Buying a headlamp: what you need to know

Battery-powered or rechargeable headlamp – which energy source is better?

Headlamps require either standard or rechargeable batteries. Some models can also use both energy sources. The battery life for each model varies based on light intensity. Before buying, think about what you need the headlamp for and for how long you’ll need it to keep a charge.

If you use the headlamp frequently and intensively, a rechargeable model is the better choice. Battery models tend to be better suited for occasional use.

The headlamp’s operating time depends on the model. As a guide, at 500 lumens a headlamp with a fresh energy source emits light for around four hours. If you reduce the light intensity or are using a headlamp that offers less lumens, the operating time increases: the headlamp can then shine for up to ten hours at maximum luminosity.

Key features and tips

In addition to the headlamp’s brightness, there are several other characteristics that need to be taken into account.

Lux and lumens – what are they?

Lumen indicates the amount of light emitted by a bulb such as a headlamp. Lumen measures the brightness of a beam of light. For example, a candle glows with about 12 lumens.

Lux indicates the illuminance, i.e. how much light falls on a surface. The illuminance is determined by the light beam (lumen) and the size of the illuminated area. One lux corresponds to one lumen per square metre. Illuminance decreases the further the illuminated area is from the light source.

Manufacturers often specify the lumen value for headlamps. The amount of lumens the lamp should have is mostly dependent on what activities you plan on using it for, A headlamp should have at least 100 lumens in order to be useful outside in the dark. The following values will give you a rough idea:

• 10–12 lumens: viewing something close by, e.g. reading a book

• 160–200 lumens: seeing at a greater distance, for example walking a path that is clearly visible during the day at night

• 200–500 lumens: illuminating a larger area, for example when you have to search for a path or are moving quickly, such as when trail running

• 600–1,000 lumens: for faster, more active activities, such as ski touring or mountain biking

• 1,000+ lumens: for search and rescue operations or when particularly good illumination is required during sports

Range of headlamps

The range of a headlight depends on the lens, the focus and the number of lumens. With a 130 lumen headlamp, you can illuminate a camp and its surrounding area well: that’s enough for an easy walk in the dark. For ski touring, a more powerful headlight of at least 600 lumens is recommended.

Headlamp light colours

Almost all headlamps use LED light fixtures. They’re available in warm white light, which is ideal for slow activities such as hiking or camping. Cool white light shows contrasts more strongly and is well suited for technical activities such as mountain biking or finding a path.

So, why do headlamps have a red light? This light is reflected less strongly by the environment and therefore does not cause glare. Usually, this is enough light to search for something in a tent or backpack, for example. Lamps with green or blue have the same effect. Additionally, these coloured lights maintain your night vision. This means that your eyes don’t have to readjust to the darkness after switching off the lamp – which can take up to 30 minutes.

Headlamps for children – everything you need to know

Headlamps for children should be as robust and light as possible. An IP value of 4 protects them against splashing water.

There are models where the lamp head is designed so that it tilts on both sides, so that the headlamp cannot be pulled upside down. This makes it easier for children to put it on.

NB: High-quality children’s headlamps have a predetermined breaking point in the band, which prevents children from strangling themselves on it.