Even if you're the world's most accomplished mountaineer, if you find yourself out in the hills after dark and can't see anything, you're still basically screwed. So if there's one hiking accessory that you should always remember to pack, it's the humble head torch – no matter what time of year it is. A head torch is your illumination salvation.
A good headtorch isn’t just for illumination either. Most have built-in strobe or SOS functions, which can be vital for signalling in emergencies. And for multi-day adventures or wild camps, hands-free lighting is invaluable when cooking, map reading and route planning, or rooting around in your rucksack in the gloom.
A couple of must-dos: before venturing out, always make sure your head torch works and that you've packed a set of spare batteries (or a fully juiced power bank and charging cable). And then consider taking a lightweight spare or backup head torch.
Today, the choice of hillwalking head torches is greater than ever. The widespread adoption of the Light Emitting Diode (LED) and the lithium-ion battery have both revolutionised head torch design. They are now lighter, brighter, more robust and longer lasting than ever before.
Best head torches for hiking at a glance
Best in test: Petzl Swift RL
Highly rated: Black Diamond Storm 500-R
Highly rated: BioLite HeadLamp 425
Best value head torch: Alpkit Qark
How we tested the best head torches
Head torches come with us every time we head out into the hills or mountains, even when we're hiking in the long daylight hours of summer. We often carry them as a backup safety option in case we get delayed or benighted, but they also form a key part of our kit if we're planning to wild camp or navigate in the darkness.
The majority of the torches in this test have been tested and reviewed by our North Wales resident Matt Jones, who takes them out into his local hills, and even delves into quarries and caves to see what they can do.
The headlamps in this test are specifically aimed at hikers and backpackers rather than runners, although some could double up and do both jobs (see our pick of the best running head torches for more specific run options).
Key factors we look at when testing include burn time (battery life, essentially). We like to see enough in a low/medium setting to get you through an overnight emergency or a couple of nights of camping.
Brightness, known as lumens, is another key one and is a measure of the amount of visible light. See our FAQ section at the bottom of this page for more info on what we recommend.
We also judge head torches on their weight (the lighter the better if you're carrying it all day) and ease of use – so how easy is it to turn on or off, switch between modes or use with gloves?
For more information about our testing process, read how we test gear.
Best head torches reviewed:
The Petzl Swift RL head torch is no stranger to LFTO awards, having won Best in Test and Gear of the Year awards from us in previous years. The new and updated Swift RL has also earned its place among our latest Gear of the Year winners.
The new Petzl Swift RL has evolved and improved on the old model. Firstly, its Reactive Lighting (RL) remains a standout feature, automatically adjusting brightness based on proximity to the object being illuminated. This intelligent functionality is not only convenient but also extends battery life.
Weighing approximately 100g, the Swift RL is also remarkably lightweight and boasts a comfortable headband with reflective elements. Adding to its versatility, the Swift RL includes a convenient pouch that transforms it into a versatile mini lantern.
Ease of use is another key feature of the Swift RL. Everything is controlled by a single button, including its lamp lock mechanism.
Lamp lock was on the previous model too, but this one is better because it is now activated by holding the button instead of the previous switch-based version.
Read our full Petzl Swift RL review.
Pros
- Powerful
- Smart, ergonomic features
- Very comfortable to wear
- Rechargeable battery included
- USB-C charging
- Lightweight
Cons
- Perhaps overkill for some
| RRP: | £115 / $139.95 |
| Max power: | 1,100 lumens |
| Max burn time: | 100 hours at 10 lumens |
| Max beam distance: | 155m |
| Weight: | 102g / 3.6 oz |
| Ingress protection rating: | IPX4 |
| Batteries: | USB-C rechargeable 2350mAh lithium-ion battery |
The powerful, multi-functional and well-priced Storm 500-R is one of the brightest and best-equipped headlamps in the Black Diamond range. For this reason, it's a former Gear of the Year award-winner and remains a current favourite.
