Whether you’re setting up a tent at night or trail running after dark, headlamps provide hands-free lighting and are convenient for completing camp tasks.
Rechargeable headlamps offer greater versatility than their disposable counterparts and can help limit waste and environmental impact. The best rechargeable headlamps include several different modes and features.
The powerful lighting features in rechargeable headlamps make them an excellent choice for backcountry users. They also tend to be more durable and less expensive than other types of headlamps.
A key feature to consider is the maximum lumens that the headlamp produces. Generally speaking, anything above 150 lumens will be adequate for backpacking and camping. You should also look at how long the headlamp can run on low power. This will allow you to read in your tent and use the headlamp for other tasks around camp after it’s been fully charged.
You’ll also want to look at the headlamp’s battery capacity, which will be listed in mAh. A high-capacity battery will give you a lot of run time on the lowest power setting. If you’re going to be using the headlamp for multi-day trips, you’ll probably want to choose a light with a larger capacity so that you don’t have to carry extra batteries in your pack.
The Fenix HM50R V2.0 is an example of a high-capacity headlamp that offers a combination of power and portability. This headlamp can be powered by either a standard AA or 16340 rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It can also be used with CR123A backup batteries and can be recharged in the field with a portable USB charger. This headlamp has four brightness settings, a red night vision mode, and a lockout function to prevent accidental discharge.
If you’re looking for a compact, lightweight headlamp that can be used for outdoor training and running, the Petzl Actik Core is an excellent option. This rechargeable headlamp is extremely versatile and can be worn with a strap around the neck or on your forehead. It has three white lighting modes and one red light mode and comes with a rechargeable 1250 mAh battery. This headlamp is also compatible with AAA alkaline batteries, so you can carry a backup if necessary.
Another great feature of the Actik Core is its detachable body, which makes it easy to transform into a handheld flashlight for additional lighting options. This headlamp also has a battery charge indicator and a center-mounted pivot that allows you to adjust the focus of the beam.
Hands-Free Comfort
The days of lugging around a bundle of throwaway AAA batteries are long gone, thanks to rechargeable headlamps. Many lights now run on USB power rather than gobbling up disposables, and some even offer the option to use a combination of both rechargeable and alkaline batteries for maximum versatility. That lets you bring a single recharging device instead of an entire supply of AAAs, which saves space in your pack and reduces the risk of running out of juice on a critical trek.
Some of the latest headlamps also deliver an added convenience by allowing you to change the brightness setting with just one button. That means you can easily switch between high, medium and low mode to fit different types of lighting situations. The high setting can be very bright to illuminate distance, while the middle and low modes provide more focused, close-range light for tasks.
Having a wide range of lighting options is especially useful for outdoor adventures when the conditions can be unpredictable. Some of the newer headlamps from Petzl and Black Diamond include smart features that make it easier to tailor the brightness. For instance, some of their models use sensor technology to automatically adjust the beam based on ambient light levels in the environment. Others have an easy-to-use feature that allows you to twist or pull the housing to quickly move between spot and floodlight mode.
If you’re shopping for a rechargeable headlamp, consider the battery capacity and life expectancy of each model. The higher the battery capacity, the more hours you can see in each lighting mode before it needs recharging. That’s particularly important if you plan to use your headlamp for multi-day trips in remote areas or for camping.
Some headlamps come with a ported lithium battery that provides more powerful, longer-lasting light than standard AA or AAA alkaline batteries. Other headlamps are compatible with a range of branded batteries, including alkaline or lithium, giving you the flexibility to choose which type works best for your needs. Other handy features of rechargeable headlamps include a battery indicator that alerts you to lower battery levels and a port for an optional magnetic base. The base allows you to attach your headlamp to metal surfaces such as a car or tent for hands-free illumination.
Battery Indicator
The brighter the headlamp is, the more battery power it requires. Look for models with a low-power indicator that alerts you to changing battery status or that shut down automatically when the batteries reach critical levels. This feature is particularly important for outdoor activities, where you can’t easily access your backpack to recharge the headlamp, or if you need to use it as backup light in an emergency situation.
The battery indicator also lets you know if the light can still operate on lower power settings, which conserves energy for longer burn times or for use in cooler environments. Most rechargeable headlamps offer this feature, but you should check the product specifications carefully to make sure that your choice meets your specific needs.
Many rechargeable headlamps come with a carrying case that provides a safe and convenient way to store the light when not in use, and to keep it protected from dirt and debris. Some of them also have durable magnets on the end cap that allow you to attach your headlamp to metal surfaces.
If you want to carry a spare battery, make sure that the headlamp can accommodate it with a built-in charging port or with an add-on battery adapter sleeve. Most headlamps also have a removable pocket clip that makes it easy to attach your light to clothing or gear.
Modern headlamps use LEDs (light-emitting diodes) to produce a brighter and more focused beam than older bulb-based models. They also generally provide more modes for flexibility than previous models, such as different strobe functions and variable brightness. LEDs are also more environmentally friendly than traditional bulbs, since they produce fewer waste heat and require less power to run.
Reusable Batteries
The deciding factor in whether you choose to use rechargeable or disposable batteries for your headlamp is based on how frequently and intensively you plan on using it. If you do a lot of hiking, running, or camping, a rechargeable battery offers a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option, especially if you plan on using the headlamp at its max performance levels. Rechargeable headlamps with a high-efficiency electronics design also tend to perform better at colder temperatures, which is an important consideration for many outdoors enthusiasts.
The Nitecore UT27 is an excellent rechargeable headlamp choice for long hikes or camping trips. This lightweight headlamp runs on an included (Nitecore actually includes two) HLB1300 li-ion cell, or you can use standard AAA alkaline or NiMH batteries in a pinch. The headlamp has a great mix of lighting modes, from powerful spot and flood lights to a red light mode for conserving your night vision. This headlamp also boasts a super-high-output max setting of 1500 lumens, which is enough to illuminate a football field!
A recharging indicator and lockout mode are useful features for outdoor headlamps. The indicator lets you know it’s time to charge, and the lockout feature prevents accidental activation when packing up or leaving camp.
Another feature that you’ll find on some rechargeable headlamps is the ability to charge them on-the-go via a portable power bank or USB port. This is an incredibly convenient feature for backpackers who want to avoid having to carry extra power sources on their adventures.
The final thing to look for in a rechargeable headlamp is its battery capacity. The higher the capacity, the longer it will run before needing to be recharged. For long treks or multi-day trips, a rechargeable headlamp with a large battery capacity is a must.
