How many lumens do I need in a headlamp?

Camp tasks: 50-100 lumens. Trail hiking: 200-350 lumens. Night running/technical terrain: 400-750+ lumens. More lumens drain battery faster. A headlamp with multiple brightness levels (dim for camp, bright for trail) is more useful than a single-mode flashlight.

Rechargeable or battery-powered headlamp?

Rechargeable (USB-C) is cheaper long-term and more environmentally friendly. Battery-powered (AAA) is better for extended backcountry trips where you can't recharge. The best option: a headlamp that accepts both, like the Petzl Actik Core or Black Diamond Spot 400.

What features matter most in a headlamp?

Weight (under 100g for comfort), red light mode (preserves night vision), IPX4+ water resistance (rain-proof), regulated brightness (consistent output until near-dead), and a secure comfortable strap. Flood beam for camp, spot beam for trail — many headlamps offer both.

Headlamp Buyer's Guide: Lumens, Beam Distance, and Battery Life

The Lumens Arms Race Is Misleading

Max lumens is a burst mode lasting 30 seconds to 2 minutes before thermal regulation. Real operating lumens are 40-60% of advertised max. 200-350 sustained lumens is ideal for trail use. Camp chores: 50-100. Night running: 250-400. Only caving needs 500+ sustained.

Better Spec

Beam distance (meters at 0.25 lux) matters more. A 300-lumen focused beam beats a 600-lumen flood for trail navigation.

Petzl Actik Core

$65 Check Price on Amazon

450 lm max, 3 modes + red, rechargeable CORE or 3xAAA, 2.4 oz, 130m beam. Best all-around.

Black Diamond Spot 400

$40 Check Price on Amazon

400 lm, IP67, 200m beam, 3xAAA. Best value — bright, tough.

Nitecore NU25 UL

$36 Check Price on Amazon

400 lm, 1.28 oz, USB-C, red + CRI aux LEDs. Ultralight champion.

BioLite HeadLamp 800 Pro

$80 Check Price on Amazon

800 lm, moisture-wicking band, USB-C. Best for trail running.

Petzl Swift RL

$100 Check Price on Amazon

1,100 lm max, reactive auto-adjust lighting, rechargeable. Premium night running.

Sources

ANSI/NEMA FL 1-2019. "Flashlight Performance Standard."
Outdoor Gear Lab. "Best Headlamps 2025."
Switchback Travel. "How to Choose a Headlamp." 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many lumens do I need?

Camp tasks: 50-100. Trail hiking: 200-350. Night running: 400-750+. A headlamp with multiple brightness levels is most useful.

Rechargeable or battery-powered?

Rechargeable for convenience; battery-powered for extended backcountry trips. Best option: a headlamp that accepts both.

What features matter most?

Weight under 100g, red light mode, IPX4+ water resistance, regulated brightness, and flood+spot beam options.

Headlamp Buyer's Guide: Lumens, Beam Distance, and Battery Life

The Lumens Arms Race Is Misleading

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How many lumens do I need?

Rechargeable or battery-powered?

What features matter most?

Equipment Intel, Weekly