How to choose a headlamp – buying guide
This guide is about what kind of headlamp you should buy. Instead of giving you specific products, we will give you tips on what to consider when choosing a headlamp. You will learn from the following guide what are the characteristics of such head flashlights, when it will be a better choice than a standard hand-held flashlight, and we will suggest which head flashlight for which activity will work best.
What are the characteristics of head flashlights?
Headlamps are essentially flashlights that you wear on your head (as opposed to standard flashlights). They are the answer to the needs of those who need to have both hands free while light up your way on the trail or your place of work. An added advantage is that you light up the spot you are looking at every time. This is ideal for athletes (cyclists, runners, climbers), as well as hobbyists (fishermen, do-it-yourselfers).
What kind of headlamp? Which one should you buy to suit your requirements? Before you decide to add one to your shopping cart, get to know yourself with the construction of the flashlights in question. They will differ from classic models.
Head mount - a comfortable carrying strap for a head flashlight
First of all, head flashlights have a carrying strap so that you can freely mount it on your head. The strap should be made of good quality material in such a way that it does not cause abrasions on your skin. Another important thing is the adjustment of the strap. On the one hand, it should stretch, and on the other hand, it is good if such a strap can be further adjusted to the circumference of the head. An important issue is whether such a strap is reflective. Fitting a reflective strap increases visibility and therefore safety.
Lighting module - how many lumens and what modes in a headlamp flashlight?
Another, in fact, the most important part of the construction of headlamps is the lighting module. It is responsible for the power and quality of the light emitted. Nowadays LED diodes are used as light sources. Standard incandescent bulbs are not used for several reasons. LEDs have a longer lifespan, give significantly more light, are cheaper in the long run and consume much less electricity.
A very important factor in the headlamp you buy will be the number of lumens. They are used to determine the brightness of light in flashlights and other light sources. The higher this value will be, the more light the LED emits, of course. However, you don't always need 1000 lumens, and 200 is not always enough. For illuminating a path on the trail, 150 lumens in a well-designed flashlight will calmly suffice. If you want to learn more, take a look at this guide on lumens and LEDs.
Also, don't forget that a decent headlamp is equipped with several light modes, and ideally there should be at least three. This will allow you to choose the right wattage for the conditions. For large, open spaces, you'll want to use the strongest mode to illuminate more of the area. The medium mode will be useful for illuminating the area near your tent. The lowest wattage in the lowest mode will be ideal for shining in a tent, in a small room or reading a map. There are also such headlamps on the market, in which you can program the light modes yourself. This is for more advanced users and, of course, will cost money, but it is certainly worth considering.
Headlamp module - how many lumens and what modes does it have?
Similarly to handheld flashlights, you will also need to decide on the power source for a headlamp module. The type of headlamp you purchase will affect its brightness, power, and user comfort.
Typically, you can find two types of power sources: batteries or rechargeable batteries. They are housed in a special battery compartment, which can be an integral part of the lighting module or a separate unit mounted at the back of the head, or (with a longer cable) you can keep the battery compartment in your pocket. The latter option is ideal if you want to replace batteries or rechargeable batteries without removing the headlamp from your head. It also provides better weight distribution on the head but occupies more space.
Then choose battery power or rechargeable batteries? It depends. Batteries will work great if you go to a place where access to a power source is difficult. Rechargeable batteries are great because they give you longer light time, but you'll need at least a powerbank to recharge it. Other amenities in headlamp flashlights An interesting feature in the flashlights in question is the adjustable light module, which means that you can determine the angle at which you want the light to fall. This is an appreciated convenience for anglers who hunt predators at night. Adjusting the angle allows you to maintain a comfortable position on the chair, which is sure to avoid neck and back pain.
Some headlamps also offer the option to choose the color of light you want to use, such as red or green light. Green light facilitates observing and feeding wildlife, while red light is useful for reading maps in the dark or inside a tent, as it is less blinding and does not reflect as much on flat surfaces.
