RUNNING HEADTORCH BUYING GUIDE | Best Headlamps For Running | Run4Adventure

[@naimharb5305]

That's a great idea to have a buying guide from an experienced runner. I've had to read and research a lot to get my equipment. May I add that as someone who loves forest trail running especially in winter I find that a waist torch is very useful (or a head torch that can be mounted on a waist belt). That's especially if you're running through a desne mid-hight branches where a head torch will basically project more distracting shadows at feet level. A midsection source of light enlighten more route details in these conditions.

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks Naim, I'm glad you think so! I totally agree that a secondary light source around you wasit can be a great idea. I not sure I'd want to run emwith just a wasit light but together it works well 👍 Thanks for watching and supporting the channel Naim 🙏

[@scottcollier9178]

I got the FENIX HM65R-T for early morning trail runs based on one of your previous videos. It's nice and light and the battery lasts for ages.

[@chosenscv]

💯!!! So did I. Love it!!!!

[@markg99]

I've been thinking about it. Just need to stump up the cash now. Looks like a great unit.

[@Run4Adventure]

Glad you like it Michael 👍

[@Run4Adventure]

It's a good unit Mark, I don't think you'd be disappointed 👍😊

[@Run4Adventure]

That's great to hear Scott, I'm glad you're enjoying you headtorch 😊 Thanks for watching and supporting the channel its really appreciated 🙏

[@rockandjessica]

I want to give some VERY important information here: When talking about lumen of head torches, THE 1st thing to know is, the lighting system is regulated/standard or constant!!!!!! 1. The regulated/standard lighting The brightness decreases gradually as the energy source is drained, offering a very long burn time, it is a compromise between power and burn time. The rated brightness is the maximum light output, obtained when first turned on. It dims after a few minutes, until it goes out completely many hours later. For example, a head torch states it has 5 hours burn time in 300 lumen mode, but you won't get any hour of 300lm, the light gradually dim down, the burn time is measured from 300lm (30 seconds after it turns on） to there is only 10% of 300lm left, so during the whole burn time you will get the light from 300lm to 30lm, it is very tricky, right？Like my very expensive and award winning Sliva Tail Runner 4 Ultra head torch!!!! The max mode is 350lm, it says there will be 25 hours burn time when using 3 AAA batteries, but after 3 hours in my ultra race night, the light is so dim that I hardly see the trail under my feet! I have to change batteries every 3or4 hours due to the trail was quite technical and my eyes were very sour when light was low. Fenix HM65R-T also has a regulated lighting system, its 400lm level doesn't last all the 10 hours burn time, it will drop to about 150--200lm after 30 minutes then stay on this lumen for about 10 hours, actually still pretty good! The 1200 lumen mode will drop to 400 lumen in first 5 minutes, then stay on 400lm for 4.5 hours, based on an review article: zeroair.org/2021/05/26/fenix-hm65r-t-headlamp-review/#Power_and_Runtime 2. constant lighting For example, the head torch states it has 5 hours burn time in 300 lumen mode, then it will stay on 300 lumen for the whole 5 hours until the battery is nearly empty, then the light will drop to very low level but will still give you enough time and light to change batteries, normally there will be flashing signals before the light significantly drops. Petzl website has good explain about those two light system with graph charts, links are below, some Petzl head torches have constant light, including NAO+, which has both reactive mode and constant mode, and Decathlon trail run 300lm ONNIGHT 710, Nitecore, Biolite, Olight and Ultraspire waist light also have constant light system. www.petzl.com/INT/en/Sport/CONSTANT-LIGHTING?ActivityName=Night-running www.petzl.com/INT/en/Sport/STANDARD-LIGHTING?ActivityName=Night-running

[@Run4Adventure]

Wow thanks for all the details! That will be super helpful for the viewers. Obviously Lumens and battery life can be really miss leading at the best of times. For example I've found that 400 lumens on a Petzl headtorch doesn't seem anywhere as near as bright as 400 lumens on a Fenix torch? 🤔 I do think the companies should make it a lot clearer when they quote these figures so that the consumer isn't left disappointed. Once again thanks for watching and taking all the time to leave such a detailed comment, it's really appreciated 🙏

[@greg6162]

@@Run4Adventure I work for Amazon as a delivery driver. Live in New York so it will be getting cold and darker very soon. Normally will need at least 3/hours a day and need some lume projection looking for numbered addresses on houses. Also, because I’ll be wearing gloves it needs to be a fairly big (or easy) button to find and push… any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[@ironmantooltime]

If u use the hybrid battery, which will be lithium ion I guess, you'll get a more consistent burn than with AAA. But they are £30...

