13 best headlamps for camping In 2021
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A headlamp for camping is a light source that can be affixed to your forehead so that you can keep your hands free for other activities. The hands-free light allows you to set up a tent, do chores like cleaning dishes and cooking and go on a twilight walk or a night trek without the need to carry a much heavier flashlight.
These headlamps even prevent you from tripping over tree roots and other obstacles in the dark, as they throw a good amount of light ahead of you. This post lists some of the best headlamps for camping and the features to look when buying the most suitable one.
Top Picks
13 Best Headlamps For Camping
1. GearLight LED Headlamp Flashlight
The GearLight LED headlamp is lightweight and powered by three AAA batteries. It is super bright, lasts for up to 45 hours when used on low power, and can be washed easily. You can tilt the headlamp to 45° for convenience when climbing, walking, or reading a book in a tent. The pack of two shock- and water-resistant headlamps lets you explore nature in rainy and snowy weather too.
Pros
- Long-lasting and durable
- Comfortable with adjustable headband
- Seven red and white beam lighting modes
- Powerful beam light
- Good battery backup
Cons
- May tend to break easily
- Buckle may not be sturdy
2. Vont Spark LED Headlamp Flashlight
The Vont LED headlamp has an adjustable and comfortable headband that lets you hike and ride smoothly in the dark. Its seven light modes can be switched using a single button for a hassle-free experience during your outdoor adventure. The pack of two headlamps is powered by three AAA batteries and can be tilted to a 45° angle based on your preference. Its ergonomic design minimizes neck strain and gives you an effortless experience.
Pros
- Lightweight and super bright
- Waterproof and drop-resistant
- Versatile, portable, and durable
- White and red light mode
Cons
- Bulbs may tend to burst
- May not last for long
3. Lighting Ever LED Rechargeable Headlamp
The lightweight, waterproof headlamp provides a considerable amount of brightness, letting you do chores at night when camping. It has a battery that can be recharged using a USB cable connected to a compatible port. It has three white light modes (low, high, and strobe) and two red light modes (flash and stay on). With a brightness of150 lumens, it can light up to 150ft, while its durable headband can set the light to a 45° angle.
Pros
- Splash-proof and lightweight
- Made of durable materials
- Fully charges in four hours
- Adjustable red and white light
- Works for up to 30 hours
- Rechargeable battery
Cons
- Charge may run out quickly
- Buttons may get stuck
4. Vekkia Ultra Bright Cree LED Headlamp
The LED lamp manufactured by Vekkia has a 45° angle adjustable angle, gives an output of 160 lumens, and illuminates an area up to 325ft. It is designed to provide five light modes, including three white light modes and two red light modes. The water-resistant and versatile camping light can improve the camping experience significantly.
Pros
- Lightweight headlamp, weighs 2.6oz
- Red light improves night vision
- Bright light output
- Supports soft light output for 60 hours
- Powered by three AAA batteries
Cons
- Batteries may run down soon
- May turn off automatically
- Buttons may be hard to press
5. Slonik Rechargeable Headlamp
The Slonik camping headlamp provides a powerful beam output of about 1000 lumens and covers a large area of 600ft. It has a 2200 mAh lithium-ion battery that can be charged in two hours using the USB cable. The lightweight and durable LED light has a lifespan of about 100,000 hours and is easy to operate.
Pros
- Comfortable and stretchable
- Powerful light, weighs 4.19oz
- Battery lasts up to eight hours in low mode
- Waterproof and dustproof
- Six brightness levels
- 120°angle adjustability
Cons
- May not be long-lasting
6. EverBrite 5-Pack LED Headlamp
The superior-quality camping headlamp is composed of eight high-quality LEDs with 100,000 hours lifespan. It has four light modes to provide illumination for up to 65ft. The user can choose from two, four, and eight-bulb brightness, with a run time of up to five hours. You can rotate its head up to a 90° angle and use it for fishing, camping, exploring, and hiking.
Pros
- Five headlamps included
- Powered by three AAA batteries
- Adjustable headlamp
- Made of durable materials
- Simple one-button design
- Comfortable and lightweight
Cons
- LED may malfunction
7. Foxdott Rechargeable LED Headlamp
Walk around the camp, repair vehicle, or trek at night using this headlamp with two 1500mAh rechargeable batteries. The headlight has eight LED lights, which can be easily controlled with a single button. It also has white and red SOS strobe modes to provide super bright light wherever you go in the dark. You may charge the battery with a power bank, a laptop, a solar charger, or a wall outlet using an adapter.
Pros
- Water-resistant, durable, and long-lasting
- Headlamp rotates over 90°
- Good battery life
- Red rear safety light
- Can be charged with a USB cable
Cons
- Batteries may be prone to overcharging
- LED lamps may fade fast
8. Energizer Vision LED Headlamp
You can illuminate a trail when night hiking with the Energizer vision headlamp. The light quality provided by the camping headlight is 400 lumens and can be adjusted as per your convenience. Its high light output and six adjustable modes make it one of the best headlamps for working during twilight or doing chores when camping at night.
