Having the right hunting headlamp for your needs will make those after-dark and pre-dawn tasks that much easier and safer. Comfort, durability, and performance are all important factors when deciding what headlamp to purchase, but what should you really be looking out for?

PERFORMANCE

hunting headlamp beam

Beam

Floodlight, spotlight, or a headlamp that has both? When it comes to picking a headlamp primarily for hunting trips, you likely need one that has both a floodlight and a spotlight beam. You will need to be able to get things done around camp and travel through the forest in low light, so a variety of beam options will come in handy.

Beam distance, or beam throw, is important to consider as well. Beam distance is defined as the ability of a lens to focus the light into a beam. You will usually want to pick the best beam distance your budget can buy – the ability to see further in the dark is never a bad thing.

Lumens are another important factor when choosing your headlamp. Lumens measure the total light energy that a device emits. The higher the lumens, the brighter your light. When hunting, a high lumen headlamp cannot be stressed enough.

Battery & Battery Life

Battery life is an important factor to take into consideration when choosing your headlamp. Making sure your headlamp’s battery life will last as long as your hunting trip is a necessity. We strongly believe in the benefits of rechargeability and the convenience of using a USB charger either at home before you leave, or even in the car on the way to and from a hunting trip to recharge your batteries. Our 18650 and 16340 rechargeable batteries are great choices. Other battery options, such as AA or AAA batteries are an affordable option, but they are not known for their long battery life and you may end up going through several sets in one trip.

DURABILITY

waterproof hunting headlamp

Waterproof & Dustproof

When comparing headlamps, you’ll hear the term “IP rating” often. IP Ratings – or Ingress Protection Rating – refers to how well a product is protected against water and dust. The lower the number, the less protected the product is. The “X” you typically see in ratings denotes a placeholder for products with no dust rating. For hunting, you need a headlamp that is at least somewhat waterproof, so an IP rating of 4 and above is ideal and here at Fenix, all our products have a waterproof rating of 6 or higher. Where you will be hunting will also play an important part when choosing how waterproof you need your headlamp to be.

Material

Headlamps for hunting trips need to be built with durable materials. You will want one that can take some abuse but is also comfortable. Headlamps made with magnesium, aluminum, and silicone for water/weatherproofing are best.

COMFORT

Size & Weight

Everyone will agree that safety is important when hunting, and having a headlamp that fits properly can save your life. A headlamp with an adjustable headband allows for a snug fit and keeps your beam focused in the direction you need it to be. Weight is also a factor to consider because the bigger the headlamp, the heavier it may be, the more uncomfortable they can become.

Special Specs

It is true that a great headlamp is one that is both bright and has a long beam throw, but when hunting, you may need more than that. You may also want to be able to switch brightness levels or change your light’s color. When shopping for a hunting headlamp, these extra functions can keep you safe and meet your specific needs.

BUYING A HUNTING HEADLAMP

The best hunting headlamp is one that is reliable, durable, and that works for your type of hunting. If you need help purchasing a headlamp or have questions about any of our products, please contact us here or get in touch via our LiveChat box on our website.