Guide: How to Choose Your Headlamp?

Headlamp Performance

The first criterion most people think of when purchasing a headlamp is its performance in terms of lighting. This encompasses three indicators: brightness, beam distance, and battery life. These indicators are measured using the ANSI/PLATO FL1 protocol, which is standard across all major brands, including Petzl, Led Lenser, and Black Diamond.

Brightness in Lumens

The brightness of the LED is measured in lumens, which indicates the amount of visible light emitted. In simple terms, the higher the number of lumens, the brighter the headlamp. This measurement is taken between 30 seconds and 2 minutes after turning on the lamp to determine its maximum output at startup.

Note: 100 lumens is roughly equivalent to 1 watt.

From there, you should choose the brightness based on your activity. For stationary outdoor activities like camping or bivouacking, a brightness of less than 200 lumens is sufficient. For activities involving movement such as trail running, trekking, or mountaineering, a more powerful headlamp, such as the Black Diamond Cosmo 300, is necessary.

Beam Distance in Meters

Also measured using the ANSI/PLATO FL1 protocol, beam distance refers to the maximum distance the light will reach where only 0.25 lux of illumination remains. This measurement is taken at the time of turning on the headlamp with fresh batteries.

Contrary to what one might think, lumens do not determine the beam distance of a headlamp. The shape of the beam is what determines how far your headlamp will light. A wide beam spreads the light evenly and is suitable for static activities, while a focused beam, like Petzl’s, concentrates the light to provide a long-distance view. This type of beam is ideal for cycling, trail running, or backcountry skiing. There’s also the mixed beam, which provides both close and long-distance vision, perfect for trekking or mountaineering. So, the beam distance depends not only on brightness but also (and mostly) on the shape of the beam.

Note: Lux is different from lumens. One lux is the amount of light hitting a surface receiving one lumen per square meter.

When comparing several headlamps, you should also consider beam distance. Some headlamps light up to 50 meters, while others can reach more than 100 meters. It’s up to you to assess the beam distance required for your activity.

Battery Life in Hours

The third indicator of lighting performance is the battery life of the headlamp. It’s measured in hours and indicates the time for which the light remains optimal. Battery life is calculated from 30 seconds after turning on the headlamp until it reaches 10% of its maximum power (according to the ANSI/PLATO FL1 protocol).

At full power, most headlamps deplete their battery in 2 to 4 hours, but some models offer better battery life. Notably, Petzl’s Nao+ and Black Diamond’s Icon 700 can last more than 6 hours at full power.

Fortunately, most modern headlamps are equipped with power regulators. These allow you to save battery power by using an intermediate mode that lets you see far enough while conserving energy. The “mini mode” provides excellent battery life (over 100 hours in most models) but limits the range to around 10 meters.

You may also find different consumption modes in headlamps:

• Standard Lighting: The light output decreases gradually as the power source drains, ensuring much longer battery life than when using full power mode.
• Constant Lighting: The LED’s light output stays constant for a predetermined time. At maximum intensity, this can deplete the battery very quickly.
• Reactive Lighting: A light sensor adjusts the brightness according to your vision. In darkness, the light is intense. In brighter conditions, it dims, helping to extend battery life.

Additionally, top brands offer backup lighting, such as Petzl and Black Diamond. This feature isn’t part of the ANSI FL1 standard but guarantees minimal lighting for emergency situations.

An Ergonomic Headlamp

An ergonomic headlamp is one that’s designed to meet your specific needs and conditions. While we’ve categorized performance separately, ergonomics are just as important. In this section, we’ll focus on the ergonomic features of a headlamp, which should be considered alongside performance.

Power Source

One of the first things to consider, beyond lighting performance, is the power source of the headlamp. There are two options: rechargeable and non-rechargeable power sources. Each has its own set of advantages and drawbacks.

At first glance, the rechargeable battery via USB seems more advantageous. It’s more energy-efficient, making it both more eco-friendly and cost-effective over time. Plus, it eliminates the need for a constant supply of spare batteries.

However, the non-rechargeable battery-powered headlamp is still a strong contender. Most of the time, these offer better battery life. In addition, during expeditions in areas without electricity, batteries are easy to replace, whereas charging a battery might be more complicated (unless you have an external power bank). Also, in cold weather, lithium-ion batteries perform better.

Generally, non-rechargeable power sources (alkaline batteries) are best for occasional use. They prevent excessive battery consumption. Rechargeable sources (battery packs) are ideal for regular use.

If you're still unsure whether to go for a battery or rechargeable model, consider a hybrid option. Petzl headlamps often offer this solution for many of their products. The Petzl Core battery, which is rechargeable via USB, is usually sold separately.

Lyophilise & Co Tip: Whether you choose a battery or a rechargeable headlamp, having an extra set of batteries in your backpack is always a good idea. Weighing only a few grams, they can save the day if your rechargeable battery fails or your initial set of batteries dies.

Different Lighting Modes and Features

Early headlamps only had a single lighting mode, but that’s no longer the case. It’s not always intuitive, so you’ll need to carefully read the user manual to ensure you understand the operation. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of the different lighting modes available:

• Max Mode: Provides a long-distance view but drains the battery quickly.
• Med Mode: For medium-range visibility.
• Min Mode: Allows close-range visibility with a slow battery drain.
• Red LED Mode: Used to stay discreet at night or avoid blinding others.
• Flashing Mode: For alerting people around you or making yourself visible to rescue teams.
• Dimming Mode: For precise brightness adjustments.

