The 6 Best backpacking Headlamps (2023 reviews)

If you are looking to buy an all-around great headlamp for your daily purpose, petzl backpacking headlamp is the right option. It does not provide as many lumens as the larger (but still small and light) Zipka, which works with regular batteries or a rechargeable battery pack made by Petzl. It comes with 200 lumens of brightness, and it is ideal for training in urban environments and for everyday athletic activities. The three power level lights work pretty well, so when it goes to red you have less than twenty minutes.

The shock cord does have a little elasticity to it which helps. It has a lock mechanism preventing accidental battery drain. The flood beam is pretty good, a little sharp on the edges. It's reasonably comfortable considering it has a round cord strap, but some people might prefer wearing it over a hat or something. It's convenient, with a battery that charges via micro USB port, but some people might prefer wearing it over a hat or something.

Why We Like This:

Easy to use and very bright
Prevents headlamp from accidentally turning on and draining the battery when not in use
New and hot release

Best For proximity Lighting: Petzl Great Headlamp

Buy on Amazon

We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate headlamp. The petzl great headlamp is exactly that - it's a simple headlamp that hits all the right notes. The rechargeable actik core headlamp offers 450 lumens of power, along with its multi. It features reflective accents for nighttime visibility. It has a beam design, making it ideal for dynamic outdoor activities like mountaineering, running, hiking and backpacking. It is easy to use and does not bounce on your head while running.

The beam design, makes it ideal for dynamic outdoor activities like mountaineering, running, hiking and backpacking. It comes with a rechargeable core battery. These are good enough for using around the house in the dark so they are not a waste. It's easy to select the 3 settings of brightness.

Why We Like This:

Very long lasting charge, comfortable to wear
Great headlamp and simple to use
Bright light for camp set up in the dark

Best For walking In The woods: Vont backpacking Headlamp

Buy on Amazon

The vont backpacking headlamp's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The Flasher is great even for daytime bike rides, the more visible you are the better. It is perfect for camping, running/jogging or walking outside at night. The unit has a hinged rear plate which allows the light to be tilted in 4 positions for optimal light angle viewing. The light can be swiveled down to light the way when walking. The multi function switch is easy to navigate while wearing this lamp.

These lites are bright, easy to use and handy for not only working on fine and delicate items, they are great when camping and any other time one wants to use hands free lighting directed where you are looking. You could also use this headlamp for exploring caves or hidden treasures in your attic. It is a very affordable headlamp with ample features and decent performance.

Why We Like This:

Comfortable, bright with multi function lighting, great brand
Lightweight enough to carry around in a pocket
Delivers what they promise

Best For kid playing arm Man: LE backpacking Headlamp

Buy on Amazon

The le backpacking headlamp's superior materials makes sure that it ages well with use. This head lamp is very bright and lightweight. It puts out a good bright light with 3 brightness settings. The straps are wide and easily adjusted, and the lights are very bright when batteries are added. The band is soft and very adjustable from child to adult. The Spot light is brighter in the central and illuminates far away, suitable for outdoor running or cycling. They work for feeding the animals after dark.

The straps are soft and easily adjusted, and the lights are very bright when batteries are added. They also have a lower setting if you don't want maximum brightness.

Why We Like This:

Headband is nice elastic and comfortable with adjustment
Nice wide band is fairly comfortable
Multiple clicks cycles through the different lighting modes

Best For preserving night vision: Nitecore Great Headlamp

Buy on Amazon

The nitecore great headlamp is satisfactory and appropriate and fits well with your daily usage. The NITECORE NU25 400 UL 400 Lumen Ultralight USB-C Rechargeable Headlamp is a very light and functional headlamp, perfect for camping and/or nightime emergency vehicle breakdown/repair use case. It is an ultra lightweight headlamp at 1.59 oz, optimized for outdoor enthusiasts who take weight seriously. It comes with spotlight mode, the nu25 UL emits a max 200 lumen for over 63 yards beam of throw. It can only be set for steady or flashing.

The combination options (brightness and color) are perfect. It is easy to use, battery lasts a long time and best of all its light. The Red light helps to not disturb other campers at nighttime and also helps retain night vision when doing astrophotography. It is a great light to have, especially in emergencies.

Why We Like This:

Bright, good battery life, and very compact
Delivers what they promise

Best With wearing glasses: Nitecore backpacking Headlamp

Buy on Amazon

We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention nitecore backpacking headlamp for daily purpose. It works with wearing glasses and also makes life wonderful in the woods. It is great for preserving night vision, hunting, insect repelling, low light tactics, or signaling. It's a rechargeable lithium ion unit so there is no need to carry extra batteries. The red light also works wonders while tinkling to help your eyes stay adjusted to the darkened. The look is also just really cool.

It can be easily be charged on-the-go using a usb-c charging cable connected to any usb power source or use the adapter for other power source. The new lock out mode prevents the light from staying on accidentally.

Why We Like This:

Bright, lightweight, glow in the dark straps for easy detection in pitch black
Like the tightness adjustment and wide non-slip headband
Good investment for long term