WHICH HEADLAMP TO CHOOSE?

See and be seen while keeping your hands free, that's what the headlamp offers. While the concept is basically simple and effective, there are nevertheless a multitude of models to choose from, and it's not always easy to choose. Find our advice on how to choose the right headlamp depending on your use.

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The criteria for choosing a headlamp

The models are multiplying on the shelves and online. Not easy to decide which headlamp will suit you best. To simplify your choice, it's a good idea to base it on three simple criteria, to which you can then add a few gadgets:

• The lighting
• The autonomy
• The ease of use

Lighting is expressed in lumens, i.e. the light output of the bulb. It is therefore a measure of maximum intensity. Low-end headlamps are found at 50 lumens and the most powerful ones go beyond 300 lumens.

Another interesting point is the beam width. Most lamps offer two modes: focused and diffuse lighting. The former is used to refocus the beam to illuminate far away. Diffuse lighting, on the other hand, is a wider beam (ideal for seeing the edges of the path), but less strong. It should be noted that the higher the number of lumens of a headlamp, the better you will see. In return, it will consume more battery.

This brings us to battery life. For occasional use (reading, camping...), a few dozens of minutes will be sufficient. On the other hand, for a night run, you will need to count on several hours of autonomy. Most lamps are powered by batteries of different types. In all cases, the autonomy announced by the manufacturer corresponds to the maximum duration of use. Nota Bene: the maximum duration, but not the maximum intensity. This means that at the beginning, the lamp uses its light at maximum power and at the end, it is only a glow. Therefore, the advertised durations should be taken with a grain of salt.

Finally, the third criterion to consider when choosing a headlamp is it's ease of use. The majority of models offer only one button. Short press, long press, double click: each type of button press corresponds to a mode change. It's up to you to see if the operation seems logical to you, if it's easy (including with gloves!), if the number of modes is adapted to your activity (diffuse lighting, focused, full power, flashing, SOS mode...).

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Batteries or battery: a choice to make

There are two types of batteries. The first, saline ones, are the least efficient. Their performance is often well below that of other types of batteries, but they win out on price. However, if you want to venture into the great outdoors, it is better to use alkaline batteries, which are a little more expensive but last longer. You should always remember to carry spare batteries with you so you don't end up in the dark!

Using a battery is also an interesting solution. You should not forget to recharge it, or to have a second battery backup. In remote places, you can use a solar charger. Ideal for recharging your headlamp where electricity is scarce, the solar charger is an eco-friendly alternative to batteries. However, the charging time may be longer than with a mains plug. For those who prefer elbow grease, the dynamo headlamp remains! It's impossible to run out of battery as you are recharging it!

Some models offer remote battery boxes. Generally, the batteries slide under the bulb. In order to offer more autonomy or lighting power, the batteries are heavier. They are then remotely installed at the back of the head. This avoids having a headlamp that is too large on the forehead, and it balances the overall weight. These are the models best suited for prolonged use (several hours).

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Which headlamp for camping?

As the sun sets over the camp, it's time to get your camping lantern to store stuff, cook, light the campfire, replant pegs... For this type of activity, an intensity of 50 to 100 lumens will be sufficient, allowing you extended use before recharging. A battery-powered lamp is not a problem if you are camping close to a power source. For bivouacking in the wilderness, batteries are preferred (with spares!) so you don't end up without light.

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Hiking: which headlamp to choose?

Are you heading out in the cooler weather to enjoy the fresh air and silence of an early morning hike? Or has the walk gone on past sunset? A headlamp can come in handy for hikers. For short use (less than an hour), a 100-150 lumen lamp is sufficient to light the path and the sides of the road for confident walking. Choose a lightweight model for optimum comfort.

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Choosing a mountaineering headlamp

To tackle the highest peaks, ease of use is paramount, especially handling with gloves. Changing modes must be easy. In terms of light intensity, a minimum of 160 lumens is required.

Another specific point: the climatic conditions. The ideal will be to opt for a lithium mountaineering headlamp. This type of battery will perform best in extreme cold. Models with a remote battery can be studied for more autonomy on multi-day expeditions, while maintaining great comfort of use.

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Equipping yourself with a night trail headlamp

Here, ergonomics and comfort will be the two most important criteria. There is nothing more painful than a lamp that wobbles, that irritates, that gets in the way at every step! It must be perfectly adapted to your cranial morphology and hold up during the race.

The so-called "reactive lightning" models are particularly recommended for trails, because they adapt themselves (thanks to a sensor) to the luminosity. On the one hand, this type of headlamp thus saves battery power allowing extended use on night events. On the other hand, they avoid any hazardous manipulation to change the lighting mode in the middle of a race.

Choose a minimum of 200 lumens to get good lighting to see and be seen, but also to avoid branches and roots in your path!

Based on the three criteria of autonomy, lighting and ergonomics, it becomes easier to find your way through the different models and choose a headlamp that is best suited to your activity. All that's left to do is try on the headband to make sure it's comfortable and fits the shape of your head, and that's it! You've found the perfect headlamp for you!