Let there be light!
Shorter days during autumn and winter mean that many outdoor sports enthusiasts are turning to their headlamps again – whether for an evening run, for a ski tour that starts before dawn or simply as a back-up in their rucksack when they are outdoors for a more extended period. But which headlamp is suitable? What do the experts suggest? We have looked around for the best headlamps currently available on the market. Here we introduce you to the winners of several tests.
Who’s testing?
Our recommendations are based on practical tests by our Bergzeit experts and external reviews by renowned specialist magazines such as Klettern, Alpin or Outdoor. In addition to the best-in-class results of the magazines, you will also find the recommendations of our Bergzeit experts, who are always putting the latest headlamps under the microscope for us – when hiking, trail running, biking or ski touring.
Headlamps: The top performers
Petzl Swift RL Headlamp
Perfect collaboration: The magazine “Outdoor” summarises its test rating for the Petzl Swift RL as follows: “Perfect (!) illuminated display that automatically adapts to its surroundings at the touch of a button, powerful battery, excellent handling, comfortable fit.
Especially suitable for: All those looking for a powerful headlamp for running or ski touring and who consider weight.
- Features: lithium-ion battery, USB connection, diffuser, battery indicator, switch-on lock, automatic brightness adjustment, various lighting modes, flashing light, boost mode
- Weight: 102 grams
- Luminosity: maximum luminous range: 150 m; maximum luminous intensity: 900 lm, maximum lighting duration: 10 h
The Petzl Swift RL at Bergzeit:
Petzl Iko Core Headlamp
This lightweight headlamp by Petzl is distinguished by a sturdy hold with a high degree of comfort thanks to the AIRFIT headband and a slim lamp head. This all-rounder, priced in the mid-range, is suitable for all purposes and even serves as a lantern. Particularly useful: The Iko Core is compatible with all Petzl helmets.
Especially suitable for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a well-thought-out and lightweight all-rounder. Highly comfortable, thanks to the innovative headband construction.
- Features: Lithium-ion battery, three AAA batteries or rechargeable batteries, USB connection, battery indicator, switch-on lock, suspension device, various lighting modes, flashing light, boost mode
- Weight: 79 grams
- Luminosity: maximum luminous range: 100 m; maximum luminous intensity: 500 lm; maximum lighting duration: 100 h
Die Petzl Iko Core headlamp and its variant Iko delivered without the Core-rechargeable battery at Bergzeit:
Petzl Nao+ Headlamp
The high-end Nao+ headlamp by Petzl can be adjusted to your individual needs with the app “MyPetzl Light”. According to the mountaineering review, if you need both your hands, then the “Reactive Lightning” function takes over automatic light control, a mode that works very well. All in all, the outcome was pretty much unanimous: “Bright with good illumination for all sectors, however, reading the operating instructions make take a bit of time”.
Especially suitable for: Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy playing with a controllable headlamp.
- Test verdict: “A bright lamp for technology enthusiasts” in Bergsteiger Magazine 1/2020 and Outdoor Editors Choice 03/2017
- Features: Lithium-ion battery, focusable light cone, automatic luminous intensity adjustment, various lighting modes
- Weight: 191 grams (with battery)
- Luminosity: maximum luminous range: 140 m; maximum luminous intensity: 750 lm; maximum lighting duration: 12 h
The Petzl Nao+ headlamp at Bergzeit:
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
Faithful all-rounder: Petzl has relaunched its Actik Core, awarded the title “test winner” in the Alpine category as early as 2018. Our Bergzeit test person Lena thinks that Petzl has “succeeded in combining weight, performance and a solid headlamp”. The hybrid battery and rechargeable battery system give independence, and the operation of the lamp’s light modes is also uncomplicated and straightforward.
Especially suitable for: Year-round outdoor sports enthusiasts who value a balanced price-performance ratio.
Test outcome: Bergzeit’s reviewer Lena: “The headlamp deserves a compliment for the price-performance ratio – for just under 60 euros, you get a versatile headlamp that leaves no wish unsatisfied!”
Features: Lithium-ion rechargeable battery, three AAA batteries or rechargeable batteries, focusable light cone, red light, various light modes, flashing light, boost mode
Weight: 82 grams
Luminosity: maximum luminous range: 95 m; maximum luminous intensity: 450 lm; maximum lighting duration: 160 h
LEDLenser MH11 Headlamp
Fully kitted out: The high-performance headlamp MH11 from LEDLenser not only boasts a variety of lighting modes, but the light source can also be removed from its holder for flexible use. Thanks to the “LEDLenser Connect App”, the MH11 can be controlled via an app with personalised settings. All in all, the outdoor testers came to the following conclusion: “Expensive, heavy, but fantastically appointed headlamp with variable illumination and top range of brightness”.
Especially suitable for: Ambitious sports sessions at night and dusk that require a powerful battery and high luminosity.
- Rating: “Very good” in Outdoor 12/2019
- Features: Lithium-ion battery, focusable light cone, battery indicator, red light, dimming function, switch-on lockout, automatic luminous intensity adjustment, various light modes, boost mode, green light
- Weight: 179 grams
- Luminosity: maximum luminous range: 320 m; maximum luminous intensity: 1,000 lm; maximum lighting duration: 100 h
The LEDLenser MH11 at Bergzeit:
Lupine Neo X2 SmartCore Headlamp
It doesn’t get much brighter than this: the Lupine Neo X2 SC was the headlamp that offered the most potent luminous flux in the test conducted by the expert alpinists’ jury. Thanks to built-in reflectors, the lamp’s light can be bundled in such a way that it shines almost 140 metres ahead. According to the testers, the bright spot is remarkably consistent both near and far, and the small packing size is impressive. This makes the headlamp a good choice for fast-paced sports, whereas it is somewhat too large for reading in a tent. A minor drawback: the battery drains quickly.
Especially suitable for: Ambitious descents that require an outstanding field of vision.
- Test verdict: ” Powerful light with a rechargeable battery and a beautiful illuminated effect, especially when the diffuser is switched on” In Bergsteiger Mag 1/2020
- Features: Lithium-ion battery, diffuser, battery indicator, red light, various lighting modes
- Weight: 170 grams
- Luminosity: maximum luminous intensity: 900 lm; maximum luminous duration: 48 h
Die Lupine Neo X2 Smart Core at Bergzeit:
What to look for when buying a headlamp?
If you want to be satisfied with your headlamp in the long term, you should pay attention to a few aspects when purchasing because not all light is the same. For what purpose is the lamp intended? Do you need a medium to a wide beam of light, for example, for trail running or ski touring (approx 75 metres)? Or is a short-range of around 50 metres (e.g., camping or hiking) sufficient? Also important: what luminous range and brightness do you need? If, for example, you use your lamp to find your way around a mountain hut at night, less lumen will suffice. If you are on a (ski) mountain tour, you should also consider the various lighting modes: advanced modes, including the SOS emergency signal and the red light, should be available.
Last but not least, the headlamp should match your personal preferences. Do you attach importance to a variably adjustable lamp head? Flexibility is also provided by hybrid systems consisting of battery and rechargeable batteries – a USB port for recharging is also helpful. Especially for high-intensity sports, headband and weight can be decisive criteria – after all, the headlamp should not be too heavy, and nothing should slip or pinch.
Reference chart: The best headlamps
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