The Best Headlamps To Wear On Nighttime Runs
Winter is here which means for many of us, we’re running in the dark. If you’re looking for the best headlamps to wear when you run, LOOK NO FURTHER. We asked the athletes in the Badass Lady Gang what headlights and headlamps they rely on to illuminate their runs. From headlamps during Ragnars to headlamps on your midweek runs, here are headlamps real runners rely on at every price point.
Black Diamond Astro 250 Headlamp
I use a Black Diamond one that I got at REI for $20. It has a few brightness settings and one button on/off and adjusting. No fiddling in the dark to push the right thing!
-Anna T.
This is mine. It’s super lightweight, has hinges so you can point it at different heights, and is very adjustable. Also has different light settings including strobe. Bought it at an outdoor store where there were tons of options.
-Alyssa C.
BioLite HeadLamp 330 Lumen No-Bounce Rechargeable Head Light
I LOVE the BioLite No-Bounce rechargeable headlight. 330 lumen, good recharge life, reflective striping on the band, multiple modes (including flashing and red), and after almost 3 years of use, the elastic is still in good shape. It's lightweight enough that it doesn't need to be super tight to stay on and doesn't heat up (much) so doesn't get hot on your forehead. A bonus on good customer service - my first shipment was botched by the delivery partner, and the company rushed another to me at no charge so I would have it for a nighttime trail race on the schedule.
-Karen J.
I've been very impressed with my BioLite. I bought one in black and my husband liked it so much that it became his, so I bought another one (MINE) in teal. It's lightweight with the battery pack on the back, gets bright, is adjustable, has a battery level indicator so you aren't taken by surprise, and has multiple blinking, brightness, and red light settings. It charges on a USB, so if you are at a Ragnar or similar event, make sure you have a charging plan. I've never had issues with the first and even when I was months outside of the warranty for my second lamp that was having a few problems, the company made it very easy and quick to get a replacement.
-Ruth D. L.
PETZL, Tikka Outdoor Headlamp with 300 Lumens
I have this one and I love it both for running and my outdoor activities. It has a red light which is nice for camping or if the bright lights are giving me a headache but what I love for running is the adjustable brightness and the wide strap that keeps it secure and doesn’t bounce too much. Some of the lighter bare-bones headlamps I don’t find feel as secure.
-Sara L.
Petzl Bindi Headlamp
RAVING fan of my Petzl Bindi headlamp. Rechargeable with good battery, great brightness, adjustable, and comfortable!
-Kelly J.
PETZL, ACTIK CORE Headlamp, 450 Lumens, Rechargeable, with CORE Battery, Black
This is what I use to see things. Only complaint is I wish there was a better indicator for when it needs to be charged, I've had two runs where it goes to the lowest setting to save power, and one of those it didn't make it all the way home, thankfully I was in my neighborhood so not terrible.
-Tammy L.
Go Motion Gear
I do a lot more trail running and headlamps cause shadows, so the ground always looked like a holographic sticker. I got one of these and LOVE it! No shadows, lots of options with brightness and beam size & angle, rechargeable, adjustable straps so it works with just a sports bra and my running vest fully packed.
-Lisa G.
Nathan LED Headlamp for Running, Hiking, Biking, Camping, Hunting and more. Neutron Fire FlashLight
I love my Nathan headlamp! That thing hass been with me on trails, camping…I haven’t been the best with taking care of it but it still works like a charm
-Victoria H.
BLITZU Led Headlamps Camping Essentials for Camper, Kids, Family, Adults. Headband Light Headlights for Head, Headband Flashlights, Led Head Lights, Head Lamp, Camping Gear Clearance, Purple
This is the one I have. I got it for Christmas 2 years ago and it’s been great. Anytime it seems to be too dim is when I need to replace the batteries. There are a couple of modes. And the price can’t be beaten. The actual light also adjusts from flat out to more downward too, because sometimes having it more straight out is good and other times pointed down is good.
-Megan H.
I will be a dissenting voice… I have heard all the great reviews for black diamond and petzl, and I have had relay teammates who have loved them. HOWEVER. I have also been on relays, camping trips, etc, where people (or my own kids) lose or do not return my precious headlamps. So. I have taken to getting two packs of the cheapest rechargeable headlamps available via Amazon.com. They always have multiple settings (and you can often find them in a variety of lumens), and I have never had an issue with them crapping out (people seem to lose them before that can happen). It has made me a more pleasant and generous mother and teammate. I love being able to plug them in and recharge them. Right now, I’m hiking with a friend once a week before dawn, and we’ve never had an issue.
-Kristine J.
Unisex LED Beanie Hat with Light, USB Rechargeable Winter Knit Lighted Headlight Hats Headlamp Cap Gift for Men and Women (Black)
I got a beanie with a rechargeable LED light as swag for a race, and this girl loves her running beanies so it’s my go-to….and it’s fantastic, so I found one like it as a back when I wash my stinky/sweaty beanie
-Kirsten S.
Night Runner 270 Shoe Lights
I can not say enough good things about run lites! You can have gloves, mittens, half gloves or slings. The visibility is insane. Rechargeable and charge lasts forever.
-Anna A.