The Best Headlamps For Camping In 2024

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
GearLight LED Head Lamp - Pack of 2 Outdoor Flashlight Headlamps
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: GearLight LED Head Lamp - Pack of 2 Outdoor Flashlight Headlamps

The GearLight LED headlamp is a versatile design that offers 7 different light modes for safety, a rechargeable battery and an adjustable head. It's perfect for outdoor activities or any other nightime walk around. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: LED Headlamp Rechargeable, Super Bright Head Lamp

The Super Bright Head Lamp is a powerful headlamp with a long-lasting beam. This lightweight and compact headlamp features 150 lumen LEDs, which generate a brilliant, long-lasting beam for up to 500ft/150m. Perfect for your jogging, camping, fishing, backpacking or hunting adventures. It is the perfect addition to your jogging or camping gear. Read Review

3. Best Choice: Vont LED Headlamp

The Vont LED Headlamp is ideal for both outdoor and indoor activities. The headlamp has a powerful light that can be switched to 7 different modes. It is powered by a single AA battery, so you never need to worry about a dead battery again. The headlamp is also IPX5 Waterproof rated and vigorously tested to be indestructible in extreme conditions. Read Review

4. Best Economical: Foxelli LED Headlamp Flashlight

If you're looking for a comfortable, lightweight and powerful headlamp for running or hiking, then Foxelli LED Headlamp Flashlight is perfect for you. The innovative design gives you the freedom to move in any direction without worry of catching your hair on the strap, while our side-mounted battery pack provides hours of power with just one charge. Read Review

If you are going camping, or even just on a night hike, having good headlamps is essential. You don’t want to become disoriented in the dark or have difficulty seeing what’s ahead of you. 

Thankfully, headlamps have come a long way in recent years and now there are so many options for campers. In this article, we take a look at some of the best headlamps for camping so that you can get out there and explore after dark with confidence.

Our team spent about 18 hours researching, sifting, and selecting many high-quality models. GearLight LED Head Lamp - Pack of 2 Outdoor Flashlight Headlamps is the product that receives the highest award from us. In addition to the other suggestions on this list, which are equally deserving of your consideration, we have also compiled a helpful buyer's guide to assist you in making your decision.

