While headlamps are traditionally used in outside activities they can useful around the home as well. Anytime you need focused lighting and two free hands to complete a task is when you need a headlamp.

General Features of a Headlamp

When looking for the best headlamp for your specific application, you will want to consider some specific features.

Brightness

Obviously, overall headlamp brightness (measured in lumens) and the capability to adjust the brightness level is important. Some headlamps have more than one LED for various brightness levels, or the capacity to control the light output of a single LED light.

Battery/Battery Life

You also want to consider battery life ratings and the types of batteries used as well. Does the light use a battery that is readily available anywhere? Can it use rechargeables? Will the battery type for the headlamp yield enough lighting time for your task?

Durability/Weather Resistance

The overall durability and construction is another factor to consider. Heavier headlamps with wider straps and separate battery packs make sense for mountaineering, while extremely lightweight headlamps are more applicable to activities such as running. If you are in a very wet climate, you’ll need to make sure it can withstand rain.

Strap Configuration

Even if you have the best headlamp in the world, if it isn’t stable when it’s on your head it’s effectively worthless. So consider the type of strap configuration. The addition of the front to back strap to the head strap adds a great deal of stability.

For Hiking, Camping and Fishing

The best led headlamp for activities like hiking, camping or fishing needs to be durable, rain-proof, and sufficiently bright enough so you can safely and easily carry out the tasks you need to accomplish.

If you’ve ever had to try and quickly tie a tiny fly on a whisper thin tippet at dusk while fish are rising all around you, you’ll quickly understand why a headlamp comes in so handy. The real key is that a headlamp gives you the capability to have your hands free when reading maps, gathering firewood, tying knots, etc.

Since the primary task for the headlamp is task lighting, you don’t necessarily need a super high lumens light. It just needs to be easy to use and to preserve battery life, varied power settings.

For Climbing:

Headlamps for climbing need to be durable, bright, throw light well, and offer weather resistance. Since the safety element in climbing is paramount, it’s important to not skimp on a headlamp. It needs to be very reliable.

For Running:

What is the best led headlamp for running? It needs to be very light, offer some weather resistance and have good battery life. If you are a hard core runner and run on a daily basis for long amounts of time in the dark, look for a headlamp that offers you the capability to use rechargeable battery.

For Cycling:

Avid mountain bikers usually have a variety of trails they regularly ride. Sometimes riding the same trail over and over again gets boring. That’s why night rides are so popular. They breathe life into a familiar route. Riding a trail at night is completely different than riding in the day. If you are a bicycle commuter your main concern is safety and being seen.

Regardless of your use, the best headlamp for cycling needs to be bright, weatherproof and for commuters the capability to use rechargeable batteries is a plus.

For General Purpose:

There are dozens of excellent general purpose headlamps available for “around the house” use. Anytime you need task lighting and two free hands to complete a task is when you need a general purpose headlamp.

Conclusion

To recap – brightness (lumens), light adjustability, battery type and lifespan, durability and weight and the are all features you should examine to determine the best headlamp for you. My hope is this information has helped you find the best led headlamp for your particular application.

See more in this Category

Pros:

Cons:
– Very hot on maximum mode
– Medium mode too low

First of all, many thanks to Frank Wöhler from This light was kindly lent to us by ktl-store.com for all his patient answers to my enquiries.

Introduction

Not so long ago the headlamp market was dominated by a couple of big players who specialised in this field. Then flashlight makers such as Fenix, Surefire, and ITP woke up to the potential of this untapped market and decided to give the specialists a run for their money. Unusually, and perhaps wisely, a new company, Spark, decided to test the market initially with a range of headlamps and followed this up by launching several flashlights.
The model tested here has the highest output of the first series of Spark headlamps.

Specifications/Features (taken from the Spark website)

The SL6 is powered by a single 18650 rechargeable battery or 2 CR123A batteries.

• Length: 7.8cm (3.07inches)
• Width: 5.2cm (2.04inches)
• Weight (without battery): 50g (1.76oz)
• Weight (with battery and headband): 150g (5.29oz)

The Spark ST6-360CW also has the following features:

• LED: Cree CW R5
• Lens: impact resistant glass
• Water-resistance: IPX-8

First Impressions

The ST6 comes in a smart presentation box and includes the headlamp itself with a headband and a manual. There are no accessories.

