’s our top pick based on its performance in various categories, such as battery run time, spotlight range, floodlight quality, user interface, size and weight, lighting modes, and price. It’s been updated for Spring 2023 and is suitable for various activities, from hiking to hunting to mountaineering.

Best Overall Camping Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot 400-R

The Black Diamond Spot 400-R is the ultimate all-purpose headlamp. With a maximum output of 400 lumens, the spotlight feature allows for clear visibility of objects up to 100 meters away. While there are headlamps on the market with higher power outputs, the Spot 400-R’s medium and low settings, which provide up to 225 hours of runtime on the low setting, are more than sufficient for the vast majority of outdoor activities such as hiking and basic camp chores.

The user interface of the Spot 400-R is incredibly user-friendly and intuitive, featuring just two buttons for turning the light on and off and scrolling through its various modes: spot, proximity, red, and strobe. In addition, the dimming and brightening function is easily accessible by simply holding down the button, even while wearing thin gloves.

On top of its impressive performance, the Spot 400-R is impressively compact and lightweight, weighing just 2.6 ounces, making it an excellent choice for stowing in a backpack or for weight restrictions such as through-hikers. In addition, it can be easily charged via micro-USB, eliminating the need to bring along any special cords.

Specs:

• Max Distance: 100m

• Rechargeable: Yes via micro-usb

• Time on One Charge: 225 hrs max

• Red light?: Yes

• Waterproof?: Yes
  
  

Most Comfortable Camping Headlight: BioLite 330 HeadLamp

The BioLite 330 has been a favorite among many of the comfort-minded campers for a few years, and it’s easy to see why. One of the standout features of this headlamp is that the battery pack is located at the back of the head rather than on the forehead, like many other headlamps. This design makes the BioLite 330 incredibly comfortable to wear, as there is no weight on the forehead to cause bouncing or discomfort. The sweat-absorbing headband material is also a significant plus, and the light can be easily tilted down for hiking or running.

While some buyers have had issues with the tiny buttons and the cord at the back of the headband, these problems are easily solved by simply having your own headlamp and not sharing it or using it with a helmet.

Although it may be slightly more expensive than other headlamps on the market, the BioLite 330 is well worth the investment for anyone who spends a lot of time in the woods. Its comfort, effectiveness, and versatility make it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Specs:

• Lumen output: 330 lumens; floodlight to 16 m, spotlight to 75 m

• Rechargeable: Yes via micro-USB

• Time on One Charge: 40 hrs. on low; 3.5 hrs. on high

• Red light: Yes
  
  

Lightest Camping Headlamp: Petzl Bindi Ultralight Headlamp

The Petzl Bindi is a highly popular and ultra-lightweight headlamp that is perfect for those tired of bulky and heavy headlamps. Weighing in at only 1.2 ounces, the Bindi is exceptionally minimalistic yet still offers decent runtime and lumens compared to other headlamps on the market. In addition, its adjustable drawstring band fits easily over the head, hat, or hood, and users highly appreciate its fast adjustment feature.

This headlamp is a favorite among search and rescue teams, runners, campers, and any outdoor enthusiast who values a minimalistic approach. Its highly adjustable tilt and reflective cord add to its safety features. With a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, it’s clear that the Petzl Bindi is a well-loved and reliable choice at a reasonable price.

Specs:

• Lumen output: 6-200 lumens

• Rechargeable: Yes, micro-USB

• Time on One Charge: 50 hrs. on low; 2 hrs. max power

• Red light: Yes

Budget-Friendly Camping Headlamp: Petzl Tikkina Headlamp

The Petzl Tikkina headlamp may not be the brightest or most feature-packed option on the market, but it is a reliable and affordable choice for those needing a basic headlamp. It runs on batteries, but you can also opt for more eco-friendly 1,250 mAh CORE rechargeable batteries if desired.

This headlamp is relatively lightweight and has a long runtime in low-light mode, with three adjustable light settings (low, medium, and bright) that can be easily switched using a single button. It fits the “Keep It Simple, Stupid” (KISS) model of efficiency and is an excellent budget-friendly choice. However, it should be noted that you may end up spending more money in the long run by replacing the batteries if you don’t opt for the rechargeable version. Overall, the Petzl Tikkina is a solid choice for those who need a reliable headlamp without breaking the bank

Specs:

• Lumen output: 250 lumens, 10-60 m

• Rechargeable: No; 3 AAA batteries needed

• Time on One Charge: 120 hrs max

• Red light: No

The Best Camping Headlamp for You

When choosing the best headlamp for camping, there are many factors, including battery run time, spotlight range, floodlight quality, user interface, size and weight, lighting modes, and price. We’ve tested various headlamps and selected the Black Diamond Spot 400-R as our top pick for its reliable performance across all of these categories. It’s been updated for spring 2023 and is suitable for various activities, from hiking to hunting to mountaineering. The BioLite 330 is our top pick for comfort, with its battery pack located at the back of the head rather than on the forehead and sweat-wicking headband material. The Petzl Bindi is our lightest pick, weighing just 1.2 ounces, and is a popular choice among search and rescue teams and outdoor enthusiasts who value a minimalistic approach. The Petzl Tikkina is an affordable, budget-friendly option, and the Black Diamond ReVolt is a top pick for its versatility and rechargeable battery.