It has an array of features, including a dimmable main spot beam with a piercing maximum output of 500 lumens. It also has a secondary white flood LED, plus red/green/blue light modes for map-reading and night vision use. There's also a button lock to prevent accidental operation and a battery level indicator.
However, the niftiest feature is Black Diamond's 'powertap' function. With this, you can instantly switch from your chosen light setting to maximum power (and back again) by simply tapping the side of the headlamp. This is great for night navigation when you want to check what's down the trail before returning quickly to your saved brightness setting.
The Storm is reasonably light and compact, with a soft and comfortable low-profile headband made from recycled fabric. It's powered by a built-in, high-capacity lithium battery that gives great burn times and is charged via a micro-USB port on the side of the light unit.
The two-button-plus-powertap method of operation takes some getting used to. The built-in battery also means it lacks the versatility of some hybrid rivals that allow either a rechargeable battery pack or AAAs.
Read our full Black Diamond Storm 500-R review.
Pros
- Light modes for map reading
- Very bright
- Great weatherproofing
- Good value
Cons
- Ergonomics take getting used to
- Hybrids can be more versatile
| RRP: | £65 / $74.95 |
| Max power: | 500 lumens for 7 hours |
| Max burn time: | 350 hours at 6 lumens |
| Max beam distance: | 120m |
| Weight: | 100g / 3.5 oz |
| Ingress protection rating: | IP67 (waterproof – will withstand immersion for 30 minutes in up to 1m of water) |
| Batteries: | Built-in 2400mAh rechargeable lithium-ion |
The HeadLamp 425 features a sleek, low profile design with the light unit integrated into the fabric headband and the battery pack positioned at the back for balance and stability.
The rear red light adds safety and visibility. A power cable runs along the left-hand side of the headband, embedded partially in the fabric for better ergonomics.
The front light unit offers red night vision flood, white spot, white flood, combo, and SOS strobe modes, all controlled by a single button on top. Brightness can be adjusted by holding the button.
Additional features include a 4-LED battery level indicator, button lock, and one hour of emergency reserve lighting in all modes. The lamp charges via a USB-C port, supports passthru charging, and uses a non-removable 1000mAh Lithium-ion cell.
Weighing just 78g, it is extremely light and comfortable, ideal for trail running, fast hiking, hillwalking, and backpacking. The ergonomic design and moisture-wicking fabric ensure comfort. Rear red LEDs aid visibility, and the strobe function adds safety.
The 425-lumen beam reaches up to 85m, suitable for year-round use. Lower power settings work well in tents. Downsides include limited angle adjustment and IPX4 splashproof rating. It offers faster charging than similarly priced torches, but others have higher lumen output at similar weight.
Read our full BioLite HeadLamp 425 review.
Pros
- Bright
- Very lightweight
- Stable and well-balanced
Cons
- Relatively low waterproof rating
- Limited beam angle adjustment
| RRP: | £65 / $59.95 |
| Max power: | 425lm (high) |
| Max burn time: | 60 hours at 5 lumens |
| Max beam distance: | 85m |
| Weight: | 78g / 2.8 oz |
| Ingress protection rating: | IPX4 (splashproof) |
| Battery: | USB-C rechargeable 1000mAh lithium-ion battery |
The Qark is a robust headtorch made of hard plastic, IPX6 rated for heavy rain resistance. It features a removable Lithium-polymer battery pack and has a large white LED and a secondary red LED.
An adjustable hinged bracket holds the light unit, with attachment points for the elasticated headband and overhead strap.
Operation is simple with a single button. Press to cycle through low (30 lumens), medium (270 lumens), and high power (580 lumens) from the white LED, plus red light (10 lumens) and red strobe modes from the secondary LED. The rotating bezel adjusts the beam from spot to flood.
The 800mAh battery pack provides 2hr 30min on high power and up to 18 hours on low power. It must be removed for charging via micro USB, but the headlamp can also run on three standard AAAs.
At less than 100g, it is lightweight and compact, though a bit front-heavy. The additional overhead strap improves stability, and the headband is easy to adjust.