[@pegasus6724]

Nebo transcend 1500 is a great head torch I Run with mine and love it , of you want a good value head torch But I would advise putting a middle strap front to back to give some support that won't take much and will be worth it .

[@alexandrebellotti769]

Great vídeo... Congrats!!! Could you talk about rain jacket and cold running clothes???

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks Alexandre 👍 We're on it, running waterproof jacket buying guide coming your way soon! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@rolandschegg4880]

Great advice, cool video - I got the Fenix HM65R-T and love it 👌🤞 I can recommend the separate video on the channel 👍🤞🤩

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks Roland, the HM65R-T is a solid unit that's for sure. Really glad you're enjoying yours as much as I am. Thanks for all the support as always its appreciated 🙏😊

[@mikeshaw714]

I bought the Fenix on the strength of the review earlier in the year. Used it a few times now in the Fells at night and It's a great light. I've only had to use it on the min settings for both Flood and Spot and that has been fine over technical ground. The Battery seems to last forever as well. My only gripe is that it keeps bouncing down my forehead so I'm having to readjust it quite a lot. I put a headband on to see if that stopped it but it didn't. I don't think it's the headlight/strap that's at fault, I think it's my head!!! Every light (with a single strap) I've tried does the same, it seems I need an overhead strap as well to stop it bouncing. The bounce issue aside, the Fenix is a great light and I would buy again, but probably go for the HM65R version with the overhead strap.

[@Run4Adventure]

Glad to hear you are happy with your headtorch Mike. I always where a beanie hat of buff when I run with a head torch and I've never had any issues! 🤔 If you do struggle with this a over head strap would definitely help. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@CyrrusNL]

I'm all-in on the Petzl Iko Core. Super comfortable. I do need to bring an extra battery but that thing is awesome for me. I generally run it at its medium setting on the trails and I've found it gives me plenty of light at medium setting.

[@chrisgardiner4998]

Ditto. It’s like it isn’t on your head even.

[@Run4Adventure]

The IKO Core is a really nice headtorch. It's so light you really do forget you've got it on your head! It's a shame the burntime isn't a little bit longer but a solid torch 👌 Thanks for watching 🙏

[@Run4Adventure]

It's a good torch Chris 👍

[@slavasss2189]

I realize dogs become agressive when they see runner at night with headlamp....dangerous on narrow park roads....smb has same experience?

[@Run4Adventure]

It can happen and you've always got to be carful when running past a dog whether its day or night 👍

[@elliegrimes7712]

A buying guide to running jackets would be really useful! I can never tell what I worth the £££

[@Run4Adventure]

We're on it Ellie! 😊 Running waterproof jacket buying guide coming to the channel soon. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@brunovincent1969]

Hi Loyd, well, I'm preparing myself for a sunny, hot season or running, as are all seasons over here in Thailand ;) Quick question, what kind of webcam do you use for your videos? I'm looking to buy the Logitech c920

[@mvzinn111]

I also picked up a Fenix which I really like. I took an old offbrand headlamp and put it on a belt for use around the waist. It really helps on the trails!

[@Run4Adventure]

Using a secondary light source around the wasit can make a big difference when it comes to running at night 👍 A nice bit of upcycling as well, thanks for watching 🙏

[@ProBloggerWorld]

Winter is coming and I still don't own a headtorch - I just bought the Silva headtorch. Thanks for your review.

[@alfstaraves650]

Good video. 👌And this year?🤔 Bay 🖐🇨🇿

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching 🙏😄

[@slavasss2189]

12:04 whats that? Bluetooth connection to phone???

[@Run4Adventure]

Yes, the Petzl NAO+ comes with a app to control all the features on the headtorch and you connect via Bluetooth 👍

[@inluminatiomea9889]

What about battery life in cold weather?

[@Run4Adventure]

Weather conditions will always effect the battery life especially in cold conditions 👍

[@Slushpuppie55]

I want the Petzel Nao+ with the HM65R-T headband.

