UK Edition
The best head torches for running, hiking and camping, tried and tested in the dark
Our running expert tested the best head torches of 2024, from Petzl to Ledlenser - but which is safest on dark winter nights?
During the winter months, those of us who work in the daytime have to exercise in the dark, when we might not be able to see obstacles and drivers and cyclists might not see us. That’s why it’s important to wear the best head torch you can afford. Head torches can help keep you and those around you safe as you run or hike in low light conditions. But, from Petzl to Ledlenser, from battery-powered to rechargeable, the choices can seem baffling for the consumer.
I’ve been an ardent runner for over 20 years, taking part in three marathons, many dozens of half marathons and over 100 parkruns. I’ve also explored the risks of running in my books Running: Cheaper Than Therapy and The Runner’s Code. Having face-planted many a time, I know the dangers of a dash in the dark.
So this winter, I’ve been putting the most popular head torches through their paces. You can read my full reviews further down this article, along with my answers to frequently-asked questions about the width and strength of head torch beams, how long the batteries last and what they weigh. If you’re in a rush, here’s a quick look at my top five:
Which are the best head torches in 2024? At a glance
- Best overall Petzl Swift RL
- Strongest beam Ledlenser Neo 5R
- Best for hiking Nebo Mycro 400
- Most comfortable Silva Terra Scout
- Best for running Biolite Headlamp 425
What to look for in a head torch
As with the best bike lights, the key things to look out for are the brightness (measured in lumens – 300 should be good enough for all but the most adventurous of activities), beam distance (ideally adjustable), a long battery life (essential), weight (the lighter the better), and ease of use (not too fiddly, especially when its cold).
Extra features such as red light night vision (less likely to scare off wildlife, or blind other members of your group), a dimmer function, a smart memory, a secure fit, and a tilt function for flexible beam focus are also worth considering.
And then there’s the weather-proofing. Head torches are given ratings depending on their ability to withstand water, so IPX4 means splashproof (should be fine for walking or running), IPX6 means it can take a blast of water (should be fine for paddleboarding) and IPX8 can be submerged (should be fine for paddleboarding that goes wrong).
How I tested the best head torches of 2024
I ran, hiked and walked the dog with all these head torches in full darkness as well as at dawn and dusk in dry, wet and snowy conditions. I put them through their paces on unpredictable terrains to see how well they stayed fixed as I bobbed around. I even tested one out during a DIY task. The more I ran in the dark hours, the more I saw other people with headlamps. So if you want to join the pack, read on…
(And if you’re planning an outdoor adventure, you might also want to read our guides to the best tents, best sleeping bags, best walking boots, best camping chairs, best wellington boots and best camping stoves.)
Best head torches
1. Petzl Swift RL
Best overall, 10/10
We like: solid construction and strong, wide beam
- Max power 550 lumens (standard mode) 900 lumens (reactive mode)
- Max burn time 100hrs
- Max beam distance 150m
- Weight 100g
- IPX4 (rain and splash proof)
It was a few days after new year that I tried this one and its strong, wide beam saved me from countless potential mishaps. It lit up a huge, abandoned Christmas tree on my path and also warned me of several gloopy, marshy puddles.
Although it felt slightly heavy on the head when I first put it on, the upside of this is that it was the sturdiest of the lot, staying in the exact position throughout the run, even as a trail surface meant I bobbed around. This seemed to be in part due to the band’s strong clip.
The tilt was also the firmest, meaning I could relax and trust that the beam was not going to suddenly shift position. This allowed me to run much faster than I usually would in such conditions. Overall, the width and strength of the beam meant this one made me feel safest.
Most exciting of all, its Reactive Lightning feature adapts the headlamp brightness to the lighting in your surroundings, which is great when your route takes you between different environments and maximises the battery life from each charge. It can take a bit of getting to know whether you are in the standard or reactive mode but once you’ve got your head around this torch, and this torch around your head, it’s an absolute winner.
- Max power 1500 lumens
- Max burn time 300 hrs
- Max beam distance 170m
- Weight 91g (excluding battery)
- IP68 (can be submerged in 1m of water for up to half an hour)
The moment you unbox it, the Fenix smacks of quality and gravitas. It looks solid, but weighing in at just over 90g it is lightweight enough to be enjoyable to use. My favourite feature was the BOA fit system, which lets you get the headband to snugly fit your head with almost microscopic accuracy.
The torch has a combination of spotlight and floodlight LEDs that can be used simultaneously or independently and the dual switches on top of the light allow simple switches on the hoof. A minor quibble is that the torch doesn’t sit the most softly against the head, but I found I soon got used to that as I ran through the woods in pitch black.
The quoted maximum beam distance of 170 metres is a bold claim, but with both bulbs on to the max it rang true for me – the head torch felt like it was breathing fire in front of me, like something from a fantasy novel. The “T” at the end of Fenix’s name stands for trail and, thanks to the fine tightening system and super-powerful bulbs, you will certainly feel safe going out in the wilds with this one. It’s marvellous.
