Best head torch 2024 for climbing, hiking, trail running and more

Discover the best head torch for hands-free illumination when you're hiking, running, camping or exploring in the dark

Best head torch 2024: Quick links

Best head torch: headlamps for running, hiking, camping and fishing

(Image credit: BioLite)

00. Top 3↴
01. Best overall: Petzl Swift RL
02. Best battery life: BioLite HeadLamp 750
03. Best budget: Lifesystems Intensity 300
04. Best for running: Petzl Iko Core
05. Best for mountaineering: Black Diamond Storm 400
06. Best for emergencies: Black Diamond Flare
07. Best for adventuring: Alpkit Prism
08. Best for trail running: Exposure Verso MK2
09. Best mid-range: Ledlenser NEO9R 
10. How to choose
11. FAQ

Prepare to illuminate your outdoor adventures with our roundup of the best head torches. Whether you're a nocturnal ninja prowling the trails or just a humble dog walker navigating the pre-dawn hours, a trusty head torch is your beacon of light in the darkness.

The best torches (the handheld variety) have their place, but when you need your hands free for important tasks like setting up camp or sifting through your backpack for that elusive snack, a head torch is your shining knight, illuminating the path ahead without cramping your style.

From late-night garage tinkering to early-morning dog walks, these versatile tools are the unsung heroes of outdoor gear. Lightweight, well-balanced, and with enough lumens to make a lighthouse jealous, our top picks will have you lighting up the night like a pro.

But before you embark on your quest for the perfect head torch, remember to shine a light on some best practices for buying online. Check customer reviews, compare features, and make sure to choose a torch that suits your specific needs – whether it's for trail running, night fishing, or just finding your way to the fridge during a midnight snack attack. Now, grab your torch, and let's light up the night together!

The Top 3

Best head torches to buy right now

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Best overall

Petzl Swift RL head torchT3 Best Buy badge

(Image credit: Petzl)

1. Petzl Swift RL

Best head torch overall

Specifications

Max lumens: 900
Burn time: Max 100 hrs on standard, max 50 hrs on reactive
Battery: rechargeable and swappable
Weight: 100g

Reasons to buy

+
Max lumens is absurdly bright
+
Intuitive controls
+
Smart 'reactive' lighting option

Reasons to avoid

-
No option to use regular batteries

Our top pick for the best head torch crown right now is the outstanding Petzl Swift RL. The maximum output of 900 lumens is brighter than a sun through a telescope. Petzl hasn't gone all-in on brightness and forgotten about performance, don't worry. You'll get 2 hours of 550-lumen light on the standard setting, which is pretty solid for a head torch. There's also a 'reactive' setting that'll automatically detect how much light you need and adjust accordingly, with the aim of not wasting battery power, although this can be annoying at times. 

While you can't use standard batteries, Petzl will let you swap the included battery pack over, so you can keep a spare in your bag. Other design touches – a practical headband that wraps around the lamp section for easy storage and a switch lock that prevents the batteries from running down while in your rucksack – help this headlamp really shine.

Read our full Petzl Swift RL head torch review.

Best battery life

BioLite HeadLamp 750T3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
Best head torch for battery life

Specifications

Max lumens: 750
Burn time: 150 hours on LOW, 7 hours on HIGH
Battery: Rechargeable
Weight: 150g / 5.3 oz (with battery)

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable and stable
+
Incredibly bright
+
Easy to use

Reasons to avoid

-
Rechargeable only

If you need a head torch that'll keep going for hours on end and can deliver a dazzling beam of light on demand, the BioLite HeadLamp 750 is an absolute must. It can kick out a whopping 750 lumens when you really need it, but you're more likely to keep it set to 500, which it can maintain for seven hours of impressive illumination.

It has eight light modes that you can switch between at the tap of a well-positioned button, including a red LED for tactical operations, and it fits beautifully and comfortably whether you're wearing it straight on your head or over a beanie or helmet. We particularly like how the battery pack is situated around the back so as to distribute weight evenly.

In all, the BioLite HeadLamp 750 is a solid high-end head torch that's easy to operate and good to wear for hours on end. It's rechargeable only, so you can't keep spare batteries on hand. However, you can take a separate battery pack with you in case you run out of juice. It offers a good balance of power and burns time, and whatever your preferred night-time activity, this is a solid contender that won't let you down.

Read our full BioLite HeadLamp 750 review.

Best budget

Lifesystems Intensity 300 Head Torch

(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)

3. Lifesystems Intensity 300 LED Head Torch

Best budget head torch

Specifications

Max lumens: 300
Burn time: Up to 38 hours on lower settings
Battery: Rechargeable
Weight: 95g / 3.3 oz

Reasons to buy

+
6 lighting modes
+
Adjustable beam angle
+
Relatively lightweight
+
Simple to use

Reasons to avoid

-
No red light on the rear
-
No lock
-
No replaceable battery option
-
All the weight is at the front

The Lifesystems Intensity 300 head torch offers affordability and functionality for outdoor adventures. With a three-bulb design and lithium-ion battery, it provides up to 38 hours of use on lower settings.