The lamp makes a very good impression overall. The fittings and finish are very good and there are 10 cooling vents all around the head of the lamp. The camouflaged headband is very sturdy and comfortable to wear.

The headband not only fits around your forehead but also has an overhead strap for those using a helmet. This did not feel too comfortable so it was good that it is removable.

The light is also held very firmly in place in the holder. You can adjust the lamp about 180° to see the tips of your toes or the stars in the sky. I liked the fact that it is possible to do this one-handed and that the light rotates smoothly in the mount.

Curiously, the ST6 also has a nice feature for those who are worried about putting the batteries in the wrong way. Quite simply, whichever way the batteries are inserted, the light will work. I tried this several times with different batteries and it worked every time.

Operation

This is easy. You tap the switch to turn on. To go through the modes you hold the switch down. The time between modes is longer than for the recently- reviewed Spark SL6 and, in my opinion, better. When you reach the desired light level, you release the switch. The headlamp automatically memorises the last mode used.

The ST6 also has an SOS mode. Thankfully, this is hidden but easily accessible by quickly tapping the switch twice. You can also switch on SOS directly from off mode.

Guarantee

Spark offers a replacement within 7 days of purchase and a one year warranty.

ST6 Output and Runtime:

• Maximum: 360 lumens for 108 minutes
• Medium: 60 lumens for 20 hours
• Low: 12 lumens for 6 days

Runtime Test

I tried this on maximum mode with an AW 2600mAh battery. The light managed 100 minutes and then started blinking at long intervals to signal that it was running out of power.

On this mode, the ST6 became very hot after about 20 minutes. I was certainly not able to hold it for more than 3 seconds. This made me wonder how it would feel on my head. I wore it for 30 minutes after the 20 minute warm-up phase until it became unbearable.

Outside

I first of all tried the lamp using all three modes in complete darkness at a local farm. I would describe the low mode as a good level for camping or for lighting distances up to seven metres away.

Medium mode has an effective range of just over 30 metres and produces a smooth beam. This may well be the most useful mode for many people. The alleged runtime of 20 hours could also make it a further plus point for those out in the field for extended periods.

On maximum, the ST6 provides a good combination of spill and spot and lights for approximately 70 metres.

I also thought it may also be useful to see how the lamp performed with different activities.

I loathe jogging but, in the interests of research, I thought that I should try the ST6 out for those who would use it for this purpose. The medium mode was very good here but the lamp itself felt rather heavy. I have no other experience of jogging while wearing a headlamp but I presume most joggers would use a lamp powered by a lighter battery.

In addition, I also used the ST6 for biking. The medium mode was good on smooth unlit paths. On rougher ground, however, it failed to illuminate bumps or holes soon enough for me to avoid them. I did have the option of using the maximum mode here but, in view of the brightness, this was like using a hammer to crack a nut.

On a more positive note, it was very easy to adjust the beam with one hand while on the move.

As a further test, I went in and around the house, trying out the lamp in the cellar, garden and under the car.

The low mode illuminated everything very well under the car. Indeed, I saw in perfect detail how many opportunities mechanics have for swindling non-techies like me.

Surprisingly, you can also use it for reading in the dark if you adjust the hotspot slightly above or below the page. This mode is also very good for rummaging around dark rooms.

Conclusion

The Spark ST6-360CW has a good range of features, but unfortunately the sum of the parts was not entirely convincing.

As with the SL6, the build quality is very good and the beam on maximum is excellent. The ability to insert the battery in both directions may also be an interesting feature for those needing to re-fuel in the dark.

As for SOS, I’m not usually interested in any of the blinking functions of a light. However, the ST6, with its concealed but easy-to-reach SOS function, provides the perfect solution for those who don’t need it but may someday appreciate it being there.
In addition, 360 lumens for a headlamp on maximum mode is extremely bright and would have been inconceivable until very recently.

However, unless you want to sport a branded cattle look on your forehead, it would be inadvisable to use the lamp on maximum mode for longer periods.

