If there's one hiking accessory that you should always remember to pack in your sack, it's the humble head torch. 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.
It doesn't matter what time of year it is, a head torch should always be stashed safely in your pack. A headtorch is your illumination salvation.
It's a vital bit of safety kit, not least because it can also be a useful way of signalling to Mountain Rescue in an emergency. And if you're planning to wild camp overnight in the hills or mountains, it goes without saying that a dependable head torch is a must.
A couple of must-dos: before venturing out, always make sure your headtorch 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 headtorch.
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.
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 walk after dark.
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 Snowdonia's 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've looked at when testing are:
Burn time: This essentially means the battery life. You'll have different requirements based on your plans, but 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: This is given in lumens, which 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.
Durability: Is it built to last, or are there concerns about the design or materials used?
Ease of use: How easy is it to turn on or off, switch between modes, enter into lock mode or use with gloves?
Weight: Given the fact that head torches spend a lot of time in your rucksack, the lighter the better.
For more information about our testing process, read how we test.
Best head torches reviewed:
Best head torch: Petzl Swift RL
Best for sustainability: Silva Terra Scout H
Best under £100: Black Diamond Storm 500-R
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 |
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 |
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 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 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 |
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 |
The latest Tikka headtorch features a sleek design with an integrated rubberised bumper for protection and a phosphorescent element for visibility in the dark.
The new 360° swivel bracket allows a wide range of angle adjustment and easy access to the battery compartment. A wide elastic headband with rear adjustment ensures a close fit.
The Tikka runs on 3 AAAs or Petzl’s CORE Lithium-ion battery (1250mAh), charged via micro-USB. It outputs up to 450 lumens (350 lumens with AAA batteries) with three brightness settings, plus red light and strobe modes. It includes a charge indicator and a lock function to prevent accidental operation.
A translucent storage sack allows the Tikka to be used as a lantern, and it's compatible with Petzl’s Noctilight for additional functionality.
Weighing 84g, it's light and comfortable with a simple headband. A single top button controls all operations, cycling through low (7 lumens), medium (100 lumens), and high (450 lumens) settings, with a long press for red light and strobe modes.
Burn times are 2 hours at full power, seven hours at medium, and up to 110 hours on low. Its UK RRP is £58, but it’s often available for about £45. It offers good value, though some rivals may slightly outperform it.
The Tikka is IPX4 rated (splashproof) and lacks a dimming function, but remains a compact, lightweight, and simple headtorch.
Read our full Petzl Tikka CORE review
Pros
- Bright
- Lightweight and compact
- Intuitive and easy to use
- Hybrid battery compatibility
Cons
- Relatively low waterproof rating
- No dimming function
| RRP: | £58 / $59.95 |
| Max power | 450lm (high) |
| Max burn time | 110 hours at 7 lumens |
| Max beam distance | 75m |
| Weight | 84g / 3 oz |
| Ingress protection rating | IPX4 |
| Battery | Micro-USB rechargeable 1250mAh lithium-ion battery |
The LED Lenser HF8R Core is a robust headtorch with a three-point strap, including a necessary top strap for stability due to its nearly 200g weight.
It features Adaptive Light Beam technology, adjusting the beam pattern 400 times a second based on conditions.
The headlamp offers low (20 lumens), medium (300 lumens), high-power (900 lumens), and a 1600-lumen boost mode. A rotating metal focusing wheel alters the beam from flood to spot.
The HF8R also has Bluetooth connectivity for remote control via the LED Lenser Connect app, though its practical use is limited. It includes a 4-LED battery life indicator, button lock, and a magnetic charging port for its 2000mAh Lithium-ion battery, which charges to 80% in 2hr 30min.
In performance, the adaptive tech adjusts the light based on your surroundings, providing hands-free operation.
Tested in various environments, it excelled in both outdoor and underground settings, with an IP68 rating for full submersion. Burn times are solid, offering 3hr 30min at 600 lumens and up to 90 hours at 20 lumens.
This is a premium headlamp, and the most expensive product in our 2024 headlamps group test. But for the money you do get one of the most advanced lamps on the market in terms of functionality.
