Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => All Other Gear => Topic started by: trophyhunt on September 06, 2025, 04:22:36 PM

Title: Best headlamp?
Post by: trophyhunt on September 06, 2025, 04:22:36 PM: Wife is asking about Christmas gifts, I have a handful of headlamps, but like how bright the ones are with the battery packs. I’ve seen the lamps with the battery pack on the back of the head band with 1200 lumi, but I’m skeptical because it’s only $30 on amazon. What is your favorite, brightest, longest lasting battery headlamp??
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: hunter399 on September 06, 2025, 04:30:25 PM: I'm currently running a black diamond,with the rechargeable battery.
Haven't really put it to the test yet.
Got for Christmas,the real test is a harvest right before dark.
But it seems better than my Walmart special.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: lewy on September 06, 2025, 04:40:59 PM: They started buying us fenix lights at work and they are legit
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: fowl smacker on September 06, 2025, 04:42:25 PM: My previous favorite was a Black Diamond with the battery pack on the back that ran off 4 AA batteries. My new favorite is a Peax backcountry duo that runs off 18650 batteries. It's way lighter and way brighter.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: DaNewb on September 06, 2025, 04:45:44 PM: I'e been really happy with my little Nitecore NU25

If you're looking for something more powerful their HC65 is 2000 rechargable lumens

https://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/hc65_uhe
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: hughjorgan on September 06, 2025, 04:49:20 PM: I’ve mainly been running a black diamond headlamp. It runs on 3 triple batteries. Has 400 lumen and a feature to lock the buttons so it doesn’t accidentally turn on in your pocket or pack. I’ve used the rechargeable black diamonds as well but usually end up just using triple A batteries in them also cause I forget to charge the battery.

If you want something in the 1000 lumens range peax, fenix or zebra all seem to get good reviews. I’d be curious to how warm those lights would be on a guys forehead. I know my flash lights I have with high lumen will get hot to the touch.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: bb76 on September 06, 2025, 04:50:45 PM: I've been running GearLight for 6 years with no issues.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: trophyhunt on September 06, 2025, 05:22:43 PM: Research time!! Thanks for the help!!
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: The scout on September 06, 2025, 05:45:27 PM: A few years back I bought a rechargeable streamlight headlamp, it took me a number of hunts to trust it and its battery life. But it is legit, I always have at least one backup light/ headlamp with me but the battery on that light lasts more than a 10 day hunt using it for atleast a couple hours a day and a few of them up to 4 hrs a day. It will sit in my hunting tote all year and when I pull it out to charge it for the next year it still seems fully charged. In my mind I didn’t want to like it, worried it would go dead on me and it really does me know good because you can’t just put batteries in it, but I have been super impressed. Last year I hunted Idaho for over 20 days and it was still going.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: Stein on September 06, 2025, 06:52:05 PM: Brightest and longest lasting are mutually exclusive properties. Lately for backpacking and hunting I have been going toward less bright, lighter rechargeable ones in the $30 range. Currently I use Nitecore. I packed light cannons around and just never really use them.

The exception is for ducks when I want to get a good look at the decoy spread and you need light for that. I still go with the Amazon rechargeables and don't worry too much about quality as they seem to get lost or broken in a couple years one way or another and it's not the end of the world on a duck hunt as the sun will be up shortly.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: trophyhunt on September 06, 2025, 09:03:12 PM: Anyone use these?
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: pashok23 on September 06, 2025, 09:35:40 PM: Ledlenser, love it alot
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: EnglishSetter on September 06, 2025, 10:39:44 PM: Quote from: lewy on September 06, 2025, 04:40:59 PM
They started buying us fenix lights at work and they are legit

I have several cheap headlights, but the Fenix goes in the SHTF bag. Uses 18650 batts or 2ea CR123A.

It's this or an older model of the same:

https://www.fenixlighting.com/products/fenix-hm61r-v2-rechargeable-headlamp
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: Alchase on September 06, 2025, 10:44:34 PM: Checkout the Molaer LED band headlamps, I was working on my truck in my garage in 95 degree heat, my battery headlamp kept slipping down my sweaty head. I picked up a two pack of Molaer LED headlamps. I was hesitant of the USB charging, and if they would hold a charge between uses. I turned them on tonight after three weeks in their cases, and still have 100% charge.
The LED band forms around your head giving a great spread of light , even to your peripheral. I used it for four hours and still had 08% charge. They store in a very small 4 1/2” X 2 2/2” case. And the two pack was 19$.
One of the best tool buys I have made in a while.

https://a.co/d/8InmPsl
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: Swervingtrouts on September 07, 2025, 04:36:17 AM: My vote is SLONIK from Amazon. It is the exact same headlamp as the Peaks at a 3rd of the price.

https://a.co/d/4WkdI6Z
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: wadu1 on September 07, 2025, 07:48:54 AM: I've been using Princetion Tec for years, I use the FRED model.

