Brightest battery operated lights free#

While we were initially worried about snapping the dial strings and rendering the headlamp useless in the field, we’ve come to appreciate the click-and-twist headband adjustment. Additional headlamp features include a 500-lumen lamp with three brightness settings and an option for spotlight or floodlight. Another advantage to this headlamp is that it’s super easy to change the battery on the go - and if you’re out there long enough to need fresh batteries, you need the process to be easy. The only more innovative headband out there now is the Petzl Iko Core reviewed above - though we think this Fenix headband is more comfortable. The dial on the back allows enough micro-adjustment for literally dialing in the perfect fit. However, after using it, we had to swallow our doubt and give Fenix props for creating an absolutely comfortable headband. We have to admit we were skeptical when we saw the Boa-style dial on the headband of the Fenix HL18R-T Rechargeable Headlamp. Questionable durability of the headband strings.While it’s easy to carry a spare battery on an all-night run, getting it replaced in the dark and while sleep-deprived is challenging.īe sure to check out our in-depth Petzl Iko Core review.Īctual Weight: 2.4 ounces (68 grams) | Maximum Light Output: 500 lumens | Battery Source(s): 1,250-milliampere-hour Petzl Core lithium-ion rechargeable (included) or three AAA/LR03s (not included) Shop the Petzl Iko Core Best Running Headlamp for Trails - Runner-Up: Fenix HL18R-T Rechargeable Headlamp ($72) The only downside with this headlamp is that switching out the battery is difficult. The overall package is sufficiently lightweight for a trail runner’s needs. We found the silicone band and battery cradle exceptionally comfortable - we couldn’t even feel the LED panel on the front. It has two lighting beam options - flood or mixed - and three lighting levels. With 500 lumens, this high-quality headlamp creates clean and sharp, cool light. We’ve usually found one to come at the compromise of the other. With this headlamp, Petzl does what no other headlamp maker does by innovating in lighting and comfort. The Petzl Iko Core checks all of our boxes for the best headlamp for running with its lighting technology, weight, and comfort.

The battery pack is awkward to change out.

Accepts AAA batteries in addition to the included rechargeable battery.

Photo: iRunFar/Meghan Hicks Best Running Headlamp for Trails: Petzl Iko Core ($100)

Most Ridiculously Bright Running Headlamp We’ve Seen: Nitecore HC35Ī bright headlamp can make nighttime running faster and easier.

Best Ultralight Running Headlamp - Runner-Up: Petzl Bindi.

Best Ultralight Running Headlamp: Nitecore NU25 UL.

Best Waistlight for Trail Running and Ultrarunning: UltrAspire Lumen 600 4.0 Waist Light.

Brightest battery operated lights free#

Best Headlamp for Ultrarunning - Runners-Up: Silva Trail Runner Free Ultra, Fenix HM65R Rechargeable Headlamp, and Nitecore UT32.Best Headlamp for Ultrarunning: Petzl Nao RL.Best Running Headlamp for Trails - Runners-Up: Fenix HL18R-T Rechargeable Headlamp, Petzl Swift RL, and ZebraLight H600d Mk IV 18650 XHP50.2 5000K High CRI Headlamp.

Best Running Headlamp for Trails: Petzl Iko Core.Below, we’ve rounded up our top recommendations for the best headlamps for running.įor more background information, see our buying advice, testing methodology, and frequently asked questions below the picks. We’ve scoured the marketplace for the best of the best, and then a small team of iRunFar gear testers took them out for miles upon miles of sunrise, sunset, and nighttime runs. There are options for everything from ultralight headlamps ideal for daily running in the dark to powerful and long-lasting headlamps that will make it easier to move confidently over rugged terrain throughout the night.īattery life, comfort, and available lumens are all considerations when choosing the right headlamp for your running needs. Battery and lighting technology improvements have made headlamps brighter, lighter, and longer lasting. Whether you’re looking for something to keep stashed in your pack for those days you don’t quite make it back to the trailhead before dark or a headlamp that will illuminate every rock and root through a nighttime ultra there is an abundance of lighting solutions from which to choose. When running at night, you want the best running headlamp possible to light your way down the trail.

Here, iRunFar’s Meghan Hicks preps for an early morning run. The iRunFar team tested running headlamps on dozens of runs to help you find the right one in this guide.