‘This is probably a bit unnecessary,” I thought to myself as my 1,100-lumen Petzl Reactive head torch lit up my dog like a comedian on Live at the Apollo. Over the past few months, our evening walks have been illuminated by various forehead-mounted gizmos, each one seemingly more powerful than the last. This particular model was overkill for the task at hand, but it proves an important point: not all head torches are created equal.
Brighter isn’t always better. If you’re a trail runner navigating rocky descents at night, a high-powered beam is a must. But if your biggest challenge is finding the campsite loo in the dark, you can probably save yourself a lot of money.
With that in mind, I’ve tested a range of head torches to find the best options on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a casual camper, here are my top picks to light your way.
At a glance
Why you should trust me
I’m a consumer journalist with a decade’s experience reviewing and writing about clothing and equipment for keeping fit and navigating the great outdoors. I’m also a keen runner, cyclist and hillwalker, and I participate in these activities all year round. To keep the momentum going through the winter, I rely heavily on tools such as head torches and bike lights.
How I tested
I tested 10 head torches over four months, eventually whittling it down to a selection of six, including three top picks. I ran with them, took them around my local woodland trails and used them to tinker with bikes in a poorly lit back yard.
Most of all, I used them to walk my golden retriever, Poppy – an activity that I’ve found to be among the best real-world tests for assessing a head torch’s functionality. Is it robust enough to survive sustained periods in torrential rain? Does the beam travel far enough to spot her when she absconds into the night to pursue small woodland creatures? Is it bright enough to locate a turd among thick undergrowth?
The best head torches in 2025
Best head torch overall:
Petzl Swift RL
It may be overkill for walking the dog, but the fancy Petzl Swift RL is perhaps the best head torch on the market. If you want intelligent, battery-saving features, single-button operation and the option of a blindingly powerful maximum setting, all wrapped up in a relatively lightweight, comfortable package, this is as good as it gets. Whether you’re a casual hiker, an experienced mountaineer or even a cyclist (explanation incoming), the Swift RL has you covered.
Why we love it
At 102g the Petzl Swift RL is light enough to appease even the most weight-conscious adventurers. But don’t be fooled by the number on the scales – this thing packs a serious punch, with a maximum output of 1,100 lumens casting light up to 155 metres ahead. Its standout feature, Reactive Lighting (RL), automatically adjusts the brightness based on your surroundings. This not only ensures optimal lighting without having to faff around with buttons but also maximises battery life by making sure you’re getting only as much power as you need.
The headband design is fantastic, too. It’s surprisingly easy to adjust, even with a gloved hand, yet it stays in place and is comfortable once tightened – even for long periods. It’s also reflective, which is a nice touch. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s even an adaptor (sold separately) that allows you to remove the strap and convert the lamp for use on a bicycle.
It’s a shame that … I don’t have any complaints other than it potentially being overkill for basic tasks.
Rechargeable battery: yes, USB-C rechargeable 2,350mAh lithium-ion battery
Maximum output: 1,100 lumens
IP rating: IPX4
Modes: two, Reactive Lighting and Standard Lighting
Full-beam run time: up to 2 hours at maximum brightness; up to 100 hours at 10 lumens
£76.99 at Decathlon
£120 at Cotswold Outdoor
Best eco-friendly head torch:
Silva Terra Scout XT
If you spend a lot of time in the great outdoors, you’re probably keen to limit your environmental impact as much as possible. Swedish head torch stalwart Silva addresses that concern with the Terra Scout XT. This lightweight little lamp does away with the traditional 100% plastic casing commonly found in head torches, opting instead for a body made from plant fibres and recycled plastics.
Why we love it
Weighing in at a mere 84g, the Terra Scout XT will please runners, hikers and campers alike. Its lightweight body, combined with the nice thick strap, makes it so comfortable to wear that I found myself forgetting I had it on at all, even on lengthy walks and runs. The robust nature of the strap means it’s easy to adjust on the go, and the generously sized rubber button adds to the overall ease of use.