[@garyduffy4661]

Another great buying guide Loyd, I don't expect too many models have been released since you made this, so I'll be checking out some of your recommendations, having watched your individual product reviews. Could I just point out that the red proximity lights aren't usually a good idea if you're reading maps, as the contour lines (brown) on most standard maps will be difficult to see. As ex-military, double checking maps would be one of the only times we would use white light at night. Keep up the great reviews.

[@Run4Adventure]

Awesome Gary, thanks for the tip about the red light! 👍😊

[@McLeod573]

Great video ...really interesting ..very crurent vidéo...can't wait to start running in the dark...i mean with the winter clock lol👏👏👏👍🙂🇨🇵

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks mate, really glad you enjoyed the video. I tend to really enjoy the night time runs to start with and it feels like a real adventure. By the end of the winter I can't wait to get the headtorch off my head 😂 Thanks for watching and supporting the channel its appreciated 🙏😊

[@SeeChadRun]

I've been using the Silva Trail Runner FREE for both road and trail running. I really enjoy that headlamp! What I like most about it vs the competition is that it uses both a flood and spot light simultaneously for excellent coverage and distance. You'd think battery life would be an issue, but it competes well in this area too, and the Ultra version of this unit has a large battery that should last all night for those LONG ultras. I'll usually run 4-5 days (1.5-2 hours each day) before charging the unit when using this battery pack. That said, it also includes a case for using 3xAAA batteries or you can get the H model, which includes a slim rechargeable battery. The other thing that I like about it is that it is very light weight. I reviewed this headlamp on my channel too ;-) I've also been using and will review the Nitecore HC60v2 (very bright and IPx7 rated!) and the yet to be released UT27 headlamp soon. Great video!!!

[@Run4Adventure]

Silva make a solid headtorch Chad but I do think some of their burn time figures can be a little bit hopeful! I've got the Nitecore HC60 and the UT27 as well, so there's going to be a review on Run4Adventure very soon 😉 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@russellking8306]

Just about to purchase a headtorch for the Arc 100 I've got it down to 2 with your great reviews so in your honest opinion the fenix hm 65 or the recent nightcore you recently reviewed?

[@Run4Adventure]

If its for the Arc Russell, I'd personally go for the Fenix. The Nitecore is a brilliant headtorch but the Fenix is so much brighter and has a much longer battery life. Both these things will be very helpful when it comes to running the Arc 👍

[@churchhymnsandpsalms]

What would you suggest for an inline skater on dedicated rural bike trails at night? That won't break the bank...

[@Run4Adventure]

If you want a lot of brightness then the Fenix HM65R-T is the one to go for. Definitely bright enough for bike riding and I think you can pick them up for around £80 👍 Hope this helps and thanks for watching the channel it's really appreciated 🙏😊

[@keno.bowman9079]

I use the Fenix light at its highest setting because I am 70 years old and can't afford to trip.

[@Run4Adventure]

It's a very bright light on full power Ken that's for sure 👍 Glad the Fenix torch is helping and thanks for watching the channel it's appreciated 🙏

[@Dogwalkerdave]

Picked up a Biolite 300 a year or so ago and it is shite. The buttons are made for people with fingers that are who knows how small. Looking at the Fenix or the Petzl. Probably can’t go wrong with either. Thanks for another informative guide. …. At the end of the day… Now that’s my type of humour 😂👍Cheers! Dave

[@Dogwalkerdave]

Biolite 330, not the 300

[@Run4Adventure]

Oh that's a shame Dave! I won't review that one then 😂 Both the Petzl and the Fenix are great units, I personally like the simplicity of the HM65R-T 😊 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@Dogwalkerdave]

@@Run4Adventure simple is 👍. Thanks for the advice. Cheers.

[@BlowToTheSkull]

I hate to think how much money I've spent (read: wasted) on crappy head torches over the years. Great guide, btw.

[@Run4Adventure]

Same here Calum, a small fortune I'd say! Really glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching the channel 🙏😊

[@leedaviesfitness]

Thanks loyd this video really shone a light on the need for a headtorch at this time of year...hahaha see what I done there. Great video yet again

[@Run4Adventure]

Nice one!! 😂 Thanks for watching and your kind words, it's really appreciated 🙏

[@arnopr]

Noticing reviewers of head torches not mentioning rechargeable AA/AAA format batteries in the equation, puzzled why.. seems like benefit of environmental impact and use across different devices. Is there a performance issue to consider?