The medium mode could have come to the rescue here if it had been brighter, but, sadly, 60 lumens is too low for those needing a greater burst of light for near and medium distances.

Without these weaknesses, the ST6 had the potential to be an excellent headlamp. I was therefore pleased to hear that Spark have already launched a newer version which has both a lower maximum and a higher medium mode.

See more in this Category

Editor rating
+ 8/10 Great Gear
Pros:
+ Great thrower
+ Moderate price
+ Useful diffuser
+ Excellent runtime
Cons:
– Fiddly operation

Introduction

Just imagine you’ve travelled in a time machine to more than one hundred years ago when the flashlight was not yet on the market.

You land in the laboratory of a company which has just invented a battery-powered light. The possibilities are enormous. This is a light source, more powerful than a candle-powered lamp, which can be carried around everywhere. There are two schools of thought in the lab. The first argues that a light is meant to be held in the hand, as people have this done for centuries.

The more unconventional colleagues are in favour of strapping the light to the user’s head. They maintain this would be especially useful for those working in the dark, as they would then have both hands free. Police or army personnel would have both hands free for defensive or offensive purposes. Fishermen, whether at sea or on land, would also benefit. Those among the working classes who travel by bicycle could see all the dangerous potholes ahead. In fact, they argue, why should anyone hold a light, if the head-worn variety automatically points in the direction you want to illuminate?  There’s not really much to think about, is there?

It is therefore rather surprising that hand-held flashlights prevailed for decades, and headlampers, until recently, were regarded as niche customers and had only a few specialist companies to choose from. Things have changed, however, and these days you can spend almost as much time looking for your ideal headlamp as you would for a conventional flashlight.

Some traditional torch makers have jumped on the bandwagon and now offer their own headlamps to compete with their specialist competitors. Fenix has been especially active in this regard, and their HL21 headlamp is their latest offering aimed at the general user.

Specifications/Features (taken from the Fenix website)

The Fenix HL21 headlamp can be powered by a single AA, a rechargeable Ni-MH equivalent or a lithium battery, but not by a 14500 lithium rechargeable battery.

• Length: 64.3mm / 2.53in
• Width: 50mm / 1.97in
• Height: 38.5mm / 1.51in
• Weight:  49.5g / 1.75oz (excluding battery)

The light also has the following features:

• LED: Cree XP-E LED (R2)
• Materials: lighting head made out of aircraft grade aluminium
• Anodising: type III anti-abrasive finish
• Waterproof: IPX-8, submersible for up to 30 minutes at a depth of two metres

First Impressions

The Fenix Headlamp HL21 comes in a hard transparent plastic packaging with a Chinese and English manual, an adjustable headband and a diffuser lens.

The lamp makes a good impression overall. It is very easy to fit the headband and it feels comfortable to wear. There is no overhead strap.

The single AA battery is housed in a tube under the light. The battery cap is screwed on very tightly but once you have loosened this, it is not necessary to close it as tightly for the lamp to work.

The light also has a ratchet-like adjustment facility which enables you to focus it in six different positions. The easiest way to do this is to grip either side of the battery case between your thumb and forefinger and twist up or down until the desired position clicks into place. This worked very well – at least it did in my warm, well-lit living room.

Operation

The HL21 is operated from a switch at the side of the battery case. Press to switch on. The modes follow the order low, medium and high. To go to the next modes, press the switch for more than one second. The headlamp automatically memorises the last mode used.
The HL also has an SOS mode. To access this, you have to switch on the light in any mode and quickly press the switch twice. It is not possible to access the SOS function from off mode. I found it positive that the (hopefully) rarely-used SOS mode does not get in the way of the other light outputs.

Guarantee

Fenix Headlamp offers a replacement for faulty lamps within 15 days of purchase and a two-year free repair service.

HL 21 Output and Runtime:

• Maximum:  97 lumens (2h 3mins)
• Medium: 47 lumens (5h 43 mins)
• Low: 3 lumens (53h)
• SOS: no information available

Runtime Test

I tried this on maximum mode with both an alkaline battery from Duracell and a refreshed and fully-charged 2500mAh rechargeable battery. The Fenix site puts the runtime at just over two hours.