- Max power 600 lumens
- Max burn time 35 hours
- Max beam distance 100m
- IP54 (rain and splash proof)
With a front light, rear flashing red light and reflective headband, there was no way anyone could miss me when I was wearing the Ledlenser. It precisely lit up the near and far ranges and felt very comfortable on my head. I also really enjoyed that I could tilt the headlamp to adjust the cone to my exact needs.
However, it was the simplicity of this one that really won me over. The last thing you want mid-run is the distractions and frustrations of too many options and with separate flood and spotlights on the front and an intuitive button system for switching between options, this one let me concentrate on my run while it did the illumination work for me.
The only downside is that Ledlenser have a brand-specific charging cable, which could potentially leave you high and dry if you forget to pack it for travelling. But the 5R provides a strong, bright light that will guide you home safely on the darkest nights.
- Max power 400 lumens
- Max burn time 15 hours
- Max beam distance 80m
- Weight 80g
- IPX4 (rain and splash proof)
There’s a little more assembly required once you prise the Nebo’s headlamp and the strap from the separate sections of the packaging, but once you’ve mastered that, this one is simplicity itself.
The first thing I enjoyed was how wonderfully comfortable it felt as soon as I slipped it on. It’s lightweight and fit like a glove. I could almost forget it was there, rather than being aggravatingly aware of a tight grip or an annoyingly loose fit. It’s a small unit and this made me feel much less self-conscious as I set out for a dark morning jog.
With six settings and an integrated tilt setting, I was able to adapt to the changing terrains and the slowly brightening sky. I felt that the much-hyped red lighting was too dull to be of much practical use, though, and the battery life is short. Then again, this is a compact and bright head torch which can also be clipped easily to a cap. You can take it anywhere, just in case.
5. Silva Terra Scout
Most comfortable head torch, 8/10
We like: made entirely from eco-friendly materials
- Max power 400 lumens
- Max burn time 70 hours
- Max beam distance 80m
- Weight 80g
- IPX5 (rain and splash-proof and can resist low-pressure water sprays)
Having all this gadgetry and circuitry strapped so close to the brain can feel a bit dehumanising after a while, so I was chuffed to try out the Silva Terra Scout, which feels positively natural thanks to the hemp plant fibres and recycled plastics that are used to lower its carbon footprint.
It is also wonderfully warm and comfortable, so I felt less like a droid and more like a human as I galloped along on a dark snowy morning, with the lamps illuminating the flakes in front of me. Operations are simple and straightforward thanks to the single big button on top of the headlamp.
This is also a robust product. Returning from a dawn run, I slung my running kit into the wash, accidentally including the head torch among the bundle. Despite going through a full 40-minute cycle, it came out working perfectly.
Silva’s torches are not as powerful as some of the others but they offer a decent level of performance. There’s a dark irony in the fact that the production of some headlamps is destructive to the very environments they help us to explore. So, if you want a clear conscience as well as a clear view and an organic feel to your gadget, this is definitely the one to go for.
6. Biolite Headlamp 425
Best for long-distance running, 8/10
We like: the long burn time and large button (easier to use with gloves)
- Max power: 425 lumens
- Max burn time: 60hrs
- Max beam distance: 85m
- Weight: 78g
- IPX4 (rain and splash proof)
To truly test how intuitive the controls are on these torches, I initially tried them out without consulting the instruction manuals. Would I be able to figure out how the controls worked on the hop?
The answer for the BioLite HeadLamp 425 was clear ‘no’. It took the best part of a frustrating kilometre of running before I figured out how to switch the lights on and move between the options. At the end of the run it also took longer than usual to figure out how to switch the units off.
However, once I’d mastered the buttons, I absolutely loved this gadget. Its low weight and moisture-wicking headband are great for long runners like me, as is its long running time. The larger button was helpful when I was wearing running gloves and the vast range of different light modes made it adaptable and fun to use.
There’s a welcome four-dot indicator on the battery module at the rear and you can even buy a Biolite portable power bank, which would allow you to charge it on the trot. This is a great one for ultrarunners and others who want to be on the move for many hours.
7. Ledlenser NEO 1R
Best pocket head torch, 9/10
We like: small, featherlight and very waterproof
- Max power 250 lumens
- Max burn time 15 hrs
- Max beam distance 80m
- Weight 39g
- IP67 (can be submerged in 1m of water for up to half an hour)
Leadlenser are a market leader in head torches and produce a huge range. The Neo 5R reviewed above is much more powerful, but if you want to forget that the headlamp you’re using is even there, this is one for you. Lightweight and ultra-compact, you can easily fit it into your running belt or any pocket, ready for use when the sun sets and you need some beam.
The band is as minimalist as they come, so this fits lightly but securely to the head. I didn’t feel any tightness around the head and there were no annoying marks along my forehead when I got home, unlike some others. It has a bright beam at full power, but the battery only lasts about three hours at full brightness. It will last you closer to 15 hours at the lower setting but that setting offers very little light, in truth.
It did come in handy for non-sporty activities, though. When we had to fix the boiler with the electricity off, this helped illuminate the problem area. And when my dog wandered off into some bushes during a morning walk, I found him in no time thanks to this great gadget. Head torches aren’t just for running, you know.
