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How to Find the Best Headlamps for Hunting

If you’re headed out for a pre-sunrise or post-dusk hunt, you’re going to want to have a reliable light source. The light source can’t be something that you hold, as you will need free hands to do things like climb your tree stand, set up your decoys, or field dress an animal.

The best headlamps for hunting are those that attach to your head securely and provide you with bright illumination. They can also provide you with a conspicuous cover so that you can see in front of you without giving away your position.

After testing dozens of products and reading online reviews, we came up with a list of the six best headlamps for hunting.

Bottom Line Up Front

There are many useful headlamps available on the market today. We feel as though the Streamlight 61070 Trident BuckMasters LED Headlamp will provide you with the best value and performance. It comes with both a bright C4 LED along with green LEDs for night vision.

It’s also waterproof and shock-resistant, ideal for hunters. The fact that it costs less than $30 is a tremendous benefit as well.

Different Types of Headlamps for Hunting

hunting headlamps

Hunters and sportsmen use headlamps instead of flashlights. The best headlamps for hunting don’t take up a lot of space. Hunters can quickly turn lights on or off with the flick of a switch.

When shopping for headlamps, you’ll probably find that there are different types available. For instance, some headlamps are designed for hunting, while others are for running on trails at night. These may vary from, say, the type of headlamp that you would use when doing work in an attic or a basement.

Headlamps for hunting typically come with both flood and spotlights. Floodlights allow you to perform up-close tasks, while spotlights are better for long-distance. Hunting headlamps also should have different light settings. Many come with dim or night-vision settings. These headlamps are ideal because they allow you to perform tasks without giving away your position.

How to Find the Best Headlamps for Hunting

When looking for a hunting headlamp, there are a couple of features that you’ll want to prioritize above all else.

Type of Light

The kind of light that the lamp provides is perhaps the most critical thing to consider when purchasing a headlamp. The best headlamps for hunting are bright enough to illuminate a couple of hundred yards in front of you. They also come with controls so that you can dim or lower the intensity of the light.

You should also look for headlamps that come in different colors as well. For instance, some headlamps come with red and green lights. These lights are useful because they can provide you with night vision. You can see your target without giving away your position. These lights are useful if you, say, drop something in your blind and need to pick it up.

Type of Battery

The other vital thing that you’ll need to think about is the type of battery the device uses. Some headlamps rely on AA or AAA batteries, while others take rechargeable batteries.
If you plan on going on long excursions, then you’ll want to use a headlamp that runs on battery power. Unfortunately, many rechargeable headlamps don’t provide the best battery life. Rechargeable lamps often die within a few hours. You may find them useful for a quick trip, but nothing longer. And if the batteries die, you have no way of replacing them.

If you do decide to purchase a headlamp with a rechargeable battery, we recommend picking up a second pack. That way, you have reserves in case of an emergency. Make sure always to charge your batteries when you return home from your trip.

Durability

Manufacturers have made an effort to improve the durability of hunting headlamps. Today, it should come as no surprise to see headlamps that are dustproof, shock resistant, and water-resistant. When purchasing a headlamp for hunting, you should not settle for anything that does not have these features.

Headbands and Color

One of the other pieces of criteria that we concerned ourselves with was the color and design of the headband. We understand that you want to maintain cover when hunting. We also liked headlamps that provided customers with multiple color options.

The headband is something else to consider when purchasing a headlamp. Some headlamps come with one circular strap that stretches to fit around your head or a hard hat. Others come with an additional strap that goes over the top of your head. If you think that you’re going to be moving around a lot, you should consider the additional strap.

1. Streamlight 61070 BuckMasters Trident Headlamp, Camo

streamlight 61070

  • Light Output: C4 Power LED, One Green 5mm LED, Three White 5MM LEDs
  • Run Time: 63 Hours
  • Runs On: AAA Batteries

The Streamlight 61070 BuckMasters Trident Headlamp is our choice for the best headlamp for hunting on the market today. The product is rather affordable, costing around $30. Hunters will receive an outstanding 63 hours of run-time, which means the lamp should last them well into the season.

