5 Best Headlamps for Trail Running & Ultrarunning in 2019 (So Far)

If you’re training for an ultramarathon, the chances are you’re having to run early in the morning, or late at night. Maybe you just like to train during the darker hours. Whatever your reason for needing a high-quality headlamp for running, this 5 best headlamps for trail running guide is here to help. Because head torches can be expensive, It’s important to invest in a high-quality headlamp that will stand the test of time and of course, perform as expected without failing on you. A headlamp failure could be drastic if you’re out on the trails alone at night!

A high-quality headlamp can truly make or break a night run or race! Key reasons for a headlamp-related failed night-run may include:

a dead battery
an uncomfortable fit on your head
feeling nauseous because of dim lighting or ineffective light spread/range

A great headlamp should:

be comfortable on the forehead when worn for extended periods of time. For example, during Ultramarathons.
have a long battery life
have good light quality, including brightness and spread options.
be durable if you intend to be out on the trails a lot and worn in the rain.
be as lightweight as possible

With these features in mind, I’m here to help you find a headlamp that you’ll be happy with, that’s also going to be the best choice for you. This list of the ‘best headlamps for trail running’ is continually updated, so make sure you check back before buying your next trail running headlamp.

1. Petzl NAO+ Headlamp – [TOP PICK]

The Petzl NAO+ is a rechargeable headlamp that puts out a whopping 750 lumens, has multiple beam options, Bluetooth capabilities and automatic adjustment of the light intensity based on your needs.

Once set up with the free MyPetzl Light app, this headlamp an excellent hands-off approach to sustainable lighting that’s effective and will last longer than any of the other options on this list (with respect to brightness output), 12 hours at 120 lumens, to be exact. If you need longer for a multi-day event, then I suggest buying an extra rechargeable battery which you can easily swap out when needed. The battery pictured above (to the right on desktop) attaches to the back of the headlamp.

The MyPetzl Light app will also allow you to adjust beam patterns, burn time and brightness without ever needing to take the headlamp off your head. The app also shows the remaining burn time.

All these extra features though do come at the cost of a little extra weight, but the adjustable headband is comfortable and has an additional top strap for technical activities that will keep it steady and feeling comfortable during long runs. This is my top pick and the best headlamp for trail running.

Weight with batteries: 6.5 oz.
Battery Life: High=1.5 / low=12 hours
Max Light Output: 750 lumens
Beam distance: High=140 / low=65 meters
Beam Type: Adjustable
Water-Resistance Rating: IPX4 (Is resistant to water splashes from any direction)

Find the best price for the Petzl NAO+ Headlamp

Backcountry.com	$149.96	See Deal
Amazon.com	$151.00 21 new from $150.99	See Deal
Rei.com	$199.95	See Deal

Last Amazon price update was: 20th August 2019 8:50 am

2. Petzl Reactik+ – [EDITOR’S CHOICE]

Like the NAO+ this headlamp automatically adapts light intensity to the needs of the user, and with 300 lumens of power, the Petzl REACTIK + offers a compact, intelligent, connected, rechargeable solution for hours of nighttime adventures. This headlamp also has the MyPetzl Light app with similar options to the NAO+. It’s certainly not as powerful as the NAO+ but its still an excellent headlamp that’s pretty reasonably priced.

Petzl Reactik + Headtorch Review - Trail & Kale — We wear our headlamps over a Buff Headband for a little extra padding.

If you’re not where you need to be when night falls, you’re going to be in a lot of trouble without a headlamp to light your way for multiple hours at a time. The Reactik+ will go 15hours on the low setting which is still bright enough to lead the way.

This is a very reliable, comfortable and high-quality headtorch for most nocturnal adventures.

Weight with batteries: 4.1 oz.
Battery Life: High=2 hrs. 30 min / low=15 hrs / red=30 hrs
Max Light Output: 300 lumens
Beam distance: High=110 / low=35
Beam Type: Adjustable / Flood
Water-Resistance Rating: IPX4 (Is resistant to water splashes from any direction)

Find the best price for the Petzl Reactik + Headlamp

Amazon.com	$93.89 18 new from $93.89	See Deal
Rei.com	$71.93 out of stock	See Deal

Last Amazon price update was: 20th August 2019 8:50 am

Petzl Reactik + Headlamp Reviews

Petzl Reactik + Headtorch Review

3. BioLite Headlamp 330 – [GREAT VALUE]

The BioLite Headlamp 330 has a really slim fit construction with 9mm front profile and is hyper-lightweight at 2.43 oz., providing a bounce-free fit and experience while running or hiking.

This really is an excellent entry level headlamp but due to its shorter beam distance, and 3.5-hour battery life on the high setting (330 lumens), I wouldn’t suggest taking it on an all-night ultramarathon. This headlamp is ideal for shorter trail runs where the terrain isn’t too technical and you don’t need to see more than 75m ahead.

The BioLite Headlamp 330 has multiple light modes too including dimmable spot, flood, spot+flood, red night vision, and strobe. It also uses a rechargeable battery that can be charged via micro USB for convenience.

