For any camping trip, it is necessary to carry a headlamp. It was this lesson that I learned the hard way when we went camping for the first time. I used a lantern in the bush while I went to the bathroom, but it accidentally turned off while I was on the toilet, so I was completely in the dark, in the bush, without any light. It took me a while to find the damn thing in the dark.
Those events may have turned out differently if I had worn a different headlamp. Although camping requires a light source, other options are available. Headlamps should still be included in your camping equipment kit, even if there are some great lighting options.
Which headlamp should I choose?
First, you will find yourself overwhelmed with choices when selecting a headlamp. Headlamps are extremely popular on the market, ranging from very cheap, cheerful lamps to very expensive, high-tech products.
To choose a lamp based on what you need and how much you can spend, it is important to narrow down your options. The headlamps that are intended for hikers and backpackers, for example, may have features that a casual camper doesn’t need. Keeping that in mind while shopping is important.
A lot of information about the headlamp will be found on the package, which will help you decide whether or not it is right for you. Following is a list of the terminology you should understand (to make the right decision).
The Beam Type
It’s probably better to get a headlamp that you can adjust the beam on (rather than just one beam).
Flood/Wide Beam
Since a wide beam provides a lot of light over the campsite, it is ideal to cast one over it. In tents, cooking, reading, or living in a tent, this beam makes life easier. The distance will be too far away for you to see. Whenever you are working, you should be able to dim the light to suit your needs.
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Spot/Narrow Beam
This beam is recommended if you are going to the restroom at night, walking at night, or anywhere where it isn’t well lit, and don’t want to trip over branches or rocks. Concentration is evident in the beam.
Your lamp will be able to shine a longer distance so you can see what is coming up ahead. During the night, it has been very useful for locating possums in the trees.
Combined Beams
There is a choice between flood/wide beams and spot/narrow beams with this headlamp. In addition to being more useful, a multi-option headlamp would be recommended, even if it is a little more expensive.
Red light
There are many headlamps that have the option of having a red LED light. By using this light, one can further enhance their night vision. Some have a strobe action, which could be helpful when you are in an emergency. The use of a red light will also prevent your battery from being drained.
Lumens
Lumens are always being talked about in your light. There is some truth to the argument that if you have more lumens, the light gets stronger. Light is wasted when it is not directed properly, so you don’t have the ability to use your lumens effectively.
Lumens are an important feature to consider when choosing a headlamp. Light is something I enjoy, so I usually try to find lamps with more lumens. Therefore, you should take this into consideration when selecting a headlamp. In addition, do not forget to take into consideration the distance between the beams.
Beam Distance
The size of a headlamp is also very important when shopping for one. A headlamp’s beam should be considered both in terms of its distance and its proximity.
It’s not necessary to obtain a beam distance of up to 100m for camping, especially when no night hikes are planned. You might be able to achieve the best results with a beam distance of around 30m.
There are no manufacturer recommendations when it comes to the beam distance in camping, like so many other things. You should consider the distance you need for the beam based on what you will be using the headlamp for.
Battery conditions will also affect the beam distance in addition to the battery condition. Battery life will affect the beam distance if you use them for a long time.
Battery Life
There is nothing worse than turning on a light and finding that the batteries are dead. The brightness of a headlamp can drain batteries quickly, especially when the lamp is on full brightness. This problem can be easily solved by keeping backup batteries on hand. Be careful about how you use your best flashlight without a headlamp.
Last but not least, you should consider the level of comfort provided by the headlamp. It’s important to remember that the manufacturer’s run time is only a guide, and I think it’s in their best interest to overstate it. As a result, you should not put your full trust in that number.
You should invest in a headlamp that has a long run time if you will be camping or hiking in a remote area (where help may take a while to reach you).
Weight
There are different types of headlamps that come in different sizes and weights. It has been my experience that an external battery pack attached to a headlamp can add additional weight and become uncomfortable when not properly positioned!
Campers are not too concerned about weight around the campsite in most cases. The weight of your ultralight campers may have to be considered more (possibly) if you are counting grams.
Headlamp Modes
It is almost impossible to find a headlamp without multiple modes. During car camping, there is no need for many modes of light beams. The low and high settings are probably sufficient for your needs.
Headlamps usually have the following options (some or all): Low, Mid, High, Strobe (which includes red light), and Zoom (more expensive models typically have this feature). If you prefer one mode over another, you can do so. Keep in mind that more light will drain the battery more quickly.
You may notice your headlamp dimming quickly if your batteries are weakening, indicating you need to buy new batteries. When other lamps go out abruptly, the light will simply go out. Neither a warning nor an alert will be issued.
Durability
You should make your headlamp as strong as possible. If you drop it, you will not have to worry about it cracking or malfunctioning. In the event of rain, there shouldn’t be any effect.
Water-resistant headlamps should be stated on all product labels. IPX4 is the recommended rating. A headlamp that you will have to store away at the first drop of rain is not what you need when you are at camp.
Price
Many options are available when it comes to headlamps. You’ll find them for very cheap (like $10 each) and you should wonder why they’re so cheap. Their lumins, distance, and battery life are not enough to justify their price tag (and, ultimately, they’re not worth your money). In addition, you can go to the most expensive ones that cost $400 or more, but they do everything, but the price is just too high for car camping.
There are also these little ones with animals’ faces on them (and their eyes are lamps) – they’re very cute, even though I don’t give them much thought. Spend your money wisely, and choose a headlamp that provides light (and is, thus, safer) and not one with an animal design (such as a monkey, dog, duck, etc).
A car camping trip should be avoided if you decide to go very cheaply or very expensively. It is important to find one that fits your budget and meets your requirements.
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Additional Features
You might want to think about the other features included with headlamps. Neither of these options is essential, but they are nice to have.
- Tilted lights allow you to direct the light upwards or downwards without moving your head.
- An additional strap may be found on some headlamps that goes around the sides and over top. The purpose of the bag is more for adventurers who might be hanging from rocks than for car campers.
- Make sure the on/off switch is located where you want it, and consider how each mode of the light will be controlled. Do you think you will be able to complete it if you are given it in the middle of the night?
- As soon as you put the headlamp in your bag, there is a mechanism that prevents it from accidentally turning on. After hours of camping, you pull out your camping gear and find that the light is out.
Can they be used for camping?
Hands-Free: Due to the fact that you don’t have to hold onto any other lights you can move around the campsite easily. Whether you are cooking or preparing for camp chores, you will not need to worry about storing a lantern or torch (remember what we said in the first paragraph).
Compact: Neither your camping bags nor gearboxes can accommodate them.
Casts a lot of light: Depending on your needs and the activity you are engrossed in, you can adjust the lighting.
Family friendly: They do not need to be cherished excessively. If they have their own (and stay attached to them, you’re less likely to see them disappear) it’s great because you don’t need to worry about them tripping over gas lanterns or powered lights.
