Best Headlamps for Hiking at Night: Six Models Compared

• Petzl specifies 625 lumens and a mixed beam for proximity and distance vision.
• Its HYBRID CONCEPT accepts the included CORE rechargeable battery or three AAA cells.

Drawback: Its IPX4 rating is weather resistant, not the higher sealed rating of the Black Diamond Storm 500-R.

• The manufacturer rates the housing IP67 and says it is tested to operate underwater to one meter for 30 minutes.
• The listed high setting reaches 500 lumens and a 120 m beam distance.

Drawback: At 120 g, it is heavier than the Spot 400-R and Petzl options here.

• The cited product specification lists 86 g and a rechargeable 1500 mAh Li-ion battery.
• Its high setting is listed at 400 lumens with 100 m maximum distance.

Drawback: The cited page specifies micro-USB charging rather than USB-C.

• Petzl lists a maximum output of 1200 lumens.
• The manufacturer describes REACTIVE LIGHTING technology and a rechargeable design.

Drawback: High output is not the same as long runtime; compare the lighting tables for the mode and conditions you need.

• The wide beam is intended for nearby ground and surroundings.
• It runs on three AAA batteries and is compatible with the CORE rechargeable battery accessory.

Drawback: Its 350-lumen maximum and wide beam are less suited to spotting distant trail features than the higher-output picks.

• Black Diamond lists a 350-lumen maximum and integrated rechargeable 1500 mAh battery.
• The product page specifies IP67 and red night vision.

Drawback: Its manufacturer-stated maximum beam distance is 64 m, below the Spot 400-R and Storm 500-R.