Perfect for night time hiking and running, and for just finding your way around in the dark when you’re out camping. There are plenty of headlamps around, and a lot of the cheaper ones just aren’t up to scratch, cracking and breaking down  with extended wear and use. If you’ve visited Camping Things before, you’ll know that we do all we can do find a balance between quality and value for money. These top 5 best headlamps are simple to use, and mostly employ power saving LEDs.

Ledlenser H7R.2 Rechargeable Professional LED Head Lamp

‘Sophisticated, professional lighting for extreme conditions.’

The Ledlenser is one of the most sophisticated headlamps around, with five different light modes, a red rear safety light, and wheel control switch, for easy adjustment while wearing gloves. With a maximum brightness output of 300 lumen, the Ledlenser holds its own against many high-end torches, too. It’s a bit more pricey than the other options here, but it’s well worth the money if you’re off on an extreme camping or hiking trip.

Build quality and fit
The choice of professionals around the world, the Ledlenser H7R.2 Rechargeable Professional LED Head Lamp is outstanding quality, and super hard-wearing. It secures at the back and front, with no over-the-head straps, which you might think would make it prone to slipping, but the fit is snug and sturdy.

Materials
Made from high quality plastic and fabric with an LED light fixture, the Ledlenser is lightweight and strong.

Features
The Ledlenser is a rechargeable headlamp, which has its advantages and disadvantages. One the plus side, it makes the Ledlenser H7R.2 Rechargeable Professional LED Head Lamp great value for money in the long run, especially since the mains charger and USB cable are included. On the other hand, it does mean that if you’re going to be out for several days at a time, then you’ll probably need to take an additional battery pack, if you’re going to be without power.

The Ledlenser weighs in at around 175g, and has a maximum power output of 300 lumen, which is enough for most personal torches.

Our guide to the latest best Top 5 Best Headlamps

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You’ll find a range of style and prices to choose from here, but be aware, that a torch is an investment. You won’t be replacing it anytime soon. As always, we’ve tried to strike a balance between high quality kit and great value for money, so you’re assured an outstanding handheld torch, whichever one of our picks you choose.

Olight Handheld Torch 1000 Lumens M1X Striker LED Tactical Torch

‘Tactical torch for active campers.’

The Olight Handheld Torch is a tactical, technical torch lover’s dream. Compact, lightweight and powerful, the Olight has different brightness settings, from 0.5 lumens, up to 1000 lumens — phenomenal for such a small torch. It’s an LED torch, and it runs on batteries. Really one of our favourite ultra-compact torches, were big fans of the Olight for adventure camping.

What’s included?
The Olight Handheld Torch comes with a strong lanyard, allowing you to clip the torch to your backpack, glove glip or belt. The torch itself is ultra-durable and shockproof, too, so no need to worry about it getting bashed around.

Materials
Made from a combination of hardened aluminium and stainless steel, the Olight Handheld Torch is made for the extreme outdoors, and is a real rough and tumble kind of LED torch. The Olight’s casing is anti-scratch and crushproof, too, so it’ll stand up to the toughest hikes without a problem.

Features
Up to 190m effective range, waterproof and crushproof, the Olight also features a strobe mode for attracting attention, should you get into difficulty on the trail. There’s a removeable pocket clip on the side of the torch, which you can use instead of the lanyard, or as well as if you’re climbing or running.

Recommended for
Rough and tumble hiking and camping.

Check out our guide to the Best Handheld Torch and Flashlight

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You’ll find a range of style and prices to choose from here, but be aware, that a torch is an investment. You won’t be replacing it anytime soon. As always, we’ve tried to strike a balance between high quality kit and great value for money, so you’re assured an outstanding handheld torch, whichever one of our picks you choose.

Ledlenser Handheld Torch – Zweibrüder X21R 8421-R Rechargeable Flashlight

‘Multiple light settings, made from aeroplane aluminium.’

The Zweibrüder is virtually a handheld searchlight. It’s one of the brightest torches on our list at 1600 lumens, and since it’s rechargeable, you’ll enjoy lighting up the night again and again. Features a 600m light range, with a 7-point LED head, 8 light functions and 3 light programmes. Comes with charging station, carry strap and tripod mount for stationary lighting.

What’s included?
There are no batteries in the Ledlenser Handheld Torch, it’s fully rechargeable. The pack contains the torch, a carry case and strap, charging station and a tripod mount. We like the tripod mount, and found it to be a nice touch. Especially useful if you’re setting the torch up as a semi-permanent light source.

Materials
The Ledlenser Handheld Torch is made from aeroplane-grade aluminium, which means it’s about as strong and light as a torch can be. Super hard and durable, it does weigh a couple of kilos, but if you’re in the market for a professional-level torch, the Zweibrüder is a winner.

Features
With 8 light modes and 3 light programmes, the Ledlenser Handheld Torch is highly customisable, allowing you to choose the most appropriate setting for whatever you’re doing. With a 7-point LED unit at the front, the light is evenly dispersed and powerful.

Recommended for
Experienced hikers, cavers, and those camping in extremely dark wooded areas.

