Best headlamp?

[Alchase]

The rechargeable battery deal also scares me, leaning towards regular batteries. Easy to pack a few.

It did me for years, i did not trust USB charging headlamps. Part of me still doesn’t. It If I was going for a multiple day hunt with h the new USB charged ones, I would definitely bring a backup or ensure I could recharge in my vehicle. Even though they last many times longer I then battery charged lights.

Something dependable about being able to replace the batteries and continue on.

[EnglishSetter]

The rechargeable battery deal also scares me, leaning towards regular batteries. Easy to pack a few.

Fixed rechargeable I agree for field use.  But most lights that use an 18650 can use 2 CR123A's.  Easy to carry a spare 18650 and/or CR123A's.    Either has lots more oomph than AA's.

[Night goat]

I vote trufire

[hunter399]

I have 3 different Zebra lamps. They’re all awesome. I can’t do rechargeable for backpacking. Too risky. What if it dies? I try to keep all my battery powered stuff running the same batteries so I only have to bring one type. Double A everything for me.
I had a Fenix. It worked for a few times then crapped out and doesn’t work anymore. I’m sure it’s a fluke but I won’t recommend them.

The rechargeable battery deal also scares me, leaning towards regular batteries. Easy to pack a few.

Ya the black diamond I got ,you can pull the rechargeable.
Just slap alkaline batteries in,if the rechargeable is dead.
But it's only 400 lumens,I think.
I got the light as a gift,then bought the battery for it.
I haven't put it to a real test,but I do carry three regular batteries ,
In case it leaves me screwed.

[trophyhunt]

The video Englishsetter posted about lights is interesting, you can't rely on having the lumes your light is advertising, that's a bit of a downer.  The research they did is pretty in depth.

[2MANY]

Last Light is my choice.

I like light when I want light.

[Cylvertip]

Black Diamond Icons.  I have used them for years and have only had one fail due to battery corrosion eating the contacts.. Mine get worn a lot. Year round nuisance trapping  and especially winter trapping means lots of night activities.  No issues with rain..  Lots of light for.four hours and then dump new batts in.  They still have juice, but easy to ensure I have lots of light.  I run on full brightness 75% of the time.  No rechargeables for me.   

I like the green and red lights for not attracting as many bugs when I am not on the move, about to get in the rig, or don't need all that light. 

For just around the house stuff I have used a Petzel TacTikka for years.

[mburrows]

I've got a Peax and I like it just fine. The rechargeable nature makes me a bit nervous too but I always carry two headlights and my secondary is a Petzel E+ lite which runs on the CR2032 batteries.  I like not having to carry extra batteries.

I got the Peax after seeing how bright they were, especially the redlight. 

I havent put it through the ringer yet by any means but so far I like it.

[Crunchy]

I've got a Peax and I like it just fine. The rechargeable nature makes me a bit nervous too but I always carry two headlights and my secondary is a Petzel E+ lite which runs on the CR2032 batteries.  I like not having to carry extra batteries.

I got the Peax after seeing how bright they were, especially the redlight. 

I havent put it through the ringer yet by any means but so far I like it.

Ive been using my Peax for the second year.  So far it has been great.  I did a backcountry hunt with it last year and never needed to recharge it even after 6 days.  I do carry a small battery pack in case I needed to recharge it for some reason and I always carry a second headlamp no matter what.

[trophyhunt]

Again, great info, I'm reading every post, thank you! 

[brocka]

I have a black diamond icon with a battery pack that I have used for years. I bought two of these for this year based on some solid recommendations on Rokslide. Apparently this is the company that makes the PEAX, just PEAX rebrands. They are a fraction of the cost.

https://www.sofirnlight.com/products/sofirn-h35r-led-rechargeable-headlamp-with-660nm-deep-red-light?cfb=504b18a5-884c-48f3-8f33-f448e4637820&ifb=504b18a5-884c-48f3-8f33-f448e4637820&scm=search.v39.101.102.103.104&score=1&ssp=&spm=..order_verify.header_1.1

[AntlerHound]

 Zebra Light--- model--H600d Mk IV 18650 XHP50.2 5000K High CRI Headlamp

     Light Output (runtimes)

    High: H1 1616 Lm (PID, 2.5 hrs) or H2 1010 Lm (PID, 2.9 hrs)/579 Lm (PID, 3.1 hrs)/305 Lm (5.3 hrs)
    Medium: M1 147 Lm (12.5 hrs) or M2 65 Lm (27.5 hrs)/26.4 Lm (2.7 days)/9.9 Lm (7.1 days)
    Low: L1 3.4 Lm (17.5 days) or L2 1.06 Lm (2 months)/0.3 Lm (3.8 months)/0.08 Lm (5.4 months)

Ive used this light for backpacking/camping/fishing for a good 8 or so years. Battery lasts a good amount of time but i still always bring a spare.
Years back ice fishing i dropped it down the hole while night fishing on Curlew. Then next morning we dropped an aqua-vu camera down to find it. It was still on shining away. Snagged it with a jig brought it up and it still works like the day i bought it.