The Best Trail Running Headlamps

If you are a runner, trail runner or hiker, you have probably run under a starry sky. It’s an incredible experience, both physically and mentally. You feel peace mixed with a dose of adrenaline that courses through your body. At the same time, the absence of light increases the challenges: Your perception of the path is distorted, the obstacles are more difficult to spot and your eyes must work harder to read the terrain. That’s why trail running headlamps are an essential piece of gear when you are practicing these activities.

Are you ready? Get a good headlamp and experience the benefits of a night run! First, you’ll avoid heat stroke and dehydration. Second, you’ll find very few cars, bikers or hikers on your way. Third, you’ll enjoy beautiful sunrises and starry skies. Fourth, you’ll feel great, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

As you’ll see, many models are available on the market and making the right choice is not easy. Don’t worry! I’ve written this article about the top 10 headlamps, so you can find the one that best suits your needs!

Check out other articles to find the best outdoor watches, running jackets, and binoculars.

The Best Trail Running Headlamps:

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PETZL NAO +

The Petzl NAO stands out as one of the most powerful headlamps on the market. It provides 750 lumens and a great beam distance of nearly 140 meters. A very popular option among professional trail runners and hikers looking for the best performance. Perfect for short trails where you need a powerful light.

Thanks to the Reactive Lighting technology, it adjusts the light power using a brightness sensor that optimizes burn time. The battery is rechargeable. Ergonomic straps provide comfort and prevent the headlamp from sliding down. Compatible with the Petzl app. It’s one of the best models on the list; however, keep in mind that the burn time is quite short.

Pros: I like that you can detach the battery from the flashlight for easy charging. The Reactive Light system works like a charm. By the way, it includes a red light on the back that makes you more visible. This can be a key factor if you like to run at night.

Cons: One aspect that could greatly enhance this product is the inclusion of an option to use AAA batteries as a backup in case the primary battery runs out. 

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PRINCETON TEC APEX

The Princeton Tec Apex features a robust design and great water resistance. The burn time is excellent: 6.6 hours at high power and 13 hours at low power. The lamp comprises 1 Maxbright central LED and 4 side LEDs which can provide a powerful 120-meter spotlight and a bright flood beam. It’s compatible with rechargeable batteries. A good option for cavers, runners and hikers. It has great overall performance and a great price.

Advantages: Compared to the previous model, it offers greater autonomy. Also, it’s slightly lighter. It fits very well, and it doesn’t move around while you run.

Disadvantages: The flashlight gets too hot.

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BLACK DIAMOND ICON

The Black Diamond Icon features a powerful light, a long-distance beam, great water resistance and excellent battery life. This versatile headlamp offers adjustable light intensity, flash modes and a bright spotlight. It is one of Black Diamond’s most powerful and popular lamps, perfect for long adventures on rainy days. It has blue, green and red lights, too. The strap design makes it very comfortable to wear and prevents it from sliding down. It’s one of the best trail running headlamps on the list.

Pros: It feels pretty sturdy and resistant. You can disassemble it and wash it thoroughly. I love the “Boost” mode, which allows you to switch to full power when you need it.

Cons: I wish it had a slightly wider beam. I find it comfortable to use, but I’ve noticed that the battery area could be better adjusted for a more secure fit.

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PETZL ACTIK CORE

Lightweight, powerful light, with pretty good autonomy for its size. Two lighting options are available: a wide beam and a mixed light. The battery is rechargeable via a USB cable; it’s also compatible with AAA batteries. It doesn’t perform as well as top-end lamps, but it’s one of the best options among the lightweight models. It’s not completely waterproof, but it resists splashes of water. A great option for backpackers, campers, trail runners and hikers.

Pros: The light intensity it provides is strong enough for a wide range of activities.

Cons: The battery’s autonomy falls a bit short for my personal needs. 

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PETZL REACTIK +

Thanks to the Petzl app, you can check the status of the batteries in your smartphone and adapt the headlamp’s performance to your activity: running, trekking, cycling, etc. The Reactik + analyzes the ambient light and adjusts the brightness appropriately. This system optimizes battery life. However, this model doesn’t have the best autonomy. The strap is ergonomically designed to be comfortable and provide a secure hold.

Pros: I’ve found the Reactive Lightning feature to be really useful. In fact, the Petzl Nao also uses this same technology. I like the headlamp strap, which is wider than in most models.

Cons: I wish the battery lasted longer.

