Gear / Headlamps
On a trek your headlamp lights dorm-room bag packing, pre-dawn starts and, on Kilimanjaro, a whole summit night. Look for a red light mode (hut neighbours will thank you), a lock so it doesn't switch on in your pack, and enough battery for a long night.
Budget, mid-range and premium picks, including cheaper options from Decathlon. Prices are US list prices and weights are manufacturer figures, checked September 2026. Retail prices change often. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How this works.
| Product | Price (USD) | Weight | Max brightness | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petzl Actik CoreBarnaby's pick | $85 | 88 g · 3.1 oz | 625 lumens | Brightest all-rounder |
| Black Diamond Spot 400Best value | $55 | 77 g · 2.7 oz | 400 lumens | Reliable classic |
| Nitecore NU25 ULLightest | $37 | 45 g · 1.6 oz | 400 lumens | Ultralight |
| BioLite Range 400 | $60 | 75 g · 2.6 oz | 400 lumens | Comfort and modern features |
| Forclaz (Decathlon) HL900 USB V3 | $70 | — | 600 lumens (boost) | Bright on a budget |
Petzl
A rechargeable favourite with both a wide and a focused beam, red light, and steady brightness through the charge.
Why hikers love it
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Black Diamond
A proven, weather-resistant headlamp with a simple touch control and a strong dimming range.
Why hikers love it
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Nitecore
A tiny USB-C rechargeable lamp that thru-hikers love. At 45 g you'll forget it's on your head.
Why hikers love it
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BioLite
A balanced, modern headlamp with fast USB-C charging and a comfortable, bounce-free fit.
Why hikers love it
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Forclaz (Decathlon)
A rechargeable headlamp with a 600-lumen boost and a red mode. Often discounted to about $45.
Why hikers love it
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