[@Run4Adventure]

This is why I always say get yourself a rechargeable headtorch! It's such a waste of batteries if you're using standard ones all the time. Obviously you could get rechargeable AA or AAA, you would probably get a little bit less burntime when using them, compared to the rechargeable unit that comes with the torch 👍 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@arnopr]

@@Run4Adventure Indeed! Thank you, also for the video!

[@Run4Adventure]

@@arnopr No worries, thanks for watching 👍

[@gudboyngdisyerto]

i have flipbelt running light paired with flipbelt running belt. much better than headlight

[@Run4Adventure]

I think a wasit light can work really well as a secondary light source with a headtorch. I'm not sure I'd want to run with just a wasit light though 🤔 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@timpocock7222]

Nice buying guide Loyd, glad to see that our investment in two new NAO+ is sound. I love running trails in the dark and have been using Ay-Up’s for the last 8 years. Very happy with the light produced but they are reasonably bulky and the burn time only average so it was time for a change.

[@Run4Adventure]

The NAO+ is a really solid unit Tim, you'll never need to buy another headtorch! Great light, awesome burn time and very comfortable 😊 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@BanjoStu]

Useful info. 👍 I don't do a lot of long night/dark runs, longest would be about an hour. Got Alpkit's Qark and very happy with it. 580 lumens max and will get about 2.5-3 hours on that which is more than enough for me.

[@Run4Adventure]

Glad you thought so Stu 👍 Alpkit make so really good, affordable headtorches and the Qark is one of them! Glad you've found a torch that works for you 😊

[@tijsbusschaert2997]

How do you all feel about the Fenix HM50R V2.0 ?

[@Run4Adventure]

I've tested and reviewed the Fenix HM50R V2 on the channel 👍 It's a really good, lightweight and compact headtorch. With a pretty bright out put in max mode of 700 lumens. Hope this helps and thanks for watching the channel 🙏😊

[@DaniBernal]

Amazing review! Congratulations for such a great piece of information

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks Dani I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏😊

[@garyh8315]

Such detail..... mind blowing the pal.... Sorry, coats on.....

[@Run4Adventure]

Really glad you thought so Gary! Thanks for watching and the kind words, it's really appreciated 🙏😊

[@MattD86]

8:44 that looks so overkill haha wow 1500 lumens is wild

[@Run4Adventure]

It's very bright on turbo mode Matt! It looks crazy on camera 👍 Thanks for watching 🙏

[@t5kcannon1]

Thanks for the excellent headtorch buying guide. Very timely too: My sister needs a new headtorch!

[@Run4Adventure]

No worries James, thanks for watching and I'm glad you found the video helpful 🙏😊

[@ianl4518]

After my last two Petz torches quit working completely after just over a year of very moderate use, I was sworn off the brand for life. I now have the Fenix HM65R-T as my main unit and the Fenix HL18R-T as my back up. Both torches are rock solid. Also really impressed with Fenix' customer service. I only have two issues with the Fenix torches. The first with the HM65R-T in that if I don't wear a beanie or buff type thing, the torch will slip a bit but I don't have much hair on top! It's fine with a covering though. The other issue is, I can't work out how to take the lights off so that the strap can be washed?

[@Run4Adventure]

They're both solid units Ian and you are right about Fenix and their customer service, top notch 👍 I agree with you about the strap issue when it comes to washing it. It's not to bad with the HM65R-T because you can just wash it by hand with the strap on the torch because it's so waterproof. I'm not sure I'd want to do that with the HL18R-T though 🤔 I always run with a beanie or a Buff when I'm using a headtorch so I don't have any issues with movement. Thanks for watching and I hope the recovery is going well 💪

[@ianl4518]

Thanks Loyd. Recovery is just starting, got a local run specific physio engaged and he's putting a plan together now. Fully prepared to adjust next year's plan is that means being mobile long term but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

[@andrewwright3676]

Thanks Lloyd really helpful info for those dark nights ahead of us 😥

[@Run4Adventure]

No problem Andrew, glad you found it useful. Yeap those dark winter nights are apon us once again! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏😊

[@Huxley555]

Trustfire mc12, 1000 lumen, 160 minutes on 200, but batteries can be replaced. Good spread of light, magnetic charging, headband with silicone lining. And can be had for around £24 what's not to love.

