The dark days of winter are no excuse to hibernate. You can still get out on dog walks, night hikes and cold weather camping trips if you’ve got a bright head torch to light your way. Here we’ll look at how to compare the power of different head torches, and explain all the key features you need to look out for when shopping around. We’ve also selected our pick of the best head torches for a wide range of different outdoor pursuits, from evening plods around the block to night-time hikes and cycle rides.
How to buy the best head torch for you
How much do I need to spend?
There’s a head torch for every budget. If you just want one for night-time dog walks then a reasonably cheap and straightforward model will suit you fine. If you need a head torch for an activity where a reliable source of light could be a lifesaver, such as night running or hiking, we’d recommend picking one as expensive as you can afford – and ideally one that lets you buy spare, high-quality rechargeable batteries for it, so you always have a backup close to hand.
Are they comfortable to wear?
Well, they certainly should be. Try them out before you take them on any longer trips, and make sure the head torch sits snugly on your head. You don’t want it to come off if you lean your head forward, and it should stay put even if you shake your head around. It shouldn’t dig in anywhere, either (which is especially key if there’s the weight of a separate battery pack to think about). A top strap makes a head torch more stable for running and climbing, and it’s worth checking to see if the straps will reach comfortably around a beanie hat for winter use.
What kind of brightness do I need?
The maximum brightness of a head torch is measured in lumens, and this can stretch from as low as 50 to a blinding 1000 lumens and beyond. The more lumens a head torch packs in, the more illuminated the path in front of you – the downside is that the more powerful the beam, the shorter the battery life. Around 300 lumens is recommended if you’re heading somewhere pitch dark and rural, less than 300 lumens will be adequate in semi-lit areas. Head torches usually use single or multiple LED lights, a krypton or halogen bulb, or a hybrid of two types. Multiple LED lights are the most effective, and generally provide the best balance of brightness to battery life. Note that different models focus their lumens in different ways (also called a beam pattern) – a long narrow beam is very useful for runners and cyclists as it illuminates the way ahead, whilst a wider beam is great for camping and working outdoors at night.
What other features do I need?
Many head torches list a total burn time (the amount of useful light you’ll get from a full battery), but it’s hard to compare them properly because so many factors affect battery life. Still, a head torch that boasts a long burn time is a sensible idea if you’re roaming away from home. However, remember that cold weather can eat away fast at a full battery – batteries do not perform as well at low temperatures.
Many head torches use regular alkaline batteries. Lithium ion (Li-ion) or Lithium polymer (Li-po) batteries are a handy feature that saves both money and the environment, and some lights are rechargeable via a USB cable, which means you can recharge them from a portable . These are less useful if you’re off on a multi-day hike or wild camp away from home – in that case you’re better off picking a torch that takes AA or AAA batteries, and packing lots of spares. Whether those are single-use or fully-charged rechargeables is up to you.
Head torches either come with batteries built into the central light or in a separate battery pack – if you buy the latter, check the pack sits well on your head and doesn’t feel irritating to wear. Most head torches are adjustable, allowing you to aim the beam up and down as needed. A red light setting is useful for better night vision if you’re out watching wildlife, and water resistance is a must if you’re planning to go exploring inclement weather. Make sure you pick a design with buttons that you find easy to use with gloved fingers, too.
The best head torches to buy
1. Petzl Tikkina: The best all-round head torch
Price:£18 – Buy now from GO Outdoors
If you’re seeking a reliable, quality head-torch for a good price, then look no further than the long-standing and much-loved Petzl Tikkina. The Tikkina is both comfortable to wear and weather resistant, and provides long-lasting battery life – Petzl claims 60 hours in the two standard modes (preset at 100 and 150 lumens), and 220 hours in the dimmest setting which produces 5 lumens. The LED and three AA batteries are all housed in a single, lightweight unit, and you can also use one of Petzl’s CORE rechargeable batteries if you don’t mind spending the extra. The single button is easy to use even with gloved hands, and clicks through three beam modes, offering a wide beam pattern. The Tikkina makes a good choice for camping and travelling – 150 lumens is plenty enough for most activities, even if we’d pick something stronger for proper forays into the wilderness. One of the comfiest head torches we’ve reviewed.
