Choose the Best Headlamp for 15 Top Activities

[Page updated: 1 June 2022]

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 SWIFT RL PRO
• ACEBEAM H30
• Petzl ULTRA RUSH – narrower beam, and possibly too narrow if going fast. Hard to find one! Discontinued.

Biking (trails)

• Fenix FX-HL60R – on high or 2nd brightest mode.
• Petzl SWIFT RL PRO
• ACEBEAM H30

Bugging (looking for bugs!)

• Bug Collectors – check this out

Camping

• Fenix FX-HL60R
• Petzl NAO+ or NAO
• Petzl ACTIK CORE

Caving

• Fenix FX-HL60R
• Petzl DUO RL
• 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 IKO CORE
• Petzl SWIFT RL PRO
• Petzl NAO RL

Running (street)

• Petzl IKO CORE
• Petzl SWIFT RL PRO
• Petzl NAO RL

Running (trail)

• Petzl NAO or NAO+
• Petzl IKO CORE
• Petzl SWIFT RL PRO
• Petzl NAO RL

Skiing

• Fenix FX-HL60R – on turbo mode, but very short duration battery life!
• Petzl ULTRA RUSH
• Petzl DUO RL

Walking

• Just about any headlamp 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 DUO Z1, Z2

Working in Construction building homes or other buildings

• ACEBEAM H30

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.

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

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If you’re looking for a MUCH cheaper alternative to the Petzl Ultra Rush – check out the ACEBEAM H30 headlamp here.

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