My rechargeable battery managed 90 minutes before reverting to medium.
The head became hot to touch (you can hold it for 10 seconds). In real life this will not be a problem. The switch remains cool and you can still adjust the headlamp, however hot the head becomes. More importantly, the distance between the headband and the light means you will not be roasting your forehead.

Even if you allow for the fact that torch companies test the runtime under ‘ideal’ conditions, i.e. ideal for them, this runtime is excellent for a single AA battery.

For environment destroyers, the alkaline battery managed to power the light for just over an hour, at which point it reverted to medium. To be fair, Fenix recommends rechargeable AAs, and alkaline batteries should only be regarded as an emergency solution.

Outside

Fenix puts the lighting distance at 93 metres on max. Dream on! Some 18650 torches do not accomplish this in the real world!

I was, however, very surprised when testing the maximum mode. The Fenix HL21 headlamp is definitely a thrower and managed to light more than 55 metres – further than any 1AA light we have tested so far. In terms of beam distance, the 90 lumens quoted by Fenix actually out-performs other single AA lights boasting up to 200 lumens.

Furthermore, the light’s performance at longer distances does not mean that you will be making great sacrifices for close-up or medium work as the beam has a good mixture of spill and spot.

Admittedly, the HL does not illuminate every blade of grass at a distance of 10 metres away, unlike its floodier competitors, but you will see everything you need to.

On the medium mode of 43 lumens, I did not notice much difference in the lighting distance when comparing it with the maximum. There were perhaps a few metres difference and a little less light for closer distances, but it certainly did not feel like half the light output.
When you consider that the advertised runtime is not far off six hours, the medium mode would be a sensible option for those out in the field for longer periods.

The Diffuser

Anybody who has a collection of flashlights will also probably have a whole host of accessories in the kitchen drawer saved for the rainy day which never comes: glow-in-the-dark caps, clips, lanyards etc.

The HL21’s diffuser should not be placed in this category. In fact, I have not removed it at all (except for testing purposes) since first attaching it several weeks ago.

The diffuser twists on to the head of the lamp and has a cap which you can flick open or close to alternate between a spill and spot beam. I cannot imagine the diffuser ever working itself loose. On the contrary, it is rather difficult to remove without a series of tugs and twists.

So why do you need it? Just to give one example, the HL21 on low non-diffuser mode could be used for searching in dark rooms. If you close the diffuser cap, the headlamp is easily converted into a read-in-the dark or work-under-the-car light.

One possible weakness is that it does appear rather fragile. It will survive a fall on soft ground, but a stony path could cause some damage, although I have not tested this.

Cycling / Jogging

When I’m cycling on unlit paths, I normally use my rather old Olight m20 Warrior on medium mode. This is more than adequate even on unfamiliar terrain.

I was therefore surprised that the HL21 on max has an almost identical beam (in length and width) to that of the m20 on medium.

When you consider that the m20 is a much bigger light powered by a far more powerful battery, this will perhaps give you an idea of how the flashlight world has progressed in the last couple of years.

I would recommend the HL21 for cycling and jogging with some reservations. The medium output is very good for both activities, and you could even use the low mode for jogging along a familiar path.

However, the ease of operation, performed in the comfort of my home, proved to be more complicated when I was on the move outside. While cycling with the HL21 I tried adjusting the beam wearing gloves and found it rather hit-and-miss.

I did, however, find this much easier when jogging without gloves.
In addition, the small switch made changing modes rather frustrating for both activities, especially when wearing gloves.

Admittedly, joggers would probably set the beam and light level before they start running, and would not need to adjust either of these while in motion.

Conclusion

I never fail to marvel at the ever-increasing output achieved by light manufacturers, but this headlamp surprised me more than most.

After comparing it with other lights, I was unsure whether Fenix had understated the number of lumens for the HL21 or whether other companies had overstated theirs. Whatever the case, a mere 90 lumens will give you more beam distance than a lot of other competitors with a lot more lumens.

In addition, a runtime of 90 minutes on maximum competes with lights running on 2 AA batteries. Moreover, although the light does get hot on maximum, the  heat is never transferred to your head.

