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. 

BioLite Range 500 $139.99

This waterproof lamp has an advanced 1634 mAh Li-ion battery that provides 60min of use after 8min charging time. It has a patented 3D SlimFit construction, USB-C rapid recharging, glove-friendly buttons, a tiltable lamp, a transport lock and five light modes. IP67. 75g. Output 500 lumens Run time 5–250hr Range 100m. www.ampro.co.nz

Black Diamond Storm 500-R $139.99

A sturdy waterproof and dustproof headlamp with a rechargeable 2400 mAh Li-ion battery, a recycled elastic headband, PowerTap for instant transition between dimmed and full power, brightness memory, multiple light modes, red, green and blue LEDs and a transport lock. IP67. 120g. Output 500 lumens Run time 7–350hr Range 120m. www.bivouac.co.nz

BioLite Range 400 $119.99

This fast-charging waterproof headlamp uses a 1634 mAh Li-ion battery that provides 60min of use after 8min charging time. It combines a patented 3D SlimFit construction with USB-C recharging, a tiltable lamp, a transport lock and four light modes. IP67. 75g. Output 400 lumens Run time 6–200hr Range 90m. www.ampro.co.nz

Black Diamond Spot 400-R $119.99

A feature-laden waterproof headlamp in a compact design. It has a rechargeable 1500 mAh Li-ion battery, a recycled elastic headband, PowerTap for instant transition between dimmed and full power, brightness memory, a red light activated by a second button and a battery meter. IP67. 85g. Output 400 lumens Run time 4–225hr Range 100m. www.bivouac.co.nz

Silva 250 Smini Fly $109.99

A super-lightweight headlamp with a minimal 3mm headband designed as a compact backup or for fast and light trips. It has a USB-C rechargeable Li-Po 700mAh battery and features Intelligent Light (a combination of spotlight and floodlight), a red light and a battery level indicator. IPX5. 38.5g. Output 250 lumens Run time 1.5–20hr Range 80m. www.ampro.co.nz

BioLite Range 300 $99.99

The Range series claims to charge five times faster than other headlamps, adding 60min of light in 8min of charging. This lightweight version has a patented 3D SlimFit construction, USB-C rapid recharging, a tiltable lamp, a transport lock and two light modes. IP67. 52g. Output 300 lumens Run time 4–100hr Range 75m. www.ampro.co.nz

Lifesystems Intensity 580 $92.95

A versatile headlamp with adjustable beam angle for both spot and floodlight options. The rechargeable Li-ion battery can be swapped for three AAA batteries if needed. It has six lighting modes including red. IPX6. 102g. Output 580 lumens Run time 2.5–60hr Range 70m. www.furtherfaster.co.nz

Petzl Swift LT $39.95

A low-cost, ultralight and compact headlamp for lightweight trips or for use as a back-up light. It’s USB-C rechargeable, has three light levels plus strobe, a wide beam pattern and ultra-thin headband. IP4. 43g. Output 380 lumens Run time 2–60hr Range 70m. www.spelean.co.nz