Universal Outdoor headlamps
Headlamps have come a long way in a fairly short amount of time. Not too long ago flashlights were still the go-to light source for outdoor use, with the obvious disadvantage of letting you have only one hand free. Then Petzl came out with the “Zoom” headlamp, revolutionizing outdoor light sources and freeing up grateful hands everywhere. Though this early headlamp was only equipped with a standard light bulb and a heavy and relatively short-lived battery, the advantages were still obvious: Not only are both hands-free, but the light beam is always directed to precisely where it is needed.
The Headlamp Evolution
Time has moved on, and technology has advanced significantly. Powerful LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) have mostly replaced light bulbs, thanks to their extremely long life and low energy consumption.
Combined with better batteries, these efficient modern headlamps can now last for days without the batteries needing to be changed or recharged. Today the selection of headlamps available on the market is huge – but how do I choose the right one?
Headlamps and the types available: –
To highlight the various differences, the headlamp market can be divided into three general categories:
1. High-power headlamps
These are bright enough for extreme situations such as expeditions or caving and usually come with a rechargeable battery, a charger, and of course the headlamp itself. A 12V adapter can be immensely useful as well since it allows you to charge the headlamp in the car. Make sure to check how long the included battery will last; it may be worth purchasing a spare. A high power headlamp offers the following features:
- lighting range over 100m
- min. light flux of 300 lm
- specially calibrated reflectors that scatter/focus the light
- precise electronic controls and adjustment capabilities, e.g. to control brightness and check remaining battery power
- high-performance battery [often detachable due to weight and size]
- three straps to ensure a snug and secure fit
- recommended use: professional mountaineering, search-and-rescue missions, ski patrolling, expeditions
Product recommendation:
- Petzl Ultra Rush
- LEDLenser XEO 19R
- Silva Cross Trail 3X
- Piko 4
2. Multi-performance headlamps
- lighting range over 80m
- min. light flux of 100 lm
- reflectors that scatter/focus the light
- electronic controls and adjustment capabilities, e.g. to control the brightness
- operable with off-the-shelf batteries
- recommended use: hiking, backpacking, running, mountaineering,
- price-niveau 70 up to 150 euros
Product recommendation:
- Silva Ninox II
- Black Diamond Icon
- Petzl Reactik+
- Petzl Actik & Aktic Core (ab Ende März bei Bergzeit erhältlich)
3. Compact headlamps
The go-to headlamps for nearly any every-day situation. Powered by off-the-shelf batteries, these compact light sources are usually small enough and light enough to be held securely in place by a single elastic strap. A typical example of a compact headlamp is the Black Diamond Gizmo. Recommended use: Anytime you do not need an extremely bright or far-reaching light source. Compact headlamps are sufficient for walking in easy terrain, setting up tents, cooking, reading, as an emergency back-up light, etc.
Product recommendation:
- Petzl Tikka+
- Black Diamond Storm
- Silva Trail Runner II
Battery options
- Lumen (lm)
- Lithium-ion
These type of batteries have the advantages of being lightweight, providing a relatively large amount of power, and working well even in low temperatures. Again, always make sure that the manufacturer indicates compatibility before purchasing one! And speaking of batteries, having a battery-level indicator is a great feature that helps put your mind at ease since it saves you from fretting over how much time you have left until the lights go out.
Lighting modus
Having various brightness modes to choose from (energy-saving, normal, bright) has proven useful in practice. Often the lowest setting is sufficient for reading and similar activities and makes the batteries last much longer. It is also good to have a built-in feature that automatically dims the lamp to conserve energy when the battery is low. Being able to choose from different lighting modes helps conserve energy as well, and enables you to adapt the lighting to a specific situation. Look for different options for focused light (focused on a small spot) or scattered light (for illuminating a larger area).
Useful Hardware and Comfort
A pivoted housing is extremely useful for adjusting the light beam, e.g. to focus on the ground or straight ahead. Any buttons or controls on the headlamp should be operable while wearing gloves, especially if the headlamp will be used in the winter or in colder regions. Headlamps for biking or running need to have a snug and secure fit that is still comfortable. Wide straps and an additional strap running across the top of the head are ideal.
A detachable battery pack also provides several advantages. It can easily be replaced with a larger and more powerful battery pack since it can be attached somewhere else besides your head. Independent battery packs can also be worn under your clothing when it is cold, to help it retain power – though one should bear in mind that a separate battery pack makes the headlamp a bit bulkier and heavier overall.
Locking features
A locking function for switches and buttons; this feature prevents the lamp from accidentally switching on in your pack and wasting valuable battery power.
Summary
There is a wide range of headlamps on the market today and of course, this doesn’t make the buying decision any easier for outdoor enthusiasts to find a suitable lamp for their activity. It is always worth taking a closer look at details: Is the lamp bright enough for my purpose? Does the lamp provide sufficient illumination for the intended application? Does it feel comfortable on my head? Is the battery life enough?