Best Backpacking Headlamps for Trail Miles and Camp Nights

• Its mixed beam combines near-field and distance vision.
• It comes with a CORE rechargeable battery and also accepts three AAA batteries.
• The lamp is rated at 625 lumens and weighs 88 g.

Drawback: Its IPX4 rating is weather resistant, not a submersion rating.

• Its wide beam is designed for nearby tasks and walking around camp.
• The included CORE battery can be swapped for three AAA batteries.
• Petzl lists a weight of 84 g and a maximum output of 450 lumens.

Drawback: The wide beam is less suited to seeing far down a fast trail.

• Dual-Fuel compatibility supports three AAA cells or the separate BD 1500 rechargeable battery.
• PowerTap lets you move from a setting to full output with a tap.
• Its compact, low-profile body is intended for balanced wear.

Drawback: The rechargeable battery is a separate purchase for this model.

• The manufacturer specifies IP67 dust and water protection.
• Its rechargeable BD 2400 battery is built in as the power source.
• It offers white proximity and distance modes plus red, green and blue night-vision modes.

Drawback: Charging uses micro-USB, rather than USB-C.

• REACTIVE LIGHTING adjusts brightness and beam pattern using an ambient-light sensor.
• The rear battery pack balances the lamp across the head.
• Petzl specifies 1500 lumens and a weight of 145 g.

Drawback: It relies on its rechargeable battery, so carry a charged spare for extended routes.

• Its magnetic battery pack is interchangeable, allowing a one-handed swap according to Black Diamond.
• The Comfort Cradle is shaped to sit low and limit bounce.
• PowerTap provides quick access to full output.

Drawback: The battery pack and technical design make it a bulkier choice than compact camp headlamps.