Princeton Tec Quad

We found the best review of the Princeton Tec Quad headlamp at Backpacking Light, where it's compared with nine other LED headlamps based on ratings on eleven factors. Tests at FlashlightReviews.com are even more technical, and the detailed owner-written reviews at BackpackGearTest.org are based on extensive field tests over a longer period. Outside magazine also tests the Princeton Tec Quad, and more than 20 owners rate and review it at REI.com.

Reviews say the waterproof Princeton Tec Quad is the best headlamp for task lighting, both for household power outages and for campsite lighting. Comparison tests give this 2.9-ounce 4-LED headlamp the best scores for comfort, and the elastic headband is detachable so you can use the Quad as a standalone lamp. A strobe mode is available for emergencies, and brightness adjusts among three levels. A voltage meter keeps light consistent, but only for 24 hours on the lowest setting, although total battery life is as long as 150 hours. It runs on three AAA batteries. If you need red light for night vision, the Princeton Tec Quad Tactical (*est. $37) adds a pull-down red filter.