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10 Best Backpacking Headlamps 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
LHKNL Headlamp Flashlight, Lumen Ultra-Light Bright LED Rechargeable Headlight with White Red Light, 2-Pack Waterproof Motion Sensor Head Lamp,8 Modes for Outdoor Camping Running Hiking Fishing
The LHKNL headlamp is a strong contender for campers, hikers, and backpackers thanks to its impressive brightness and handy features. With a white light output of up to 1200 lumens and a beam distance around 300 feet, it can easily illuminate trails or your campsite. Its rechargeable 1500mAh lithium-ion battery lasts between 4 to 10 hours depending on the mode, which is suitable for multi-night trips if you can recharge regularly. The headlamp is very lightweight at just 1.87 ounces, making it comfortable for extended wear without feeling bulky. It also has a 60° adjustable lamp head, allowing you to direct light exactly where you need it.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,153
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Weight
Most important from
32012 reviews
#2
Fenix HP35R 4000 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable Headlamp, with Spotlight, Floodlight and red Light for Search and Rescue, Outdoor use, Emergencies, and More
The Fenix HP35R headlamp is an impressive option for anyone needing a reliable light source for outdoor adventures or emergency situations. It boasts a powerful brightness of 4000 lumens, which allows it to illuminate a broad area with a beam distance of up to 492 yards, making it ideal for search and rescue operations or camping in dark conditions. Its versatile modes—including spotlight, floodlight, and red light—offer flexibility depending on your needs.
Rating
8.5
Brightness (Lumens)
Beam Distance
Battery Life
Most important from
69 reviews
#3
BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400 Headlamp | 400 Lumens Brightness, Dimmable | Waterproof & Durable | 3X AAA Battery Operated (Included) | Dark Olive
The BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400 LED Headlamp is a versatile and reliable choice for backpacking and outdoor activities. It delivers a powerful brightness of 400 lumens, which is sufficient for most night-time activities like camping, hiking, and running. The headlamp features multiple modes, including proximity and distance settings, dimming, strobe, and a red LED night-vision mode.
Rating
8.2
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Weight
Most important from
2052 reviews
Top 10 Best Backpacking Headlamps 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
LHKNL Headlamp Flashlight, Lumen Ultra-Light Bright LED Rechargeable Headlight with White Red Light, 2-Pack Waterproof Motion Sensor Head Lamp,8 Modes for Outdoor Camping Running Hiking Fishing
LHKNL Headlamp Flashlight, Lumen Ultra-Light Bright LED Rechargeable Headlight with White Red Light, 2-Pack Waterproof Motion Sensor Head Lamp,8 Modes for Outdoor Camping Running Hiking Fishing
Brightness (Lumens): 1200 Lumens
Beam Distance: 300 feet
Battery Life: 4 to 10 hours
Weight: 1.87 ounces
Water Resistance: IPX4
Modes and Features: 8 modes, white/red lights, motion sensor
Chosen by 1153 this week
Fenix HP35R 4000 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable Headlamp, with Spotlight, Floodlight and red Light for Search and Rescue, Outdoor use, Emergencies, and More
Fenix HP35R 4000 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable Headlamp, with Spotlight, Floodlight and red Light for Search and Rescue, Outdoor use, Emergencies, and More
Brightness (Lumens): 4000 Lumens
Beam Distance: 492 yards
Battery Life: 4 hours
Weight: 15.2 ounces
Water Resistance: IP66
Modes and Features: spotlight, floodlight, red light, rotary switch
BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400 Headlamp | 400 Lumens Brightness, Dimmable | Waterproof & Durable | 3X AAA Battery Operated (Included) | Dark Olive
BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400 Headlamp | 400 Lumens Brightness, Dimmable | Waterproof & Durable | 3X AAA Battery Operated (Included) | Dark Olive
Brightness (Lumens): 400 Lumens
Battery Life: 200 hours
Weight: 1.6 ounces
Water Resistance: IPX8 waterproof
Modes and Features: proximity, distance, dimming, strobe, red LED
BLACK DIAMOND Storm 500-R Rechargeable Headlamp | 500 Lumens Brightness | Waterproof & Micro-USB Charging | Black
BLACK DIAMOND Storm 500-R Rechargeable Headlamp | 500 Lumens Brightness | Waterproof & Micro-USB Charging | Black
Brightness (Lumens): 500 Lumens
Battery Life: 2 hours
Weight: 4.2 ounces
Water Resistance: IP67
Modes and Features: red, green, blue night-vision, strobe
BLACK DIAMOND Spot 350 Headlamp | 350 Lumens | IPX8 Waterproof | PowerTap Instant Brightness | Compact Outdoor Headlamp
BLACK DIAMOND Spot 350 Headlamp | 350 Lumens | IPX8 Waterproof | PowerTap Instant Brightness | Compact Outdoor Headlamp
Brightness (Lumens): 350 Lumens
Battery Life: Varies by brightness mode
Weight: 1.6 ounces
Water Resistance: IPX8 waterproof
Modes and Features: PowerTap, red, strobe, lockout
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Coast® XPH34R 2075 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable-Dual Power LED Headlamp withPURE Beam® Twist Focus™ and Magnetic Base
Coast® XPH34R 2075 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable-Dual Power LED Headlamp withPURE Beam® Twist Focus™ and Magnetic Base
Brightness (Lumens): 2075 Lumens
Beam Distance: 195 Meters
Battery Life: 36 hours
Weight: 6.3 ounces
Water Resistance: IP54
