The Hunt for the Best Headlamp

Which headlamp, of many, is the best? To find out we took 28 top headlamps and put them through a gauntlet of side-by-side tests. Each product was both lab-tested and extensively field-tested. We used industrial light meters to measure brightness. We built an automated "light coffin" rigged up with a data-logging light meter to measure battery life. We measured weight, rated ease of use, and photographed beam output. We compared performance around the campsite and reading in the tent, blinding our camp-mates countless times. Then, we loaded our packs and hit a rugged trail on many a moonless night – regularly switching between each of the lights as we went – to see which performed best on poorly-defined trails. In the end, we learned a lot about each product we

tested, scored them all, and picked winners.

Find out which headlamps we loved, which to stuff in your rucksack for an epic backcountry trip, and which are best left on the store shelf.

You may also be interested in The Best Lantern Review for more campsite oriented lighting.