Read our full LED Lenser HF84 Core review
Pros
- Bright and powerful
- Hands-free adaptive tech
- Focusing beam
Cons
- Bulky
- Relatively heavy
- Not the most intuitive to operate
| RRP: | £119.95 / $119.95 |
| Max power: | 1600lm (boost), 900lm (high) |
| Max burn time: | 90 hours at 20 lumens |
| Max beam distance: | 210m |
| Weight: | 194g / 6.8 oz |
| Ingress protection rating: | IP68 |
| Battery: | Rechargeable integrated 2000mAh lithium-ion battery (magnetic charge system) |
The new Distance LT1100 is one of Black Diamond's brightest headlamps, featuring a removable, pivoting light unit attached to a 2200mAh Lithium-ion battery. This connects to a low-profile, adjustable elastic headband, ensuring minimal bounce and movement.
Weighing 108g, it's compact and lightweight. The main button switches on the two proximity LEDs (300 lumens), and the smaller mode button cycles through spot beam (600 lumens), red light, green light, and blue light modes. All settings are dimmable, and a lock function prevents accidental operation.
The lamp charges via a USB-C port and includes a 4-LED battery level indicator. A top feature is the 'Powertap' tech, giving a boost up to 1100-lumen output at a touch. After 10 seconds it reverts to former setting.
Comfort is ensured with a soft headband, and the light unit adjusts smoothly through 45°. The high capacity 2200mAh battery offers good burn times, and the removable light unit allows battery swaps. The lamp is IP67 rated for dust and water resistance. However, the USB-C port is exposed, and the plastic brackets attaching the headband to the battery pack are flimsy.
Priced at £100, the Distance LT1100 offers excellent performance and functionality for outdoor activities, but its high output may be more than necessary for general use.
Read our full Black Diamond Distance LT1100 review
Pros
- Bright and powerful
- Quick charge times
- Great battery life
- Excellent waterproof rating
Cons
- Exposed charging port
- Flimsy headband brackets
- Can only charge battery pack in situ
| RRP: | £100 / $119.95 |
| Max power: | 1100lm (boost), 600lm (high) |
| Max burn time: | 120 hours at 7 lumens |
| Max beam distance: | 125m |
| Weight: | 108g / 3.8 oz |
| Ingress protection rating: | IP67 |
| Battery: | USB-C rechargeable 2200mAh lithium-ion battery |
Perhaps predictably, our testing revealed this no-nonsense head torch is a good option for more basic tasks. It’s also the cheapest torch in this round-up and the lightest too, clocking in at just 65g.
We liked how comfy and simple to use it was, with decent stats for the price. The other important thing to remember is that this head torch, though a low-cost model, still comes from a reputable lighting specialist that makes all its products in the US.
In high-power mode you get a max output of 200 lumens for 3.4 hours with a 39m beam distance. In low you get 50 lumens for 11 hours, with a 23m beam.
In ‘red high’ the lamp delivers 3 lumens for 66 hours (3m beam) and in ‘red low’ it’s 1 lumen for 140 hours (1m beam). Power comes from 2x AAA batteries, an old-school approach with some benefits – simply carry spare batteries for extra juice when required.
The lamp unit gave us a good range of tilting, up and down, and the headband was minimalist and comfy enough. A single button offered an intuitive user experience, unlike some other brands’ over-complicated systems.
The AAA battery approach is somewhat outdated and doesn’t permit recharging via a power bank during multi-day trips.
Burn times aren’t the best and the maximum 200 lumens output may be too low for some users. Really, the overall battery life and brightness are not suited to night walking, more for campsite use.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Good for campsite use
Cons
- AAA only
- Not suitable for night hiking
| RRP: | £39.95 / $25.99 |
| Max power: | 200 lumens for 3.4 hours |
| Max burn time: | 140 hours at 1 lumen |
| Max beam distance: | 39m |
| Weight: | 65g / 2.3 oz |
| Ingress protection rating: | IPX4 (splashproof) |
| Batteries: | 2x AAA |
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.