The need for a compact light source most often arises when hiking. It is best to use headlamps for lighting purposes. The rating of the best models will help you choose a flashlight that suits you in all respects. But first, let's talk about how to choose these compact devices.
Why is it needed?
The headlamp can be used at camping or at home. Its main task is to provide lighting without hands. Some models are complemented by different functionalities, but in general, the devices have compact dimensions and limited functionality. In an extreme situation, headlamps can also act as a signal device, especially if they can work in strobe mode or SOS.
What characteristics are important?
You need to consider many parameters when choosing headlamps. The rating, which we will make a little lower, will be based on several important characteristics:
- Brightness: this parameter is responsible for the range of visibility. Exceptional beam range is not needed if lighting requires something at arm's length. But if the forehead is used as a means of surveillance and protection, you need to choose a more powerful device.
- Lighting range: for the light to be sufficient, the lamp must operate in the mode of general flood or directional light. Flood light is able to illuminate the whole camp, directed - a distant object.
- Battery Life: In extreme situations, it is important that the battery is used up sparingly. In this case, it is better to choose the headbands equipped with a white or red LED.
In addition, headlamps should be comfortable, especially if you plan to make night trips for a long time. The weight of the devices depends on the number of LEDs and the type of battery.
But what about the impact of the external environment?
Water resistance and impact resistance may be important features depending on operating conditions. Many headlamps meet these requirements. IP rating indicates the class of protection against the penetration of contaminants and the degree of protection of the device. In such models, electronic and mechanical parts are reliably protected from dust and liquids. The best hiking lamp should be resistant to rain and short-term immersion. Another rating - IK - talks about the protection of the lamps from mechanical stress and shows how much energy they can withstand. We offer an overview of the most reliable headlamps.
The most powerful for hiking - Fenix HP25
The headlamp rating The highest power we included is the Fenix HP25 model. Its power is fascinating: a lantern illuminates a distance of up to 160 m with a light flux of 360 lumens. In addition, the device attracts attention with a durable ergonomic body, good heat dissipation, convenient control with two buttons. There is a double lighting system - dipped and main beam. The power of 360 ANSI lm is very high for a headlamp, which makes it possible to use it in the dark. Thanks to the double lighting system, the flashlight is universal, since you can choose the light level of diodes. Its fastening is carried out by a longitudinal or transverse belt, which ensures reliable fixation.
The most powerful for sports - Vaska 9.11 XM-L
Headlights are also used by athletes. We decided to make a rating taking into account models of this purpose. In terms of power, Vaska 9.11 XM-L stands out among these devices. It can operate in three brightness modes: in the brightest - 550 Lumen - a little more than two and a half hours, on average at a power of 180 lm - 8.5 hours, at the lowest - 60 lm - the lamp will work for a day and a half. But this is one of the lightest lamps in its class, equipped with an ultra-efficient radiator for cooling the LEDs and fully waterproof, so it can be used in any weather. Due to its excellent brightness, the flashlight is convenient even when making sharp turns. This model is in demand by skiers, cyclists, fishermen, hunters and tourists who prefer a night lifestyle.
Best in compactness - Fenix HL35
In the rating of headlamps for fishing, we included several models:
- Led Lenser H6R. This flashlight operates in two modes - focused high beam and diffused low beam. A special dimmer allows you to smoothly change the level and brightness of the lighting. the most powerful indicator of a lantern is 200 lm, the lowest is 20 lm.
- "Era". Headlamps of this brand have a shockproof housing. The cost of the models is the lowest on the market, but the quality does not suffer from this at all. The main models of the brand are able to work in three main and one flashing mode. The lens has a shockproof rubber coating.
- "Bright ray." Another model of domestic production, which pleases with quality and affordable prices. The most economical forehead has a power of 170 lm. The assembly is high-quality and reliable, so the flashlight can be used in extreme conditions.
An original and practical option is a universal cap-lantern, which shows its effectiveness both on fishing and on an easy hike.
Best for camping - Fenix HP01
In the rating of headlamp LED lights, we included several models of this brand. And this is no coincidence: it is he who produces the most compact and lightweight, but modern and powerful devices. For use in camping, the Fenix HP01 is ideal. It is simple and convenient to manage, inexpensive, but able to become a faithful companion in camping. The maximum brightness is 210 lumens, the lamp works in 4 brightness levels, has an additional red light and SOS mode. The multifunctional forehead has a battery compartment in which you can easily change batteries. For camping, this is ideal due to the large number of operating modes and the function of blocking from accidental inclusion. In addition, it has a high class of water resistance, so it can withstand both rain and dirt.
Best in Size - Fenix HL23
In terms of compactness and stylish design solution, this is the best headlamp. The rating by size indicator is headed by this particular model. It is equipped with the highest quality LED, has a long service life and practically does not heat up when used. You can use the forehead in three modes, the differences of which are in the degree of brightness. Even the minimum lighting mode is enough to use the flashlight while camping or fishing. The body of the forehead is made of anodized aluminum alloy. You can use the Fenix HL23 in any weather conditions, since its level of tightness is high.
Best for work - Fenix HL30
Special attention should be paid to head-on branded rechargeable flashlights. The rating we compiled includes another model of the Fenix brand. This lamp has the most lightweight design while maintaining strength characteristics. Optics is specially designed so that the device can work in complete darkness. You can control the flashlight with well-arranged buttons, with which you can switch modes. The bonus of the flashlight is a red LED of low power. Among the functional capabilities of the model, there are 4 brightness modes, the ability to set the SOS signal mode, red light and battery power.