The LIGHTEST Headlamps: Tested

Which Ultralight headlamp is best?
Nitecore NU25 UL: amzn.to/4cgN3L8
Petzl Bindi: amzn.to/4clJGTi
Black Diamond Deploy: amzn.to/45JeE56
Black Diamond Flare: www.blackdiamondequipment.com...
Black Diamond Astro 300: amzn.to/3zoduju
Black Diamond BD1500 (Battery Pack): amzn.to/45Nuj3l
Skilhunt H150: amzn.to/45MZI5X
Armytek Wizard C2 Pro: amzn.to/45LegTI
Link to more info + Runtime graphs: budgetlightforum.com/t/4-ultr...
🔥 Comprehensive List of Flashlight Recommendations: bit.ly/LightsList
🌎 Lumencraft Shop: lumencraft.com/
☑️ Lumencraft products on Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/mattsmith
Linked ABOVE is a detailed list of lights in multiple categories. Below is the "short list", of a few top contenders. If you are shopping at Neals Gadgets, the coupon codes on the right specifically for that light, are typically the highest value. For all other purchases at NG use code: Lumencraft15 for 15% off your shopping cart.
Brightest Overall
(Large) BLF GT4 www.nealsgadgets.com/products... Coupon: ASGT4
(Large) BLF GT4 with Batteries/Charger
www.nealsgadgets.com/products... Coupon: ASGT5
(Large) BLF GT94 www.nealsgadgets.com/products... Coupon: ASGT94
Everyday Carry
(Brightest) Lumintop FW3A www.nealsgadgets.com/products... Coupon: ASFW3A
(Budget) Wowtac A1 amzn.to/2zuERKh
(Budget) Nicron N7 amzn.to/2OaTs1K
(Budget) Sofirn SC31 Pro amzn.to/3aYRwFn
Brightest Medium Size
Fireflies E07 www.nealsgadgets.com/collecti... Coupon: Lumencraft15 .
FW21 Pro www.nealsgadgets.com/collecti... Coupon: ASFW3A
Best Throwers (Non Laser)
(Keychain) Lumintop GT Nano www.nealsgadgets.com/products... Coupon: ND25F
(Small) Lumintop GT Micro www.nealsgadgets.com/products... Coupon: GTMICRO
(Small) Lumintop GT Mini www.nealsgadgets.com/products... Coupon: ASFW3A
(Medium) NI40 SBT90.2 www.nealsgadgets.com/products... Coupon: ASF
(Medium) Convoy L6 lumencraft.com/convoy-flashli...
(Large) BLF GT www.nealsgadgets.com/products... Coupon: ASFW3A
(Large) BLF GT 70
www.nealsgadgets.com/collecti... Coupon: ASFW3A
(Large) BLF GT 90 www.nealsgadgets.com/products... Coupon: ASGT90
(Budget) Convoy C8+ lumencraft.com/convoy-flashli...
Best Throwers White LASER Flashlights (LEP)
(Small) Lumintop Thor I www.nealsgadgets.com/collecti...
(Small) Weltool W3 Pro www.nealsgadgets.com/collecti...
(Medium) Weltool W4 www.nealsgadgets.com/collecti...
(Medium) Mateminco FW1 www.nealsgadgets.com/collecti...
Pop Can Lights
Acebeam X80 GT amzn.to/36LDsew
Mateminco MT18S www.nealsgadgets.com/products...
Astrolux MF01 ban.ggood.vip/I9Yg Coupon: BGAM1X2
Fireflies R0T66
www.nealsgadgets.com/collecti...
TIMESTAMPS:
Intro: 00:00
Overview of Each Light: 00:50
What is an "Ultralight" Headlamp?: 01:18
Comfort: 02:32
Features Overview: 03:21
User Interface: 04:51
Charging: 07:43
Retroreflection: 09:10
Beam Quality: 09:42
Performance - OUTPUT: 12:11
Performance - RUNTIME GRAPHS: 12:54
Opinions and Recommendations: 13:45
THE BEST UL HEADLAMP: 14:39
Comparison to other headlamp types: 15:26
Is Ultralight Worth it?: 17:16
The End: 18:05

[@ethan-lumencraft-]

A couple points: - The BD Flare is only rated for 40 lumens; because its output is unregulated, the high mode is dependant on the batteries used, which in my case where Energizer-branded 2032 cells. - The secondary LED on the Bindi also serves as a battery indicator, and while MicoUSB is a problem, the port they use is much more solid than usual so there's that - I said there were four brands in the beginning, but there are four lights from three brands. Oops.

