If you’ve ever gone camping, you know it’s a fun experience. You also understand that nighttime is pretty dark when you’re in the woods. Having a good light source is essential for safety. Carrying a flashlight will work, but having something in your hands can be tricky when using the restroom.
It’s much easier to have a hands-free light source when traversing the wilderness at night. A headlamp is an answer to all your lighting woes. Keep reading to dig a little deeper on the subject. Let’s get started!
What Is a Headlamp?
A headlamp is a light you wear on your head. There are many headlamps, including those set in the hat bill. All headlamps have several options to adjust the band for a better fit.
Why Is a Headlamp Important?
Headlamps are crucial because they are hands-free. When camping in nature, you need to be on guard and alert. Your hands shouldn’t be full with flashlights. If you trip over a root or plant, you’ll need the use of your hands to stop yourself from falling.
Pro Tip: Use our Essential Camping Gear Guide when packing for your camping trip.
Are Headlamps Better Than Flashlights?
Headlamps aren’t necessarily better than flashlights, but they work more seamlessly while camping. They are situationally better. Sometimes a traditional flashlight might be what you need. However, flashlights are pretty basic, and numerous lighting options exist for any occasion.
What Is a Good Headlamp?
Knowing what makes a good headlamp is the first step toward acquiring the proper lighting for your situation. A good headlamp is bright and has several settings, often bright, brighter, brightest, and flashing. It should be weather or water-proof and fit comfortably on your head.
Here is a short list of a few of the best headlamps.
Pro Tip: Not packing a headlamp isn’t the only big camping no no! Find out what The 7 Deadly Sins of Summer Camping are.
GearLight LED Head Lamp – Pack of 2 Outdoor Flashlight Headlamps w/ Adjustable Headband
About: The battery life of this LED camping light can last up to 10 hours on the low setting. The band is removable, washable, and adjustable. It only weighs about 3 ounces.
The light’s direction is adjustable and can pivot up to 45 degrees. There are seven light settings and even a red beam for safety purposes. The GearLight LED headlamp is weather-resistant, waterproof, and shockproof. You won’t worry about rain, snow, or sweat ruining the device.
Price: The best thing about this headlamp is that it’s affordable. You can buy a two-pack on Amazon for just over $20 when you account for shipping and taxes.
Bushnell PRO Rechargeable 400L Multi-Color Headlamp
About: The Bushnell PRO is a fancy headlamp that doesn’t need batteries to run. It’s rechargeable, and you plug it in when the power is low. It projects up to 400 lumens of light on the brightest setting and has a 90-degree pivot for directing the light.
There’s a red mode for seeing better at night, and the Bushnell headlamp is impact and weather-resistant. You can take it almost anywhere.
Price: This headlamp is pricier due to its rechargeable lithium-ion battery. You can buy it on Amazon for just over $40 with taxes and shipping.
ENERGIZER LED Headlamp Pro260, Rugged IPX4 Water Resistant Head Light
About: Energizer makes an excellent and affordable LED headlamp that boasts a long battery life. It has up to 35 hours of run time in low mode.
The lamp puts out 260 lumens and has smart-dimming technology that will help keep you from blinding your friends. It has seven lighting modes, one of which spreads the beam wider for a better field of view.
Price: The Energizer LED headlamp is an essential but sturdy buy. You can find it on Amazon for over $16 with shipping and taxes.
Headlamp Rechargeable, 2-Pack Head Lamp Outdoor LED Rechargeable
About: This headlamp is rechargeable, and it comes in a two-pack on Amazon. It has a smart on/off function that you trigger by waving your hand in front of the device. This helps keep your light cleaner if you’re working with dirty hands. It has eight lighting modes and puts out a maximum of 1,100 lumens. It’s bright!
Price: You would think that this headlamp would be more expensive, but it’s in an affordable range. You can get a 2-pack on Amazon for just over $22 with shipping and taxes.
Hurkins Orbit, 180˚ Wide Angle 1000 Lumens Rechargeable Waterproof LED Headlamp
About: The Hurkins Orbit is the champion of headlamps, and it’s easy to see why. It has an LED light that puts out 1,000 lumens and a 180-degree wide-angle projection. It has a USB rechargeable battery for up to 1000 hours of function on a low setting. Controlling the light setting on this headlamp is as simple as tapping the dimmable dial button on the side of the device.
Price: This headlamp is the priciest on the list. You can purchase it on Amazon for over $70 with shipping and taxes.
Can a Headlamp Save a Camper’s Life?
A headlamp could save a camper’s life. A reliable light source can help you see dangers you might encounter in the woods. Snakes, large spider webs, steep drop-offs in the terrain, and other natural pitfalls are no match for good light.
Which headlamp best suits your camping lifestyle? Tell us in the comments!
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