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It’s easy to get tunnel vision on rifles, binoculars, and UTVs, but don’t forget that the best headlamps for hunting can make your favorite hobby significantly more enjoyable. We saved you the trouble of searching through endless products by picking the best headlamps available for this gear guide.
Most hunting begins with a dark walk through trees and underbrush. Don’t get me wrong — I like tripping over roots and stubbing my toes on rocks as much as anybody — but using a flashlight can certainly get you to the stand or blind in one piece more often than your natural night vision can. Keeping your hands free has obvious advantages of your own. By using a headlamp, you’ll always have light where you need it and still be able to carry and move whatever you want.
A lot of gear guides will phone it in with a list of the first headlamps the writer found in some kind of camouflage pattern. Camo is cool, but there are other things that make a great headlamp for hunting. That’s where I focused my attention, and the result is a list of solid gear that can walk the walk, not just talk the talk.
- Best Overall: Black Diamond Storm 500-R
- Best Value: 5.11 Tactical Rapid
- Honorable Mention: Petzl Tactikka +RGB
- Highest Output: SureFire Maximus
- Best Hat Brim Clip-On: Bushnell TRKR
Methodology
As is the case with all of my gear guides, I first put myself in the mindset of someone who needs the best headlamp for hunting they can possibly get. That can mean a few different things, but everyone deserves a quality item from a reputable manufacturer. That’s where I began my search; companies that have a proven track record of building reliable gear. Next, I filtered out products that aren’t able to work in bad weather. Not every hunting headlamp needs to be totally waterproof, but some degree of weather protection is essential. Finally, I gave preference to headlights that feature multiple power output settings so you can have the right amount of light for every job. This wasn’t a make-or-break criterion, but it was a consideration. To learn more about Task & Purpose’s testing protocols, click here.
Best Overall
Black Diamond Storm 500-R
Pros
- Rechargeable battery is perfect for off-grid life
- Can withstand drops and temporary submersion
- Turns on with the last brightness setting you used
Cons
- Price reflects the upgrades over the competition
- Recharging takes longer than swapping out batteries
Product Specs
- Power output: 500 lumens (high), 250 lumens (medium), six lumens (low)
- Batteries: Rechargeable 2,400 milliamp-hour lithium-ion battery
- Claimed maximum battery life: Seven hours (high), 19 hours (medium), 350 hours (low)
- Waterproof rating: IPX7
Best Value
5.11 Tactical Rapid
Pros
- Can be worn or carried several ways
- Replace the disposable AA battery with a rechargeable 14500
- Five settings are available
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- Not as streamlined as most headlamps
Product Specs
- Power output: 330 lumens (14500 lithium-ion rechargeable), 200 (AA)
- Batteries: One AA (included), rechargeable 14500 lithium-ion (not included)
- Claimed maximum battery life: One hour (spotlight), six hours (floodlight)
- Waterproof rating: IP54
Honorable Mention
Petzl Tactikka +RGB
Pros
- Petzl has longstanding credibility in the outdoor and military communities
- Choose from four colors of light
- Upgrade to a Petzl CORE rechargeable battery
Cons
- It would be nice if the rechargeable battery was included
- Water-resistant, but not waterproof
Product Specs
- Power output: 350 lumens (high), 100 lumens (medium), six lumens (low), two lumens (continuous)
- Batteries: Three AAA, one Petzl CORE rechargeable (not included)
- Claimed maximum battery life: Two hours (white, high), 12 hours (white, medium), 160 hours (white, low), 60 hours (red, blue, green), 400 hours (emergency strobe)
- Waterproof rating: IPX4
HIghest Output
SureFire Maximus
Pros
- One of the brightest headlamps on the market
- Power output is adjustable from one to 1,000 lumens
- Built-in rechargeable battery is great for long hunting trips
Cons
- Waterproofing isn’t on par with power output
- Only produces white light
Product Specs
- Power output: One to 1,000 lumens (continuously variable)
- Batteries: Internal rechargeable lithium-ion
- Claimed maximum battery life: 1.5 hours (maximum power), 550 hours (minimum power)
- Waterproof rating: IPX4
Best Hat Brim Clip-On
Bushnell TRKR
Pros
- Can be added to your favorite hat’s brim
- The least expensive option here
- Produces white or red light
Cons
- Only generates 85 lumens
- Very limited life from a single disposable AA battery
Product Specs
- Power output: 85 lumens (white), one lumen (red)
- Batteries: One AAA
- Claimed maximum battery life: 45 minutes (white), 4.25 hours (red)
- Waterproof rating: IPX4
Our verdict on headlamps for hunting
Black Diamond is one of the best brands for backcountry gear, and the Storm 500-R is the best headlamp for hunting (and all kinds of other adventures). You can also save some money and get 5.11 Tactical’s versatile Rapid detachable headlamp. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments section and share the wealth.
