Which headlamp do I need? Lumens, range and battery explained
Pitching a tent once it is already dark, heading to the toilet block at the campsite at night, an early walk in autumn or working on your bike in a dark shed: with a headlamp you have light exactly where you look and keep both hands free. But which headlamp do you need? In this guide you will read how many lumens you really need, what range, IP rating and battery mean, and which headlamp suits your activity.
How many lumens do you need?
Lumens are the amount of light a lamp gives. More lumens is not always better: too bright a lamp dazzles your companions in the tent and drains the battery faster. So choose based on what you will be doing:
| Activity | Recommended brightness |
|---|---|
| Reading in the tent, finding things in your bag | 20 - 50 lumens |
| Walking around the campsite, cooking, pitching the tent | 100 - 200 lumens |
| Walking on paths in the dark | 200 - 350 lumens |
| Running, mountain biking or unfamiliar terrain | 350 lumens or more |
Most headlamps have several modes. Use the low setting as much as you can and only switch to full power when you want to see further. That makes the battery last much longer.
Range: how far can you see?
The range tells you how far the beam still gives usable light. For walking around the campsite a few metres is plenty, but if you walk or run in the evening you also want to see further ahead. Also look at the type of beam:
- Wide beam: lights a large area close by. Handy in and around the tent and for jobs.
- Narrow, focused beam: shines further ahead. Handy for walking and running.
A headlamp with a tilting lamp head is extra handy: you aim the light at the ground when walking or straight ahead when looking for something.
Rechargeable or on batteries?
A rechargeable headlamp with a built-in battery charges over USB or USB-C, for example with your phone charger or a power bank. You do not have to buy and carry separate batteries, and you are less likely to be left without light. Charge the lamp fully before you leave and take a power bank on multi-day trips.
A lamp on batteries has the advantage that you can buy new batteries anywhere on the road. For most campers and walkers a rechargeable headlamp is the handiest choice these days.
What does the IP rating mean?
The IP rating tells you how well the lamp is protected against water (and sometimes dust):
- IPX4: withstands rain and splashes. Fine for camping and walking.
- IP55: protected against dust and water jets. Suitable for rougher use.
- IPX7 / IPX8: can go (briefly) under water. Only needed for water sports.
Splash-proof therefore does not mean you can use the lamp under water. Has your lamp got wet? Let it dry before you charge it.
Handy extras
- Motion sensor: switch the lamp on or off with a wave of your hand, handy with gloves on or dirty hands.
- Red light: dazzles others less and preserves your night vision, welcome in a tent or when stargazing.
- Flashing mode: makes you visible to others, for example at the roadside.
- Adjustable headband: keeps the lamp firmly in place without pinching, even over a hat.
Which Travelhawk headlamp suits you?
- For walking, camping and DIY: the Travelhawk LED Rechargeable Headlamp is our most popular headlamp, with several light modes, a tilting head and an adjustable headband.
- Operation without buttons: the Travelhawk Headlamp with Motion Sensor gives up to 350 lumens with a range of about 100 metres, is IPX4 and charges over USB-C.
- As compact as possible: the Travelhawk Rechargeable Headlamp with USB-C is small and light, ideal if you have little room in your backpack.
- For children: the Headlamp for Children is light, rechargeable and has an adjustable elastic band.
Tips for use
- Charge your headlamp fully before you set off.
- Use the lowest setting that does the job; that makes the battery last longer.
- Aim the lamp slightly downwards when talking to others, so you do not dazzle them.
- Always keep your headlamp in the same place in your tent or backpack, so you find it quickly in the dark.
- For extra certainty, take a torch or a camping lamp for light in the tent.
Frequently asked questions
How many lumens does a good headlamp for camping have?
For most campers 100 to 200 lumens is enough for jobs around the tent. If you also want to walk in the evening, choose a lamp that goes up to about 350 lumens.
Is a rechargeable headlamp better than one on batteries?
For most people, yes: you do not have to buy batteries and you simply charge the lamp over USB or USB-C. On longer trips, take a power bank.
Can I walk in the rain with a headlamp?
Yes, if the lamp is at least IPX4. That withstands rain and splashes, but is not suitable for use under water.
What is the red light on a headlamp for?
Red light dazzles your eyes and those of others less. That preserves your night vision better, handy in the tent or while stargazing.
Ready for dark evenings? Take a look at all Travelhawk headlamps. Free shipping from €40, 1-2 working days delivery and 30 days free returns.