8. Vango Photon
Best budget head torch, 7/10
We like: cheap and versatile, can be clipped to a helmet or rucksack
- Max power 150 lumens
- Max burn time variable (uses three AAA batteries)
- Max beam distance 40m
- Weight 80g
- IP rating unavailable
Vango specialise in camping and leisure equipment, rather than high adrenaline sport or adventure. At just 150 lumens at its highest setting, the USB rechargeable Vango Photon has no pretensions of being the brightest head torch available but it’s potentially a nifty gadget, since it can be easily removed from the headband and clipped onto your clothes, helmet or your rucksack.
This versatility becomes useful for safety if you find yourself cycling or walking along a road at night. It’s not ideal for running, because the coiled stretchy wire it’s attached to is cumbersome when you wear it. It’s easy to use though, with two settings (high - 150 lumens, low - 45 lumens) and a strobe setting as well as a red light. A good one to have in the rucksack on a camping trip, but not for running the Marathon des Sables.
FAQ
How strong should a head torch’s beam be?
There is a wide range in light strength, which is measured in lumens. Cheaper, basic models start at around 20 lumens and the more expensive and specialist ones can be as strong as 600, depending on which setting you are using. If you are just running on pavements and in familiar parks, around 100 lumens should keep you safe. But if you are tackling uneven surface, which could include any number of unexpected surprises, opt for 300 lumens or more.
What’s best – narrow or wide beam?
I found that the wider the beam, the safer I felt. There’s never going to be a situation where you resent having a wide beam, so it’s worth thinking broad. However, some of the more complex models offer a range of beam widths, which can be confusing to shift between during a run, so my tip is to keep it simple with model that has a wide beam as default, rather than something to toggle towards.
How heavy are head torches?
You might imagine that headlamp weights are all much of a muchness. However, I found there is a fair spread of weights and the longer you walk or run, the more you will notice those extra grams. You’ll also be aware of the weight of the unit on uneven terrains, when you are bobbing up and down. Some models distribute the weight evenly around the head, with a secondary unit at the back. You’ll thank yourself for choosing one of those.
Top head torch tips from the outdoor adventure experts
Harry Baker - Landscape photographer
“It’s no secret that the best light for photography comes during sunrise and sunset. And getting up at 4am is difficult enough without having to fumble your way up or down a mountain in the dark! You could just use a normal hand torch, but having the light move to exactly where you’re looking and about to put your feet can be an ankle saver. It frees up your hands for use with walking poles, ice axes and especially your camera.
“Other benefits to a head torch for photographers are they are great for lighting up a foreground area. If you’re shooting astro-photography, they can be used to take shots of people beaming their head torches into the night sky.
“I personally use the reasonably priced Petzl Tikka (£31.27, Amazon) and prefer headtorches with replaceable rather than rechargeable batteries so I can carry as many spares as I need (I rarely have to change the batteries on this head torch). It’s only got three light settings but it’s all I’ve needed to date get me safely to and from locations. As I’m always putting my camera bag down getting stuff in and out, if I lose the Tikka, it’s not too expensive to replace and I can have another sent from Amazon the next day.”
James Forrest - Record-breaking mountaineer
“I love to travel light and fast when I’m adventuring in the great outdoors. I use the Petzl Bindi head torch. It weighs virtually nothing – just 35g – so I barely notice it being in my pack (£36.48, Amazon). But it can still produce 200 lumens of light, so it’s bright enough for all of my needs: whether I’m wild camping high in the Lake District fells, finishing a hike in Snowdonia after dark, or simply reading in a Scottish bothy. There are loads of other excellent features. USB charging means I can boost the battery out in the hills using with my portable power bank, rather than fiddling around with spare AAA batteries, while the one–lumen, red-light ‘proximity’ mode is great for reading without draining charge. The strap is comfortable and easily-adjustable, and the head torch looks good too. But best of all is the price. At just £35 on some websites, the Petzl Bindi is a stone cold bargain – and that means more money to spend on your adventures.”
James Forrest is the author of Mountain Man: 446 Mountains. Six months. One record-breaking adventure (Bloomsbury, £12.59, Amazon)
Becky Angell - Hiker and founder of travel blog Becky the Traveller
“I’ve tried several head torches over the years but I didn’t realise the importance of having the right one until I was on a hike in Snowdonia. After starting in the early hours of the morning, in June, the sun gave us enough light to tackle the first mountains but by the end of the hike, at around 11pm, the sun disappeared – plunging us into pitch black. I had the toughest few hours hiking in the dark until around 3.30 am when thankfully the sun came back up.
In error, I’d picked up the wrong head torch, which wasn’t powerful enough. It adjusted well around my head and had a tilt function so you can either direct the light directly below your feet or slightly in the distance. But the main problem was the brightness. In a tent or walking along a dark country road at night I could have managed – however, hiking across the Carneddau mountain range in pitch black with challenging terrain was seriously hard going.
“My top tips for picking the right head touch would be to consider what you are going to use it for, will it be tough night hikes or maybe just finding your way to the toilet in the middle of the night when camping? Ultimately, my best piece of advice is whatever head torch you pick, always take some spare batteries with you. Any torch, from £10 to £100, is useless without power!”