What Do I Need in a Headlamp?

A headlamp may be one of the most important pieces of equipment you own, depending on the activity in which you are engaging. Headlamps are not all the same, and you need specific features based on your activity. The activity itself is important to helping you select the best headlamp so it’s important to think about the design and features before making a purchase. Check out this article to help guide you in selecting the best option for you.

Activity

Biking, climbing, and paddling activities benefit from a high light output and may require a certain type of distance from your beam. Running requires a proper fit, lightweight feel, and appropriate distance of your headlamp. If you hike or backpack, the life of the battery, beam distance, and additional options are something to consider in a headlamp. If you camp, the beam width, price, and battery make a difference. 

Battery

Typically, headlamps use AA or AAA batteries or are rechargeable with a USB. USB headlamps tend to be a little lighter because they do not have the weight of batteries. Some headlamps have both battery and USB options. The USB headlamps have a varying amount of hours in which they can hold a charge. This length of time changes based on how bright you are using the light. The brighter the mode, the more your battery drains. 

Weight

Keep in mind, you arewearing the headlamp on your head, and the more bounce you have in your activity, the lighter your headlamp should be. If you are running, you do not want the headlamp to bounce around. If you are cycling, your headlamp can be a little heavier because it will not bounce as much. A headlamp that is 2 to 3 ounces is considered a light option. Items such as external batteries add weight to your headlamp. The straps of your headlamp can help distribute weight based on how they are positioned. 

Fit

You want to find theperfect fit for your headlamp. Some have a battery pack that sits in the back of your head to help balance the weight. Some provide additional support by way of a strap that goes from the front to the back of your head. It may give you the needed stability, but it may annoy you. Some headlamps can tilt, which may help you feel in better control of the light. 

Beam

You will find most headlamps have a LED light because they last and provide durability. They use less energy than traditional light bulbs. There are different beams available from which you can choose. A spot beam will light your path far into the distance, but the light may be focused more in front of you and not to the sides. A wide beam is going to give you a wider angle to see what is closer to you. A variable beam allows you to switch between the two. 

Additional Features

Each headlamp comes with some extras. It is important to understand them, so you can know which ones may be beneficial to you. A red light option is helpful for up-close activities like reading or cooking. This mode helps to preserve your battery life. There is an emergency mode that creates a strobe light to alert rescuers if you need recovery. They also have high and low modes, which also can help to preserve the battery.