The simple single-button operation includes various light modes, including a red LED option for night vision preservation. Waterproof and adjustable, it's suitable for hiking, camping, and even kayaking.

While lacking advanced features like battery versatility and a lock function, its accessible price point and reliable performance make it ideal for occasional outdoor enthusiasts and school-age campers.

The Intensity 300's lightweight design and decent brightness offer practicality without excessive power, ensuring a reliable companion for nighttime excursions.

Read our full Lifesystems Intensity 300 LED Head Torch review.

Best for running

Petzl Iko Core head torchT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
Best head torch for running

Specifications

Max lumens: 500
Burn time: Standard: 9h, Max power 2h 30 (max burn time 100h)
Battery: Rechargeable battery or 3x AAA
Weight: 79g

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely bright
+
Ingenious, lightweight design
+
Flexible battery options

Reasons to avoid

-
Bulky when folded

The lightweight Petzl Iko Core headlamp is an excellent choice for trail runners and hikers. It is one of the brightest head torches around, and its clever design makes it ideal for high-energy activities. The elastic tension strap thread keeps everything securely in place while you're on your way.

Rather than having the batteries and light in one place, the weight is distributed differently here. The heavier battery pack sits neatly on the back of the head while the LEDs are almost flush with the forehead. It's very comfortable to wear and will fit most heads (but not a helmet).

The design may look a little odd, but it sure does pack a punch. Using the Li-Ion power pack, you can boost brightness up to a blinding 500 lumens. The mid-setting is 100 lumens, offering a 45-meter beam for up to around 9hrs 30mins. There's a micro-USB port to enable you to charge it, or you can swap the rechargeable battery for 3x AAA if you prefer.

Read our full Petzl Iko Core head torch review.

Best mountaineering

Black Diamond Storm 400 head torchT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Black Diamond)

5. Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp

Best head torch for mountaineering

Specifications

Max lumens: 400
Burn time: 150 hours (Low), 5 hours (High)
Battery: 4 x AAA (included)
Weight: 120g / 4.2oz with batteries

Reasons to buy

+
Fully water- and dustproof
+
Multiple lumen levels
+
Tap to dim or brighten
+
Remembers your last brightness setting

Reasons to avoid

-
No USB recharge option

The Black Diamond Storm 400 headlamp has a host of excellent all-rounder features, some of which make it ideal for mountaineering. Firstly, a big, glove-friendly button and a nice broad head strap make it easy to loop over a helmet in the dark. Brightness Memory means one touch will trigger the last brightness setting (no spooling through modes here).

Low-power peripheral white lighting is ideal for close-sight work like re-racking gear. A lock button means that it won't have been accidentally switched on inside your rucksack all day, and an IPX67 means it’s dust-proof and almost fully water sealed. A solid 400 lumens is enough to light up the ridge ahead, and at only 120g (4.2oz), it won’t slow you down either. There's a range of colours and patterns to choose from.

Best for emergencies

Black Diamond FlareT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
Best head torch for emergencies

Specifications

Max lumens: 40
Burn time: 5-10.5 hrs (depending on mode)
Battery: two Lithium CR2032 batteries
Weight: 27g

Reasons to buy

+
Robust and waterproof
+
Extremely lightweight
+
Simple but effective

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the brightest
-
Battery not rechargeable

A bit of an outlier in this guide, the Black Diamond Flare is designed for emergencies. To that end, it's extremely lightweight yet robust and will withstand 30 minutes of full immersion in water up to 1m, as well as being dustproof. You use the knurled aluminium ring surrounding the bulbs to switch between lighting modes, a hinged backplate gives the lens 180 degrees of movement, and the bungee can be attached to pretty much anything you want. While the main beam is fairly underpowered, this torch does offer an ‘SOS’ setting that could be invaluable in a genuine emergency.

Read our full Black Diamond Flare review.

Best for adventuring

Alpkit Prism HeadlampT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Alpkit)

7. Alpkit Prism

Best head torch for adventuring

Specifications

Max lumens: 400 (Boost mode)
Burn time: 14 hours (Low), 10 hours (Medium), 7 hours (8Hz flashing), 3 hours (Boost), 10 seconds (Burst)
Battery: USB rechargeable
Weight: 145g / 5.1oz

Reasons to buy

+
Five lighting modes
+
Easy single-button operation
+
USB rechargeable head torch

Reasons to avoid

-
May not hold charge well

Alpkit has been refining its head torches for years, but this is one of the most robust, engineered from aluminium with a host of durable features. Dust-proof, drop-proof to two metres and water-proof to one metre, the Prism's Li-ion rechargeable battery can juice up from any micro USB input, and pumps out a 400 lumen beam in boost mode. It also boasts one-button easy operation, and has a 180-degree tilt to direct the light beam where you need it most. With a burn time of between 3–14 hours between charges, there's plenty of time to take on the trails and parks and be home in time for tea and biscuits.

