A headlamp offers convenient hands-free lighting around camp and the hut. One should be carried on every trip – even day trips – in case you get caught in the dark.

Straps

Comfort is key, so straps should be soft and stable enough to support the weight of the headlamp. Most straps use a sliding adjustment (some use a toggle) that can be tightened or loosened on the go. Removable straps can be washed without damaging the lamp. Fixed straps can be used on headlamps with good water resistance

Output

Measured in lumens, light output can be adjusted for the conditions from a low 10 (or less) lumens for reading or early-morning starts (so as not to disturb others) up to 1000 lumens for finding your way on the trail.

Operation

The torch should be simple to operate. Most use one or two buttons to turn it on and to cycle through the light modes. Holding the button dims or brightens the light. Many models have a brightness ‘memory’ which turns on at the last-used light setting. The headlamp should have a transport lock to prevent it from turning on in your pack. Many headlamps have a red light to preserve night vision – useful for stargazing and spotting nocturnal wildlife. Glove-friendly operation is essential for use in winter.

Lamp housing

A tiltable lamp housing directs the light where it’s needed and prevents the light from blinding others. Headlamps that don’t tilt might have the option to use downward-facing lights that serve the same purpose.

Range

This is the distance in metres that the beam reaches. The range figures shown in this feature are for the most powerful light setting.

Run time

Battery life is related to output; the more powerful the torch, the more power-hungry it is. Run times shown in this feature are for the lowest and highest light settings.

Water and dust resistance

Headlamps have an Ingress Protection Rating (IP) that measures water and dust resistance.

IP ratings come with two numbers (e.g. IP64). The first number rates solid protection (i.e. dust) on a scale of 0-6 where 0 offers no protection and 6 is dust-tight. The second number rates water-resistance between 4 and 8, where 4 means splashing water from any angle can be handled (10-litre/min) – that’s most rainy conditions – and 8 is full and continuous immersion up to and within the manufacturer’s specifications.

If an X is used instead of the first number, it means the headlamp has not been tested for solid protection. 

Ledlenser H7R Signature $329.99

A super bright headlamp that can be controlled and personalised via Ledlenser’s smartphone app. It has the Advanced Focus System, intuitive dimming, seven light functions and turns on at the last used light setting. It runs on a rechargeable Li-ion 3.7v 4800mAH battery with magnetic charging. IP67 Output 1200 lumens Run time 3.5– 65hr Range 260m Weight 259g. www.ledlenser.co.nz

BioLite 800 Pro Rechargeable $249.99

This super-bright headlamp is USB rechargeable and features Biolite’s 3D SlimFit construction. It has a Constant Brightness Mode, pass-thru charging (it can be used while charging), various lighting modes and a dimmable rear red visibility light. It runs on a 3000mAh li-ion battery, IPX4. Output 800 lumens Run time 7–150hr Range 135m Weight 150g. www.ampro.co.nz

Ledlenser H5R Core $199.99

A versatile and practical headlamp with cord-free magnetic charging. It has the Advanced Focus System, stepless dimming, three light functions, 160-degree tilting head and runs on an 1800mAh rechargeable battery. IP67 Output 500 lumens Run time 30min–50hr Range 200m Weight 167g. www.ledlenser.co.nz

Kathmandu Falcon 400 $164.98

This hybrid headlamp can run on rechargeable or single-use batteries. It features five light modes, an adjustable torch angle and a micro USB charging cable for the included lithium-polymer battery. IP64. Output 400 lumens Weight 100g. www.kathmandu.co.nz

BioLite 425 Rechargeable $139.99

Expect a snug, comfortable, bounce-free fit with Biolite’s 3D SlimFit construction. It has a moisture-wicking headband, easy one-hand lamp tilting and a new larger power button. It uses a 1000mAh USB-C rechargeable battery and can be used while being charged. IPX4. Output 425 lumens Run time 3.5–60hr Range 85m Weight 78g. www.ampro.co.nz

Silva Terra Scout H Hybrid $149.99

This ‘green’ headlamp is made of hemp and recycled plastics, which Silva says reduces its carbon footprint by 90%. It has a night vision mode, battery level indicator and Hybrid Technology to run on AAA batteries or the included rechargeable Silva Hybrid battery. IPX5. Output 350 lumens Run time 3–50hr Range 65m Weight 76g. www.ampro.co.nz

Petzl Tikka Core $144.90

A hybrid headlamp that works with Petzl’s rechargeable Core battery (included) or three AAA batteries. Four light settings provide a wide uniform beam, single button operation, adjustable lamphead, phosphorescent reflector which helps locate it in the dark and storage pouch that transforms it into a lantern. IPX4. Output 400 lumens Run time 2–110hr Range 75m Weight 84g. www.outdoorestore.co.nz

Knog Bilby 400 $119.99

The Bilby is claimed to be the world’s most powerful silicon headlamp. It is dust and waterproof (IP67) and has a two-button operation – one cycles through five light modes, the other dims or brightens the light. There’s set-and-forget strap adjustment and built-in USB recharging (no cable required). Output 400 lumens Run time 5-105hr Range 100m Weight 90g. www.knog.com

Ledlenser NEO1R $99.99

A headlamp designed for fast-paced activities that combines minimalism with power. It folds to fit in a pocket, has a tiltable lamp head, three light functions, customisable Smart Light Technology, rear red blinking light and reflective headband. It runs on a 730mAh rechargeable battery with magnetic charging. IP67 Output 200 lumens Run time 3–15hr Range 80m Weight 39g. www.ledlenser.co.nz

Knog Bandicoot 250 $79.99

This is a rechargeable headlamp with body and strap moulded in matte-finish silicon. It’s easy to clean and has set-and-forget adjustability. There are four LEDs – a high beam, elliptical ambient beams, a red light and downlight for reading. IP67. Output 250 lumens Run time 8-105hr Range 40m Weight 60g. www.knog.com