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PETZL PIXA 3 PRO

The Petzl Pixar features great resistance to water, falls and impact. The beacon can be rotated to 45 degrees, and it offers several lighting modes. The burn time is a bit short. However, this is probably one of the most resistant and durable headlamps. Perfect for adventure sports.

Advantages: In my opinion, this headlamp has a perfect design that makes it very comfortable to wear. I feel that it fits my head really well, and it doesn’t move during activity.

Disadvantages: The main problem is that it’s not very powerful. I mean, it’s not bad for occasional use, but I wouldn’t recommend it for serious runners. Additionally, I’ve noticed that the light’s power seems to diminish over time. 

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BLACK DIAMOND SPRINTER

This lamp has a short beam distance but a pretty good burn time. It can be charged in about five hours using a USB port. It has a balanced design, with the battery in the back and the lamp in the front. This makes the device lightweight and comfortable in your head. It’s not completely waterproof, but it withstands occasional rain without problems.

When comparing this headlamp to other two-strap models, you’ll notice that it’s significantly lighter. While it does have less power compared to models like the Petzl Nao (750 lumens) and the Black Diamond Icon (700 lumens), the Black Diamond Sprinter performs admirably with its 500 lumens.

Advantages: Among headlamps with a rear battery, this is the lightest one I’ve tested.

Disadvantages: When the minimum power setting is used, the illumination is quite limited.

The Best Budget Headlamps:

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VONT SPARK LED

The Vont Spark Led is a fantastic option if you’re looking for something basic with exemplary performance for your outdoor and night activities that comes at a very reasonable price for a 2-pack! The Spark Headlamp is great for the wide range of outdoor sports you may enjoy doing or for emergency and power outages where you will need a reliable, compact, solid light source. From design to function, from materials to features, plus the lifetime warranty it carries, this headlamp will definitely give you the best bang for your buck!

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BLACK DIAMOND ION

A good option for those looking for something ultralight, waterproof and affordable. It operates up to 1 meter underwater for 30 minutes. Adjustable brightness, locking system and red light included. In addition to using it for running or hiking, you can take it on your backpacking and camping trips. Its price is fantastic.

Advantages: It’s the lightest and most compact headlamp on the list. I’m surprised by how waterproof it is. It can withstand heavy rain for extended periods.

Cons: The on/off button is sometimes unresponsive, especially if you’re wearing gloves.

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BLACK DIAMOND SPOT

A classic lamp for mountain expeditions, night running, camping and backpacking. Great performance; it can be submerged underwater, it has a powerful light, and it is comfortable and lightweight. In addition, it features Powertrap technology, which allows for instant transitioning between full and dimmed light.

Advantages: In my opinion, what sets this model apart is its impressive weight-to-power ratio. With 400 lumens, it offers exceptional brightness for such a compact headlamp. Additionally, the battery life is pretty good.

Disadvantages: Similar to other Black Diamond models, one drawback is that the power button can be inadvertently pressed while you’re carrying it in a backpack. However, I noticed that they have addressed this issue in the latest version.

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PETZL TIKKA

The Petzl Tikka has a powerful, wide beam, as well as an ultracompact design and good autonomy. The light distance is not excessive, but it is enough for most night runs. Overall, it’s a great option for those looking for something basic with good performance, all at a very good price.

When comparing this to the Black Diamond Spot, I’ve noticed that they have similar features and functionality. However, the Black Diamond model has a more robust and water-resistant construction. I would hesitate to use the Petzl model extensively in rainy conditions.

Advantages: It’s reasonably priced and offers satisfactory power for most activities.

Disadvantages: One aspect that concerns me is the presence of poorly sealed areas. I worry that water could enter and damage the flashlight.

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How to choose the best running headlamp:

Hundreds of models are available, with different features, options and buttons. However, headlamps should be simple and easy to use. These are the main aspects you should take into account:

Brightness: How many lumens do you need?

Using your lamp for running is not like using it for setting up your camping tent. You will need a powerful light beam that allows you to see your path correctly. Also, the lamp you choose will depend on the type of run, the weather conditions and, above all, the terrain. You can’t compare running on a track in the moonlight to crossing a thick forest during a dark night.

A good headlamp will help you see the edges of rocks, stones, branches, slopes, etc. In general, I recommend that you look for a model with at least 180 lumens. Lamps with over 300 lumens work very well on poorly lit nights.

