New 2019 Petzl DUO S Headlamp for active users in 2019.

Choose the Best Headlamp for 15 Top Activities

[Page updated: 1 January 2021]

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!)

Bug Collectors – check this out

Camping

Fenix FX-HL60R
Petzl Nao+ or Nao
Petzl Reactik

Caving

Fenix FX-HL60R
Petzl Ultra Vario TRIOS Headlamp and Helmet

Fishing

Fishing Headlamp Info

Herping – Looking for Snakes

Petzl DUO S
Petzl Nao or Nao+
Petzl Ultra Rush

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

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 2019.

Running (trail)

Petzl Nao+

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

Petzl Vario Ultra Wide or Ultra Rush

Working in Construction building homes or other buildings

Petzl Ultra Rush

BEST HEADLAMP FOR MOST ANYTHING?

Petzl Ultra Rush Headlamp - Perfect? Not perfect, no, but at the moment it is the best headlamp I can find for any amount of money. — Petzl Ultra Rush – my favorite.

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.

Choose one of the headlamps above based on what you’re using it for most. Headlamps can do a multitude of activities!

If you’re looking for a MUCH cheaper alternative to the Petzl Ultra Rush – click below to see our #1 headlamp this year.

MY FAVORITE TECH GEAR – RECOMMENDED 100%:

✅ my fav. HEADLAMP for doing anything
✅ my fav. CAMPING HEADLAMP
✅ my fav. TRAIL RUNNING SHOES
✅ my fav. CAMPING KNIFE
✅ my fav. GPS RUNNING WATCH
✅ my fav. CAMERA