Hunting is an exhilarating and rewarding activity that requires a lot of preparation. A critical piece of equipment for any hunter is a reliable headlamp (does anyone else get a bit scared in the dark?!). Headlamps not only provide illumination in low-light conditions but also allow you to keep your hands free for other tasks (breaking down a deer sure isn't as easy in the dark, is it?). When it comes to hunting, having a headlamp that is bright, durable, and long-lasting is essential.
The best headlamp for hunting is one that provides a powerful beam of light that can illuminate your path and help you spot game from a distance. Additionally, a hunting headlamp should be lightweight, comfortable to wear, and have a long battery life. The right headlamp can make all the difference when hunting in the early morning or late evening when visibility is low.
When choosing a hunting headlamp, it's essential to consider the type of hunting you'll be doing and the terrain you'll be navigating. If you're hunting in rugged terrain, a headlamp with a durable, waterproof casing is a must. If you're hunting in a heavily wooded area, a headlamp with a wide beam and adjustable brightness settings can be beneficial.
In this article, we spent countless hours researching and testing the best headlamps for hunting to identify the ones that provide the best performance, durability, and value. We'll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision and choose the best headlamp for your hunting needs.
Top Picks for Hunting Headlamps:
Overall: Duracell Lights 350 Lumens Headlamp and Flashlight
Budget-Friendly: Victoper Headlamp Rechargeable
Best Rechargeable: Victoper Headlamp Rechargeable
Best Battery Operated: Duracell Lights 350 Lumens Headlamp and Flashlight
Best Headlamps for Hunting
As avid hunters ourselves, we know how important it is to have a reliable and durable headlamp when out in the field. Whether you're tracking game in the early morning hours or setting up camp after dark, a good headlamp is an essential piece of gear. That's why we've compiled a list of the best headlamps for hunting, based on our own experiences and research. From long battery life to adjustable brightness settings, these headlamps will help you stay safe and focused on your hunt.
Bushnell PRO Rechargeable 400L Multi-Color Headlamp
$30
Pros
- With a 400 Lumen output and a 90 degree pivot, you can direct the light where you need it, making it easier to track game in the dark.
- The rechargeable lithium battery comes with an integrated USB charging cable, so you can charge it up quickly and easily. Just be sure to re-insert it into the protective housing when not in use.
- With high/low spot mode, high/low flood mode, and red mode, you can choose the right lighting for your needs. Plus, it's rated IPX4 weather resistant and 1-meter impact resistant, so you don't have to worry about it getting damaged in rough conditions.
Cons
- The battery life isn't the best, so you may need to recharge it frequently if you're using it for extended periods of time.
- While the spot mode is very bright, the other settings aren't as powerful, so you may need to adjust your expectations depending on your needs.
- The headband could be more comfortable for extended wear, especially if you're wearing it for several hours at a time.
Overall, we found the Bushnell PRO Rechargeable 400L Multi-Color Headlamp to be a solid choice for hunting. It's durable, versatile, and provides plenty of light to help you track game in the dark. Just be prepared to recharge it frequently if you're using it for long periods of time.
Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp
$38
Pros
- Emits up to 400 lumens on max setting, providing ample illumination for your hunting needs.
- PowerTap™ Technology allows instant transitioning between full and dimmed power, making it easy to adjust the brightness as needed.
- Compact, low-profile design uses four AAA batteries, which are included in the package, so you can start using it right away.
Cons
- The battery life is not as long as we would like on high setting, so you may need to bring extra batteries for extended trips.
- Some users have reported that the headband can be uncomfortable during extended use.
- The brightness memory feature can be a bit confusing to use, and it may take some time to get used to.
We found the Black Diamond Storm 400 to be a great option for hunting. The 400-lumen output is more than enough to light up your path, and the PowerTap™ Technology makes it easy to switch between brightness levels. The compact design is also a plus, as it doesn't take up much space in your hunting gear.
One thing to keep in mind is that the battery life is not as long as we would like on high setting. However, we found that the low and medium settings provide ample brightness for most hunting situations, so you may not need to use the high setting very often.
Overall, we think the Black Diamond Storm 400 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable headlamp for hunting.
Victoper Headlamp Rechargeable
$15
Pros
- The 10-light design produces an impressive 22000 lumens, providing unparalleled illumination for your adventures.
- With 10 LED lights comes 10 modes, allowing you to easily adapt to various scenarios.
- Boasts an impressive battery life of 3-6 hours, ensuring you can tackle any outdoor adventure with ease.
Cons
- The headlamp is heavier than expected, which might be a concern for some users.
- The adjustment hinge can be a bit stiff, making it a bit tricky to adjust the light angle.
- The size of the headlamp might be a bit bulky for some users.
We recently took the Victoper Headlamp Rechargeable for a spin during a night hunting trip, and we were impressed with its performance. The 22000 lumens produced by the 10-light design provided excellent illumination that allowed us to easily spot our prey. The 10 LED lights also came in handy as we could easily switch between the various modes depending on the situation.
The battery life of 3-6 hours was more than enough for our night hunting trip, and we didn't have to worry about constantly changing batteries. The adjustable angle was also a nice touch, although we did find the hinge a bit stiff at times.
One downside we noticed was that the headlamp was a bit heavier than we expected, which might be a concern for some users. Additionally, the size of the headlamp might be a bit bulky for some users, although we didn't find it to be a major issue.