Modes and Features: PURE BEAM TWIST FOCUS, Rechargeable
PETZL, Headlamp Swift Rl Orange, Compact, Ultra-Powerful, and Rechargeable headlamp Featuring Reactive Lighting® Technology. 1100 lumens
PETZL, Headlamp Swift Rl Orange, Compact, Ultra-Powerful, and Rechargeable headlamp Featuring Reactive Lighting® Technology. 1100 lumens
Brightness (Lumens): 1100 lumens
Beam Distance: 155 meters
Battery Life: 2 hours
Weight: 3.17 ounces
Water Resistance: Water Resistant
Modes and Features: REACTIVE LIGHTING, continuous red lighting
Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 Running Headlamp, 1600 Lumen White Light and Warm White Dual Beams, USB-C Rechargeable, Lightweight Long Runtime for Trail Running, with Organizer (Black)
Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 Running Headlamp, 1600 Lumen White Light and Warm White Dual Beams, USB-C Rechargeable, Lightweight Long Runtime for Trail Running, with Organizer (Black)
Brightness (Lumens): 1600 Lumens
Beam Distance: 185 Yards
Battery Life: 600 hours
Weight: 4.96 ounces
Water Resistance: IP68
Modes and Features: Dual beams, USB-C rechargeable, Adjustable Modes
PETZL, Actik Core Lamp Grey, Powerful, Rechargeable, and Easy-to-use headlamp with red Lighting. 550 lumens
PETZL, Actik Core Lamp Grey, Powerful, Rechargeable, and Easy-to-use headlamp with red Lighting. 550 lumens
Brightness (Lumens): 600 Lumens
Battery Life: 160 hours
Weight: 88 grams
Water Resistance: IPX4
Modes and Features: Three white levels, red lighting, LOCK
#10
BLACK DIAMOND Storm 450 Headlamp | 450 Lumens Brightness | Waterproof & Dimmable | 3X AAA Battery Operated (Included | Camping, Hiking, Running | Dark Olive
BLACK DIAMOND Storm 450 Headlamp | 450 Lumens Brightness | Waterproof & Dimmable | 3X AAA Battery Operated (Included | Camping, Hiking, Running | Dark Olive
Brightness (Lumens): 450 Lumens
Weight: 4.2 ounces
Water Resistance: IP67
Modes and Features: Dimmable, Strobe, Colored night-vision
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Buying Guide for the Best Backpacking Headlamps
Choosing the right backpacking headlamp is crucial for ensuring safety and convenience during your outdoor adventures. A headlamp allows you to keep your hands free while providing the necessary illumination for navigating trails, setting up camp, or reading a map in the dark. When selecting a headlamp, consider the following key specifications to find the best fit for your needs.Brightness (Lumens)Brightness, measured in lumens, indicates how much light the headlamp emits. This is important because it determines how well you can see in the dark. Headlamps with lower lumens (around 50-100) are suitable for close-up tasks like reading or cooking. Mid-range lumens (100-300) are good for general camp activities and short hikes. High lumens (300 and above) are ideal for night hiking or navigating difficult terrain. Choose a brightness level based on the type of activities you plan to do and the environments you will be in.
Beam DistanceBeam distance refers to how far the light from the headlamp can reach. This is important for seeing obstacles and navigating trails in the dark. Short beam distances (up to 50 meters) are sufficient for camp activities and close-up tasks. Medium beam distances (50-100 meters) are good for general hiking. Long beam distances (over 100 meters) are necessary for night hiking in unfamiliar or challenging terrain. Consider the typical distance you need to see when choosing the beam distance.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the headlamp will last on a set of batteries or a single charge. This is crucial for ensuring you have light throughout your trip. Short battery life (up to 10 hours) may be sufficient for short trips or occasional use. Medium battery life (10-30 hours) is suitable for weekend trips or regular use. Long battery life (over 30 hours) is ideal for extended trips or frequent use. Think about the duration of your trips and how often you will use the headlamp when considering battery life.
WeightWeight is an important factor because you will be carrying the headlamp on your head for extended periods. Lighter headlamps (under 3 ounces) are more comfortable for long-term wear and are suitable for ultralight backpacking. Medium-weight headlamps (3-6 ounces) offer a balance between comfort and features. Heavier headlamps (over 6 ounces) may provide more features but can be less comfortable for extended use. Consider how much weight you are willing to carry and how long you will be wearing the headlamp.
Water ResistanceWater resistance is important for ensuring the headlamp can withstand rain, splashes, or accidental submersion. Headlamps are rated using the IPX system. IPX4-rated headlamps can handle splashes and light rain, making them suitable for most conditions. IPX7-rated headlamps can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, providing extra protection for wet environments. IPX8-rated headlamps can be submerged deeper and longer, ideal for extreme conditions. Choose a water resistance level based on the weather conditions you expect to encounter.
Modes and FeaturesModes and features refer to the different lighting options and additional functionalities a headlamp offers. Common modes include low, medium, high, and strobe. Some headlamps also offer red light mode, which preserves night vision. Features like adjustable beam angles, lock mode to prevent accidental activation, and rechargeable batteries can enhance usability. Consider what modes and features are important for your activities and preferences when selecting a headlamp.