The Terra Scout XT delivers up to 350 lumens, which is perfect for night-time road running, tail hiking and the vast majority of nocturnal outdoor applications. This illumination comes courtesy of 3 AAA batteries, but, for those who want to stick with the green theme, there’s also the option to buy Silva’s rechargeable hybrid battery pack.
It’s a shame that … there’s no lock function to prevent the torch from being accidentally switched on while inside a backpack or a pocket.
Rechargeable battery: compatible with Silva’s hybrid battery pack (sold separately) or standard AAA batteries
Maximum output: 350 lumens
IP rating: IPX5
Modes: four, including red and white light options
Full-beam run time: Up to 5.5 hours on maximum brightness; up to 32 hours on minimum setting
£26.59 at Outdoor GB
£39.99 at Silva
Best budget head torch:
Forclaz HL500 USB V3
You don’t always have to spend a fortune to get a solid, reliable piece of outdoor kit, and this modestly priced head torch from Decathlon is evidence of that. It may lack the bells and whistles of some of its more expensive stablemates, but these are largely things that those of us who aren’t venturing up rock faces in complete darkness can probably live without.
Why we love it
Robust, lightweight and a piece of cake to use, this 89g head torch from Decathlon’s in-house trekking and backpacking brand Forclaz is worth every penny of its price tag. It has a comfortable elastic strap that makes it well suited for extended use, a rechargeable battery, five light modes and a lock function to prevent accidental activation.
The light is operated with two rubber buttons – one to dial the brightness up and the other to turn it down. There’s something to be said for the simplicity of a single-button design, but I found this arrangement much more intuitive. At 300 lumens on max power, it’s reasonably powerful but by no means the brightest torch in the tent. If you’re a fell runner or mountaineer, you might be left wanting more, but I found it to be perfectly sufficient for walking and running on unlit trails.
It’s a shame that … the supplied charging cable is a little flimsy.
Rechargeable battery: yes, USB-C rechargeable built-in battery
Maximum output: 300 lumens
IP rating: IPX5
Modes: five (static red, economy, medium, full power, blinking)
Full-beam run time: up to 2.5 hours at maximum brightness; up to 35 hours in red light mode
The best of the rest
Fenix HM65R-T
Best for: long runs on technical terrain
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Looking to tackle your first ultra? This nifty little head torch has the sort of power and stamina you’ll need to make it through in one piece. With dual LEDs, it’s capable of offering a spotlight and a floodlight, with a maximum output of 1,600 lumens for use on the most technical of trails.
The construction is magnesium, which I found to be durable, but it’s a little heavier than most at roughly 140g. Still, that’s the price you pay for such a high-power output and long-lasting battery. Thankfully, the added heft doesn’t negatively impact comfort, thanks largely to the clever BOA dial adjustment system that makes it easy to achieve the perfect fit and make adjustments on the fly.
It didn’t make the final cut because … the weight may be a concern for some, and it offers a lesser degree of angle tilt than some competitors.
Rechargeable battery: yes, USB-C rechargeable with included 18650 lithium-ion battery; maximum output: 1,600 lumens (combined spotlight and floodlight); IP rating: IP68 ; modes: eight; full-beam run time: up to 3 hours at maximum brightness; up to 300 hours on lowest setting
£110.95 at Decathlon
£110.95 at Fenix
Nitecore NU25
Best for: weight-conscious runners and backpackers
If you need something light as a feather and reasonably priced, yet powerful enough for hiking, backpacking and general campsite duties, it doesn’t get much better than this. At 56g the NU25 is outrageously light, which, combined with the nice wide strap, makes it comfortable to wear for extended periods. It’s also nice and small for easy packing, with a built-in lockout function to prevent it from being activated accidentally when it’s stuffed into a backpack or a pocket.
The NU25 isn’t the most powerful head torch on the market, but it is versatile, offering various light modes for different situations, and rechargeable with USB-C. Unfortunately, the battery is non-replaceable, which means when it runs out of juice for the last time, you’ll have to throw the entire unit away.
