The 10 Best Trail Running Headlamps
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Running at night is a great way for runners to keep up their exercise, especially if they don’t have enough time to spare during the day. Some runners just love the quietness and the serene atmosphere that makes up the night. But running at night can be very dangerous, especially if you run in an area that is far from street lights.
To be safe, people running during poorly lit hours – evening, night and early morning – must always have their headlamps on. This helps by enhancing your visibility and making sure you are noticed by others. Visibility and security are two of the major reasons why runners need headlamps. There are many headlamps to choose from and they all differ in features.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Trail Running Headlamp
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Best Rated Running Headlamp Reviewed
Headlamps make your outdoor activities such as running in the dark safer and easier. The best running headlamp is reliable, stable, light in weight, waterproof, and gives out bright beams that reach far. We have carefully chosen some of the best headlamps to enable you to pick one that best suits your needs.
- Ultra Bright & Long Lasting
- Waterproof, Drop-resistant & Portable
- Lifetime Warranty
- Budget Friendly
- Not rechargeable
- Ultra Bright & Long Lasting
- Waterproof, Drop-resistant & Portable
- Lifetime Warranty
- Budget Friendly
- Not rechargeable
- User-friendly
- Versatile
- Water-resistant
- Comfortable
- Switches to reserve mode by itself to save batteries
- Quite costly
- User-friendly
- Versatile
- Water-resistant
- Comfortable
- Switches to reserve mode by itself to save batteries
- Quite costly
In addition, it is also resistant to chemicals and can function effectively when there is an explosion. Unlike most headlamps, the knob of this unique headlamp is very easy to use. Its headband, made of elastic, can be washed and is very comfortable.
- Long lasting batteries
- The light is very bright
- Very safe for chemical operations
- Has a beam distance of 120 meters
- Very durable
- The straps have clips that are quite clumsy
- Can’t be recharged
- Long lasting batteries
- The light is very bright
- Very safe for chemical operations
- Has a beam distance of 120 meters
- Very durable
- The straps have clips that are quite clumsy
- Can’t be recharged
- Great value at an affordable price
- Secure and easy to open/close battery box
- Light in weight
- Good light beam
- Comes with three free AAA batteries
- The power button has little resistance and causes the battery to drain faster
- The power button has little resistance and causes the battery to drain faster
- Great value at an affordable price
- Secure and easy to open/close battery box
- Light in weight
- Good light beam
- Comes with three free AAA batteries
- The power button has little resistance and causes the battery to drain faster
- The power button has little resistance and causes the battery to drain faster
Additionally, this headlamp is for all ages and comes with an adjustable headband. Moreover, it is also very light in weight and compact. Based on the brand and life of the battery you use, it can last for about 187 hours on economic mode and 95 hours on maximum mode. Also, you get three free AAA batteries when you buy this headlamp.
- Fits very well
- The tilt on the pivot is stable
- The battery door has a waterproof seal
- Very comfortable head strap
- Great beam shape, clarity, and distance
- Drains battery too quickly
- Quite pricey
- Fits very well
- The tilt on the pivot is stable
- The battery door has a waterproof seal
- Very comfortable head strap
- Great beam shape, clarity, and distance
- Drains battery too quickly
- Quite pricey
In addition, the pivoting head gives it a stable tilt that does not bounce while running. The five light settings of this headlamp include max, high, medium, low and strobe. All these settings are bright enough for trail runners and are powered by two CR123A lithium batteries. This unique headlamp also has motion activation and one-meter impact resistance, making it an all-time favorite with runners.