Despite its basic functions, the Qark is a dependable option for camping, hiking and backpacking. It lacks a button lock and battery level indicator but remains a perennial best value winner, offering adequate burn times and hybrid compatibility.
Competitors may offer quicker charging and longer burn times, but they often lack the Qark’s brightness and versatility.
Read our full Alpkit Qark review.
Pros
- Bright
- Spot and flood beams
- Hybrid battery compatibility
- Great value
Cons
- Relatively short burn times
- No button lock
- No dimming function
- No battery level indicator
| RRP: | £39.99 / $54.99 |
| Max power: | 580lm (high) (Not ANSI FL1-rated) |
| Max burn time: | 18 hours at 30 lumens |
| Max beam distance: | 150m (Not ANSI FL1-rated) |
| Weight: | 95g / 3.4 oz |
| Ingress protection rating: | IPX6 |
| Battery: | 3 x AAA or 1 x 800mAh rechargeable power pack (micro-USB) |
The Claymore Capon 120-D isn’t your average head torch. Instead of a traditional strap, it clips onto your cap brim, pack strap or tent loop – and that clever design pays off. When we tested it, it proved itself as a super-flexible lighting solution with more than a few tricks up its sleeve.
It’s featherweight at 55g, yet packs a powerful 380-lumen punch that’s good out to 100m. A top-mounted flood beam turns it into an excellent tent lantern. Operation is easy, with stepless dimming, five brightness levels and even a proximity sensor for hands-free use. The clip is strong and adjustable, and it comes with a mini carabiner for hanging options too.
Battery life is good given the size, and the USB-C recharge port is a nice touch. Just don’t expect perfect comfort on bouncy trails – it works best with a sturdy hat and won’t replace a headband for running or fast-paced hikes. But for backup use or ultralight camping, the Capon 120-D offers genuine versatility at a fair price.
Read our full Claymore Capon 120-D Head Torch review.
Pros
- Bright 380-lumen maximum output
- Three versatile light modes
- Solid build quality and clever clip design
- Works brilliantly as a tent/camp lantern
- Hands-free proximity sensor
- Compact and lightweight (55g)
- Good value at £40
Cons
- Less stable than a headband for dynamic movement
- Comfort depends on cap style
- Burn time at full power is limited
- IP54 rating is only splashproof
| RRP: | £37.95/$37.95 |
| Max power: | 380lm |
| Max burn time: | 3hrs at 380Lm or 4.5hrs @ 25Lm (focused beam), 60hrs @ 1Lm or 4hrs @ 40Lm (red light mode), 4.5hrs @ 25Lm or 3hrs @ 340Lm (diffused cool white light) |
| Max beam distance: | 100m |
| Battery: | rechargeable 1200mAh li-ion battery (USB-C) |
| Weight: | 55g/1.9oz |
| Ingress protection rating: | IP54 |
The NU25 MCT UL is the head torch we reach for when every gram matters. At just 47g, it’s the lightest we’ve ever tested – but somehow still crams in 400 lumens, adjustable colour temperature and three different modes.
We’ve used it for early starts, dusk finishes and the odd wild camp, and can confidently say it’s brilliant for fastpackers and ultralighters. You get both spot and flood beams, plus red light, SOS, strobe — and even the ability to switch between warm, neutral and cool white tones.
I found that the claimed battery life (2 hrs 40 mins on maximum power) was pretty accurate – this is decent, but not suited for extended, intensive use. While the bungee headband helps shave weight, it’s not the most luxurious – comfy enough for short use, but we wouldn’t wear it all night.
The buttons are small and take some getting used to (especially with gloves), so give yourself a little time to learn the controls before you’re fumbling mid-fell. Still, if you’re into moving light and fast – or want a cracking backup torch – this thing delivers way more than it should for its size, but we're all for it.
Read our full Nitecore NU25 MCT UL Head Torch review.