Best for trail running

Exposure Verso Mk2 Head TorchT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Exposure)

8. Exposure Verso Mk2

Best head lamp for trail running

Specifications

Max lumens: 250
Burn time: 1-1.5 hours (without support cell)
Battery: USB charge
Weight: 41g / 1.4oz

Reasons to buy

+
Petite and lightweight
+
Comes with support cell

Reasons to avoid

-
Support cell adds weight

This durable and lightweight head torch for runners is suitable for both suburban and cross-country running, due to its three level power metre and multi-programmable beam pattern. On full beam, with a single battery, this running head torch will last an hour (more than enough time to power through some miles). Attach its support cell and you can extend that to around three hours use.

The only issue with adding the support cell is the weight increases to 121g (4.2oz) – still light by head torch standards, but it’s enough for you to feel the difference. The dimmer the brightness, the longer the battery power, so suburban runners will benefit from longer time periods without charging. 

One of the best head torches for runners, the Exposure Verso packs in four different light modes enabling you to tailor the light to your running requirements. You can also opt for one of two brightness modes dependent on your surroundings. For the price, this head torch certainly packs in a lot of technical features, making it a great investment for regular runners.

Best mid-range

Ledlenser NEO9R head torchT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Lenser)

9. Ledlenser NEO9R

Best mid-range head lamp

Specifications

Max lumens: 90
Burn time: 100 hours (Blink), 40 hours (Low), 10 hours (High)
Battery: 3 x AAA alkaline or 3 x NiMH rechargeable
Weight: 54g / 1.9oz (excluding batteries)

Reasons to buy

+
For visibility in street-lit areas
+
Four different light modes

Reasons to avoid

-
Not particularly bright

If you run in suburban areas, it’s more of a case of helping you to be seen and providing light in areas where street lighting is low, which is why this Ledlenser NEO9R head torch is perfect. There are four light modes, too, including White blink and Red blink. It’s cheap and cheerful, yes, but the battery life is decent if you use it on one of the lowest power settings. While it isn’t super-bright, even on high mode, it’s lightweight, which is great if you’re looking to forget that you’re wearing a headlight on your head.

How to choose the best head torch for you

When making your choice, as well as lumens you'll also want to consider size and weight. Bigger isn't always better when it comes to the best head torches, especially for high-energy pursuits. A big weight on your head gets annoying fast, and carting a heavy head torch around on a summer’s day hike, just for a few minutes' use when darkness falls, is a waste of pack weight.

Inevitably, extra features increase the weight of any headlamp, so be realistic about your needs and the overall burn time you actually need. Fortunately, modern LED technology has pretty much levelled the playing field, so AAA-powered head torches usually show pretty similar performance figures. 

Moving up into rechargeable batteries will give you lumens for longer, but at the cost of having to find a wall outlet once battery life starts to fade. This is a particular issue if you’re planning on running or adventuring in winter or at high-altitudes, as cold discharges batteries fast.

If you're looking for more general-purpose torches, we also have dedicated guides to the best torch overall and the best camping lantern.

FAQ

How many lumens should a head torch be?

The ideal number of lumens for a head torch depends on various factors such as the intended use, environment, and personal preference.

For activities like camping, hiking, or running, a head torch with around 150 to 300 lumens is sufficient for providing adequate illumination in most situations. 

For more demanding tasks like trail running or mountaineering in low-light conditions, a head torch with higher lumens (around 300 to 500 lumens) may be preferred to ensure better visibility and safety.

It's essential to consider the specific requirements of your outdoor activities and choose a head torch with an appropriate lumen output that meets your needs.

Factors like beam distance, battery life, and beam type (flood or spot) should also be taken into account when selecting a head torch.

Is it a headlamp or head torch?

Both terms, "headlamp" and "head torch," refer to the same type of hands-free portable light source worn on the head. The choice between "headlamp" and "head torch" may vary depending on regional preferences or personal preference. In general, "headlamp" is commonly used in North America, while "head torch" is more common in British English and other English-speaking countries. Regardless of the term used, they serve the same purpose and function.

Are tactical torches legal in UK?

Tactical torches are generally legal in the UK as long as they comply with regulations regarding beam strength and use. However, some models with very high lumens may be restricted or classified as offensive weapons if intended for use in certain circumstances. It's advisable to check local laws and regulations before purchasing or using a tactical torch in the UK.

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.

With contributions from