[@Run4Adventure]

Sounds like a solid torch Darren at a great value price! 👍 It really comes down to what you are using the torch for. I personally would want more than 200 lumens from my headtorch and a longer burn time. Obviously everybodies needs are different 👍 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@Huxley555]

@Run4Adventure no problem, it'll manage 65 minutes at 1000, seems to be regulated so should maintain it. And the batteries are cheap, and quick to replace. Course you can get better run time, but that usually equates to more weight. Sure if I was doing an ultra, then sure only the top end petzl will do, but for someone who only partakes in the occasional Parkrun, then it's a solid little buy. Flashlights are one of my little hobbies, so I have a few.

[@Run4Adventure]

@@Huxley555 I've actually just got a new Fenix headtorch to test out and it looks exactly the same as the Trustfire unit 👍

[@Huxley555]

@@Run4Adventure Funny you mention that, as it was one model I looked at. I know wurkos do some good ones, olight are very overpriced. Not sure if Astrolux, or Lumintop do any such ones, they're very good as well. Found that after 1h30 even mine dims a fair bit, I have better batteries that might get 2 hours.

[@michaelgoode9555]

I use the Petzl Iko Core and it simply rocks.

[@Run4Adventure]

The IKO Core is a good headtorch, it's so lightweight you forget you're wearing it! 👍 I do wish it had a slightly longer burn time though but a good torch 😊 Thanks for watching Michael it's really appreciated 🙏

[@Tziq_San]

Great guide, thumbs up Run4Adventure!

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching 🙏

[@GoodFoShizzle]

I love my black diamond sprinter, great fit and safety with the rear led. I have the 275 i imagine the 500 is even better!

[@Run4Adventure]

The Black Diamond kutcis always good quality Joshua. I quite like the look of the 500 myself 👍 Thanks for watching, I hope you enjoyed the video 🙏

[@МарсЗаг-д1н]

Enough already to advertise this Chinese garbage)) tell us better about the fact that it works at the maximum for 20 minutes, and then 400 lumens turns on)) and about a non-removable bandage that cannot even be washed)) let the engineers from the Fenix run around in the forest with 400 lumens))

[@Run4Adventure]

You're right it does dip in power but that's to prolong the burn time and to stop it over heating. If it stayed on max power for to long it would get hot pretty quick. To be fair I don't really need 1500 lumens and I find the 400 lumens plenty bright enough. I actually hardly ever use it on the max setting 👍

[@МарсЗаг-д1н]

@@Run4Adventure I agree yes 400 lumens will probably be enough, but the question of approach and attitude towards the buyer. For example, the petzl swift rl released in 2019 gives an honest 900 lumens for 2 hours, what is written in the instructions and in the characteristics is what happens, but the Chinese have loud numbers of 1500 lumens) and, as a result, for 20 minutes) and then it must be turned on again ... And I will argue about 400 lum), I run in a real forest late at night every day, 400 lum is clearly not enough)) it’s just plain scary) I want the brightest light possible) first I bought Fenix, returned it and bought Petzl, I run no more than hours, turned on this lamp to the maximum and you run through the forest for an hour at a maximum illumination of 900 lumens)

[@Run4Adventure]

@@МарсЗаг-д1н A lot of the headtorch brands figures for brightness and burntime are misleading and you definitely have to read the small print. It's so personal when it comes to our running kit. I run in woodland and on technical coast path and 400 lumens is fine for me but I also need a long battery life. I have a petzl NAO+ and a SWIFT RL but I prefer to use the HM65R-T 👍

[@Wigglythegreat2]

@@МарсЗаг-д1н The math doesn't add up for Petzl swift rl to run at 900 lumens for 2 hours with the size battery that is in it. Unless you are able to run it off an external battery too or you are changing battery packs during the run, but even then you have to deal with the heat issue.

[@MattD86]

@@Wigglythegreat2 the heat issue is minimized with the Swift RL due the nice venting crevice on it

[@rolls1392]

Great video, solid advice. Thank you

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks mate, great support as always! Thanks for the coffee 🙏

[@matthewrickett9592]

Great job. Thank you

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks Matthew 👍😊

[@courtneyr.6680]

Thank you for the great info!

[@Run4Adventure]

I'm glad you think so Courtney, thanks for watching the channel it's really appreciated 🙏😊

[@Pidgenova]

Buy cheap buy twice

[@Run4Adventure]

So true David or in my case 5 times! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏😊

[@SuperTorkil]

Thanks! Great content!!

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks Torkill, really glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏😊