Best Hunting Headlamps Reviews: Top 8 List with Buyer’s Guide

Best Hunting Headlamps Reviews: Top 8 List with Buyer’s Guide

If you are an after-dark or before-sunrise hunter, you will need a reliable light source. The goal of this post is to help you make an informed decision. Here we will discuss the best headlamps for hunters to help you learn everything you need to know about headlights. Here you will also learn what to look for in a hunting headlamp.

A hunting headlamp, therefore, is an important item. It can make hunting a lot more enjoyable. But with so many options available in the market, you may feel a bit overwhelmed when you have to choose one. Yes, choosing a headlamp is harder than it sounds.

Keep reading!

Top 8 Best Hunting Headlamps Reviews


1.) Black Diamond Storm Headlamp


This headlamp is from Black Diamond, a renowned outfitter. Many experienced hunters rely on this dustproof and waterproof headlamp. If you are looking for a high-quality headlamp, the Storm can be a really good choice.

This tough and lightweight headlamp can be used for years. With its blue, green and red LEDs, the headlamp makes it super easy to maintain your night vision. You can instantly switch between full and dimmed power, thanks to Power Tap Technology.

The headlamp also comes with a strobe setting. This feature is very helpful when rescuing is necessary. This amazing headlamp is also known for its waterproof design, durability, runtime, variety of settings, and light output.

Pros

  • 350 lumens
  • 80-meter light range
  • Blue, green and red single power LEDs
  • Brightness settings can be stored

Cons

  • Light settings are a bit complicated
  • Emits a buzzing sounds
  • A bit expensive

2.) Browning Nitro Headlamp


This headlamp from Browning is often recommended as an affordable and effective hunting headlamp. This high-quality headlamp is known for its durability. It is pretty bright. On its brightest setting, it reaches at 255 lumens. This much illumination can be really helpful for field dressing deer.

Yes, there are hunting headlamps that are way more powerful. But in most cases, this brightness is enough. It has different light modes including green and red, and you can cycle through different modes with the twist dial. Operating this headlamp is pretty easy. It literally has no learning curve.

Pros

  • Red and green light settings
  • Long-distance lighting
  • Impressive run time
  • Water-resistant

Cons

  • Not submersible
  • Battery life is not long on the brightest setting

3.) Streamlight Buckmasters Trident Series Flashlight


A lot of hunters are in love with this amazing headlamp from Streamlight. There are many headlamps that are brighter than this one, but it is known for its long battery life, green light settings, and durability.

This headlamp has gained popularity mainly because of its functionality and price point. If you are going to trek in the dark, this 80-lumen headlamp may not be ideal. But for regular camping activities, this brightness is enough.

On the highest setting, its battery life is around 5 hours. And on the lowest setting, the headlamp can run up to 60 hours. For multi-day trips, this hunting headlamp is really great. With a second rubber strap, this hunting headlamp is water and shock-resistant.

Pros

  • Up to 60 hours of run time
  • Shock and water-resistant
  • Includes a rubber hat strap and an elastic strap

Cons

  • Brightness level reaches only up to 80 lumens
  • Fairly expensive
  • No distress or SOS call setting

4.) Browning Hell’s Canyon Speed Epic 3V Headlamp


This mindfully designed cool hunting headlamp can be useful for hunters of all kinds. The headlamp is really lightweight—it weighs only 3 pounds. If you are going to trek long distances, this cool headlamp can add richness to your experience.

Maintaining night mode is easy—thanks to this headlamp’s amazing brightness modes. The brighter mode is for long-range visibility while the lower setting is for regular use. However, the runtime is not impressive at all.

On the brightest setting, the runtime is only 2 hours. The runtime is 8 hours when you use the lowest light setting, which is 8 lumens.

It has a durable elastic band and a soft head plate. The polymer body of the lamp is water-resistant. In terms of lifespan and ruggedness, this headlamp is better than many of its strong competitors.

Pros

  • Weighs only 3 ounces
  • Durable
  • Great light settings
  • Silent angle adjustment

Cons

  • Water-resistant, but not submergeable
  • Poor battery life

5.) UCO Air 150 Lumen Lightweight Rechargeable LED Headlamp


The Air can be a great option for hunters looking for a lightweight headlamp. Its light output is 150 lumens. Although the headlamp is lightweight (only 1.6 ounces), it feels sturdy and durable.

The lightweight is indebted to the neoprene headband. The headlamp is very compact, and you can easily tuck it into a hunting jacket.

Even experienced hunters appreciate this packable hunting headlamp. On the brightest setting, the runtime is only 48 minutes. But don’t worry. The light output adjustments are super fine-tuned. The headlamp comes with a red LED mode which allows you to maintain night vision.

When you consider the price point or quality, you are going to like this ultralight headlamp. If you are a hunter who likes to pack light, this is one of the best hunting headlamps for you.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Fine-tuned adjustments of light output
  • Enhanced night vision
  • Comfortable headband

Cons

  • Micro USB not included
  • Battery life is not impressive
  • No SOS mode

6.) BioLite HeadLamp 200


If you are looking for a low profile, ultra-light headlamp, this is perhaps the best option. It is so lightweight that sometimes you will forget you are wearing something. This low drag and streamlined headlamp is a great choice for both new and experienced hunters.

Although it weighs only 1.8 ounces, it offers an astonishing 40-hour runtime when it is set to the lowest level. On its highest setting, the runtime is 3 hours. It is really amazing that the company has successfully reduced the weight of this headlamp without reducing battery life.

The maximum output of the lamp is 200 lumens, which is pretty impressive. It is tiny, and you can easily carry it anywhere you go. Here are some pros and cons of this lamp:

Pros

  • Rechargeable micro USB
  • The runtime is 40 hours on the lowest setting
  • Nice color selection
  • Water-resistant

Cons

  • Minimal adjustability
  • At 200 lumens, the light output is not very intense
  • Water-resistant, but not waterproof

7.) UCO Vapor 300 Lumen LED Headlamp


This is another affordable and lightweight headlamp recommended by experienced hunters. This 300 lumens unit comes with a neoprene head strap and a red LED light mode. This light is designed for packability and comfort.

The light output can be fine-tuned from 1-300 lumens. It allows you to have control over the intensity of light. It also allows you to conserve battery. In terms of conserving energy, this is one of the best hunting headlamps. This headlamp is a great choice for any camping, hiking or hunting purpose.

Pros

  • Micro-adjustable dial
  • Reasonable price
  • Red LED mode
  • Weighs only 3.7 ounces

Cons

  • Neoprene head strap may not be very comfortable
  • No SOS setting
  • On the brightest setting runtime is only 48 minutes

8.) Vitchelo V800 Headlamp


With a lower price point, this headlamp has many positive reviews on Amazon. If you take the cost into consideration, this is one of the best options. The total light output is 168 lumens. It has a few light modes that allow you to maintain night vision.

Although it is not a very bright light, you can use it for almost all types of hunting tasks. An amazing thing about this headlamp is that it is waterproof. For the price, it is a really amazing feature. Whether you focus on durability or functionality, this headlamp will not disappoint you.

There are 6 color options to choose from, and you can choose a color you like. Chances are that you will fall in love with this affordable, lightweight and waterproof hunting headlamp.

Pros

  • Great quality for its price
  • Waterproof
  • 6 color options
  • Money-back guarantee

Cons

  • 168 lumens only
  • Not great for camouflage
  • Durability is not impressive

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to choosing a hunting headlamp, there are many brands and models to choose from. With so many options, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. But if you know what to look for in a hunting headlamp, you will be able to choose a good one.

What factors should you consider when choosing a hunting headlamp? To some extent, it depends on your particular purpose in choosing this item. But as a rule of thumb, you should consider factors such as beam type, beam resistance, water resistance, power source, operational mode, and battery life. Now we are going to discuss the factors in brief.

Beam type

Choosing the right type of beam is important because it affects your vision and target. Some common beam types include focused beam, diffuse light, blue light, red light, and violet spectrum.

Diffuse light: This light covers a wide area partly because the light is a little dispersed. With this light, you can easily see things that are within your sight.

Focused beam: This light is useful for spotting an object at a distance because the light covers a relatively long distance. The full power of the bulb is focused on a particular area.

Red light: At night, you can easily check objects with the help of red light. Red light does not cause discomfort to your eyes.

Blue light: In blue light, you can see minute details of things. It is easy to flip between white and blue light modes. It should not require adjusting the night vision.

Waterproof or not

When you are choosing a hunting headlamp, make sure it is waterproof. But how do you know that a product is actually waterproof? This question is relevant because there are many cheap headlamps that claim water resistance.

Well, a helpful way to know whether a headlamp is actually waterproof is to take a look at the guarantee or warranty. To be honest, finding a really waterproof headlamp is not going to be easy. But if you take your time and do some research, you will be able to pick a good one.

Power source

Headlamps are powered by disposable or rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries are more popular because of their low maintenance cost and lightness. But when you are using rechargeable batteries, in most cases you do not know when the batteries are low. The batteries may go dim all of a sudden and you may get stranded.

To avoid an unexpected failure, consider using a backup power source. Before you buy rechargeable batteries, check their capacity. The power source is a very important thing to consider when choosing a hunting headlamp.

Brand and Warranty

All manufacturers do not adhere to regulations and industry standards. So, before you buy a hunting headlamp, you should read customer reviews. If the product is manufactured by a well-known company, chances are that the product is really good. You risk buying a low-quality headlamp if it is from an unknown brand.

The product’s warranty is another important thing to consider. It is, in fact, indicative of the commitment of the company. If the headlamp comes with a warranty, you will have confidence when using the product. Although a product from a good brand will usually cost more, it will keep you happy in the long run.

Ease of Use

When buying a hunting headlamp, make sure it is easy to use. No matter how many modes there are, it should be easy and straight to operate the headlamp. If it is uncomfortable to use the headlamp, you will not enjoy your hunting experience.

The ergonomics should have responsive and soft switches. The buttons should be designed to be operated with both hands.

The Best Headlamps For Hunting

A successful hunter must be prepared at all times. This means bringing the right gear, including a headlamp. A headlamp can help you see better in low light or darkness. It is important to have a good headlamp when the sun goes down because you might need it to spot your prey.

You need a durable, effective headlamp that can survive in any environment if you're hunting. If you're still looking for the perfect headlamp, we can help. We have a list of the best headlamps for hunting below.

Benefits of Headlamps For Hunting

  • Improved visibility

A headlamp is a device that helps you see better. It makes it easier to see where you are going and see what is around you. Headlamps have different colors of light, which can help you see things in the dark better.

  • Increased versatility

A headlamp is not just for seeing what is in front of you. You can use a headlamp for different purposes. For example, you can use it to see your surroundings better, light your way when traveling to a new place, or find things in the dark.

  • More flexibility

If you've ever been frustrated because the sun was setting, a headlamp is a must-have. In less-than-ideal conditions, you'll be able to hunt longer and harder. When hunting, you don't have to worry about the lack of light or visibility outside.

Best Hunting Headlamps

1. GearLight LED Headlamp


This headlamp is small, but it is very bright. It has a strong light that comes from a premium LED. It doesn't need to be replaced for an extended period. It also has seven different light modes, including a red beam for seeing at night.

This headlamp is comfortable to wear because it is light and has a band to adjust and wash. It is also durable because it is weather-resistant and shock-resistant. This means it can survive being dropped and can be used outdoors.

Although the buckle is a little flimsy, it has no effect on the headlamp's performance.

2. Vekkia Ultra Bright Cree LED Headlamp


This headlamp has two buttons and five different light settings. You can choose between a white Cree XPE LED, which shines brightly at 160 lumens, or a red LED light. The beam's angle can be pivoted by 45 degrees, and the headlamp has a total light range of 262 feet. Whether you need to see near or far, this headlamp will have you covered with the perfect amount of light. It is also comfortable to wear, with a stretchy and soft band. Additionally, the headlamp has an IPX6 waterproof rating and a long battery life that lasts for days, not hours, making it ideal for outdoor use.

However, the red light mode on this headlamp isn't very bright. When making your purchase of this headlamp, keep this in mind. Customers have also complained about the quality of the headlamp construction.

3. Streamlight ProTac HL Tactical LED Headlamp


This headlamp is perfect for tactical situations and settings. It is very durable and can outmatch other headlamps. It has 540 lumens and a beam that extends 172 meters in diameter. It is possible to adjust the light's tilt by 90 degrees, and three lighting modes are available. Ten years of battery life are provided by two 3-volt CR123A lithium batteries.

This headlamp is made from machined aircraft aluminum with an anodized finish and a sealed glass lens. It is impact-tested and rated IPX4 water-resistant. You can use the rubber strap or the adjustable elastic strap.

However, switching between modes can be a bit of a challenge.

4. Elmchee Rechargeable LED Headlamp


If you are looking for a headlight for hunting, the Elmchee Rechargeable LED Headlamp is a great option. It is simple, but it has a lot of different options for light. You can choose between high, low, strobe, and different colors. It also has six LED light bulbs.

This headlamp is different from other headlamps because it is rechargeable. You don't need to bring any extra batteries. The built-in 1,500 mAh lithium-polymer battery can be recharged quickly. This headlamp is also long-lasting, with a lifespan of approximately 100,000 hours.

The product is IPX4 water-resistant. This means that it can survive splashing water without worry. It is also dust-proof and shock-proof, meaning you can rely on it in any setting.

5. Energizer High-Powered LED Headlamp


The Energizer High-Powered LED Headlamp is a great choice for people who want a better hunting experience. It has a slew of night vision-enhancing features. For example, it has a super bright LED light beam covering 80 meters. It also puts out 260 lumens, enough to light up an entire campsite.

The light can be set to one of seven different modes, and you can change how bright the light is with Energizer's Smart Dimming technology. It'll be a long time before this lamp runs out of battery power.

This headlamp is perfect for hunters. It is tough and can withstand one-meter drops. The lens is shatterproof, and the body is water-resistant.

6. Alyattes Ultra Bright Cree LED Headlamp


If you need a lot of light, the Alyattes Ultra Bright Cree LED Headlamp is a great option. The light has five Cree LEDs that produce 12,000 lumens. The beam can be shifted by 90 degrees.

There are four different lighting modes to choose from, including a low light mode and a thinner, more focused beam. With long battery life and the ability to withstand rain and water leaks, the headlamp is ideal for outdoor use. Total weight of 12 ounces makes it light enough to wear all day.

This headlamp has a sweat-resistant elastic headband to keep you cool in hot weather. It also has a lifetime warranty, which means you can trust its quality and reliability.

7. EverBrite Headlamp


No matter what you are doing, the EverBrite Headlamp will help you. This headlamp is very versatile. It has three different colors of light and seven different modes. You can choose the color of light you need for what you are doing. The Cree XPG LED bulbs to give you high, medium, low, and strobe light.

The light head on this headlamp can be tilted up to 30 degrees. This makes it easy to adjust the light depending on what you need. The headband is also adjustable and lightweight, which means you will be comfortable wearing it for a long time.

8. Princeton Tec Remix LED Headlamp


If you don't want to be in a situation where you don't have a headlamp, you should get the Princeton Tec Remix LED Headlamp. This headlamp was designed specifically for hunters, and it is bright and versatile. It also lasts for a long time. You can use it for up to 150 hours on three AAA batteries.

This headlamp is perfect for hunting in any environment. To see clearly and precisely where you're going, you'll need a light source with 300 lumens of bright white light, one Maxbright LED bulb, and three additional ultra-bright LED bulbs.

The large switch gives you control over the light. You can use it to turn the light on and off, and you can also change the beam from wide to focused.

9. Nitecore LED Rechargeable Headlamp


The Nitecore LED Rechargeable Headlamp is a great option for people who need a headlamp for different activities. It works well in many conditions. It is perfect for outdoor activities such as hunting, running, camping, and even garage repairs.

Cree XP-G3 S3 S3 LED light emits 550 lumens of light for up to 136 yards in this high-performance headlamp. Specialty options like Turbo mode and a location beacon are available, and a red LED light shields the wearer from low-light situations.

There are two types of illumination that you can choose from close-up and flood. Switching between them is also possible. This headlamp is lightweight and has a long-running battery, so you can easily do tasks while wearing it without feeling weighed down.

10. GearOz Hunting Headlamp


The GearOz has a red LED light to help you spot different animals in the wild. The housing is made from durable ABS plastic that can withstand shocks. However, it only has one LED light and color. Furthermore, it does not have different modes to adjust the intensity of the light. However, the rechargeable battery offers up to 20-hours of use.

Additionally, it is cordless and doesn't have any wires getting in your way. However, you have the option to change the beam's direction if necessary. The hunting headlamps are mounted on a cap that is small in size.

Tips

  • The fit of a headlamp is essential. Although you don't want it to be too tight, you also don't want it to be too heavy or uncomfortably bulky. That way, you won't even notice it while you're hunting.
  • Tactical headlamps can be a good choice for hunters. They are more durable than other headlamps and are good for the outdoors.
  • Batteries such as AA or AAA are commonly used in headlamps. As a result, it's critical to understand how long a battery will last and how many you'll need before making a purchase. It's a waste of money to spend a lot of money on a product only to keep replacing the batteries.

Final Thoughts 

If you have some knowledge about hunting headlamps, you will find it relatively easy to choose a good one. In other words, you should have a pretty clear idea of what you are looking for. You have to make sure that the decision is based on your particular needs.

The most expensive headlamp is not necessarily the best one. Now that you know more about hunting headlamps, we hope you will make a better buying decision.


There are many benefits to owning a headlamp. Some of these benefits include being hands-free, which is really helpful, and having comfort and mobility while you move around. Headlamps can even be used for other activities outside of hunting where light may be needed.


You can learn more about Hunting Headlights by visiting this website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Headlamps for Hunting

What Is a Green Light for a Headlamp?

Because green light is easier on the eye than red light, it's more effective as an illumination source. For example, high contrast is critical when hunting at night, so this is an especially important consideration. Furthermore, many animals with red-green colorblindness have difficulty seeing green light emitters.

How Many Lumens Do I Need for Hunting?

An extremely bright flashlight is essential for anyone who works in law enforcement or the military. With this light, you will see your complete surroundings and know exactly what is nearby.

What Headlamp Does the Military Use?

The Streamlight 61304 Tactical LED Headlamp is a very bright headlamp perfect for military situations or other emergencies. It has a maximum light output of 635 lumens and can reach a distance of more than 150 meters.

Is 1000 Lumens a Lot?

A 1000 lumen flashlight is very bright. It can reach a distance of 200 meters or more. This kind of flashlight lets you see objects from far away. But it uses up batteries quickly, especially on high mode.

How Many Lumens Are Good Headlamps?

However, it is more complicated than that. The higher the lumen count on your headlamp, the shorter the amount of time it will run before needing to be recharged. Lumen counts for headlamps can range from 25 lumens to 1400+ lumens. However, in reality, 300 lumens is more than enough for everyday use.

Can Deer See Green Light?

Deer can see colors like blue and ultraviolet (UV) light. But they are also sensitive to white and yellow light. So, the best colors for hunting deer are red, green, and orange because deer see these colors like grey, and they are not as startled by them.

Why Does the Military Use Red Lights?

Military personnel frequently work into the night. That is why they use red flashlights and red headlamps. Red light is less harsh on the eyes and can help with night vision. Red also does not cause blinding light spots, creating damaging time lags.

What Do Lumens Mean?

Luminous intensity is measured in lumens. The brighter the lightbulb, the more lumens it has.