5 Best Headlamps for Trail Running, Ultrarunning, and Hiking! [2021 Buyer’s Guide]

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!

These running headlamps are equally great for camping and hiking, including thru-hiking (which is, after all, a slower version of a multi-day ultra marathon!), and many of them are rechargable. So if you’re researching hiking gear then any of these headlamps would be a great choice for hiking as well as trail running [read more on hiking gear, including our day hiking checklist in this post (opens in a new tab)].

RELATED POST: The Best Trail Running Shoes of the year (so far…)

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

• a dead headlamp battery
• an uncomfortable fit on your head where the headlamp or headband is too tight or puts pressure around your head
• feeling nauseous because of dim lighting or ineffective light spread/range. This is common where people use headlamps not designed for running and which don’t have enough power or lumens to light up the trail sufficiently.

A great headlamp for running, and especially trail running should:

• be comfortable on the forehead when worn for extended periods of time. For example, during ultra marathons you may wear a headlamp for trail running through the night for many hours
• have a long battery life and ideally be a rechargeable headlamp
• have good light quality, including using LEDs, with good brightness when it comes to lumens, as well as spread options (how widely the headlamp illuminates the trail you are running or hiking on)
• be durable if you intend to be out on the trails a lot and wearing your headlamp for running in the rain.
• be as lightweight as possible

With these features in mind, I’m here to help you find a running 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. BioLite HeadLamp 750 – [TOP PICK]

The BioLite HeadLamp 750 is the trail and ultra running headlamp I have been waiting years for someone to create, and now it’s finally here, I wonder how I managed without it. This pro-performance rechargable running headlamp has every light mode you could possibly want for trail running or hiking. With a button that activates a 30-second burst power output of 750 lumens (that’s damn bright!), a VERY long battery life with the additional ability to use its built-in pass-through charging mode when connected to a portable battery charger to extend the battery life as long as you like. All this comes in a lightweight package of 150g and at a cost of less than $100 – how BioLite has managed this I may never know.

The HeadLamp 750 is secure and has a very comfortable fit for running and has highly customizable beam modes and brightness settings which are very easy to use on the go, and even while running in deep winter when you may be wearing running gloves. It has a 7 hour battery life in high-beam 500 lumens mode with a backup reserve of 8 hrs at 5 lumens so you’ll never get left in the dark.

HeadLamp 750 is IPX4 Water-resistant which means it will handle most wet scenarios while running, and there’s also a sweat-wicking headband to keep sweat out of your face. All these features for $99.95 make the BioLite HeadLamp 750 the best headlamp for trail running and ultrarunning.

• Weight with Batteries: 5.3 oz. (150g)
• Battery Life: High=7.5 hours / low=150 hours
• Max Light Output: 750 lumens
• Beam distance: High=130 / low=15 meters
• Beam Type: Adjustable
• Water-Resistance Rating: IPX4 (headlamp is water resistant to splashes from any direction)

FULL REVIEW: Biolite HeadLamp 750 Full Review

2. Petzl NAO+ Headlamp – [Runner Up]

The Petzl NAO+ is a rechargeable headlamp, also puts out a whopping 750 lumens, and 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 Petzl headlamp is an excellent hands-off approach to sustainable lighting that’s effective and will last longer than most 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 or look towards the Petzl Swift RL headlamp instead.

The battery pack pictured above (to the right on desktop) attaches to the back of the running headlamp which distributes the overall weight so that it’s not all towards the front, reducing the risk of ‘bounce’ and increasing the level of comfort. The headlamp’s battery pack also has a red flashing light on it for extra safety. Some mountain trail running races require you to wear a red light so that you can be seen from behind, so having this feature built-in is great.

The MyPetzl Light app will also allow you to adjust beam patterns, burn time and brightness on your headlamp without ever needing to take the headlamp off your head, so you can keep it on when running or hiking in darkness. 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 Petzl NAO+ headlamp is my choice for the second best headlamp for trail running.

• Weight with batteries: 6.5 oz. (184g)
• 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)

Recommended US online stores for the Petzl NAO+ Headlamp

Amazon.com	$194.58 17 new from $194.58 1 used from $174.79	See Deal
Backcountry.com	$199.95	See Deal
Rei.com	$199.95	See Deal

Last Amazon price update was: 17th April 2021 5:00 am

Recommended UK online stores for the Petzl NAO+ Headlamp

Amazon.co.uk	£114.44 21 new from £114.44	See Deal
Sportsshoes.com	£146.24	See Deal

Last Amazon price update was: 17th April 2021 5:00 am

3. BioLite Headlamp 330 – [EDITOR’S CHOICE]

The BioLite Headlamp 330 has a really slim fit construction with 9mm front profile and is hyper-lightweight at 2.43 oz. (easily the lightest running headlamp in this list), providing a bounce-free fit and experience while running or hiking. This also makes it the most comfortable headlamp on the list.

This Biolite headlamp really is excellent value for money with a 4-hour battery life on the highest setting which uses two beams, wide and focused, firing out 330 lumens of light. This headlamp is ideal for trail running and hiking.