Pros
- Exceptionally lightweight (47g)
- Adjustable colour temperature (warm/neutral/cool white)
- Bright 400-lumen output
- Versatile red light, SOS and strobe modes
- Compact, low-profile build
- Rainproof and dustproof (IP66)
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not suited for extended, intensive use
- Controls are unintuitive and complex
- Small buttons are hard to use with gloves
- Less comfortable than wider strap designs
| RRP: | £44.95/$36.95 |
| Max power: | 400Lm |
| Max burn time: | 2hr 40m @ 400Lm (high), 5hrs @ 200Lm (mid), 13hrs @ 60Lm (low), 45hrs @ 6Lm (ultralow) |
| Max beam distance: | 132m |
| Battery: | Rechargeable 700mAh Li-ion power pack (USB-C) |
| Weight: | 47g/1.65oz |
| Ingress protection rating: | IP66 |
The Petzl Actik CORE remains one of the most dependable head torches we’ve used, and the updated 2025 model adds a couple of solid upgrades. The 625-lumen beam punches above its weight for such a compact, lightweight unit, while the new USB-C charging port is a welcome modernisation.
It’s intuitive to use, even with gloves on, thanks to the single top button and simple brightness cycling. We appreciated the hybrid battery setup too – switching to AAA batteries gave peace of mind on longer outings.
Comfort is great, with a stable, adjustable headband made from recycled fibres, and the rotating lamp mount offers a generous 360° range of movement. The glow-in-the-dark housing and lantern sack are clever touches, especially useful around camp.
The Actik CORE isn’t flawless – the IPX4 splashproof rating lags behind competitors, and we wish there was an intermediate brightness between 100 and 450 lumens. But it still stands out as a lightweight, bright and reliable head torch that doesn’t complicate things unnecessarily.
Read our full Petzl Actik CORE Headlamp review.
Pros
- High max output (625 lumens) in a compact, lightweight design
- Hybrid versatility: rechargeable via USB-C but also AAA compatible
- Comfortable and adjustable headband with recycled materials
- Great beam throw and versatile wide/focused light modes
- Intuitive one-button operation and useful light-diffusing storage sack
Cons
- Only IPX4 rated (splashproof)
- No dimming or intermediate brightness settings
- No rear red light or running-specific features
| RRP: | £64.61/$87.95 |
| Max power: | 600lm (high) |
| Max burn time: | 100 hours at 7 lumens |
| Max beam distance: | 115m |
| Battery: | USB-C rechargeable 1100mAh lithium-ion battery |
| Weight: | 88g/3.1oz |
| Ingress protection rating: | IPX4 |
The Spot 400-R has earned its place as a dependable, go-anywhere head torch for year-round hikers, wild campers and backpackers. During our testing period, it performed very well – especially when it came to battery life.
You get 400 lumens of power with a 100m beam range, which is plenty for trails and campsite duties. Crucially, it’s not just bright – it’s efficient. That 1,500mAh rechargeable battery clocks up 4 hours at full blast and a massive 225 hours on low.
It’s actually waterproof enough to withstand being plunged in up to a metre of water for up to 30 minutes, and it's totally dust-tight. The "Powertap" function is a neat touch: just tap the side and it instantly cranks the beam to full, which we found genuinely handy for scanning further ahead.
You also get red light mode, strobe/SOS, brightness memory and a lock to prevent accidental power-on. The headband is comfy and stays put, and the torch pivots easily without being fiddly.
Yes, it’s still using micro-USB rather than USB-C, and there are newer models with a bit more oomph – but for reliability, long runtimes and all-round practicality, the Spot 400-R still hits the mark.
Read our full Black Diamond Spot-R 400 review.
Pros
- Strong all-round performance
- Lightweight and compact
- Excellent battery life for its size
- Reliable IP67 waterproofing
- Nifty Powertap boost function
- Comfortable and secure fit
Cons
- Uses older micro-USB charging, which means slower charging speeds compared to USB-C
- Slightly lower maximum brightness than newer rivals
- No longer the lightest option in its class
| RRP: | £55/$69.95 |
| Max power: | 400lm (high) |
| Max burn time: | 4hrs @ 400Lm (1hr reserve), 8hrs @ 200Lm (30 min reserve), 225hrs @ 6Lm |
| Max beam distance: | 100m |
| Battery: | USB-C rechargeable 1,500mAh lithium-ion battery |
| Weight: | 73g/2.5oz |
| Ingress protection rating: | IP67 |
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Product sustainability is becoming more important in the outdoor industry, and increasingly this includes kit as well as clothing.
