Which headlamp should I go for?
Putting on your headlamp when darkness has fallen doesn't just allow you to embark on your favorite round at any time of day. The concentrated glow of the lamp can also add an additional dimension to your training. At Outnorth you will find headlamps that suit you, whether you are running on footpaths or orienting in a dark forest. This guide will help you find your favorite.
What to consider when buying a headlamp
- The brightness of a headlamp is measured in Lumen, and how many Lumen you need depends on where you run and the lighting conditions.
- There are battery-powered headlamps and headlamps that are charged through an USB cable. The advantage of a battery-powered headlamp is that you do not need access to a power source to charge it. The advantage of a USB-powered headlamp is that the battery generally lasts longer.
- Temperature affects battery life, so if you run with a headlamp in cold weather conditions, a heftier battery is recommended.
How much light do I need?
Lumen
New battery technology and efficient LED lights make today's headlamps potential powerhouses and can deliver a lot of light in a small suit. This means that even the smallest lamps deliver a lot of light for the money. Brightness is measured in Lumen and how much you will need is determined by several factors. A guideline may be that if you run on footpaths you can manage with 200 Lumen, if you run on trails you should aim for around 1000 Lumen. Additional things to take into account are how messy the terrain is and how fast you run. There is a difference between stumbling along at 8 min/km during an ultra race and running intervals at 3.30 min/km.
Adjustable brightness
Also consider whether you need to be able to adjust the brightness. The most powerful ones shine so brightly that you risk dazzling others and reading a map or looking at the clock is more pleasant with a little less light. It is also unnecessary to turn on high beam when you would have managed with half the light. The ability to adjust brightness also affects battery life (see below).
Auto-adjusted light
If you want variable light on autopilot, that's also available. Then the headlamp itself regulates how much light it emits depending on how dark it is, where you look and how far it is to objects around you.
The scattering of light
How the light is spread is as important as the amount of light. Fast running on trails requires that you can see a bit ahead in order to plan your run, see where you put your feet and make good choices. Add a suitably wide light pattern and you don't have to constantly turn your head to orient yourself sideways.
How long should my headlamp be able to shine?
Manufacturers usually specify battery life at a certain brightness and it is mainly affected by the brightness (lumens) and capacity of the battery. The lamps are powered either by ordinary batteries or by special batteries for the specific lamp or brand. The second option are rechargeable. Ordinary batteries provide better power, while a battery with USB charging can also be charged on the go with a power bank. Some models with rechargeable battery packs can also be powered by regular batteries as an extra backup.
Battery-powered headlamp
If you choose a lamp with batteries, they need to be able to be replaced. This is so that you can carry extra batteries when you are out running so that, if necessary, you can run longer than a charge will take you. The advantage of lamps powered by regular batteries is that they can be bought (almost) anywhere if you need extra. In addition, you are not required to have access to a power source when the batteries are depleted.
Rechargeable headlamp with USB
Headlamps with a battery that recharges tend to last significantly longer than regular batteries. However, access to power is required to charge them, so if you are going out on a long run, a headlamp is recommended where you can have extra batteries to bring. If you want to recharge your batteries on the go, a power bank can be a good alternative.
Top selling headlamps
Temperature and batteries
If you know that you will need to change batteries during long sessions or competitions, it is nice if it goes smoothly. Maybe you need to be able to handle it with gloves when it's cold outside? Keep in mind that the battery discharges faster as the temperature drops. Take that into account if you know you're going to run when it's cold.
Battery location
It may be worth looking at where the battery is located. They can be integrated with the lamp or sit separately at the back of the band. The placement affects the weight distribution and how the headlamp is perceived on the head. The most powerful lights have separate battery packs that you put in your backpack or jacket.
Do I need a waterproof headlamp?
Although you should not turn your headlamp directly into water, you may need to consider whether a waterproof variant is for you. Maybe you often run or cycle in rainy weather, or in terrain where there is a lot of water with the risk of losing the lamp in puddles or the like. Many headlamps can withstand some moisture, while others work best in dry environments. A disadvantage of a waterproof headlamp is that it usually weighs more and is a little higher in price. Therefore, think about how much you will use your headlamp in wet weather conditions.
Does the headlamp sit comfortably and is easy to adjust?
It is important to choose a headlamp that sits comfortably on your head so that you can wear it for a long time without unnecessary chafing. In addition to sitting comfortably, the headlamp should sit still, preferably have a low weight and be easy to adjust. A headlamp that jumps up and down gives a shaky light image and if it sits uncomfortably it easily becomes an annoying distraction and not the running buddy you are looking for. There are headlamps with headbands that go both around and on top of the head. These provide an extra secure support so that the lamp from sliding down the forehead when moving. For those who use a helmet for training such as mtb cycling, headlamps with special helmet mounts are recommended.
Summary
Whatever you choose in the end, it's important to make sure you have enough capacity for your adventures. You don't want to be left standing in the middle of the dark forest just because the battery is dead. It's a trade-off between brightness, battery life and price. In other words, for those who want bright light for a long time, a hefty battery applies. Also think about how you want your headlamp to sit. You who practice a high level of physical activity with a lot of stress on the head should invest in a headlamp with double headbands.