Which headlamp to choose?
We hope that the above paragraph has brightened you up a bit on the subject of head flashlights and you know what they are and how they differ from traditional solutions. To help you even more, we will answer the question of what to follow when choosing a flashlight for specific activities.
You can buy a one-size-fits-all headlamp, but if it is to serve you for everything, you will probably spend a fortune on it. However, there are models that will suit several different activities. However, it is best to choose a flashlight for specific activities. This will increase your overall satisfaction with the equipment.
The best headlamp for fishing - what to choose if your hobby is fishing?
A head flashlight for fishing is an essential piece of equipment for any avid angler. Such a flashlight should be comfortable and have an adjustable angle. The power does not have to be very high. Usually you will be shining at short distances and several meters from the shoreline. It is better to bet on a long time of illumination on a single battery or rechargeable battery. There is nothing worse than leaving your post to change batteries and missing a bite. Since you'll be spending time on the water, it's worth opting for better-grade equipment - so that it's waterproof. In addition to the fact that the flashlight can get splashed, it can also rain. In order for a headlamp for fishing to perform its function best, it would be worthwhile for it to be equipped with LEDs that give a diffused light and a power of at least 150 lumens.
The best headlamp for running - what to pay attention to if you like night jogging?
In order to be able to achieve the best times and comfort, the most important thing is that the running headlamp should be lightweight and stably attached to the head. Above all, bet on a good quality mounting system and light weight of the lighting module. Power is not a priority, lighting time is also - unless you are a marathon runner. A few hours of illumination at 200 lumens will allow you to traverse the trails in peace. Adjustment will be useful, but not mandatory. It would be worthwhile for you to opt for a waterproof flashlight, especially if weather conditions are not an obstacle to your sport. An interesting feature to increase your safety (especially when running around town and on bike trails) is the glowing red LED on the back of the flashlight. You will be more visible on the road. Read more about running flashlights in a separate guide.
The best head flashlight for the work - for those who like to tinker after dark
Such a flashlight should, above all, be resistant to mechanical damage and dust. Therefore, it must be made of high-quality materials and well sealed. Power at the level of 100-200 lumens should be completely sufficient. Necessarily, it must have several modes, and it is good if there is an option to turn on the red light. Battery power should work 100%. When you finish work in the workshop, you will be able to safely recharge such a flashlight, and you will save space and money on batteries. When buying a flashlight for the workshop, pay attention to its size and stability against the head.
The best headlamp for hiking - an illuminated mountain path increases your safety
If you're a fan of hiking in the mountains and, on top of that, you're not afraid of the dark, then a headlamp is an essential piece of your equipment. Even if you hike only during the day, it's worth getting a basic model. You never know what will happen on the trail. A headlamp for the mountains must meet the highest standards of durability and give a very strong light. On the trail your safety counts, so the flashlight better not break due to a fall. Decide on a piece of equipment with more than 300 lumens with a long burn time on the highest mode. Battery power will be good, but provided you have a powerbank or buy a spare battery. Batteries will be a great option because they are cheap and you don't need an extra power supply. However, they take up space and add weight to your gear. It's also worth remembering to wear a reflective headband or a red diode on the back of your head. You will be more visible to other hikers. A flashlight with automatic mode change will come in handy when you use a map. As you bring the map closer to your head, the flashlight will change to a lower mode on its own to avoid blinding you.
Read more about flashlights for the mountains in the advice on hiking flashlights.
Brief summary
We hope the above guide has helped you and you know which headlamp to buy. In addition to all the information mentioned above, remember to choose from the best, reputable flashlight manufacturers. Then you will get a product made with the utmost care, with good quality materials, and the light source will be high quality LEDs. When choosing a flashlight, be guided not only by its power, but also by its weight, operating time, type of power supply, quality of the carrying strap, and whether such a flashlight will actually be adequate for your needs and interests.