- Has seven good light modes
- The headband is very secure
- It is affordable
- Waterproof
- Has a very good beam angle
- Usage can be a bit cumbersome
- Lacks padding behind the headlamp
- Has seven good light modes
- The headband is very secure
- It is affordable
- Waterproof
- Has a very good beam angle
- Usage can be a bit cumbersome
- Lacks padding behind the headlamp
- Very comfortable
- Has 4 light modes for different situations
- Fits children and adults
- It is adjustable
- Has a hundred percent money-back guarantee
- The battery box is quite hard to close and batteries are hard to insert
- Quite bulky and heavy
- The light does not last too long and requires frequent battery replacement
- Very comfortable
- Has 4 light modes for different situations
- Fits children and adults
- It is adjustable
- Has a hundred percent money-back guarantee
- The battery box is quite hard to close and batteries are hard to insert
- Quite bulky and heavy
- The light does not last too long and requires frequent battery replacement
- Made from lightweight plastic
- Good light output
- Very easy to adjust
- Easy to use buttons
- Great customer service
- Neither durable nor sturdy
- Not waterproof as claimed
- Battery drains even when the headlamp is not in use
- Made from lightweight plastic
- Good light output
- Very easy to adjust
- Easy to use buttons
- Great customer service
- Neither durable nor sturdy
- Not waterproof as claimed
- Battery drains even when the headlamp is not in use
- White light can be dimmed
- Very light in weight
- Light is very bright
- Batteries last long
- The headband is comfortable and fits securely
- Takes time to adjust to the cycling mode
- Batteries are quite difficult to change, and the box is not very secure
- The power button is easily bumped
- White light can be dimmed
- Very light in weight
- Light is very bright
- Batteries last long
- The headband is comfortable and fits securely
- Takes time to adjust to the cycling mode
- Batteries are quite difficult to change, and the box is not very secure
- The power button is easily bumped
- The USB charging is a nice feature
- Waterproof
- Does not bobble
- You do not have to buy batteries for it
- Great company service
- The headband is too large for small heads.
- Recharge port on the lamp is too narrow for most cables
- Takes too long to charge fully
- The USB charging is a nice feature
- Waterproof
- Does not bobble
- You do not have to buy batteries for it
- Great company service
- The headband is too large for small heads.
- Recharge port on the lamp is too narrow for most cables
- Takes too long to charge fully
- Very bright light
- Works well with different hats
- Batteries last long
- It is quite unobtrusive
- Great for night vision
- Fragile battery door hinge
- Bad customer service
- Very bright light
- Works well with different hats
- Batteries last long
- It is quite unobtrusive
- Great for night vision
- Fragile battery door hinge
- Bad customer service
Key Considerations When Buying a Running Headlamp
There are many factors to consider before you buy a headlamp. This is because one headlamp may not give you all the features that you want. So, you need to prioritize your needs. Below, we list some of the most important features to look for before making your purchase.
- Balance: Your headlamp should not be wobbly, to ensure a steady beam. A stable headlamp also means that you focus more on your terrain than on a wobbly headlamp.
- Battery Run Time: You should use batteries that are of high quality and have a longer battery life. You don’t want your headlamp to go out and leave you panicky in the dark. Your batteries should last for at least twenty-four hours. Also, you need to avoid headlights that drain the batteries very fast or ones that use up batteries even when turned off.
- Battery Type: The battery type is another thing to look out for. Some headlamps are rechargeable while some are alkaline-based and need constant swapping of batteries. You should always try to get a headlamp that is rechargeable and lasts long when charged. For headlamps that use alkaline batteries, you should always have spare ones.
- Durability: Your headlamp should be sturdy and able to withstand impact and shock. It must also resist water. It should not be fragile to become useless because of impact, shock or moisture. Every part of the headlamp, including the battery box, must be durable.
- Fit: The fitting of the headlamp mostly comes from the headband or strap. Headbands that can be adjusted are much preferred. This is because you can adjust them to fit your head or whatever else you will wear it on. This ensures comfort while running.
- Light Output: Your best running headlamp should have a very bright light with several brightness levels. This is so that you can adjust it for the terrain and season. You can either choose a widespread beam or have a focused beam. Many headlamps offer both options. You may even select from the colored light options for terrains infested with insects.
- Price: You should consider your budget when buying a headlamp. There are affordable headlamps that will fit right into your budget while giving you the basic features. However, if you can afford a headlamp that is durable but pricey, go for it.
- User-Friendliness: Your headlamp should also be easy to use. You should not have to refer to the manual over and over. The design should be simple, easy to understand and to get familiar with.
- Weight: Weight is another important factor to consider while getting a good running headlamp. It should be compact and light in weight instead of being bulky. Lightweight headlamps will help you run without focusing on the weight that it would otherwise put on your head.
Final Thoughts
In summary, running is great but can be quite risky when done in the dark, more so during the winter. Headlamps are made to light the path and to keep you safe. They are also hands-free and give you different levels of brightness for more effective and safer night runs. We hope that the products reviewed by us will make your selection process much easier and faster.