[@JamesWindland]

Been using a Nitecore NU20 since 2019, it is all the headlamp I need while hiking multi day hiking trips. I really prefer the built in battery models because I am already carrying a battery to charge my phone and Garmin Fenix.

[@osenmosen]

Great roundup. I found the Nitecore to be great around camp but too lacking in output for hiking/walking. My go-to for that is still the Zebralight H600 series; half the weight of the Armytek (cell excluded) and the best compromise of weight/output/efficiency/runtimes I've found so far. Stock headband sucks but the Armytek Wizard holder fits and can be fitted on any headband pretty much. Paired with one of the newer 4000mAh cells like the Vapcell N40 the runtimes and sustained output levels with the PID regulation are amazing.

[@LorenzStadler]

Great comparison. I like the Petzl Bindi. It's perfect for running at night. And so light I put it in the backpack every time I go outdoors just in case. The exposed charging port was never a problem for me while using it in the rain a lot. But I also wish the made a new version with USB C, even though a small Micro USB adapter works fine and doesn't add any weight even to the most ultralight kit. You paying $50 for it is a lot. Here in Germany you can get them for 30€ which is about $30.

[@ethan-lumencraft-]

$30 is definitely a much more compelling price for that light. If they used a waterproof style USB C port is would probably be my favorite of the bunch.

[@80808O]

Is the red light on the nu25 as bright as the model it replaced? Anyone know?

[@Proyectosandia]

I've tested dozens of flashlights, and for headlamp, I keep going back to the original NU25. It's one of the slimmest around, so its center of mass is really close to your head, and creates almost no momentum when you move/jump/run.

[@Xenus2Zero]

In my opinion, the armytek wizard c1 pro perfectly solves the problem of a light headlamp)))

[@hitchpost5822]

Great presentation as usual 👍 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@Glenno7]

I know it's not super light but you should check out the Ledlenser HF8R Signature. Ledlenser??? I know I know blah blah blah, I'm a Flashalolic too from BLF/CPF but you should seriously check it out.

[@stinkycheese804]

So "backpacking" which implies you need a lot of broad beam light for outdoor use, and potentially using it for long periods of time so you need a substantial battery. I really don't see the point of sacrifices in this case to merely shave a few ounces off your pack weight. If it bothers you that much to save a couple/4/whatever ounces, skip lunch tomorrow and you'll weigh less. ;) Personally, I wouldn't just take along a lamp that uses an 18650, but would also pack a spare battery, or even a solar panel charger if I were to be out camping for several days. Then again, could just pack more batteries instead of the solar charger and not have to fiddle with that. Yeah, better plan. I do realize, some lights had an external battery pack, but then we're back to how much total weight are you really saving and also having to buy yet another light that you don't really need. My main use for one of those would be if it is very shallow, doesn't stick out past my head much so is ideal for poking my head into cramped areas, where due to being so close to everything, don't need much light at all.

[@ethan-lumencraft-]

I found it provided plenty of light for three nights of use, but I did also carry a backup battery just in case. I always carry a 21700 light with me though for longer-range use, I don't want something like that mounted on my head, it just gets uncomfortable.

[@normandothegreat]

👍

[@masterarca993]

If you wear a Hat, try the Rovyvon Aurora A8 USB-C . Clip it to the Brim. A5 or A7, cheaper with less features

[@craigirving4100]

Yawn 🥱

[@PattiPoss]

i can hear just fine lol also NITECORE PRODUCTS SUCK FOR THE MONEY

[@mikeenslin3009]

Maybe in your region... in the US and where I live they are priced very reasonably. Got the nu25 for 27 dollars which is a great price. Also got a edc33 for I think 65, also amazing price for a light like that.

[@goformego]

No sound ? @lumencraft