What to consider when buying headlamps for hunting
Finding the best headlamp for hunting is more straightforward than buying a pair of hunting boots or a great hunting knife, but there are still a few features you should keep an eye on to make sure you get the best headlight for you. Pay special attention to the colors and power settings available, as well as weather resistance and camouflage patterns.
Key features of a headlamp
Variable power output and color modes
What kind of hunting gear do you already own? You probably have half a dozen backpacks, a few pairs of boots, and all kinds of camouflage. That’s because different problems call for different solutions. Having a headlamp that can provide soft light or a powerful beam is incredibly valuable. Multiple power modes can deliver the right amount of light, whether you’re navigating a rough trail or rummaging through your pack.
White light is the most common color because it’s what our eyes are used to and allows us to access the most visual information. When we see white light, the cones in our retinas perceive the world around us in great detail. Red and green lights are popular because they’re gentler on the rods in our retinas that get used in darkness. These colors also don’t tend to carry as far, so you’re less likely to give away your position.
Weather resistance
It would be great if every hunt got beautiful weather, but that’s not the case. You’re going to get caught in a rainstorm at one point or another, so having gear that’s up to the challenge is important. Weather-resistant headlamps can handle rain and the occasional splash so you don’t have to baby them.
Waterproof headlamps go a step further, with enough protection to handle temporary submersion. If you’re concerned about dropping your headlamp off a boat or dunking it during a stream crossing, pay attention to each product’s IP rating.
Camouflage
Having camouflage on your headlamp certainly isn’t essential, but it can be nice to have. If you primarily use a headlamp to unload gear from your truck, load a boat, or get your blind organized, you can use any headlamp you want because it’ll be put away by the time any game animals come around.
On the other hand, some people might not want to deal with stashing a headlamp when not in use. If you want to wear it or keep it in the open, a splash of camouflage will be a valuable feature.
Pricing
Most of the best headlamps for hunting cost between $50 and $75, with a range of features and capabilities. The most expensive premium option we recommend is the SureFire Maximus, which costs $270 and provides significantly more light than the rest of the top hunting headlamps on the market. At the other end of the spectrum, the Bushnell TRKR can be clipped to your hat brim for just $20.
FAQs about headlamps for hunting
You’ve got questions, Task & Purpose has answers.
Q: What is the brightest headlamp for hunting?
A: How much light do you need? You could get a headlamp with a claimed 10,000 lumens, but the brightest headlamp may not be the best headlamp for hunting.
Q: What is a red light used for on headlamps?
A: Red light creates less glare than white light. It’s also easier on your eyes, so they can adapt more quickly to the darkness when you’re done using your light.
Q: Can deer see red or green light?
A: There is evidence to suggest that, because of a condition called protanopia, deer cannot detect red or green lights.
Q: How many lumens do I need for hunting?
A: That depends on what kind of hunting you have in mind. If you just need to get situated in your blind, a 50-lumen glow is adequate. If you’re trying to spot hogs across an open field, you’ll need an actual spotlight.