Check out our guide to the Best Handheld Torch and Flashlight

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Perfect for night time hiking and running, and for just finding your way around in the dark when you’re out camping. There are plenty of headlamps around, and a lot of the cheaper ones just aren’t up to scratch, cracking and breaking down  with extended wear and use. If you’ve visited Camping Things before, you’ll know that we do all we can do find a balance between quality and value for money. These top 5 best headlamps are simple to use, and mostly employ power saving LEDs.

Striker 6-in-1 Portable Flashlight and Headlamp

‘Versatile light, switches from headlamp to handheld light.’

If you’ve ever found yourself carrying your headlamp, or wishing that you could stick your torch to your head, then the Lepro is for you. It’s a 6-in-1 light, which can be used as a headlamp, magnetic light, right-angle light and handheld torch. Everything you need to switch up the Striker quickly and easily is included in the pack, and each version of the light works extremely well.

Build quality and fit
As a torch, the Lepro is a reliable, versatile piece of kit in its own right. Keep hold of it with the included wrist strap, or set it on its own little stand while you go about your business. It has a decent maximum brightness, too (60 lumen.)

The headstrap on the Lepro is one of the best we’ve seen, very comfortable and sturdy enough to not slide around during heavy duty activities.

Materials
Like most of these headlamps, the Lepro Portable Flashlight and Headlamp is made from high quality plastic and elasticated fabric. The Striker also features a slightly rubberised front ring, for increased grip when wet.

Features
The lepro Portable Flashlight and Headlamp is a fantastic light in its own right, maximum brightness is up to 60 lumen on the Lepro,  but it really shines as a versatile 6-in-1. Included are:

Headlamp — Straps on like a regular headlamp using the Striker’s secure headband.
Magnetic task light — Easily position the Striker anywhere you like and adjust to suit.
Right-angle light — Perfect for working at awkward angles.
Handheld torch — Remove the headband and attach the wrist strap, turning the Striker into a regular, handheld torch.

Our guide to the latest best Top 5 Best Headlamps

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Perfect for night time hiking and running, and for just finding your way around in the dark when you’re out camping. There are plenty of headlamps around, and a lot of the cheaper ones just aren’t up to scratch, cracking and breaking down  with extended wear and use. If you’ve visited Camping Things before, you’ll know that we do all we can do find a balance between quality and value for money. These top 5 best headlamps are simple to use, and mostly employ power saving LEDs.

Victoper Wesho Headlamp – 6000 Lumens

‘Smart use of LEDs, great brightness control.’A close relative of the original Pathfinder, the Victoper features 21 individual LED lights to allow you to control the brightness of the headlamp. Compact and powerful, the Victoper is a versatile all-rounder that’s good for use as a reading light, and for hiking.

Build quality and fit
Like the original Victoper Headlamp, the 21 fits nicely over a helmet, or straight onto your head. It’s more versatile than the original Pathfinder Headlamp as it can be dimmed significantly for use as a reading light, although it’s not really suited for extreme climbing.

Materials
Made from quality plastic and elasticated fabric.

Features
The 21-LED system is controlled with a single button the side of the Victoper Headlamp. There are four settings: Power saver (1 LED), Bright (8 LED), Ultra-bright (21 LED) and strobe (21 LED flashing.) The head does move up and down, but it’s a pretty simple affair otherwise.

Our guide to the latest best Top 5 Best Headlamps

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Perfect for night time hiking and running, and for just finding your way around in the dark when you’re out camping. There are plenty of headlamps around, and a lot of the cheaper ones just aren’t up to scratch, cracking and breaking down  with extended wear and use. If you’ve visited Camping Things before, you’ll know that we do all we can do find a balance between quality and value for money. These top 5 best headlamps are simple to use, and mostly employ power saving LEDs.

Boruit LED Headlight – 5000Lumen CREE XM-L XML 3 x T6

‘Ultra-powerful, professional headlamp lighting system.’

No jokes here, the Boruit LED Headlight is serious business, with a maximum power output of 5000 lumen. With enough light on top of your head to light an entire cave, the Boruit is a welcome companion in super dark environments.

Build quality and fit
The Boruit LED Headlight looks pretty bulky, but it’s comfortable enough, especially if you’re wearing it over a helmet. It’s not as nicely weighted at the other lamps, but it is bigger, and because it’s so bright, the trade off is worth it, in our opinion.

Materials
Made from high quality plastics and an elasticated headband.

Features
The 5000 lumen capacity is split over three lamps, one large, two smaller. The Boruit’s brightness is its main selling point, and the rest is pretty simple. Dimmer modes are available using the simple wheel twist system, and the whole thing is rechargeable.

Our guide to the latest best Top 5 Best Headlamps

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Usually powered these days by LEDs, these lanterns provide a great semi-permanent light source for inside and out, whether you’re off on a weekend jaunt, at a festival, or setting up basecamp on a more extreme adventure. We’ve picked a few of our favourites, and as always, tried to find a balance between great quality, and great value.

Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini Lantern

‘Palm-sized lantern that packs a punch.’

The Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini is the little brother of the bigger Goal Zero Lighthouse, although it still packs a massive punch at 210 lumen. It fits in the palm of your hand, and the legs fold in completely, making it even more portable and convenient. The Lighthouse also doubles as a charging station, and features a USB port for plugging in phones and tablets.

Build quality
The Lighthouse is a great piece of kit, made from a combination of lightweight plastics and steel legs. It’s light and sturdy, and as long as it doesn’t get beaten around too much, it’ll last.

Materials
The slim steel legs are foldable and surprisingly strong. The rest of the Goal Zero Lighthouse is made from quality plastics, making it lightweight and portable.

Features
As well as being a solid lantern, the Lighthouse doubles as a charging station. Use the built-in USB port to charge phones, Kindles and tablets, and never run out of juice when you need it most.

Check out our camping guide to the 5 Best Lanterns

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Usually powered these days by LEDs, these lanterns provide a great semi-permanent light source for inside and out, whether you’re off on a weekend jaunt, at a festival, or setting up basecamp on a more extreme adventure. We’ve picked a few of our favourites, and as always, tried to find a balance between great quality, and great value.

Princeton Tec HELIX Basecamp Bluetooth Lantern

‘Bluetooth controlled lantern for remote lighting.’

Use your phone to turn the Princeton off and on, and enjoy 250 lumen of pure, evenly spread LED light. The Princeton Tec HELIX Basecamp Bluetooth Lantern is collapsible and light, and the sturdy legs fold underneath, making it even easier to pack and transport. The stackable upper portion is an attractive feature, too, and we love the Princeton as a gift option for regular overnight hikers and campers.

Build quality
Quality can be a difficult thing to find in collapsible, portable lanterns, but the Princeton Tec HELIX Basecamp Bluetooth Lantern is both extremely well made and conveniently small. We’ve got no complaints at all about the quality of the stackable upper, or the folding legs, and the Bluetooth control seems to work well, too.

Materials
Made mostly from durable plastics, the Princeton is light and rainproof, another plus for extreme outdoor enthusiasts.

Features
It looks a little strange at first with its crumpled upper segment, but the Princeton is made to perform, and stacks easily and quickly. The Bluetooth control is a bit of a novelty, but if you’re in bed and don’t feel like getting up to turn off the lantern, then having the option to turn it off remotely is a thoughtful touch.

Check out our camping guide to the 5 Best Lanterns

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Usually powered these days by LEDs, these lanterns provide a great semi-permanent light source for inside and out, whether you’re off on a weekend jaunt, at a festival, or setting up basecamp on a more extreme adventure. We’ve picked a few of our favourites, and as always, tried to find a balance between great quality, and great value.

UCO Candle Lantern

‘Lightweight, powerful lantern.’

The UCO Candle Lantern is one option that doesn’t use LEDs, making it a lovely night time light, for reading, relaxing, and really getting into the camping spirit. It’s essentially a collapsible candle holder, which holds UCO’s own specially designed candles perfectly. Up to 9 hours of burn time per UCO candle.

Build quality
Choose from either aluminium or brass construction on the UCO, both are hardened and super hard-wearing. Anything collapsible needs to be durable, and the UCO is sure to stand up to repeated use. Folds away into a neat foam capsule for easy transportation.

Materials
The UCO Collapsible Lantern is made from either brass, or anodized aluminium. Both are great for use inside and outside.

Features
There are lots of things we love about the UCO, not least is the fact that it allows you to use real candles rather than LEDs. It has the added benefit of warming your tent, and it helps to remove condensation

Check out our camping guide to the 5 Best Lanterns

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We’ve chosen some of the best solar and most eco-friendly rechargeable camping lights, which strike a balance between great value and great performance. Keep your solar light out during the day to charge, and enjoy free energy all night long. If you’re hiking, find a way to secure your lamp to your rucksack, and charge as you walk.

As always at Camping Things, we only review the best, most value-for-money options, so you’re assured a great deal, whichever light you pick.

Solar Camping Light, Hand Crank Dynamo 36 LED Lantern

‘Solar powered hanging lantern, doubles as a charger.’

This Solar Camping Light is a technological marvel, capable of providing a full-night’s lighting on a single charge during the day, via the attached top solar panel, and of charging your phone and other devices. There’s a built-in USB port on the side, so you can plug straight into the lamp once it’s charged, and we absolutely love the hand crank charger on the front, allowing you 1 of 5 ways to charge (Solar Powered, Crank , Car Adapter, AC Adapter or 3 x AA Battery)      

Build quality
Even though this Solar Camping Light is mostly plastic, there’s something reassuringly sturdy about it. It’s really well designed, and it looks great. In testing, it stands up to general use well, and would make a great addition to any seasoned or weekend camper’s kit.

Materials
Made mostly from quality plastic, there’s a solar panel on top which is protected by a fold-over cover.

Features
The AGPtek doubles as a charger, and comes with a built-in USB port, for plugging in phones, tablets and other devices. We were seriously impressed this versatile light, much brighter than other camping lights with a lower energy consumption. Works as either a standing lamp, or a hanging lantern.

Check out our 5 Best Solar and rechargeable lights guide

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