Key specs – Weight: 85g; Modes: Three; Maximum brightness: 150 lumens; Power source: Three AAA/LR03 batteries (included) or CORE rechargeable battery
2. Exposure Verso Mk2: The best head torch for running (and cycling)
Price: £100– Buy now from Wiggle
The Verso Mk2 is small enough to fit in your pocket, powerful enough to race with and so light you won’t feel it – this is a superb little head torch. The main casing is tough aluminium and the rest of the head torch is very streamlined, with no pesky cables. There’s a power display for battery life which comes in handy, though it’s worth noting that that the highest brightness modes drain battery life in an hour – this is one for fast-paced activities rather than long distance adventures. You can buy the Verso Mk2 bundled with a spare support battery cell for £116, though, which is definitely worth the extra dosh in order to triple the burn time. This factor, its light design and focused beam make it ideal for trail runners, and cyclists may find it fits the bill too, if it works well with your helmet of choice.
Key specs – Weight: 41g; Modes: Three; Maximum brightness: 250 lumens; Power source: Li-ion battery, spares available
3. Alpkit Gamma III: The best head torch for night-time navigation
Price:£19 – Buy now from Alpkit
Alpkit is well-known for making products which punch way above their price range, and the Alpkit Gamma II is no exception. The most unusual feature is that the Gamma III has three different coloured LEDs. Alpkit states that the green LED is for night navigation and map reading, white is for increased battery life, and red is good for night-time use as it won’t affect your eyes once they’ve adapted to the dark. The addition of a red caution light at the back is a nice feature, too, as it makes sure you remain visible while running or cycling in the dark. The only downside here is that you’ll have to put up with a clunky battery pack on the back (which takes 3 AAAs) and the cable running around the side. But with nearly 5.5 hours of runtime on the highest brightness, and the ability to perform well even in cold temperatures, the Gamma III remains a superb choice for the money.
Key specs – Weight: 118g; Modes: Four; Maximum brightness: 180 lumens; Power source: 3 AAA batteries
4. Black Diamond Storm: The best head torch for wild camping and backpacking
Price:£42 – Buy Now from Amazon
Black Diamond’s Storm is a seriously powerful head torch – and for under £50 it’s hard to beat. There are eight lighting modes; the red, green and blue LEDs provide a choice of three different night-vision profiles; and battery life from the four AAA batteries ranges from 40 hours on the highest brightness right up to around 120 hours on the lowest settings. Black Diamond describe this head torch as their ‘rugged workhorse’, and we’d agree – the sealed housing is IP67-rated so will survive a dunking in 1m of water for up to 30 minutes, and is dust and dirt-proof as a result. That makes it ideal for mountain biking, skiing, or for taking into the wilderness, and the powerful, far-reaching beam spills enough light around the edges to make it useful for camping. A great investment that’ll survive many years of adventure.
Key specs – Weight: 110g; Modes: Eight; Maximum brightness: 350 lumens; Power source: 4 AAA batteries
5. Silva Trail Runner 2: The best head torch for trail running
Price:£55 – Buy Now from Amazon
Silva, the makers of our favourite compasses, also do a fine line in head torches. The clue is in the name with this model – this lightweight torch is aimed squarely at running enthusiasts. The wide anti-slip headband is the comfiest we tested, despite the battery pack clipped onto the back. If you find most head torches either too restrictive or too slippy, then this is definitely the one for you. Like the Black Diamond Storm it combines a focused beam with good surrounding light, so you can see as good distance down the trail as well as what’s up close. It is splash proof, but if you’re planning on getting seriously wet and muddy then we’d think twice – the Black Diamond Storm above is definitely the better bet in bad conditions.
Key specs – Weight: 118g; Modes: Three; Maximum brightness: 160 lumens; Power source: 3 AAA external battery pack
6. Coleman CXS+ 300: Best USB rechargeable head torch
Price:£35 – Buy Now from Amazon
The Coleman CXS+ 300 is a feature-packed head torch that’s perfect for everything from all-night activities to working outdoors. It fits nicely to the head, and beams out a decent 300 lumens of power on its maximum mode (there are five in total) – it’s perfect for trail running and climbing. Its lowest power mode lasts for up to 50 hours and you can swap light modes by simply waving a hand in front of the torch, which saves fumbling about with gloved hands when on a bike or on the end of a rope. Activate the internal light sensor, meanwhile, and the CXS 300+ will automatically adjust the beam brightness depending on whether you’re looking at something up close or in the distance. The internal Lithium Ion battery isn’t easily replaceable, but you can top it up with the supplied USB cable – pop a USB charger in your sack and you can even recharge it on the go.
Key specs – Weight: 121g; Modes: Five; Maximum brightness: 300 lumens; Power source: Lithium ion rechargeable, USB cable included