Several factors need to be considered when choosing the right head torch for you. First and foremost is the type of activity: urban running, trail running, ultra trail, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, ski touring... Leading headlamp manufacturers such as Petzl and Black Diamond have developed a range of models — some designed for specific uses, others offering all-round versatility. Other important criteria include battery life, brightness, weight, power source and waterproofness. The Glisshop team has selected a wide range of head torches to help you easily find one suited to your needs. Browse our full collection of Petzl head torches and Black Diamond head torches online or in store.
Contents
- The Criteria to Consider when Choosing a Led Headlamp
- The Advantages of Using a Battery-Powered Head Torch
- The Advantages of a Rechargeable Head Torch
- Head Torch or Chest Light?
- Choosing the Right Lamp for your Use
- What Is the Red Light on Head Torches For? When and Why Should You Use It?
- The Best Head Torch Brands Are at Glisshop
The Criteria to Consider when Choosing a Led Headlamp
Do you need a headtorch that will perfectly meet the needs of your favourite outdoor activity? Whether it’s for professional use as a mountain guide or recreational during nighttime trail runs or hikes, you’ll choose your headlamp according to a few essential elements covered here.
Brightness or max output in lumens
Modern head torches use LEDs — light-emitting diodes that offer numerous advantages. They are durable, robust, energy-efficient, and provide effective illumination. The amount of light produced by LEDs is measured in lumens. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the light output, which directly impacts battery consumption and therefore battery life. Using a head torch at its maximum brightness will require more frequent battery recharges or replacements. It's important to select the brightness according to your intended activity. For backpacking, for instance, less than 100 lumens are usually sufficient, while we recommend a head torch with 300 lumens or more for mountaineering.
Running time
If you need to use your headtorch for long hours, the battery life claimed by the manufacturer should be an element to consider seriously. Depending on the model, it can go from a dozen hours to over 200 hours for the most efficient headtorches on the market. Keep in mind that most of the time, the running time stated on the packaging is not at full power. Make sure the battery life is enough for your need if you have to use the most powerful mode of your headlamp.
Beam Width
The beam width of a head torch varies from one model to another. It's a key factor in ensuring lighting is suited to your activity. A narrow beam, between 10° and 30°, is ideal for fast-paced mountain movement, where the goal is to see far ahead without the need for a wide field of vision. For example, if you’re into trail running, you’ll want a torch with a long beam range rather than a wide spread. On the other hand, for activities like camping, a wide beam of over 40° is preferable, since the priority is close-range visibility.
It's important not to confuse the lumen value with beam distance — the latter is primarily determined by the shape of the beam. Whether to choose a wide-beam or focused-beam head torch should depend on the specific requirements of your outdoor activity. Some hybrid models allow you to adjust the beam width, making them even more versatile.
- Wide beam: Ideal for activities where peripheral vision is essential, a wide beam provides uniform light spread. This feature is perfect for camping, where clear visibility is needed without moving around quickly.
- Focused beam: The preferred option for those who need to see far into the distance. By concentrating the light into a narrow point, it offers detailed visibility of distant objects. This precision makes it ideal for activities involving speed and terrain awareness, such as trail running or ski touring. Thanks to its extended range, a focused beam is crucial for navigating in the dark while anticipating terrain changes and obstacles.
- Mixed beam (wide + focused): Designed to offer the best of both worlds, the mixed beam combines a wide flood base with a more focused, directional beam. This versatility makes it particularly well-suited for dynamic activities where you need to see both where you’re stepping and what lies ahead. Whether you're hiking, trekking, mountaineering or caving, this type of beam provides a clear view of your immediate surroundings while allowing you to spot upcoming obstacles.
Waterproofness
If you’re the type to enjoy going out at night under the rain, make sure to invest in a waterproof head torch. The degree of waterproofness is indicated by IP ratings, ranging from 1 (protection against vertical rainfalls) to 8 (protection against an immersion in water for a time given by the manufacturer). Check the rating of a lamp before buying and make sure its waterproofness degree is compatible with your intended use!
The Advantages of Using a Battery-Powered Head Torch
Battery-powered head torches remain a popular choice among users for several reasons. Firstly, their ease of use provides great peace of mind, as in case of need, you simply replace the used batteries with fresh ones — a particularly practical solution during expeditions in remote areas where access to mains electricity is unlikely. Moreover, some battery-powered head torches offer up to 200 hours of runtime, ensuring long periods of use without the worry of recharging.
This benefit is reinforced by the fact that, for the same size, disposable batteries offer around twice the runtime of a rechargeable unit. Battery-powered torches are especially appealing to those who prioritise durability and long-lasting performance. Generally speaking, these models are more affordable to purchase, making them attractive for users on a budget or for those whose occasional use doesn’t justify a larger investment.
The Advantages of a Rechargeable Head Torch
Rechargeable head torches cater to a growing need for sustainability and convenience. Their main advantage lies in their ability to be recharged as often as needed, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective long-term alternative to regularly buying disposable batteries. While they may be slightly more expensive upfront, their use quickly offsets the initial investment. For long expeditions far from power sources, a solar charger is a great solution to recharge the battery anywhere, at any time.