Our Top Picks

  • Super Bright - These powerful hands-free LED camping lights generate a brilliant, long-lasting beam with daylight color and definition. They even have a runtime of up to 10+ hours (on the low setting).
  • Adjustable Comfort - The removable, washable, and adjustable headband on this LED headlamp comfortably fits adults and children alike. Weighing only 3 oz with batteries, it is the ideal head light for outdoor adventurers.
  • Weather Resistant - Water resistant and shockproof, the S500 headlamp flashlight is suitable for rain or snow, indoors or outdoors. Add it to the top of your running, hiking and camping accessories list!
TOP Choice #2 LED Headlamp Rechargeable, Super Bright Head Lamp
Our Score:
9.5
Lighting EVER
  • 5 Light Modes, Combination Spot Light and Flood Light - 3 Levels of white light brightness (High/Low/Strobe) and two modes of red light (stay on/flash)
  • Ultra Solid Built Quality - This durable headlamp is made to last, polyethylene coating provide reliable protection form accidentally droping or scratching in all direction.
  • USB Rechargeable Headlamp - Compatible with any USB port and provide UP to 30 hours’ continuous lighting on a single charge. Support 5V DC adapter. (Micro USB charging cable is included, but adapter is not included).
TOP Choice #3 Vont LED Headlamp
Our Score:
9.3
Vont
  • ULTRA BRIGHT & LONG LASTING - Featuring super bright Proprietary VLEDS that can vividly light up your immediate vicinity, even in total darkness. Unbeatable battery life of up to 90 hours (2X of our competitors’). Easily light up an entire tent, road or even a mountain. (Batteries are included for your convenience)
  • WATERPROOF, DROP-RESISTANT & PORTABLE - Never worry about being out in the rain or dropping your head lamp. IPX5 Waterproof rated and vigorously tested to be indestructible in extreme conditions. Easily fits in your pocket too.
  • EASY 7 LIGHT MODE TOGGLE - Easy, quick and single button press to toggle through 7 light modes. Low/Medium/High/Strobe (Main Light) and Low/SOS/Strobe (Side Lights). Efficiently use only the light you need.
4 Foxelli LED Headlamp Flashlight
Our Score:
9.1
Foxelli
  • SUPER LONG BATTERY LIFE – by using leading technology MX20 provides more light with less power used, resulting in up to 45 hours of run-time. 3 AAA ENERGIZER batteries included. Each Foxelli LED head lamp has been tested for quality.
  • WATERPROOF AND DURABLE – why equip yourself with anything but the best and most reliable head lamps? MX20 head flashlight is built to last. It is waterproof rated to IPX5, which means this camping headlamp is protected against splashing or spraying water from any angle.
  • SUPER BRIGHT LED TECHNOLOGY (165 feet beam) - wide variety of white & red light modes + 45° tiltable body makes this LED headlight brightest and most versatile in its class. Additional SOS and strobe light modes will keep you safe in any situation.
  • [LED HANDS FREE LIGHT]: Headlamp with red light is ideal for indoor and outdoor activities that require two hands such as DIY projects and outdoor adventures at night
  • [BRIGHT HANDS FREE LIGHT]: Two (2) lightweight, durable Energizer Universal Plus LED Headlamps offer bright light for a variety of activities. Includes four (4) Energizer MAX AAA alkaline batteries
  • [SUPERIOR LED TECHNOLOGY]: 12x brighter than standard LED technology with 100 lumens of light that illuminates objects up to 40 meters away with a red light for night vision mode
  • 🏃 ✅Super Bright and Rechargeable: The headlamp flashlight uses class-leading LED chips that has the maximum brightness of 1100 lumens, easily light up an entire tent and road. It has powerful 1500mAh built-in rechargeable battery, which can be able to charge and turn on the lights at the same time. No need to wait for full charge or replace the battery. And the battery indicator will help you master battery usage. ( Last for 4-10 hours when fully charged. )
  • 🏃✅Friendly Service and Risk-free Purchase: We will provide 2-year quality assurance and 60-day money back. If you have any questions, please tell us at first time, we will offer you with professional services and satisfactory solutions. Add to your cart now!!!
  • 🏃 ✅Long Press Function and Motion Sensor: Unlike the old version, LHKNL headlamp has added a long press function. In any mode, if you hold the key mode button for 3 seconds, you can turn off the light directly, no longer need to cycle all modes. It also added motion sensor mode, you can easily turn the lights ON/OFF by waving your hand, which is more convenient and avoids soiling the headlamp when your hands are dirty.
  • Long-Lasting Lights. Our headlamps are extremely durable and last up to 5 hours while in continuous use
  • Simple Button Design, Batteries Included. Easily feel your way to the top of the lamp to press the button on or off when needed. Lights come with 15 x AAA carbon batteries included. Our camping headlamps are light and portable perfect for camping, hiking, walking, running, fishing, exploring and auto repair
  • 4 Lighting Modes. Your brand new LED headlamps allow you to choose between 4 different levels of light. Conveniently pick 2 bulb, 4 bulb or 8 bulb brightness levels while out hiking, exercising or walking your dog. Also comes with a strobe light mode that can protect you against unwanted attackers to disorientate them while you get away
  • [ENERGIZER POWER]: This LED headlamp runs on 3 Energizer Max AAA batteries (BATTERIES INCLUDED) so you have the power and visibility you need, right out of the box. Ready to go hiking, running, camping, hunting, and so much more.
  • [SUPER BRIGHT LED]: Illuminates up to 80 meters with a 260-lumen beam of LED light in high mode - This head lamp can light up the room, or the campsite, with ease.
  • [LONG RUN TIME]: Long-lasting and effective with up to 35 hours of LED light in low mode. So you have the reliable power and light you need. The perfect back-up light in case of power outages.
  • Indestructibly built - Made of durable, non-toxic materials. 100% child friendly makes this head lamp the most reliable in its class. The super comfortable and stylish head strap is stretchy and adjustable to fit all adults and kids. Weighing only 2.2 oz. It's so light you won't even notice wearing it!
  • Ultra bright cree-3w led technology - Your up-close detail work and long distance viewing is now a breeze. The sturdy headlamp body tilts up to 45° allowing you to focus light where you need it. 165 lumen of darkness-busting power provides good field of view, plenty of peripheral light and is bright enough to light up large areas.
  • Order now with no risk! 100% satisfaction guarantee - we are so confident you will love our headlamp that we offer a money back guarantee with a lifetime warranty!
  • 【UPGRADED EXTREME BRIGHT HEADLAMP】 IKAAMA headlamp brightness up to 1100 lumens, super bright LED+COB dual light source spot/flood, which generates a powerful beam with daylight color and red light option. It is the best choice for adults outdoor camping running cycling climbing ect.
  • 【45 DEGREE ADJUSTABLE & IPX5 WATERPROOF】 The headlamps can be rotated to 45 degree, which is convenient for you to adjust the angle of light irradiation arbitrarily when using. IPX5 waterproof grade, protects against splashing water from anywhere, dust and damage resistance, suitable to use in various environments, from extreme heat to bone-chilling cold.
  • 【8 MODES & LONG RUNTIME】 Quickly choose from 8 lighting modes (led beam: high, medium. cob beam: high, medium. red light: high, strobe. sense mode: high, low). The headlamp can be used continuously for up to 10 hours in low mode, adds independent double switch design, press and hold the switch button for 3 seconds to turn off the light directly.

Try one of the following guide to pick best headlamps for camping for you need

Maybe you feel overwhelmed by the variety of choices when it comes to purchasing best headlamps for camping? Visitors didn't even know if a better option was available. We have a few suggestions which will make things easier and thus save you time and effort.

Review them out below to see whether the item you're looking for is right for you!

Water Resistance

IPX ratings are used to indicate how water-resistant some headlamps are. IPX0 is not designed to protect against rain, sweat, and splashes. IPX8 offers the most protection from a complete submersion. It's like swimming while wearing a helmet.