The BioLite Headlamp 330 has multiple light modes too including dimmable spot, flood, spot+flood, red night vision, and strobe. Because each beam can be dimmed, you can actually run the headlamp for much longer than 4 hours but not at its brightest level. This is also a rechargable headlamp which can be charged via micro USB for convenience.

• Weight with batteries: 2.43 oz.
• Battery Life: High=4 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)

Recommended US online stores for the Biolite Headlamp 330

GET 15% OFF YOUR BIOLITEENERGY.COM ORDER WITH CODE: TRAILANDKALE15

Backcountry.com	$59.95	See Deal
Rei.com	$59.95	See Deal
Bioliteenergy.com	$59.95 out of stock	See Deal
Amazon.com		See Deal

Last Amazon price update was: 17th April 2021 5:00 am

Recommended UK online stores for the Biolite Headlamp 330

Amazon.co.uk

£54.99 3 new from £54.99

See Deal

Last Amazon price update was: 17th April 2021 5:00 am

FULL REVIEW: Biolite HeadLamp 330 Full Review

4. Petzl SWIFT RL (BRIGHTEST)

Like the NAO+ this Petzl headlamp automatically adapts light intensity to the needs of the user, and with 900 lumens of max light output, the Petzl SWIFT RL offers a lightweight (only 100g), intelligent, rechargeable solution for hours of nighttime running and hiking adventures with a super bright 900-lumen beam. This headlamp also has the MyPetzl Light app with similar options to the NAO+.

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 running or hiking multiple hours at a time. The SWIFT RL can technically burn for up to 50hours in the low 100-lumens Reactive Lighting mode setting which is still just about bright enough to lead the way, although I would recommend using at least the 300-lumen setting to avoid any accidental trips. The beam can burn for 2-30 hours (reactive lighting) in the 900-lumen mode.

This is a very reliable, comfortable and high-quality headtorch for most nocturnal running and hiking adventures, as well as other uses such as camping and backpacking.

• Weight with batteries: 3.5 oz.
• Battery Life: 900-lumen = 2h to 30h / 300-lumen = 5h to 40h / 100-lumen = 10h to 50h
• Max Light Output: 900 lumens
• Beam distance: High=150 / low=35
• Beam Type: Mixed / Flood
• Water-Resistance Rating: IPX4 (Is resistant to water splashes from any direction)

Recommended US online stores for the Petzl SWIFT RL Headlamp

Amazon.com	$109.95 12 new from $109.95	See Deal
Backcountry.com	$119.95	See Deal

Last Amazon price update was: 17th April 2021 5:00 am

Recommended UK online stores for the Petzl SWIFT RL Headlamp

Amazon.co.uk	£74.84 19 new from £70.00	See Deal
Sportsshoes.com	£86.39	See Deal

Last Amazon price update was: 17th April 2021 5:00 am

5. 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. This is the brightest headlamp on our list of the best running headlamps.

The high mode would be your typical usage for this headlamp when worn running. The aluminum body is also impact resistant and makes this a waterproof headlamp as it 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:

Amazon.com	$74.95 3 new from $74.95 1 used from $59.48	See Deal
Rei.com	$51.93 out of stock	See Deal

Last Amazon price update was: 17th April 2021 5:00 am

6. Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

The rechargeable Petzl Actik Core headlamp offers 350 lumens light output and mixed beam options. This headlamp 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 Petzl headlamp that will perform for shorter runs. If you need an all-night solution, look toward the Petzl NAO+ or Reactik+.

This rechargable running 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)

Recommended US online stores for the Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Backcountry.com	$69.95	See Deal
Rei.com	$69.95	See Deal
Amazon.com	$79.95 1 new from $79.95	See Deal

Last Amazon price update was: 17th April 2021 5:00 am

Recommended UK online stores for the Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Amazon.co.uk

£40.57 23 new from £40.57

See Deal

Last Amazon price update was: 17th April 2021 5:00 am

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

A. Kogalla RA (Single Bundle Pack)

The Kogalla RA is a high lumen option that 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 when it comes to running a mountain ultra marathon through the night.

I love that each of the waterproof Kogalla Ra’s five lighting modules is as bright as a high-quality headlamp. But instead of lighting up a spot, the Kogalla Ra lights up an entire area, making it easier to navigate even the roughest of terrain as you get a different perspective on the ground and shadows that can affect how you see uneven terrain.

With its magnetic fastening system, you can also get creative with how you attach the strip lights of the Kogalla Ra to your clothing or just strap it around your waist. It fits really well on the waist or shoulder straps of running hydration packs, for example, as well as hiking backpacks.

• 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. This running torch waist belt is adjustable so that it 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 this UltrAspire running waist light 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
• Water-Resistance Rating: IPX6 (Can resist high-pressure, heavy sprays of water.)

Find the best price for the UltrAspire Lumen 600 2.0 Waist Light

Amazon.com

$89.95 2 new from $89.95

See Deal

Last Amazon price update was: 17th April 2021 5:00 am

Version 3 of this UltrAspire Lumen Waist Light is NOW available!

Rei.com

$119.95

See Deal

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