Swedish brand Silva's new Terra Scout H headtorch uses recycled plastic and a hemp headband to give a carbon footprint reduction of 90% compared to the previous model.
But we found there is no performance trade-off, as that increasingly outdated stigma suggests. On test, the Terra Scout H was very comfy, thanks to a soft, wide strap and an extremely slim, compact design.
Yet, it's still pretty powerful, with dual white LEDs that provide combined spot and flood lighting plus a secondary red LED for night vision use. The maximum output is a very respectable 350 lumens, which we found to be great for hiking and camping. Silva's Intelligent Light technology delivers a good balance of beam spread and penetration.
We liked the simple and straightforward operation via one big button on top of the headlamp, but you also get a battery level indicator and hybrid technology that enables the unit to run on either AAAs or the supplied rechargeable battery pack.
Unlike most others, the battery pack has a USB-C port rather than the older micro-USB tech, too, enabling faster charging.
On the downside, there's no dimming option, no lock mode and no flashing beacon or SOS strobe. It can be tricky to remove the rechargeable battery pack from its compartment, too, as it's such a tight fit.
Pros
- Sustainably made
- Lightweight
- Easy to operate
- Comfortable
- USB-C charging
Cons
- No dimming function or SOS strobe
| RRP: | £59.99 / $49.99 |
| Max power: | 350 lumens for 3 hours |
| Max burn time: | 25 hours at 50 lumens |
| Max beam distance: | 65m |
| Weight: | 75g / 2.6 oz |
| Ingress protection rating: | IPX5 (protected from low-pressure water stream from any direction) |
| Batteries: | 3x AAA or 1250mAh rechargeable battery |
This headlamp features a rugged, anodised military-grade aluminum casing, giving it a durable and low-profile black matte finish. The swivel unit is mounted on a flexible bracket, allowing almost 180° degrees of adjustment.
Rubberised power and mode buttons are on top of the barrel-type casing. A threaded metal cap reveals a 4000mAh 18650 rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, powered via a USB-C port under a silicone cover.
The 10-LED array includes eight main UHE LEDs for primary lighting and two secondary LEDs for auxiliary white and red-light modes. A maximum output of 2000 lumens in turbo mode, illuminates objects over 200m away.
Other settings include 1300, 400 and 100 lumens, plus SOS and beacon modes. Auxiliary lights provide a high CRI white light and red light modes.
The elasticated fabric headband (with an inner non-slip silicone grip) is comfortable and secure, with an optional overhead strap. The headlamp charges quickly via USB-C, and the 4000mAh battery offers up to 2 hours on max power, 82 hours on ultra-low.
It is fully waterproof (IP68) and impact resistant, ideal for mountaineering, all-season hiking, and camping. At about £100, it has competition from Black Diamond and LED Lenser models, but stands out with its high lumens and durability.
Read our full Nitecore HC65 UHE review.
Pros
- Ridiculously bright at full power
- Ultra robust build
- Waterproof (fully submersible to 2m)
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Slightly bulky
- Not the most intuitive to operate
| RRP: | £93.95 / $89.95 |
| Max power: | 2000lm (turbo), 1300lm (high) |
| Max burn time: | 82 hours at 8 lumens |
| Max beam distance: | 222m |
| Weight: | 152g / 5.4 oz |
| Ingress protection rating: | IP68 |
| Battery: | USB-C rechargeable 4000mAh 18650 lithium-ion battery |
Best of the rest
What you see above is our shortlist of the very best head torches. Over the years, we've actually reviewed more than what you can see here in this shortlist, so here's a quick overview of some other models you may be interested in checking out.