Some head torches feature a hybrid design and can run on either a rechargeable battery or disposable batteries. This approach reflects manufacturers’ commitment to meeting users’ diverse needs by offering head torches suited to a range of conditions. It provides valuable flexibility for those who need to be sure they won’t run out of power — especially in situations where recharging via a portable solar panel may not be possible due to the weather.
Head Torch or Chest Light?
- Head torches: Designed to be worn around the head using an adjustable strap, they allow the beam to follow your gaze precisely. They provide complete freedom of movement by keeping your hands free. Perfect for running, they’re also highly practical for camping, hiking, mountaineering and more. At Petzl, Ledlenser and Black Diamond, this system is featured on nearly all models. However, Petzl’s Nao RL uses a hybrid headband system, combining a soft strap at the front with a cord at the back. The band adapts to all head shapes, while the rear cord reduces weight. Also from Petzl, the Bindi is an ultra-compact, lightweight head torch featuring a single cord that wraps around the head. Weighing just 35 g, it offers five lighting modes.
- Chest lights: Worn around the torso, these provide a stable, evenly distributed light in front of you. Very easy to operate, they’re ideal for trail running, offering excellent comfort over extended use by avoiding the pressure that a head strap can sometimes create over long periods.
Choosing the Right Lamp for your Use
Which headlamp for camping?
For camping, a basic lamp will do just fine. No need for a long reach, only a wide flood beam to have a decent field of vision in the dark. As this type of lamp is generally not used intensively, you can afford to compromise on running time and weight. Choosing an entry level replaceable battery head torch will save you money that can be spent elsewhere.
Which lamp for hiking?
The choice of your hiking headlamp will depend on how you intend to use it. For easy night walks, a simple camping lamp can be suitable, however, if you plan on backpacking or are preparing a trek, your head torch should meet some essential criteria.
Given the somewhat slow pace of a hiker, you won’t need a long reach to anticipate obstacles, but a wide enough beam (40 degrees) to find the right spot to pitch your tent and to make setting up camp pleasant. A good battery life is essential and USB charging is preferable. Charging will be easy with your solar charger. It should weigh less than 100 grams to improve your comfort.
Which lamp for running?
For comfort reasons and to reduce the impact of the head torch on your body, running head torches are broken into two parts: a front part for lighting, and a back part which holds the battery and a small red lamp to keep you visible from cars or other runners during races at night. For intensive use, choose USB charging to avoid spending the price of the lamp in batteries in a year. Battery life is not your n°1 concern as you’ll be home after each run.
Which Head Torch Should You Choose for Ultra Trail Running?
Ultra running is an endurance sport practised both day and night, often in a range of weather conditions. The selection criteria previously mentioned for running also apply here, but should be supplemented with the following considerations:
- High maximum brightness and long beam range: 500 lumens is the minimum you should consider for excellent visibility. During an ultra, moments of mental fatigue can occur. While this can be dangerous at any time, it becomes even riskier in the dark and in heavy rain. We recommend choosing a powerful head torch with a focused beam to light the trail effectively and reduce the risks.
- Battery life: Given the distances covered in ultra trail running events, the race often continues well into the night, or even throughout the night. A head torch with extended battery life is essential. Make sure to carry spare batteries or AAA disposable batteries if needed.
- Water resistance: As rain or snow can strike at any time during the route, it’s important to choose a head torch with a water-resistance rating that ensures reliable operation in wet conditions.
- Torch weight: Whether you opt for a rechargeable model or one powered by AAA batteries, be mindful of the weight to avoid discomfort when wearing it for several consecutive hours.
Which head torch for mountaineering?
Just like ultra-trail runners, alpinists spend long hours in the dark for the thrill of it. To help them in their quest, their headlamp must have the same features and guarantee a superior comfort/weight/performance ratio!
What Is the Red Light on Head Torches For? When and Why Should You Use It?
If you want to stay discreet in nature or avoid dazzling those around you while chatting around the stove, choose a head torch with a fixed red light mode.
The Best Head Torch Brands Are at Glisshop
If you need a head torch, you'll find the best models at Glisshop from the most trusted brands in the business: Petzl, Black Diamond and more.
Petzl Head Torches: Technical and High-Performance
Petzl’s various ranges include lightweight, high-performance models as well as powerful head torches. Choosing a product from one of France’s pioneers in outdoor lighting means opting for a reliable piece of equipment, designed by professionals and, above all, enthusiasts with in-depth knowledge of the specific activities each torch is intended for. Among the standout models are the Actik, the Actik Core, the Swift RL, the Tikka, the Tikkina, and the Bindi.
Black Diamond: From Entry-Level to Premium for Every Style
Black Diamond is an American brand headquartered in Salt Lake City, nestled between lakes and mountains. It offers both simple head torches and high-end models that are powerful, durable, and waterproof — suitable for a wide range of activities and users.
Advanced Lighting with Ledlenser Head Torches
Ledlenser head torches stand out thanks to their High Power LED technology, which offers multiple lighting levels. They feature extended battery life and practical functions such as a lockout mode to prevent accidental activation. Waterproof and robust, these reliable torches are ideal for all outdoor adventures.