Overall, we would highly recommend the Victoper Headlamp Rechargeable to anyone looking for a reliable and high-performing headlamp for their hunting adventures.
LE Battery Powered Headlamp
$16
Pros
- The powerful XPG2 LED generates a beam of up to 1300lux, illuminating as far as 500FT/150m.
- With its 6 lighting modes, you can easily switch between spot light, flood light, and red light, depending on your needs.
- The adjustable headband is removable, washable, and elastic, making it comfortable for both adults and kids to wear.
Cons
- Batteries are not included in the package, so you'll need to purchase them separately.
- The headlamp is not rechargeable, so you'll need to replace the batteries once they run out.
- The headlamp might not be as durable as some of the more expensive models on the market.
We recently took the LE 320015 Battery Powered Headlamp on a camping trip, and we were impressed with its performance. The headlamp is incredibly bright, and the 6 lighting modes make it easy to adjust the brightness level depending on the situation. We especially liked the red light mode, which was perfect for reading in the tent without disturbing others.
The adjustable headband is comfortable and easy to adjust, and the headlamp itself is lightweight and doesn't feel bulky on your head. We also appreciated the 45° tilt feature, which allowed us to adjust the angle of the headlamp without straining our necks.
The only downside to the LE 320015 Battery Powered Headlamp is that it requires AAA batteries, which are not included in the package. However, the headlamp boasts an impressive 22-hour run time on a low setting, so you won't need to replace the batteries too often.
Overall, we would highly recommend the LE 320015 Battery Powered Headlamp to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable headlamp for their outdoor activities. It's not the most durable or feature-packed headlamp on the market, but it gets the job done and won't break the bank.
Duracell Lights 350 Lumens Headlamp and Flashlight
$30
Pros
- With high, low, and night vision modes, it also comes with a comfortable and adjustable head strap.
- It has an adjustable head to focus the beam so you can easily transition between wide and narrow lighting.
- Batteries are included.
Cons
- The headlamp is not rechargeable, so you'll need to replace the batteries once they run out.
Read our review of the Duracell Lights 350 Lumens Headlamp and Flashlight and see why it was chosen as our overall best headlamp for hunting.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best headlamp for hunting, there are a few things that we should consider. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:
Brightness
One of the most important features to consider is the brightness of the headlamp. The brightness is measured in lumens, and a higher number of lumens means a brighter light. For hunting, we recommend a headlamp with at least 200 lumens.
Beam Distance
Another important factor to consider is the beam distance. This is the maximum distance that the headlamp can illuminate. For hunting, we recommend a headlamp with a beam distance of at least 100 meters.
Battery Life
Battery life is another important factor to consider. A headlamp with a longer battery life will allow us to use it for longer periods of time without having to change the batteries. Look for a headlamp with a battery life of at least 8 hours.
Weight and Comfort
Since we will be wearing the headlamp for extended periods of time, it's important to choose a headlamp that is comfortable to wear. Look for a headlamp that is lightweight and has adjustable straps for a comfortable fit.
Durability
Hunting can be tough on gear, so it's important to choose a headlamp that is durable and can withstand the elements. Look for a headlamp that is waterproof and made from high-quality materials.
Additional Features
Some headlamps come with additional features such as red light mode, strobe mode, and zoom function. These features can be useful for hunting, so consider a headlamp with these features if they are important to you.
Overall, when choosing the best headlamp for hunting, we should consider the brightness, beam distance, battery life, weight and comfort, durability, and additional features. By keeping these factors in mind, we can find a headlamp that meets our needs and helps us have a successful hunting trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a headlamp for hunting at night?
When choosing a headlamp for hunting, look for one with a high lumen output, a long battery life, and a durable construction. Additionally, it's important to choose a headlamp with a comfortable and adjustable headband to ensure a secure fit and reduce any discomfort during extended use.
How important is a red light feature on a hunting headlamp?
A red light feature on a hunting headlamp is very important as it helps to preserve your night vision. Red light is less likely to spook game animals and also helps to reduce glare and shadows. It's recommended to choose a headlamp with a red light feature for hunting at night.
What are the benefits of using a rechargeable headlamp while hunting?
Using a rechargeable headlamp while hunting provides several benefits. Firstly, it's more environmentally friendly than using disposable batteries. Secondly, it's more cost-effective in the long term as you won't need to keep purchasing replacement batteries. Lastly, it's more convenient as you can easily recharge the headlamp using a USB cable or a charging dock.
Can deer see headlamps with colored lights?
Deer have a limited ability to see colors, and they are most sensitive to blue and violet light. It's recommended to use a headlamp with a red light feature as it's less likely to spook game animals and won't affect your hunting success.
What's the ideal brightness for a hunting headlamp?
The ideal brightness for a hunting headlamp depends on the type of hunting you're doing and the conditions you're hunting in. Generally, a headlamp with a brightness of 150-200 lumens is sufficient for most hunting activities. However, if you're hunting in very dark conditions or need to spot game at a distance, a headlamp with a higher lumen output may be necessary.
Are there specific headlamps recommended for duck hunting?
While any hunting headlamp can be used for duck hunting, it's recommended to choose one with a green light feature. Green light is less likely to spook ducks and also helps to reduce glare and shadows on the water. Additionally, choose a headlamp with a waterproof construction to ensure it can withstand the wet and muddy conditions of duck hunting.