https://princetontec.com/product/fred/ (https://princetontec.com/product/fred/)
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: trophyhunt on September 07, 2025, 09:09:14 AM: Man, too many choices!!
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: Tbar on September 07, 2025, 09:13:20 AM: I like the rugged simplicity of the single aa zebra light. Run time is adequate or really long on low light mode. I carry two exes batteries and know I can get out of anywhere or process anything in the dark.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: trophyhunt on September 07, 2025, 10:13:46 AM: Do you guys use the red light very often? The Fenix hl 65r is nice but doesn’t have the red/green light.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: Sliverslinger on September 07, 2025, 11:01:32 AM: Quote from: Swervingtrouts on September 07, 2025, 04:36:17 AM
My vote is SLONIK from Amazon. It is the exact same headlamp as the Peaks at a 3rd of the price.

https://a.co/d/4WkdI6Z

I’ve often wondered if the Peaks is this headlamp with a different name on it.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: MADMAX on September 07, 2025, 01:16:04 PM: Been happy with these

https://www.amazon.com/%EF%BB%BFGearLight-USB-Rechargeable-Headlamp-Flashlight/dp/B096M2M91S
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: EnglishSetter on September 07, 2025, 01:48:18 PM: Obviously 1 Project Farm review can't test every light available, but this offers a pretty good cross-section of some different mfg's and helps equate $ with performance, exposes shortcomings and fake specs.

FWIW, I have several Fenix lights and they've all been excellent.

For just around the house I've been using these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D66HCXW?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

Much depends on what you expect out of the light. What's at risk if the light doesn't perform?
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on September 07, 2025, 03:23:21 PM: Like most gear its hard to pick a "best" because there's so many variables.

It sounds like one of your priorities is lots of light (high lumens). For most light per size I think Olight is a top contender. The Perun 3 is 3000 lumens and still pretty compact it Has a color light option.
I use red or green light more than standard white unless navigating or looking for blood or critter.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: slavenoid on September 07, 2025, 06:13:25 PM: Is the light mostly for hunting? Black Diamond is my favorite for lightweight hunting lights. I tried some others when there was talk about them being anti hunting but quickly went back. I absolutely love my Sunspot raccoon hunting light if I can get away with the extra weight and size. Its great when you really need to light up the woods but way overkill if you're sneaking down small trails in the dark.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: Gentrys on September 07, 2025, 06:28:13 PM: Been using a Black Diamond for years. It's ok. Following this thread to see what you all recommend.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: hughjorgan on September 07, 2025, 07:18:43 PM: Quote from: trophyhunt on September 07, 2025, 10:13:46 AM
Do you guys use the red light very often? The Fenix hl 65r is nice but doesn’t have the red/green light.

I don’t tend to use the red light while navigating in the dark, it isn’t bright enough on my black diamond or petzl to see where I am going.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: Alchase on September 07, 2025, 07:22:28 PM: Quote from: hughjorgan on September 07, 2025, 07:18:43 PM
Quote from: trophyhunt on September 07, 2025, 10:13:46 AM
Do you guys use the red light very often? The Fenix hl 65r is nice but doesn’t have the red/green light.

I don’t tend to use the red light while navigating in the dark, it isn’t bright enough on my black diamond or petzl to see where I am going.
Quote from: trophyhunt on September 07, 2025, 10:13:46 AM
Do you guys use the red light very often? The Fenix hl 65r is nice but doesn’t have the red/green light.

To answer both of those our questions:
1. The LED band headlamp you posted, yes after trying the LED bands headlamps, I won’t go back to a single or even a triple light headlamp. I don’t need a light that reaches hundreds of feet away. I need a light that spreads out and the light not just a small beam. LED Band headlamps do that well, and they are very comfortable to use hours on end.

2. Red light use, I have used a red light heading up a trail before sunrise to limit my impact on the hike to where I want to hunt. I have also used I when making a nighttime toilet run when tent hunting. Either of those circumstances, a normal white light would have worked, but a white light will mess with your ability to see in the dark, a red light won’t.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: trophyhunt on September 07, 2025, 07:31:12 PM: Great info!!! A lot to consider
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: jackelope on September 07, 2025, 07:54:20 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: trophyhunt on September 07, 2025, 08:00:14 PM: The rechargeable battery deal also scares me, leaning towards regular batteries. Easy to pack a few.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: Alchase on September 07, 2025, 09:14:39 PM: Quote from: trophyhunt on September 07, 2025, 08:00:14 PM
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.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: EnglishSetter on September 07, 2025, 10:37:41 PM: Quote from: trophyhunt on September 07, 2025, 08:00:14 PM
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.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: Night goat on September 07, 2025, 11:58:27 PM: I vote trufire
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: hunter399 on September 08, 2025, 04:55:12 AM: Quote from: jackelope on September 07, 2025, 07:54:20 PM
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.

Quote from: trophyhunt on September 07, 2025, 08:00:14 PM
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.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: trophyhunt on September 08, 2025, 05:39:14 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: 2MANY on September 08, 2025, 09:25:49 AM: Last Light is my choice.

I like light when I want light.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: Cylvertip on September 08, 2025, 09:29:38 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: mburrows on September 08, 2025, 10:04:36 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: Crunchy on September 08, 2025, 10:29:24 AM: Quote from: mburrows on September 08, 2025, 10:04:36 AM
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.
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: trophyhunt on September 08, 2025, 12:07:56 PM: Again, great info, I'm reading every post, thank you!
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: brocka on September 08, 2025, 12:36:37 PM: 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
Title: Re: Best headlamp?
Post by: AntlerHound on September 09, 2025, 11:56:41 AM: 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.