Headlamp
Overview
A headlamp is a hands-free lighting device worn on the head, typically used for night hiking, camp chores, and emergency visibility. It provides directed illumination while keeping the user’s hands free.
Key points
- Essential for navigation and camp tasks after dark.
- Uses LEDs with adjustable brightness levels.
- Often includes flood, spot, and red-light modes.
- Battery types include replaceable cells or rechargeable packs.
- Weather-resistant construction supports outdoor reliability.
Details
Headlamps are a critical piece of safety equipment for backcountry travel. Many models offer multiple beam patterns, including wide-angle flood beams for campsite tasks and narrow spot beams for distant visibility on trails. Red-light modes maintain night vision during group travel or camp setups.
Battery life, weight, and durability vary by model. Some hikers prefer rechargeable headlamps for convenience, while others carry spare alkaline or lithium batteries for extended trips. Reliability in moisture and cold conditions is also a key consideration.
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Illustrative hiking footage
The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.