Headlamp Information

For children, consider the Black Diamond Wiz %%price%%. It gets mixed reviews due to minor problems, but owners say most kids love it. It weighs only two ounces, is sized for kids and shuts off automatically after an hour. The strap breaks away under strain to prevent choking. Some owners also recommend the Black Diamond Gizmo %%price%% for children. It turns off automatically after four hours.

Some flashlights can be adapted to wear with a headband and/or come with clips to attach to a hat. Several Backpacking Light staff members say they use a Photon Freedom MicroLight %%price%% instead of a headlamp, to save weight. This tiny clip-on flashlight isn't bright enough for night travel on risky trails, but it's fine for campsite use. It also makes a good backup light. For additional lightweight options, see our report on flashlights.

For running, GoMotion makes vests that combine hydration backpacks with LED lighting on the front strap, plus "tail lights" and reflective trim for safety.

Cave explorers need long battery life plus extra sturdy construction that can withstand a lot of scrapes and bumps against rock. FlashlightReviews.com recommends the 8.6-ounce StenLight S7 (*est. $310) with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for its rugged all-metal construction and replaceable lens window. Two 3-watt Luxeon III LEDs provide plenty of light, and brightness can be adjusted among four levels.

With rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, the StenLight S7 headlamp can run for eight hours on high, or 140 hours on low. It's versatile, attaching to a headstrap or helmet; a bicycle handle-bar attachment is also available. Another accessory can change the beam pattern from a 5-degree spotlight to 15 degrees. A detailed single-product "Stenlight S7 Headlamp Review" is available at Mine-Explorer.co.uk.

Headlamps classified as waterproof are not necessarily waterproof beyond one meter deep. Underwater headlamps designed for diving meet more rigorous standards, and are usually designed differently as dive lights. Several companies make headlamps for diving, including Foxfury, Pelican and Underwater Kinetics. For reviews of underwater headlamps, look for diving magazines and websites.

Foxfury, a manufacturer known for its industrial and firefighting headlamps, also makes models for personal use. They use a rectangular array of ten, 20 or more LEDs to cast a wide rectangular beam of light. Quite a few models with special features and light colors are available.

Certain situations are classified as hazardous for headlamp use, such as where gases, fine dust or other potentially explosive particles are in the air. Be sure to consider this, and choose a headlamp that's rated for hazardous use. See the article distributed by Petzl called "Headlamps for hazardous locations."

The CandlePowerForums site on headlamps is good for keeping up with the latest headlamp news, and often the first to review a brand new model.

Flashlight News also announces the latest headlamps.

REI publishes an excellent headlamp buyer's guide by Terry Wood called "How to choose a headlamp."

The Petzl site explains the IP codes for degrees of protection from water, as well as details on the standardized method for calculating brightness and battery life.

Flashlight Reviews.com has a useful "Flashlight Buyers Guide" and other features about LED flashlights and headlamps.

Lux, the unit of illuminance, is explained well at Wikipedia.

We found only one headlamp recall, when in 2004 Black Diamond recalled some headlamp battery packs. It's a good idea to register a headlamp with the manufacturer, however, so you'll be alerted right away if a problem does occur. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website has information on product recalls.

Headlamp Manufacturers

Black Diamond

Brunton (made by Silva)

Coleman

Everlite (solar -- made by New Option Lighting)

Pelican

Petzl

Photon (made by Laughing Rabbit Inc. (LRI))

Primus

Princeton Tec

Rayovac

StenLight

Streamlite

Underwater Kinetics