Best running headtorches reviewed (2023)

One piece of kit you really can't do without whenrunning in low visibility is a good-quality headtorch. Not just any will do, you need one with a strong enough beam, that's wide enough to light up the trail ahead and around you, and can cope with an extended period on the go.

You might think you're an ace at a technical decent, but throw in low visibility conditions and you'll be glad you invested in a headtorch to light your way safely. Running in the winter is not always the most pleasant affair, especially when the days are short and you must rely on your torch to guide you home. It's a vital bit of safety kit, giving you visibility and making you more visible to others on the road/trail and in case of emergency.

Don't forget to always charge your headtorch to the max when venturing out on a run, and make sure it's fully functional. If you're heading out for an extended period of time or in an isolated area, it's worth taking a spare battery just in case yours fails.

Best headtorches for running

Petzl NAO RL

Best in Test

Ledlenser NEO5R

Best Value

Silva Terra Scout H

Best for the environment

Silva Trail Runner Free H

Best for comfort

Biolite HeadLamp 325

Best lightweight option

Ledlenser NEO9R

Recommended

Silva Trail Speed 5R

Recommended

Petzl Iko Core

Recommended

What to look for in a running headtorch

Light beam

Light output is measured in lumens (see below). A headtorch may have different light functions such as strobe, floodlight, wide, or flashing, and some will allow you to scroll through these to choose the right mode for your run conditions.

Lumens (lm)

The lumen is the unit of measure for the strength of a light beam. In general, 80-100lm is suitable for camping, whereas hikers will want at least 200lm and runners 200+. Ideally, a minimum of 350lm will help keep your vision clear and you safe while navigating the dark trails. Many lights have stronger beams at 500lm or more for running, just make sure that the burn time will run long enough for you to make the most of it!

Burn time

This is how long the battery will last on certain light outputs. The higher the lumen and thus stronger the beam, the less time the torch will typically burn before it needs to be recharged. You want a burn time to be at least double your intended run time, in case you run into any difficulties.

Tilt

The ability to swivel the light beam down during technical sections or when you want to avoid blinding a passer-by is a must, while you’ll also want to be able to swiftly tilt the beam upwards during ascents and to see the trail ahead.

Battery

Your headtorch will likely come with a rechargeable battery, either with USB-C, USB or a brand-specific charger. It’s worth considering whether you need a lamp that can take your standard AAs though, as some race situations require you to take spare batteries and for this you’ll need a hybrid torch.

Headband

Torch headbands come in all shapes and sizes and there’s not necessarily a rule for what works best, it really is a matter of build quality. In general, thick headbands can sit more comfortably across the head as the pressure is spread more evenly. But we’ve also see thin, hardly-there headbands that feel to lightweight they’re a pleasure to wear and feel just as secure. It’s a matter of personal preference. Look for silicone grippers or some form of friction or a balanced cradle design that helps hold the structure in place on the head.

Waterproofing

It’s a good idea to get a headtorch with a decent level of waterproofing if you’re going to be wearing it in all weathers and getting sweaty. Most will be at least weather-resistant, IP54, while some will be water-resistant, IPX4, and others will be waterproof, IPX5.

Weight

This is an important one. A headtorch shouldn’t feel heavy on your head, dig in uncomfortably, or even slide down. Going for a light headtorch will make your run much more enjoyable. The absolute max we’d recommend for headtorch weight is 200g, but if you can get sub 150g even better, and under 100g you’re on to a winner. It can be hard to find a powerful torch with long-last batter that’s also light, so it’s about striking the right balance for your needs.

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