The diffuser supplied also increases the flexibility of the HL21, turning the hotspot beam into a floodier alternative, and its negligible size and weight make it a useful extra for those who travel light.

Nevertheless, the user interface could have been more user-friendly. Perhaps a bigger switch (or one which protruded more) or an infinitely adjustable beam facility would have been more beneficial, particularly for cyclists.

It has to be said, though, that Fenix particularly recommends the headlamp for hiking, camping and reading and I have to agree. For these activities, the flexibility of output when using the diffuser, and the modest price could make the Fenix HL21 headlamp a worthwhile choice.

See more in this Category

Editor rating
+ 9/10 All-around amzing gear
Pros
+ Extremely tough
+ Powerful output
+ Excellent runtime
Cons
– Company advertising claims

Introduction

Once again, a heartfelt thanks to Vitus for allowing me to test the HP20 for a short time. Vitus works for an oil pipeline company and his job, amongst lots of other things, involves going into the pipeline and identifying faults, whether potential or actual, and getting them repaired. In such a job, as you can imagine, a reliable and bright headlamp with a long runtime is of major importance.

The Fenix HP20 headlamp

The HP20 runs on four AA alkaline batteries or NiMH rechargeable batteries. The battery pack is far too heavy to carry on your head so the batteries are housed in a separate case which you can attach to your belt. The headlamp is connected to the batteries with a cable. The cable has an illuminated switch so you don’t need to reach up to your head or down to the battery case to fumble through the different modes.

Fenix claims that the HP20 ‘can effectively satisfy various high-intensity demands when cycling, searching and caving.’

Dimensions

The Fenix HP20 has the following dimensions:

Headlamp:

• Length: 7cm (2.75”)
• Width: 5.7cm (2.24”)
• Height: 5.6cm (2.20”)
• Weight (without batteries): 260g (9.17oz)

Battery Case:

• Length: 10.8cm (4.25”)
• Width: 7.9cm (3.11”)
• Height: 3cm (1.18”)

First Impressions

Everything about this lamp makes a rugged impression.The battery case is rock-solid and sealed with a thick o-ring. It is easy to open and close.

The headlamp also looks like it will stand the test of time. It is allegedly impact-resistant from a height of 1.5 metres. It is also submersible to a depth of 2 metres for more than 30 minutes, which, if true, makes it extremely waterproof.

Even the cable, the flimsiest part of the device, looks very durable. The switches on the cable look like a dimmer switch on a normal table lamp.

The operation was self-explanatory. You press the main switch on the battery case. This activates the cable switches. The yellow switch is for turning on and off. The blue switch is for turning on the different modes.

• The headlamp comes with a heavy-duty plastic box, similar to a small toolbox.
• There are two modes and seven different output levels. The headlamp memorises the last output used.

The HP20 outside

The lighting distance on max is advertised as 167 metres on the Fenix website. Do me a favour! This is a small headlamp, not a prison floodlight! As many torch companies make such wild claims, I tried to approach this aspect of the headlamp with an open mind.

I tested the output in some nearby fields under light snowfall and was very impressed. The HP20 is easily good for 80 metres on maximum. This is exceptional performance when you consider the size of the lamp and the battery configuration. The lamp has a good combination of spill and spot beam and illuminated much wider than I expected it to.

The battery case can be attached to your belt or trouser pocket, or even stowed inside your rucksack or inside jacket pocket. I found mounting it on my belt the best variation. It is comfortable to wear and stays in place. After turning on the main switch, you won’t need to use it again. This is good, because in caves or mines you will probably be wearing it under a jacket.

The cable switches are a revelation. The yellow and blue switches are illuminated and ingeniously simple to use. Furthermore, I had no problems whatsoever flicking through the different modes wearing very thick gloves.

Output

The HP20 has the following advertised output and runtimes:

• Turbo: 230 lumens, 3 hours 29 minutes
• High: 125 lumens, 8 hours 24 minutes
• Mid: 51 lumens, 24 hours
• Low: 6 lumens, 296 hours
• Strobe: 230 lumens
• Slow flash: 51 lumens
• SOS: 51 lumens

I find these outputs to be well spaced out, both in theory and practice.

