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Everybody should have a headlamp. A hands-free light is an essential tool and is sure to become one of your favorite gadgets, whether you're going on a backpacking trip, walking the dog in the evening, or car camping with friends. With all of the technical data to sort through and seemingly endless options on the market, deciding what to buy can be a real challenge. We researched and tested dozens of headlamps before compiling this list of the best.
Lumens
The light output, measured in lumens, is the most important feature to look for when deciding which headlamp to buy. There are numerous options for the amount of light each lamp emits, depending on what you intend to use it for. For example, anything above 50 lumens is appropriate for late-night walks with your dog, but anything higher (at least 200 lumens) is required if you're tackling a technical running or hiking trail. If you're going cave exploring, you might need more than 500 lumens. Most lamps have various light settings or the ability to dim, so it's best to choose yours based on the maximum lumen output you might require, as you can always work down from there depending on what activity you're doing.
Comfort
The comfort and security of your headlamp will be critical. You'll want to find a lamp that fits snugly on your head and doesn't jiggle loose when you're moving around, as well as one that doesn't dig in or hurt from wear. Examine the headband strap to ensure that it adjusts easily and stays at the tightness level you select. Inspect to see if it's designed with fabric between your brow and the light's plastic to prevent rubbing or irritation. Weight also falls into this category, as you may not want something bulky on the front of your head or taking up too much space in your pack. Look for a lamp that weighs less than 7 ounces, as most are between 3 and 7 ounces. Ideally, you want to buy a headlamp that you'll forget you're wearing.
Distance
Aside from brightness, light beam distance is an important factor to consider. Check the specifications of the headlamp to see how far each setting can cast the light (usually in meters). Determine whether you require a flood beam, which has a wider light cast but isn't as powerful, or a spot beam, which provides more focused, powerful lighting but covers a smaller surface area. Some headlamps provide both of these options, which can be accessed with a single button press, as well as dimming to meet your specific lighting requirements. Distances can range from 5 meters to 200 meters, but the higher the setting, the shorter the battery life.
Life of the Battery
Another critical spec to look into is how long your lamp will burn when fully charged. In addition to battery life, consider whether the headlamp has a rechargeable battery with a micro USB cord included, standard alkaline batteries, or both. A rechargeable battery is an excellent choice for convenient charging without the need to carry extra batteries all the time. It also extends the battery life of your headlamp if you bring an external, portable battery pack with you that you can plug into if necessary. Headlamps that provide both options combine technology in an ideal way, extending battery life by having standard batteries to fall back on in a pinch. Run times vary, but in general, look for headlamps that can last at least 2 hours on high and 15 to 20 hours on low.
What is the best way to clean my headlamp?
Avoid using any cleaning agent that will irritate the skin on a regular basis. Applying rubbing alcohol to a cotton swab is a safe way to sanitize the headlamp without leaving moisture behind. To neutralize a battery discharge caused by rusting or corroding, use a cotton swab to apply white vinegar or lemon juice. Following that, a swab of rubbing alcohol will remove any residue. Wearing protective gloves is essential to prevent battery discharge from touching the skin.
Are headlamps water resistant?
Most headlamps are water resistant to withstand exposure to rain or snow. Check the IP rating to see what level of security you can expect.
When Do I Need a Headlamp?
A headlamp is an excellent tool for hands-on activities like cooking in low light or complete darkness. It is also excellent for nighttime endurance sports such as trail running. We've used our headlamp for search and rescue, alpine starts for long hikes, backpacking, and even walking home in the dark. Of course, headlamps are useful for home improvement projects such as auto repair or electrical wiring.
We have put many afford to list the top picks above because there are many products and brands available on the market and we must choose the best of them.
Do not forget to double check the top pick above for the best ideal products.
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