Manufacturers continue to innovate by adding new features. For instance, many models now include a locking mode to prevent the headlamp from accidentally turning on in your backpack and draining the battery.

Other features you might find on a headlamp include:

• LED indicator to warn when the battery is low.
• Memory of brightness settings for the next use.
• A rear LED on the strap for visibility from behind.
• Headlamp adjustment via an app (like MyPetzl Light).

Naturally, the more features a headlamp has, the higher its price. As with any accessory, it’s best to invest according to your level of use. If you go trekking once a year, you might not need a high-tech, multi-functional headlamp. However, if you rely on it daily, investing in durable, high-quality equipment is advisable.

Water Resistance: Is it Essential?

Depending on your activity, having a waterproof headlamp can be practical or even necessary. This is especially true for sailors, mountaineers, kayakers, or hikers in tough weather. But how do you know if your equipment is truly waterproof?

You need to check the IP rating listed on the packaging if you're buying in-store or the product description if you're buying online. This rating classifies the level of protection an electrical component has against the intrusion of solid bodies (dust) and liquids (water, oil). It’s valid for headlamps and complies with the IEC 60529 standard, which is standard across all brands.

For example, a headlamp with an IPX7 rating means it’s dustproof (unrated) and waterproof up to one meter for 30 minutes. Your headlamp can fall into a puddle without issue. On the other hand, a headlamp with an IP68 rating means it's both dustproof and waterproof.

In most cases, headlamps are rated at least IPX4, meaning they can be used in the rain and even withstand water splashes without risking short-circuiting the components.

Lightweight for Comfort

When packing for an outdoor activity, weight is often the main concern for hikers, ultrarunners, and mountaineers (along with size). The goal is to keep the backpack as light as possible to delay the onset of fatigue.

While a headlamp isn’t the heaviest piece of equipment, it’s still possible to shave off precious grams. In simple terms, the more features and adjustments a headlamp has, the heavier it will be. So, there’s no need to go for the latest high-tech model if you only use one feature.

The headband can also affect the weight. Some models come with a thinner headband. In addition to providing better comfort (as it’s more breathable and less sweaty), it’s also lighter. However, it may not stay as securely on your head. It's up to you to test and judge!

Choosing the Right Headlamp for Your Activity

Find out which headlamp is best suited to your outdoor activity. These are simple recommendations, as each person has different needs.

Ideal Headlamp for Hiking

Since hiking is a relatively low-intensity activity, you don’t need an extremely long-range beam. However, a good combination of close-range and long-range visibility is important. A mixed beam is ideal.

During a trek, weight is very important. With headlamps ranging from 30 to over 100 grams, we recommend a headlamp with a beam range of more than 50 meters while being as lightweight as possible. The Petzl Bindi headlamp is a good choice.

Choosing a Headlamp for Bivouac or Camping

If you're not moving around your campsite at night, there's no need for a powerful headlamp. A wide beam for even light distribution is best for this outdoor activity. It provides good close-range visibility.

In terms of lumens, a brightness of 200 lumens is more than enough. The Black Diamond Spot Lite 200 allows you to see up to 60 meters at full power. That's more than adequate, and you can set it to a lower mode to extend battery life.

Choosing the Right Headlamp for an Ultra-Trail

These wilderness races, such as the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc), are partly held at night. Having a headlamp is not just recommended—it's essential. Unless you prefer running with a flashlight, but let's admit, that’s not practical.

Like hikers, ultrarunners look for lightweight models. The Petzl Zipka headlamp weighs only 66 grams. With a beam range of 65 meters, it provides enough distance for running. Another benefit of this model is its headband, which is a self-adjusting cord reel, making it more convenient than a traditional headband.

The Ideal Headlamp for Sailing

For offshore racing or a simple cruise, the ideal headlamp at sea must be waterproof. In addition to water splashes, it's not impossible for water to get into your pocket where you’ve stored your headlamp. Therefore, it’s recommended to opt for a headlamp with a minimum IPX7 waterproof rating.

As for brightness and beam distance, a powerful headlamp is not necessary. It is mainly used for close-range vision. Seeing more than 100 meters isn’t useful when you’re out in the middle of the ocean.

The final criterion concerns power source. A battery-powered headlamp is more suitable. It's both eco-friendly and cost-effective. Since sailors have electricity on their boats, recharging the headlamp is not difficult.

Choosing a Headlamp for Bikepacking

This outdoor activity is gaining popularity. It’s synonymous with freedom, as it involves traveling by bike with all the necessary gear for living, including sleeping gear (tent, mattress, etc.) and small equipment like a headlamp.

Since bikepacking is a dynamic activity, it's advisable to have a powerful headlamp with a long beam range (at least 60 meters). This typically involves models with a minimum of 300 lumens.

In terms of features, it can be helpful to have a rear blinking light on the headband to increase visibility from behind, as offered by the Petzl Iko. Its hydrophobic headband is also a plus since it helps avoid sweating.

Summary

This buying guide now allows you to choose the right headlamp for your outdoor activities. To recap, a good headlamp is a balanced mix of performance and ergonomics. While beam distance and battery life are crucial factors, waterproofing and adjustable modes add versatility to your headlamp. These features should not be overlooked.