Buyer's Guide — Choosing a Headlamp
How to choose your headlamp?
A headlamp is essential for any nighttime outing or in low-light conditions. Here are the key criteria.
💡 1. Brightness (Lumens)
| Power | Usage |
|---|---|
| 50 – 150 lm | Camping, reading, general use |
| 150 – 400 lm | Night hiking, trail running |
| 400 – 1000 lm | Technical terrain, caving, rescue |
| 1000+ lm | Professional use, search |
🔋 2. Battery Life
- Check the battery life at the brightness level you will actually use (not at the minimum).
- AAA Batteries: easy to replace on the go. Ideal for long expeditions.
- Rechargeable USB Battery: more economical and eco-friendly. Requires a charging source.
- 18650 Lithium Battery: high capacity, stable performance in cold weather.
💧 3. Waterproofing
- IPX4: splash-resistant. Sufficient for classic hiking.
- IP67: temporary immersion. Ideal for extreme conditions.
🎯 4. Useful Features
- Adjustable Zoom: spot (long range) or flood (wide coverage).
- Red Mode: preserves night vision, discreet for bivouacking.
- SOS Mode: distress signal in case of emergency.
- Motion Sensor: turns on/off without touching the lamp.
- Continuous Dimming: precise intensity adjustment.
⚖️ 5. Weight
- Between 50 and 150 g depending on the model. Prioritize lightness for trail running and ultralight use.
💰 6. Budget
- Less than 30€: occasional camping.
- 30 – 80€: regular hiking, good value for money.
- 80€+: trail running, intensive use, high brightness.