Best Headlamps for Camping and Hiking 2026
Hands-free light is essential in the backcountry. We tested the best headlamps—from budget-friendly picks to premium options—to find the perfect fit for every camper and hiker.
The Most Underrated Piece of Gear
Ask any experienced camper what gear they won’t leave home without, and a headlamp is almost always on the list. Not just any light—a headlamp. Because when you’re setting up camp at dusk, cooking dinner, or making that 3am bathroom trip, you need both hands free.
We’ve tested headlamps in rain, snow, and on countless late-night trail runs. Here’s what actually matters.
Lumens Aren’t Everything
The headlamp industry loves to advertise maximum lumens. But here’s what they don’t tell you:
- Max brightness drains batteries fast — You’ll use medium mode 90% of the time
- Beam pattern matters more — A well-designed 200-lumen light beats a poorly focused 400-lumen one
- Too bright ruins night vision — And annoys everyone at camp
For most camping needs, 150-300 lumens on medium mode is the sweet spot.
Features That Actually Matter
Red Light Mode
Preserves night vision and doesn’t blind your tent-mate. Non-negotiable for camping.
Lock Mode
Prevents accidental turn-on in your pack. Dead batteries in the backcountry is not the move.
Water Resistance
IPX4 (splash resistant) minimum. IPX8 (submersible) if you’re in wet climates.
Beam Type
- Flood: Wide, even light for camp tasks
- Spot: Focused beam for trail navigation
- Both: The best headlamps switch between or combine these
Battery Type
- AAA: Available everywhere, easy to swap
- Rechargeable built-in: Lighter, more economical long-term
- Hybrid: Best of both worlds (can use either)
Real-World Battery Life
Manufacturer claims are tested at room temperature on low mode. Reality is different:
| Headlamp | Claimed (Low) | Actual (Medium, 40°F) |
|---|---|---|
| BD Spot 400 | 200 hours | ~35 hours |
| Petzl Actik | 130 hours | ~25 hours |
| Nitecore NU25 | 60 hours | ~15 hours |
Pro tip: Always carry backup batteries or a backup light on overnight trips.
How We Use Different Modes
- Low (10-50 lumens): Reading in the tent, late-night bathroom trips
- Medium (100-200 lumens): Cooking, camp setup, most trail hiking
- High (300+ lumens): Fast trail running, route finding in terrain
- Red: Preserving night vision, not disturbing others
Our Picks Explained
Best Overall: Black Diamond Spot 400
It does everything well. Good brightness, excellent beam pattern, waterproof, and the price is right. The dimming memory remembers your last setting.
Best Rechargeable: Petzl Actik Core
The hybrid system is brilliant—USB rechargeable battery with the option to swap in AAAs if needed. Petzl’s build quality is excellent.
Best Ultralight: Nitecore NU25
At 1.1 oz, it’s barely noticeable on your head. Three LEDs (white flood, white spot, red) cover all needs. The elastic band is more comfortable than it looks.
Headlamp Care
- Remove batteries for storage — Prevents corrosion
- Clean contacts periodically — Dirty contacts cause flickering
- Replace elastic when it stretches — Most brands sell replacements
- Keep lens clean — A smudgy lens kills brightness
The Bottom Line
For most campers, the Black Diamond Spot 400 is the best balance of features, performance, and price. It’ll handle everything from car camping to serious backcountry trips.
If you’re out frequently and tired of buying batteries, invest in the Petzl Actik Core.
And if every ounce counts, the Nitecore NU25 proves that ultralight doesn’t mean underpowered.
Light the way. Find your path.