A headlamp offers convenient hands-free lighting for nighttime walks, around camp and the hut. One should be carried on every trip – even day trips – in case you get caught in the dark.
Straps
Comfort is key, so strapsvshould be soft and stable enough to support the weight of the headlamp. Most straps use a sliding adjustment (some use a toggle) that can be tightened or loosened on the go. Removable straps can be washed without damaging the lamp.
Operation
The lamp should be simple to operate. Most use one or two buttons to turn it on and to cycle through the light modes. Holding the button dims or brightens the light. Many models have a brightness memory, which turns on at the last-used light setting. The headlamp should have a transport lock to prevent it from turning on in your pack. Many headlamps have a red light to preserve night vision – useful for stargazing and spotting nocturnal wildlife. Glove-friendly operation is essential for use in winter.
Output
This is measured in lumens. Light output can be adjusted for the conditions from a low 10 (or less) lumens for reading or early-morning starts (so as not to disturb others) up to 1500 lumens for finding your way on the trail.
Lamp housing
A tiltable lamp housing directs the light to where it’s needed and prevents the light from blinding others. Headlamps that don’t tilt might have the option to use downward-facing lights that serve the same purpose.
Range
This is the distance in metres that the beam reaches. The range figures shown in this feature are for the most powerful light setting.
Run time
The more powerful the torch, the more power-hungry it is. Run times shown in this feature are for the lowest and highest light settings.
Water and dust resistance
Headlamps have an Ingress Protection Rating (IP) that measures water and dust resistance.
IP ratings come with two numbers (e.g. IP64). The first number rates solid protection (i.e. dust) on a scale of 0-6 where 0 offers no protection and 6 is dust-tight. The second number rates water-resistance between 4 and 8, where 4 means splashing water from any angle can be handled (10-litre/min) – that’s most rainy conditions – and 8 is full and continuous immersion up to and within the manufacturer’s specifications.
If an X is used instead of the first number, it means the headlamp has not been tested for solid protection.
BioLite HeadLamp 800 Pro $249.99
This is a super-bright USB-rechargeable headlamp with Biolite’s 3D SlimFit construction. There’s a Constant Brightness Mode, pass-thru charging (use it while charging), various lighting modes and a dimmable rear red visibility light. It runs on a 3000mAh li-ion battery, IPX4. Output 800 lumens Run time 7–150hr Range 135m Weight 150g. www.ampro.co.nz
Black Diamond Distance 1500 $379.99
This headlamp is for fast-paced, overnight endurance pushes and moving through technical terrain. It features PowerTap for instant transition between full and dimmed light, Comfort Cradle bounce-free fit,
rechargeable magnetic battery pack and helmet compatibility. IP67. Output 1500 lumens Run time 100min–40hr Range 95m Weight 213g. www.southernapproach.co.nz
Petzl Swift RL $279
The updated Swift is brighter, more powerful and now USB-C rechargeable. It uses Reactive Lighting technology to automatically adjust brightness to a user’s needs and prolong battery life. There’s a secure lock function, single button operation, two light modes, red light and a 2350mAh battery. IPX4. Output 1100 lumens Run time 2–60hr Range 115m Weight 100g. www.spelean.co.nz
Black Diamond Storm 500-R $139.99
A bright, waterproof and feature-rich headlamp in a compact package. There’s a 2400mAh Li-ion battery (micro-USB charged), PowerTap technology for instant transition between full and dimmed light, IP67 rated housing, brightness memory and recycled material in the headband. Output 500 lumens Run time 7–350hr Range 120m Weight 100g. www.southernapproach.co.nz
BioLite HeadLamp 325 $109.99
A headlamp with minimalist design yet maximum comfort and fit: it’ll fit anyone from children to adults. There are four lighting modes, its 700mAh lithium ion battery is USB rechargeable, there’s a wicking headband and brightness memory. IPX4. Output 325 lumens Run time 3–40hr Range 70m Weight 50g. www.ampro.co.nz
BioLite HeadLamp 425 $139.99
This headlamp uses Biolite’s SlimFit construction to fit snugly, comfortably and bounce-free. There’s a moisture-wicking headband, one-hand lamp tilting, dimmable rear light and a large power button. It uses a 1000mAh USB-C rechargeable battery and can be used while charging. IPX4. Output 425 lumens Run time 3.5–60hr Range 85m Weight 78g. www.ampro.co.nz
Knog Bilby 400 $119.99
The Bilby is claimed to be the world’s most powerful silicon headlamp. It is dust and waterproof (IP67) and has a two-button operation – one cycles through five light modes, the other dims or brightens the light. There’s set-and-forget strap adjustment and built-in USB recharging (no cable required). Output 400 lumens Run time 5-105hr Range 100m Weight 90g. www.knog.com
Silva Terra Scout X AAA Headlamp $99.99
This lightweight and sustainable headlamp is made of hemp and recycled plastics. There’s a night vision mode, battery level indicator, Silva Intelligent Light that combines flood and spotlight and it’s compatible with rechargeable batteries and AAA, IPX5. Output 300 lumens Run time 5.5–32hr Range 60m Weight 84g (with batteries). www.ampro.co.nz
Traverse TR3 $69.99
This is a USB rechargeable LED headlamp with a 230 degree wide beam for short-distance lighting such as for around camp or when cooking. There’s an 1800mAh lithium battery, an adjustable headband and three light settings plus red night vision preserving LEDs. Output 300 lumens Run time 4hr Range 10m Weight 105g. www.huntingandfishing.co.nz
Traverse TR5 $49.99
An entry level headlamp with five light settings, including a night-vision-preserving red light. There’s an adjustable headband, and it uses AAA batteries. Output 150 lumens Run time 8hr Range 30m Weight 50g. www.huntingandfishing.co.nz
