Forget the handheld torches; you need your hands free and the torchlight shining in the right direction so you can walk, cook and set up camp in the dark.

Straps
Wide enough to support the weight of the torch and easily adjusted to prevent the torch from bouncing around or sliding down while you’re moving about. A top strap is common on models with a heavier, rear-mounted battery pack.

On/off
Most switches are on the head unit, though some dimmer switches are on the  rear-mounted battery packs of heavier models. Check for glove-friendly on/off.

Output and range
Measured in lumens, light output ranges from between 25 to 2000 lumens. Output also dictates range. Low-output one, two or three LED models are useful work lights around the campsite or hut, while high output single LED models light the path for night tramping or climbing expeditions.

Function and mode
Single-switch operation is the norm, with the one on/off button used to toggle through the various lighting modes. A twist face will adjust the light from spot to floodlight (also turns some models on). A transport lock is useful to prevent the headlamp being accidentally turned on in your pack or pocket. Many headlamps have a red light function to preserve night vision – useful for reading and star gazing.

Run time
Battery life is related to output and the more powerful the torch, the more power-hungry it is. Run times shown in this feature are for the headlamp’s lowest light setting.

Water resistance

Headlamps have an IPX rating indicating their water-resistance

IPX-4 Can handle splashing water (10-litre/min) from any angle – that’s most rainy conditions.
IPX-6 Protected against splashed and pressurised water from any angle from a 12.5mm nozzle at 100-litre/min.
IPX-7 Full immersion in one metre of water for up to 30min. The perfect head torch in extreme conditions.
IPX-8 Full and continuous immersion, up to and within the manufacturer’s specifications.

ANSI rating
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) FL-1 flashlight standard measures the following features in laboratory conditions:
Output Total light output measured in lumens after the light has been on for 30 to 120 seconds
Run time The time until the light output drops to 10 per cent of its original value
Range The distance in metres at which the headlamp produces a light intensity of 0.25 lux (about the same brightness as a full moon).

Led Lenser XEO 19R $499 Rechargeable, two independently operating LEDs each with patented Advanced Focus System (floodlight to focused beam), Speed Cooling, 5 light options, OPTIsense adjusts light to surrounding environment, transport lock, detachable battery pack charges other devices via USB, IPX6, 5-year warranty. OUTPUT 2000 lumens RUN TIME 20hr RANGE 300m WEIGHT 193g (w/o battery), 472g (w battery).

Ledlenser H14R.2 $359 Rechargeable, patented Advanced Focus System (floodlight to focused beam), Smart Light Technology offers two energy modes and 5 light functions, stepless dimming and variable blinking, transport lock, rear safety light, also runs on AA batteries, IPX4, 5-year warranty. OUTPUT 1000 lumens RUN TIME 35hr RANGE 300m WEIGHT 340g.

Ledlenser H7R.2 $239 Rechargeable, patented Advanced Focus System (floodlight to focused beam), Smart Light Technology gives 5 light functions, energy saving or constant current mode, transport lock, rear safety light, also runs on AAA batteries, IPX4, 5-year warranty. OUTPUT 300 lumens RUN TIME 60hr RANGE 160m WEIGHT 164g.

Ledlenser SEO 7R $179 ANSI-rated, rechargeable with washable anti-allergenic headband, Smart Light Technology offers two energy modes and 4 light functions including dimming and signal, OPTIsense adjusts light to surrounding environment, red and white LEDs, Advanced Focus System, also runs on AAA batteries, IPX6, 5-year warranty. OUTPUT 220 lumens RUN TIME 20hr RANGE 130m WEIGHT 93g.

Petzl Reactik $165 ANSI-rated, rechargeable Li-Ion battery, reactive lighting automatically adjusts brightness to conditions, two-part headband for secure fit, red light with strobe and proximity function, white LED with three lighting levels, transport lock. OUTP[UT 190 lumens RUN TIME 12hr (max) RANGE 65m WEIGHT 115g.

Ledlenser SEO 5 $119 ANSI-rated, washable anti-allergenic headband, tilting head, red LED, Smart Light Technology with 3 light functions including dimming and signal, Advanced Focus System (floodlight to focused beam), transport lock, IPX6, 5-year warranty. OUTPUT 180 lumens RUN TIME 25hr RANGE 120m WEIGHT 105g.

Bushnell H250L AD $119.99 ANSI-rated,boost function provides 312 lumens, auto-dim automatically adjusts for close work, red halo low-lumen mode, regulated circuit delivers consistent brightness, six light modes, IPX4. OUTPUT 250 lumens RUN TIME 161hr RANGE 90m WEIGHT 200g.

Black Diamond Storm $99.90 One QuadPower LED, two 2 SinglePower white LEDs and red LEDs, PowerTap technology transitions between full and dimmed power, red night-vision mode has proximity and strobe settings, 4xAAA batteries, six6 light modes and lock mode, IPX7. OUTPUT 250 lumens RUN TIME 150hr RANGE 80m WEIGHT 110g.

Slim design, Cree XP LED, neoprene strap with hook/loop adjustment, adjustable mount, external battery pack slides along strap, dial-adjustable brightness, red night light, includes 3xAAA batteries, IPX4. OUTPUT 120 lumens RUN TIME 200hr RANGE 51m WEIGHT 104g.

Black Diamond Spot $84.90 One TriplePower LED, one1 SinglePower white LED and one red LED, PowerTap technology transitions between full and dimmed power, red night-vision mode has proximity and strobe settings, 3xAAA batteries, three-level power metre, five 5 light modes and lock mode, IPX8. OUTPUT 200 lumens RUN TIME 200hr RANGE 80m WEIGHT 90g.

Ledlenser SEO 3 $79 ANSI rated with washable anti-allergenic headband, tilting head, red LED, Smart Light Technology with three3 light functions including signal, Advanced Focus System (floodlight to focused beam), transport lock, IPX6, 5- year warranty. OUTPUT 100 lumens RUN TIME 40hr RANGE 100m WEIGHT 105g.

Black Diamond Cosmo $69.90 One1 TriplePower LED, one1 DoublePower LED and one red LED, red night-vision mode has proximity and strobe settings, tiltable housing, 3xAAA batteries,five 5 light modes and lock mode, IPX4. OUTPUT 90 lumens RUN TIME 250hr RANGE 50m WEIGHT 90g.

Ledlenser H5 $69 Patented Advanced Focus System (floodlight to focused beam), 90-degree lamp tilt, IPX4, red safety light at rear, 5- year warranty. OUTPUT 25 lumens RUN TIME 20hr RANGE 70m WEIGHT 120g.