Are you interested in the best backpacking headlamps? Choosing the best backpacking headlamps for hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor adventures isn’t as easy as many people think. It’s confusing if you don’t know what you are looking for.
– Updated 2/9/2020
What’s your budget? Do you prefer a brand name? Does it have to be multi-function or is simple better? There’s so much to consider when you are searching for the best backpacking headlamps.
Best Backpacking Headlamps Criteria
Here is the criteria, 5 basic factors, that will help you zone in on the best headlamp for you.
- Lightweight – You don’t need a honking heavy light if you’re running, biking, hiking, or climbing.
- Versatile and functional – You might as well get a light that’s bright enough for reading when you’re camping and tying ropes at dusk when you are climbing. Ease of use is critical.
- Quick start-up – The last thing you want to do is pull out your manual to figure out how to work your headlamps in the middle of the night. You want one you can pull out of the packaging and figure out how to use instantaneously.
- Smooth running – Having a light that emits a powerful beam that’s focused and not broken is important.
- Rechargeable – This isn’t always possible but having a powerful headlamp that’s rechargeable does your part for the environment.
Headlamp Specifications
| Model | Weight | Max Power | Burn Time | Rechargeable | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Princeton Tec Sync | 3 oz. | 90 lumens | 75-200 hours | No | |
| Princeton Tec Vizz | 3 oz. | 205 lumens | 110-160 hours | No | |
| Vitchelo V800 | 3 oz. | 168 lumens | Up to 120 hours | No | |
| Black Diamond ReVolt | 3.5 oz. | 130 lumens | 12-190 hours | Yes | |
| Alpine Sports X1 | 3 oz. | 120 lumens | 75-150 hours | No |
Princeton Tec Sync 90 Lumen
Princeton Tec Sync – Photo courtesy of thebigoutside.com
3 oz.
The Princeton Tec Sync 90 Lumen model is one of the best backpacking headlamps and worth looking at.
It has red and white modes, five different brightness levels, plenty of light for night hiking, and a simple operation dial with a useful lockout mode – and it’s just twenty-five bucks – pretty tough to go wrong with the Sync.
Simple but Powerful.
This beauty is rugged and excellent for a beginner that may just need a headlamp occasionally.
Princeton Tec Sync 90 Lumen – Buy It Now
Princeton Tec Vizz
Princeton Tec Vizz – Photo courtesy of thebigoutside.com
3 oz.
Another pick on the list of best backpacking headlamps is the high-power waterproof Princeton Tec Vizz.
It has a maximum power of over 200 lumens, which makes it one of the most powerful headlamps around.
It’s versatile and sturdy, bright, simple to operate, and it’s got a lockout features.
If you are an avid fan of the outdoors and need a little bit “tougher” light with all the function and versatility possible, this is the light for you.
Princeton Tec Vizz – Buy It Now
Vitchelo V800
3 oz.
The Vitchelo V800 is for people that are sick and tired of fancy-pants gear.
Simple but effective just about sums this one up.
It’s got different buttons for the red LED and white light; so you don’t have to push the same freakin button a zillion times to get the mode you want.
The LED works like your high beams on the car, excellent for lighting the path way up in front of you.
There is no lock-out mode but that really doesn’t matter because it’s so simple; pretty tough to accidently turn it on.
Black Diamond ReVolt
3.5 oz.
If money is no object check out the Black Diamond Revolt; rated as one of the best backpacking headlamps on the market today.
This light has all the power and versatility you need.
It also has the ability to accommodate both rechargeable and alkaline AAA batteries; a dream in the outdoor world.
Smart pricey pick.
It’s got all the high-tech power required for biking, hiking, climbing, or camping.
You can pick your dimming level and the power meter comes in handy for the serious outdoorsman or outdoorswoman.
And don’t forget the lockout mode – wouldn’t want to waste the power in this baby!
Black Diamond Revolt – Buy It Now
Alpine Sports X1
3 oz.
Updated 2/9/2020 – The Alpine Sports X1 is an awesome fit if you are looking for something right down the middle.
It gives you everything you need to safely trek through the night.
It’s reliable and perfectly balance in brightness, comfort, and versatility; powerful too with 120 lumens output.
Everything you need in a headlamp.
It’s definitely one of the brightest lamps and with its elegant style this ranks as one of the best backpacking headlamps at your fingertips.
