Choose the Best Headlamp | 15 Top Activities | Headlamps101

New 2018 Petzl DUO S Headlamp for active users in 2018.
Kilian Jornet running ultra-race wearing a Petzl headlamp.
Kilian Jornet, top ultra-runner on the planet, has always been seen with Petzl headlamps for years, and even in 2017.

[Page updated: 11 February 2018]

Here is where we list the best headlamps for all kinds of activities. Of course, our judgment is subjective, but we really believe we nailed this! We listed higher priced reliable options and lower-priced headlamps when possible.

Top Headlamps For 15 Activities

Biking (road)

  • Fenix FX-HL60R – nice wide floodlight beam. If going fast, turbo mode will be necessary. If slowly, the second highest setting will be OK.
  • Petzl Ultra Rush – narrower beam, and possibly too narrow if going

Biking (trails)

  • Fenix FX-HL60R – on high or 2nd brightest mode.
  • Petzl Ultra Rush – if the trails are fairly straight, better for this light. It is not a very wide beam.

Bugging (looking for bugs!)

Camping

Caving

Fishing

Herping – Looking for Snakes

Hiking | Trekking

  • Petzl Myo – a bit weak, but some people still choose this one.
  • Petzl Nao or Nao+
  • Petzl Ultra Rush

Running (street)

  • Petzl Myo

Running (trail)

Skiing

  • Fenix FX-HL60R – on turbo mode, but very short duration battery life!
  • Petzl Ultra Rush

Walking

  • Just about anything you can afford!

Working on Automobile

  • Fenix FX-HL60R – nice even beam, slight focus on the center.
  • Petzl Myo – nice even beam when the diffuser is up.
  • Petzl Nao or Nao+ – nice even beam, slight focus on the center.

Working on Oil Rig

Working in Construction building homes or other buildings

BEST HEADLAMP FOR MOST ANYTHING?

If you’re looking for the best headlamp, for everything, and money is no consideration – you want the best out there, look no further than the Petzl Ultra Rush 760 Lumens Headlamp. It has the best of everything – brightness, durability, battery life, waterproof factor, comfort, options (can get Petzl Accu 4 Battery for Ultra Rush Headlamp on the waist with extra long cable for long-distance ultra-running or hiking).

It is very important to buy quality headlamps because 98% of what you’ll find online is pure junk. The Petzl brand is known worldwide, and for many DECADES, as the top brand headlamp for whatever your outdoor needs. Cave exploring? Petzl had a headlamp for that. Biking? Petzl has a headlamp for that. Working on an Oil Rig in the middle of the ocean? Petzl has a headlamp for that.