Pros
- Washable and durable
- Works on three AAA batteries
- Water-resistant and shatterproof
- Lightweight, durable, and adjustable
- Red light warns when the battery charge is low
Cons
- May not be easy to adjust the light output
9. Moico Rechargeable Headlight
When looking for an ultra-bright headlamp for hunting, this headlight from Moico can be an ideal choice. The rechargeable light has one batterywith1500mAhcapacity. It is lightweight and weighs 2.44oz and has two buttons to control the eight light modes. The headlamp has an indicator to show a low battery and is convenient for camping, trekking, cycling, or running.
Pros
- 1000 lumens output for a range up to1312ft
- Water and snow-resistant
- Durable and shockproof
- Set of two headlamps
- Run time lasts for up to eight hours
- Rotates up to 60° angle
- Can sense hand motion
Cons
- Battery may drain fast
10. Ankeca Brightest LED Headlamp
The Ankeca heavy-duty headlamp has three large LED lights to illuminate a distance of up to 2600ftwhen camping or walking outdoors in the night. It is designed to work in all weather conditions, be it extreme heat or cold. The headlamp can be adjusted to a 90° angle and has four light modes with 20,000 lumens. The set includes a charger, a USB cable, two batteries, and a user guide.
Pros
- Easily rechargeable headlamp
- Battery pack, USB cable, and wall charger included
- Water-resistant and durable
- Adjustable strap
Cons
- Charge may drain fast
11. Petzl Tactikka Headlamp
The Petzl headlamp is comfortable and has a compact design. It has a long run time of 240 hours, suitable for all-night use, and a red light option that can be activated when you want a low light. This camping headlight has three batteries and a stretchable headband for improved comfort. Use it for your outdoor trips and explore nature in the dark.
Pros
- Compatible with a rechargeable battery
- Wide sweeping beam of light
- 300 lumens output
- Water-resistant, convenient, and durable
- Ideal for close-range activities
Cons
- May not be long-lasting
12. Tinmiu Rechargeable LED Headlamp
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, this Tinmiu headlampwith1000 lumens light output can be a suitable option. It has six adjustable light modes that can be operated with a single button. It has an appealing red light mode, a rechargeable battery, and a 90° rotating pivot head—ideal for night hiking and other outdoor activities.
Pros
- Easily chargeable 1200mAh battery
- Provides up to 10 hours of run time in low mode
- Two headlamps included
- Motion sensor for activating the light
- Recharges quickly
- Water-resistant and shockproof
- Two types of beam angles
Cons
- Doesn’t turn on when charging
- May flicker a lot
13. Rough Work Gear LED Headlamp
The comfortable and adjustable headlamp from Rough Work operates with a single button and reduces switching through modes. It tilts up to 45° and has a long press to activate the red light mode. It provides a bright light output of 350 lumens, making it the best headlamp for work.
Pros
- Water-resistant and weatherproof
- Red light option with two red LED
- Three AAA batteries included
- Comfortable and stretchable headband
- Easy to operate and durable
Cons
- Buttons may malfunction after some use
How To Choose The Right Headlamp For Camping?
A good quality camping headlamp can be used for various purposes such as fishing, working on a car, or searching inside the attic. Look for these features when selecting the best one.
- Lumens output: The brightness of a headlamp is measured in lumen. Usually, those in the output range of 100 to 200 lumens enable adequate vision at a campsite. Using a powerful light source can momentarily blind people and is not preferred during the dark. However, if you are trekking at night or riding a bike, you will need a headlamp that outputs up to 1000 lumens or more as the beam will reach a large area.
- Beam of light distance: If you plan on night hiking or walking through a cave, the beam should travel several hundred feet. On the other hand, a shorter beam is ideal for doing chores in the camp.
- Light modes and red light output: Ideally, you should get a headlamp with several light modes. If the headlamp also has a red light mode, you can use it to read or watch stars outdoors without compromising your night vision. A headlamp with a strobe mode can be used as a flashing light during emergencies.
- Weight and headband material: It is better to consider a lightweight and adjustable headlamp as the heavy option with a large core battery may not fit properly.
- Battery type: Choose a rechargeable headlamp that can be charged with a power bank or a portable solar panel. It can help you during long trips.
- Others: If you plan to use a headlamp during the entire night or for several hours, pick a headlamp with energy-efficient LED bulbs for longer run time. Also, look for water-resistant and shockproof headlights that have an adjustable tilting angle. Such camping lights can be used for multiple purposes.
If you don’t want to carry a flashlight on your outdoor trips, choose a premium-quality camping headlight for ease and good visibility. Look for the desired features and compare the short-listed headlamps to select one suitable for your requirements.