Design

It is an issue that has been a problem for some of the crew. A headlamp that can be worn with gloves is the desire of one editor.
Some headlamps allow users to set up lighting and buttons on their own. A few headlamps have apps that allow you to program a variety of lighting options, as we mentioned earlier.
For most headlamp owners, this step is unnecessary and time-consuming. All of our editors and testers loved simple and easy-to-use headlamps.

Battery Life

You can prolong the battery life by switching to eco or low mode on a headlamp. The LED will provide less light and a shorter range in this mode. A headlamp with high output and eco settings can help conserve battery life.
Make sure to learn how to switch between modes before you go out.

Weight

Comfort and lack of bounce is key for us. The type of headlamp, adjustability, weight and personal preference all influence comfort.
It is possible for a design to bounce if it's bulky, or less ergonomic. Our favorite headlamps weigh between 1.2 and 4.5 ounces.

Headlamp Tilt

A few LED units can be adjusted by clicking up or down, allowing you to adjust the angle of your light. This is a great feature for social situations, such as when someone blinds you or reading a book.

Beam Distance & Type

Although an increase in light intensity can often improve the distance that the light travels over, there is no direct correlation. There are other factors that influence the distance the light travels such as LED placement and diameter.
Two types of beams are common in headlamps. Floodlights are diffused broadly to areas closest to you. The floodlight conserves power and reaches your immediate vicinity.
Some headlamps adjust automatically between them based upon the surrounding objects. Automatic mode switches also keep the battery charged.

Lockability

Many headlamps have a lock button that locks them in place. This prevents the battery from running out and saves you money. Lockability is a great feature if you intend to keep your headlamp safe while on the move, such as when hiking.

Color Options

White is the standard color for LEDs. A lot of headlamps have a red LED, which can be useful for nighttime usage as our eyes are less sensitive to light than white. Red light can make it more pleasant to use for reading or cooking in the campfire at night.
Some headlamps have blue and green LED lights.
You need to be able to switch between the different color options. This is how you can make headlamps work. You may need to press a button for several seconds, or scroll through all the options. The user interface is sometimes confusing for some.

Lumens (Brightness)

The lumens are a measure of how bright a white LED in a headlamp. Headlamps can have both a high and low (max) brightness settings, which you can manually adjust via the buttons.
You can adjust the brightness gradually with some headlamps' dimming options. A battery's capacity is affected by how bright the light is.

Light Settings

Most headlamps have several light settings, which can be manually adjusted. These options include the spotlight which provides the maximum amount of light and helps to illuminate the surrounding area further away. The lower output settings concentrate light closer to your eyes.
A few headlamps come with a technology which automatically adjusts the output to match the object in front. This saves you battery energy. A few designs have a strobe function, which can be useful for visibility in high traffic areas. This spotlight set consumes more power.

FAQs

What’s The Best Way To Measure A Light’s Brightness?

Although an integrating sphere is a good way to determine quantitative brightness, it can also be very expensive and difficult for most consumers. It is easier to compare throw and spread of different lights. You can compare the power and throw of different lights to see which one suits your needs.

Do I Need A Headlamp With A Red Light Setting?

Modern headlamps have a red light setting. Although red light settings can't generate as much brightness as the primary white setting, they are very useful. Red lights can be used in social situations to provide visibility, without blinding others with excessive brightness.
A red light can be used to read in a tent while other tentmates are sleeping. Red lights attract mosquitoes less often than other insects.

When Should I Use A Headlamp?

Headlamps are ideal for activities that require hands-on work in dark or low light. You can also use it for endurance activities such as trail running and uphill skiing. Our headlamp has been used for rescue situations, long hiking, backpacking and walking back home at night.

Can I Buy Spare Parts For My Light?

Yes. Yes. We stock all types of spares such as battery packs, battery bags and O-rings. For a complete listing, click on "Accessories" We can either sell directly to you or through our dealers.

Which Batteries Are Best? Lithium-ion? Store-bought?

It is important to ask this question as there are many differences. Rechargeable and lithium-ion batteries are more environmentally friendly than those purchased at the store. Please choose one of these batteries as your primary use battery. Sometimes you will need to purchase a bunch of AAA or AA's in order to complete a project. You can do what you need to.

What Is Battery Life Expectancy?

With good maintenance and care, the battery cell's life expectancy is three years. You can also expect between 300 and 500 charge/discharge cycles. To prevent the battery from overdischarge after storage, charge it to half its capacity and then store. Connect the battery to the light every 3-4 months to drain the remaining capacity. After that, charge it to 50% to continue storage. Low temperatures can affect the battery's performance and life span, particularly below freezing.

Conclusion

The website has a buying guide for best headlamps for camping for your needs. It will assist you in determining what to purchase and how much was to purchase! If the above options do not meet your needs, consider Vont LED Headlamp. IPX5 Waterproof as an alternative.

Whether any of this makes it sound daunting or if you want more information, please give us a call, our members of the team are always happy to chat and brainstorm ideas with you!


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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

Read Sara's full bio