We've previously reviewed all of these head torches, and while they haven't made it into our updated shortlist, we still think they're worth a look. The Black Diamond Distance LT1100 (£100) is one such option. It scored 4/5 stars in our review, with the tester praising it for it's impressive battery life, bright output and quick charge times.
The Petzl Tikka Core (£51) also deserves a mention. It's like a little brother to the Actik Core, featured above, with 450 lumens, a lightweight and compact build, plus the ability to work with the included rechargeable battery or AAAs. We gave it 4/5 stars in our original review.
At the budget end of the scale we have the Lifesystems Intensity 580 (£35). While it only scored 3.5 stars (and thus doesn't feature above), tester Matt said this is one of the best-value head torches he's tested. It's bright and can be used with rechargeable or AAA batteries, but it's also a little heavy and light on features.
What to look for in a head torch
How much should I spend on a head torch?
As LED technology gets cheaper, it's also led to a proliferation of junk lights. In our experience, these promise incredible many features, but they invariably fall to pieces (figuratively, but sometimes literally) in bad weather or when they take a bit of a beating.
That's why we've picked out the best hillwalking head torches from various tried and tested brands that promise durability and reliability. These, in addition to balancing size, weight and real-world performance.
How many lumens should a head torch have?
For casual use around a campsite, 100 to 200 lumens is about right. With nighttime walking and navigation, you'll want to look at 200 to 500 lumens. Then for trail running, mountaineering, or skiing, you'll want to consider upwards of 500 lumens in order to get clear illumination of a wide area in front of you.
The brighter a head torch, often the greater its maximum distance. But a very long distance of hundreds of metres normally requires a focused beam. Consider how important this is for your outdoor pursuits.
What sort of battery life does a head torch have?
Size and settings influence run times. Head torches that allow you to turn down the brightness boost run time. Likewise, with a larger battery. But a bigger battery is heavier too, which is worth remembering.
Consider rechargeable versus standard batteries too. The former is very convenient but might require you to take a power bank with you. With AAA and AAA batteries, it's easy to take spares with you, and you can also get rechargeable ones these days too.
What IP rating should my head torch have?
A head torch's ruggedness is heavily influenced by its IP (ingress protection) rating. The IP is followed by two digits - the first determining dust protection (scale of 0 to 6), the second against moisture (scale of 0 to 9). Head torches don't often have a first digit in their IP rating, and instead, use an 'X'.
This means they haven't been tested against dust protection, but this doesn't necessarily matter if the head torch has good moisture protection (IPX4 or more) because it should result in good dust proofing too.
How much should my head torch weigh?
This is mostly dependent on the battery size. So while a head torch with a bigger battery might be heavier, you'll get longer running time and/or brightness in return. And vice versa.
What light modes should my head torch have?
Beyond basic 'On' and 'Off' settings, flood lighting modes are good for illuminating the path directly ahead.
Focused, spot beams are helpful for picking out objects at a distance, which is ideal for navigating.
A strobe mode is useful for attracting attention. Red and green coloured beams help preserve your own night vision. Red is best for this, but green lets you see with greater clarity.
Head torches that have a lot of lumens and several light settings are very versatile. But the design of the buttons on the head torch is very important here. You want to be able to use them while wearing the head torch and, therefore, to be intuitive.
You may also want to be able to operate the buttons while wearing gloves.
What's best – narrow or wide beam?
This really comes down to your desired usage. As we've mentioned above, a narrow beam will let you spot details further away, while a wide beam will illuminate your immediate surroundings.
In our opinion, a head torch that offers a mixed beam or both options is best for hikers, as it helps with foot placement as well as route finding.
If you're just buying something for around camp, though, then a wide beam will be well suited.
What sort of strap is best?
A headband is the easiest to fit and adjust, even when wearing a helmet. But head torches with an overhead strap offer a more stable fit and are, therefore, better for activities like trail running, although they are more fiddly.
About the author
Matt Jones is a freelance journalist based in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, he’s a vastly experienced gear tester and self-confessed outdoor kit geek. Matt’s been one of our main gear testers for the last couple of years and is the first person we call with any complicated kit queries that need in-depth and forensic analysis.