It didn’t make the final cut because … the non-replaceable battery might be a deal breaker for environmentally conscious consumers.
Rechargeable battery: yes, USB-C rechargeable built-in 650mAh Li-ion battery; maximum output: 400 lumens; IP rating: IP66; modes: 8; full-beam run time: up to 30 minutes at maximum brightness; up to 160 hours on lowest setting
£48.95 at Nitecore
£49.95 at Amazon
Black Diamond Storm 500-R
Best for: hiking and camping
With 500 lumens on max power, a respectable run time, a lock function and both spotlight and floodlight beam patterns, the Black Diamond Storm 500-R is a versatile head torch that excels in various outdoor applications. There’s a dimming feature that means the brightness can be adjusted beyond the main light modes, and the memory function means that, when switched on, the torch will still be in the last mode that was selected.
Another handy feature is something Black Diamond calls “PowerTap”, which allows you to go from any light mode straight to full power without cycling through multiple other modes to get there. Comfort is good too, despite the relative heaviness, and the headband is made from recycled elastic, which is a nice touch.
It didn’t make the final cut because … micro-USB charging is a bit dated for a torch at this price point, and the rechargeable battery is not replaceable.
Rechargeable battery: yes, micro-USB rechargeable built-in 1250 mAh Li-ion battery or 3 AAA batteries; maximum output: 500 lumens; IP rating: IP67; modes: seven; full-beam run time: up to 7 hours at maximum brightness; up to 350 hours on lowest setting
£65 at Black Diamond
£65 at Ellis Brigham
What you need to know
What are lumens (and why do they matter)?
A head torch that’s too dim won’t provide sufficient illumination. On the flip side, one that’s too bright could be distracting and even cause eye strain. So, how can you determine the level of brightness without trying the torch out? The answer is to look at the lumens.
A lumen is a unit of measurement. In simple terms, it tells you how bright the torch is. The higher the number of lumens, the more visible light it’s capable of emitting.
For reading in a tent or cooking your supper at the campsite, 100-250 lumens should do the job nicely. But if you’re mountaineering in pitch black, trail running through dark woodland or skiing at night, you might need 500-900 – the faster you’re moving, the brighter the light will need to be. For everything in between these two extremes, about 300-600 is a good place to aim.
Battery life
Few things are more frustrating (or potentially hazardous) than your head torch giving up the ghost halfway up a hill in the dark. Even if your night-time adventures are less extreme, like walking the dog, you’ll quickly find the task of finding a rogue tennis ball becomes significantly harder without a beam of light to illuminate the vegetation. This is why battery life should be a top consideration when choosing a head torch.
Most head torches come with a variety of light modes. These often include different brightness levels, flashing modes, and sometimes a red-light option to reduce eye strain and preserve night vision. These settings allow you to tailor the level of illumination to your environment and avoid dazzling on-comers, but different settings will all drain the battery life at different speeds. Your focus should be on how long a head torch battery will last when running at its highest-lumen setting. Usually, this will be somewhere around 2 hours.
Generally, the more powerful the torch, the quicker it will munch through its charge. That said, most torches have several less powerful modes that can be selected to preserve battery life when a full beam isn’t required. Head torch brand Petzl has even developed a technology that intelligently adjusts the brightness for you, allowing you to get more life out of each charge.
Weight
Longer battery life usually means a bigger battery, and a bigger battery usually means more weight. This is worth taking into account relative to how you intend to use your head torch. If you’re going to have it on your head for long periods, you don’t want something too hefty or it will become uncomfortable. The best head torches strike a balance between weight and power.
Paddy Maddison is a freelance consumer journalist, outerwear enthusiast and exercise addict. If he’s not hiking in the hills, he’s grinding up them on his bike, hurtling down them on his snowboard, or lacing up his running shoes and hitting the pavements. As a result, he gets plenty of time to put all the latest and greatest gear through the wringer for the Filter