I only tested the turbo runtime. For this test I used rechargeable 2700mAh batteries. The light becomes very hot just after 75 minutes. In fact, you cannot touch it for more than a few seconds as it will burn your fingers. Fortunately, you can still wear it on your head, as the headband fully protects your forehead. It feels slightly warm, but it is not uncomfortable.

After 90 minutes I took the lamp outside to see what it was still capable of doing. I went back to the same fields (no snow this time) and was rather surprised to see that it still easily lit up to 60 metres away.

After 3 hours the lamp was still incredibly bright, completely flooding my small back garden, but shortly after became noticeably dimmer until it died after 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Some Issues

I checked the headlamp on the Fenix website. The excellent graphics and the features, listed in easy-to-understand bullet points, are very impressive. But let’s ignore the gloss and focus on the facts.

The company mentions the word ‘freezing’ or ‘anti-freezing’ eight times in its presentation of the HP20. Of course, with such overkill, some gullible souls may already be planning their Christmas holiday in Alaska. Unfortunately, there is no indication anywhere of the minimum temperature under which the torch will operate. This is an unforgivable omission in my view.

In addition, the website and the manual extol the HP20 as a useful light when cycling. This is downright nonsense.

First of all, why clutter your body with headlamp, cable and battery pack? Surely it’s much simpler (and cheaper) to fix a decent bike light or torch to your handlebars.

Secondly, this is certainly not the kind of lamp you can simply stash in your jacket after dismounting, as it is both heavy and bulky. To give you an idea of what I mean, the box provided to transport the torch measures 19cm x 13.5cm. (see photo)

More importantly, when switching on or off or changing modes, you automatically look down towards your waist while fumbling for the switch. This is not only annoying, but also very dangerous.

I tried cycling with the HP20 twice in complete darkness. Believe me, this is no bike light.

Conclusion

Despite the claims of the manufacturer, I gave the Fenix HP20 a very good rating because it is a very good lamp for the speciality user.

For those, like Vitus, working in confined spaces (potholers, cavers, miners), or even people working in the search and rescue sector, this headlamp could be the ideal companion.

The beam has a good mixture of flood and throw, so it is not just ideal for narrow passages, but also wide open spaces. The runtime is outstanding. The switch mechanism is absolutely fool-proof. In addition, the light also contains the functions (SOS, slow blinking) required in an emergency situation. The HP20 is tough, durable, waterproof and runs on readily-available household batteries. What is there not to like?

I was going to downgrade the rating of the lamp because of the misleading marketing of this product, but in the end I decided against it. After all, it is not the lamp’s fault if its producer is economical with the truth.

See more in this Category

Dimensions
Diameter: 16.2mm (0.63 inches)
Length: 52.5mm (2.06 inches)
Width: 36.2 mm (1.42 inches)
Weight without battery: 50.8g (1.79 oz)

Introduction

I used to see people wearing headlamps as sad geeks trying to look like tough coalminers. Not anymore. A short while ago, I took an early evening cycle ride around a nearby lake. I was rather dismayed to find that I, with my conventional lighting, was very much the king of uncool. Everyone was wearing headlamps! Nordic walkers, joggers, cyclists, even an older gentleman walking his dog.

The more I thought about it, the more logical it seemed. A hands-free light source makes perfect sense for the above activities, as well as for users in the fishing, sailing, caving and camping fraternity. Even Joe Sixpack, with little interest in the outdoors, would find this a positive boon for working under the car, changing a tyre at night etc. The headlamp has taken off big time, and, understandably, everyone, from serious torch companies to local discount supermarkets, wants a piece of the action.

The Company

ITP is a Chinese company which specialises in high-quality LED flashlights. Yes, you read this correctly. I did put the words ‘Chinese’ and ‘high-quality’ in the same sentence. Other companies such as Nitecore, Fenix, Olight and Sunwayman are fellow compatriots, and their products are among the finest in the world of high-end flashlights.

“So why have I never heard of any of them?” you may ask. Simple. It is unlikely that you will be able to buy their products in your local supermarket, or, with some exceptions, even in your outdoor department store. The major quality torch makers (Chinese and non-Chinese) usually sell through authorised dealers, who only sell torches or related products.