In addition to the basic brightness settings (low, medium and high), many models can be adjusted to your liking. Some lamps automatically adapt to ambient light, which can be helpful when you switch between open and closed areas.

Lumens refer only to brightness, but other important factors are related to the quality of the light, such as the beam distance, the optics and the burn time.

Beam distance

While the lumens tell you the lamp’s brightness, the beam distance tells you how far the light goes. It’s a key factor in spotting and avoiding potential hazards. Unlike lumens, beam distance is an easy feature to understand because it refers to a specific distance.

Focusable beam

This is an advanced feature that allows you to adjust the light beam, making it more narrow and focused. It helps you adapt to changes in the terrain.

Burn time

Batteries with great autonomy tend to be large and heavy. If you will be running for a short time in a safe place, you can opt for a lamp with an integrated battery (the most popular models). If you plan on running all night, consider a model with an efficient battery. In most cases, these models consist of two parts: a lamp on the front of your head and a battery in the back.

Battery type

The most commonly used batteries for headlamps are AA and AAA alkaline batteries. Some models include rechargeable batteries, which can be very practical because you won’t have to spend more money on batteries. However, rechargeable batteries tend to lose some energy when they are at rest. Therefore, it’s important that you always bring spare alkaline batteries with you.

Type of LED

The most advanced models include three types of lights: spotlight, flood and red light. The cheapest models usually have a single spotlight that provides a constant beam. This is helpful for spotting objects in the distance. The flood beam, on the other hand, helps you see what is around you. The red light provides a soft beam that doesn’t bother other people; it can work as an emergency light, too.

Straps and comfort

Running on mountain trails involves sudden moves, turns and even jumps. Many lamps come with a single adjustable strap. However, this strap may slide down throughout the course of your run. If you will be taking adventurous routes, I recommend that you buy a two-strap lamp. The second strap runs from back to front over the top of the head, preventing the headlamp from slipping down.

Control buttons

I recommend that you look for a lamp with easy-to-use buttons. You should be able to activate the buttons when the lamp is on your head. Also, make sure you can easily operate the buttons when you are wearing gloves.

Some models include a useful locking system that prevents the power button from being activated involuntarily while you’re carrying it in your backpack. Imagine that you arrive at your destination and the battery is dead because it has been switched on for hours.

Water resistance

Your headlamp should be able to withstand rain and sudden storms. The water resistance rating goes from IPX1 to IPX8. An IPX7 lamp can be submerged up to 1 meter underwater for 30 minutes, while an IPX4 lamp offers protection from splashes of water.

For running and trail running, I recommend a water resistance between IPX4 and IPX8.

Weight

Weight is an important factor when one is choosing running gear. A heavy lamp will be uncomfortable and could slip down. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to buy a headlamp with two straps. In any event, keep in mind that the most powerful lamps tend to be heavier due to the weight of the extra batteries.

I recommend that you choose the lightest option among the models that have the features you need.

Durability

Buy a headlamp you can trust – a lamp that won’t fail in the middle of the run and that will last a long time. Your lamp should withstand the harshest weather conditions, falls and impacts.

Tips for night running:

Start training for night running

If you’re running at night pretty often or if you’re training for a night competition, you should set a night training plan. You’ll become better able to read the changes in the terrain, thereby improving your performance on the route. You can practice other activities such as hiking or cycling at night to feel increasingly safe in the dark. Step by step, your body will adjust to it, and you’ll be able to run at night like a pro.

Manage your lighting

When we take long runs, it’s crucial that we manage our light efficiently. Here are some tips for saving battery power: 1- Try to run on a team; there will be more light and you’ll need less power. 2- Reduce your lamp’s light intensity when you’re running uphill. 3- Bring some spare batteries, and if you are running alone, carry a spare headlamp, too.

Wear reflective clothing

Wear at least one article of reflective clothing. This advice is not only for those who run along the roadside. It is important to make sure we are visible at night so that we avoid accidents with cars, bikers, hikers or even other runners.

Face the traffic

If you are going to run on the road or along a street without sidewalks, always face oncoming traffic. This is a basic rule that applies to anyone walking on the road, day or night.

Do not listen to music

Many people love to run accompanied by a beautiful melody. However, if you’re running at night, leave the music for another time. At night, you should pay attention to what’s happening around you. Avoid distractions that can cause accidents.

Bring your smartphone

Let someone know where you are going, just in case. If you will be running in the mountains or somewhere far from an urban area, I recommend that you bring your smartphone in the event of an incident.

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