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Waterproofing
Most head torches undergo IP testing, which determines their level of protection against dust and water. Our head torches vary from IPX4 (splashproof from any angle) to IPX8 (protected against water immersion).
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Head Torch Buying Guide
Introduction
Head torches are one of the most versatile pieces of kit you can own. They provide a hands-free lighting solution. But do you know how many lumens to look for and what other factors to consider when choosing the head torch that best suits your needs? This buying guide will help you navigate the options.
Brightness
Manufacturers usually state the brightness of their head torches in lumens. A lumen is a unit, which measures the amount of visible light produced per unit of time. That means that the higher the number, the brighter the torch. Close-up activities such as reading and cooking require less light, whereas navigation in the dark requires more. Many head torches also have a red light setting, which is ideal for preserving night vision.
Lumens
10 to 50 lumens: Emergency use
100 to 250 lumens: Everyday, urban & campsite use
300 to 600 lumens: Outdoor sport use & navigation
500 to 900 lumens: Mountaineering, trail running & skiing
Maximum Distance & Beam Shape
Brightness is not the only measure that can help you decide which head torch to buy. The maximum distance and beam shape can vary from model to model. A wider beam allows for a spread of light but doesn’t stretch as far as a focused beam. Wide beams are useful for close-up tasks, whereas focused beams are better for navigation. Certain sports, such as running, can benefit from both. Some head torches have the option to switch between different beams.
Settings & Reactive Light
Most head torches have multiple settings to preserve battery life and optimise brightness for different activities. It's helpful to familiarise yourself with the functions of your torch before actually needing them.
Reactive light technology reduces the need to fiddle with buttons. Head torches that utilise this technology can detect how far objects in your field of vision are and adjust the light automatically.
Burn time
Manufacturers calculate an average burn time to represent the battery life you can expect from your head torch. The brighter the head torch, the more power is required to keep it going. The various dimming and strobing settings that most head torches have will help preserve battery life when maximum brightness isn’t necessary.
Traditional vs Rechargeable Head Torch
Most standard head torches are compatible with AA or AAA alkaline batteries. There are also many models available now with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages.
Rechargeable head torches usually rely on standard USB charging, meaning they are compatible with common on-the-go charging solutions, such as power banks and solar panels. They tend to be more expensive initially but offer better value in the long run.
Traditional battery-powered head torches can provide reassurance on longer trips. Even if you run out of power mid-activity, it’s quick and easy to replace dead batteries. However, for regular head torch users, alkaline batteries are not the most cost-effective or sustainable solution.
Brands, such as Petzl, produce hybrid models, which can use either alkaline or rechargeable batteries interchangeably.
Unregulated vs Regulated Output
It’s worth considering whether the output of a head torch makes a difference to you. A regulated torch will run at the same intensity until the battery is nearly dead, then it will enter a short low-power backup mode until it’s out of charge. An unregulated torch will work on full power when the batteries are new, but it will continuously dim at a slow pace until it’s completely dead.
Additional features
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