ITP had already established itself as a serious player at the affordable end of the premium torch market, so I thought it was rather a bold move to branch into the booming headlamp sector.

I think ITP was wise to break into this section of the headlamp market, as most companies offer products with the more powerful AA alkaline batteries, or even stronger and longer-running lithium cells.

The Light Itself

The light came in an easy to open plastic package and contained the following: the headlamp in a rubber casing, a camouflaged-coloured headband, a clip, two spare o-rings, and an instruction booklet plus guarantee.

The light is powered by one AAA battery or rechargeable (not supplied).This makes it very light compared to other headlamps with bigger or several batteries.

My first impressions were very positive. The workmanship of the light, casing and headband appeared first-class. The instructions were very clear. The headband is easy to adjust and comfortable to wear. When you remove the light from the casing, it also feels comfortable holding it between the fingers, so you could use it as a normal torch, as well. The light has three modes – low, medium and high. To switch on the light, twist the head. To change the mode, untwist and tighten again within one second.

According to the instructions, the light memorises the last mode used. I find this a particularly useful function, especially as I would probably use the medium mode in most cases. I was, therefore, disappointed to find that mine did not work. I checked the instructions to see if I was doing anything wrong and tried several times, but no, the light always reverted to the low default mode. I then checked the ITP website which confirmed that the light does indeed switch on in low mode. Pity!

The light is also waterproof to IP68 standard. This is an international standard which, as far as I can make out, means that the headlamp can not only withstand heavy rainfall, but also temporary immersion, for example if you drop it in a puddle. This is important because when you are outdoors, the light will always be exposed to the elements. Unlike a normal torch, which you can slip under your jacket sleeve and still light your way, there are no hiding places for a headlamp.

Runtime

According to ITP the light has the following outputs and runtimes:

• 80 lumens for 55 minutes
• 18 lumens for 4 hours
• 1.5 lumens for 50 hours

My first test was to switch on the maximum mode and see how long it lasted. According to ITP, this should be 55 minutes. I used a rechargeable 1100 mAh cell and was rather surprised. I noticed very little difference after 55 minutes. After about 65 minutes the light was noticeably dimmer, but still produced very useable light. I would say that it was good for up to 20 metres. After 75 minutes, the light was too dim to light anything so I switched it off.

I also tested it on medium and found that the company figures were accurate. It does indeed light for four hours, by which time the brightness is equivalent to the low level of 1.5 lumens.

Output

The H01 has a flood beam, which means that it throws its light over a wide area. The beam on all levels is very even.

The maximum output for such a tiny light running on such a small battery is phenomenal. As an example, I tested it against my old krypton mini maglite, which runs on 2 x AA batteries. There really was no competition. The H01 beam is definitely brighter on max, and the beam is also much smoother and wider.

I actually found the medium and low modes more useful, as these are more designed for close-up work. For campers, the medium mode is perfectly adequate for setting up the tent, cooking, and even lighting your way to the toilet. Low mode is good for reading in your tent. If the ITP quoted 50 hours runtime is correct, then take plenty of books rather than batteries.

The Perfect Mini Headlamp?

On the plus side, it is small enough to stow away anywhere. It fits into every jacket pocket I have. It has a very good runtime on medium and low levels, if ITP are to be believed. (I will test this later). It is waterproof. (Again, I will update you on this). In addition, the output for such a small light almost defies belief. It is also relatively inexpensive.

There were, however, a couple of things which disturbed me, especially when using it outside in the dark, rather than the comfort of my own home. The light is not so easy to adjust. You can adjust the beam for distant or close-up work, but it is very fiddly. Moreover, I found that the H01 switches on or off sometimes, when you least expect it or want it.

Conclusion

I think ITP should get back to the drawing board on this one, and fine-tune the product, rather than give it a completely overhaul. The runtime and output for a light powered on such a small battery are excellent, and the beam is very smooth. You can also stow the H01 anywhere.

I would, however, have expected a more consistent statement about the ability of the light to memorise modes. Furthermore, I think the difficulty in adjusting the light needs to be better thought-out. I was also rather annoyed about the surprise on/off functions of the lamp.

See more in this Category