Providing hands-free lighting, a headlamp is a useful tool for any after-dark activity.

Straps

Comfort is key, so straps should be soft and stable enough to support the weight of the headlamp. They should be able to be tightened or loosened on the move. A removable strap can be washed without damaging the lamp.

Output

This is 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 1500 lumens for finding your way on the trail. 

Operation

Most use one or two buttons to turn on and cycle through the light modes. Holding the button down dims or brightens the light. Many models have a brightness memory that 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. 

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. 

Lamp housing

A tiltable lamp housing directs the light to where it’s needed and prevents it from blinding others. 

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 rates solid protection (e.g. 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.  

Run time

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. 

Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 $199.95

This rechargeable headlamp has a ‘sport fit’ headband with rotary adjustment dial for a precise fit. It has a built-in emergency whistle, battery level indicator, eight lighting modes including ‘warm light’ for better performance in foggy conditions, and dual button operation. IP68. Output 1600 lumens Run time 3–300hr Range 170m Weight 140g. www.fenixlighting.co.nz

Biolite Dash 450 $149.99

Designed with runners in mind, this rechargeable headlamp has a no-bounce fit and five lighting modes. It provides a focused, bright beam and also has a rear red light for user visibility. The slim front lamp is just 10mm thick, and the torch features a sponge-wash moisture-wicking headband and glove-friendly operation. IPX4. Output 450 lumens Run time 3–60hr Range 90m Weight 78g. www.ampro.co.nz

Petzl Tikka Core $144.90

A compact rechargeable headlamp with uniform and comfortable lighting. It has single button operation and four lighting modes, a tiltable lamp, a battery level indicator, a lock function to prevent accidental turning on, a detachable, washable reflective headband and storage pouch. IPX4. Output 450 lumens Run time 2–110hr Range 75m Weight 84g. www.spelean.co.nz

Nitecore NU43 $119

This powerful rechargeable headlamp has five brightness levels and three lighting modes. It has a quick-access low-light mode for use in packed spaces and the unibody optical lens provides a soft, even glow. There’s a red light, transport lock, two-button operation, and an optical sensor automatically dims the light when an obstruction is detected. IP68. Output 1400 lumens Run time 10–165hr Range 130m Weight 116g. www.torchmonster.co.nz