Weight with batteries: 2.43 oz.
Battery Life: High=3.5 hrs / low=40 hrs
Max Light Output: 330 lumens
Beam distance: High=75 meters / low=16 meters
Beam Type: Flood / Spot
Water-Resistance Rating: IPX4 (Is resistant to water splashes from any direction)

Find the best price for the BioLite Headlamp 330 Headlamp

Amazon.com	$49.95 3 new from $49.45 1 used from $47.48	See Deal
Rei.com	$49.95	See Deal
Backcountry.com	$49.95	See Deal
Bioliteenergy.com	$49.95	See Deal

Last Amazon price update was: 20th August 2019 8:50 am

4. Fenix HL60R Rechargeable Headlamp – [BRIGHTEST & MOST WATERPROOF]

The Fenix HL60R rechargeable headlamp has the ability to cast an impressive 950 lumens of light on turbo mode, banishing any fears of the dark for good. On high mode, it will cast 400 lumens and last up to 3 hours.

The high mode would be your typical usage for this headlamp. The aluminum body is also impact resistant and can be submerged up to 2 meters and still work, impressive.

Although the headlamp runs on a single rechargeable 18650 battery (included); it can also operate on a CR123A battery as a backup without the recharging option. There’s also a handy power-level Indicator which displays battery level so you always know when it’s time to recharge.

Weight with batteries: 4.9 oz.
Battery Life: Turbo=48 min / high=3 hrs / eco=100 hrs
Max Light Output: 950 lumens
Beam distance: Turbo=116 / eco=8 meters
Beam Type: Flood
Water-Resistance Rating: IPX8 (underwater to 2 meters)

Find the best price for the Fenix HL60R Rechargeable Headlamp

Rei.com	$74.95	See Deal
Amazon.com	$75.95 4 new from $75.95 1 used from $71.08	See Deal

Last Amazon price update was: 20th August 2019 8:50 am

5. Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

The rechargeable Petzl Actik Core headlamp offers 350 lumens light output and mixed beam options. It’s ideal for running as well as other outdoor activities such as backpacking and mountaineering. The battery life to light beam output isn’t quite as good as the other options listed above but it’s a great entry level headlamp that will perform for shorter runs. If you need an all-night solution, look toward the Petzl NAO+ or Reactik+.

This headlamp comes equipped with a Core battery that is rechargeable via USB port but it’s also compatible with 3 standard AAA batteries (sold separately) without the need for an adapter. I also like that it offers wide and mixed beams with several lighting modes to meet the need for high-performance lighting for everything from cooking in camp to running at night. As well as these mixed beams, there’s red lighting too which preserves night vision and prevents blinding other members of your group.

It’s also, very cleverly equipped with an emergency whistle for rescue situations, and the Actik Core can also withstand rain showers

Weight with batteries: 2.9 oz.
Battery Life: High=2 hours / standard=7 hours
Max Light Output: 350 lumens
Beam distance: 95 meters
Beam Type: Adjustable / Flood
Water-Resistance Rating: IPX4 (Is resistant to water splashes from any direction)

Find the best price for the Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Amazon.com	$62.20 11 new from $61.09	See Deal
Rei.com	$41.93 out of stock	See Deal
Backcountry.com	$48.96 out of stock	See Deal

Last Amazon price update was: 20th August 2019 8:50 am

*BONUS – More lighting options for trail running… If headlamps make you feel nauseous

A. Kogalla RA (Single Bundle Pack)

The Kogalla RA shines brighter than most headlamps, runs longer than a rechargeable headlamp, and covers a wide area like a camping lantern. If you’re going to be mixing up your adventures like camping, hiking, or running at night, the Kogalla RA is a great option!

As you probably know by now, being able to clearly see the environment around you is key to staying safe and performing your best. Having a great lighting system could mean the difference between a PR and a DNF.

I love that each of Ra’s five lighting modules is as bright as a high-quality headlamp. But instead of lighting up a spot, Ra lights up an entire area, making it easier to navigate even the roughest of terrain.

With its magnetic fastening system, you can also get creative with how you attach the strip lights to your clothing or just strap it around your waist.

Weight with batteries: 8.2 oz.
Battery Life: 3 hours (800 lum.) / 8 hours (225 lum.) / 3 days (15 lum.)
Max Light Output: 800 lumens
Beam distance: –
Beam Type: 20 brightness settings
Waterproof

See this deal on Kogalla.com

B. UltrAspire Lumen 600 2.0 Waist Light

With the extra bright UltrAspire Lumen 600 2.0 rechargeable waist light you can avoid the “tunnel vision” effect of a focused beam of light, which will make nighttime running feel a little more like a daylight run.

Having the lower angle of a waist-mounted flood cone light increases the depth of field, providing greater detail on your path, e.g. rocks, or dips. The waist belt is adjustable so that is doesn’t bounce, and the light offers 4 settings: low, medium, high, strobe, with an average burn time on high of 8 hrs.

I like that the belt also has a rear pocket so you can carry things like your phone (up to the size of an iPhone® 6 Plus) or keys.

- Weight with batteries: 7.2 oz.
- Battery Life: 8 hours
- Max Light Output: 600 lumens
- Beam distance: –
- Beam Type: Adjustable / Flood