No matter what type of light you need, you’ll find it with this lamp. Not only does it include a bright white LED to illuminate in front of you, but it also comes with green LEDs in case you need night vision without spooking game. This lamp also comes with a C4 Ultra-Bright LED that could be particularly useful in emergencies.

We also appreciated how easy it was to use this headlamp. It comes with a 90-degree tilting head, designed to prevent neck fatigue. It also comes with a recessed push-button switch. Because the push-button is recessed, you won’t accidentally activate it while working. The push-button works while wearing gloves.

Pros

  • An adjustable elastic head strap
  • Rubber hardhat trap
  • Bearn distance of 126 meters
  • Weighs 5.5 ounces
  • Shock and water-resistant

Cons

  • Some customers said the light appeared yellowish at long ranges
  • Only five hours of run time if using the bright light
  • The battery pack is not in a convenient location

2. Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight

foxelli

  • Light Output: Four Settings: Maximum, Medium, Low, and Red Light
  • Run Time: 45 Hours
  • Runs On: AAA Batteries

If you’re someone who hunts at night, especially in marshes and bogs, you’re going to want something a little bit brighter than usual. In those cases, we recommend the Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight. Foxelli designed this lamp with Super Bright CREE-3W LED Technology, complete with a 200-foot beam. You’ll receive 45 hours of run time when using this product.

We also liked that this product was incredibly lightweight, checking in at a mere 3.2 ounces with batteries. It comes with an ergonomically-designed elastic headband, making it easy to take on and off. This product is water-resistant. Customers can purchase this product for around $13. There are eight different colors available, ranging from black to neon yellow. There is no camouflage option available.

Pros

  • Comes with CREE-3W LED Technology and a 200-foot beam
  • Very affordable, costing only $13
  • Very lightweight, weighing 3.2 ounces
  • Moneyback guarantee
  • Available in multiple colors

Cons

  • The headlamp only tilts to 45 degrees, not 90
  • Not shock resistant
  • No camo color option available

3. Black Diamond Storm Headlamp

 

black diamond storm

 

  • Light Output: One Quad Power LED and one Double Power White LED
  • Run Time: 40 Hours
  • Runs On: AAA Batteries

If you tend to put your headlamps through rigorous conditions, you may want to check out the Black Diamond Storm Headlamp. Black Diamond built this headlamp to last. You may end up paying a bit more as a result, but it could be an investment well worth making.

The headlamp is both waterproof and dustproof, ideal for outdoor situations. You’ll also find that it can remain immersed in up to one meter of water for half an hour. You can trust that if you’re going hunting in the rain, this headlamp will stand up to the test.

The headlamp comes complete with one Quad Power LED and one Double Power white LED. Together, these lights emit up to 350 lumens. This is very bright – perhaps too bright for hunting. You may also use the headlamp’s red, blue, and green Single Power LEDs if you’d like something that’s not as bright for use at night.

You can purchase this product for $38 – $45 depending on which color you prefer. There are four color options available – Black, Aluminum, Octane, and Dark Olive.

Pros

  • Red, blue, and green LEDs for night vision
  • Quad Power LED, and Double Power white LED
  • Can change between full and dimmed power
  • Can remain immersed in water for up to 30 minutes
  • Automatically remembers brightness settings

Cons

  • The maximum setting may be too bright for hunting
  • A bit heavy, as it holds four batteries
  • Customers mentioned that the controls were difficult to use

4. GRDE Super Bright LED Headlamp

headlamp

  • Light Output: Floodlight/Spotlight that emits up to 1,800 lumens
  • Run Time: Seven Hours
  • Runs On: Rechargeable

If brightness and security are your concern, this is the hunting headlamp for you. The lamp emits up to 1,800 lumens and comes with three different settings. You can easily switch from spotlight to floodlight settings. The lamp also allows you to change the “Zoom” on the light as well.

Another unique feature about this headlamp is that it comes with an overhead strap. The other headlamps on our list only have a strap that goes around your head. This lamp also comes with a strap that goes over your head. If you think you’re going to be running or going through more rigorous activities, the extra strap could help keep things secure.

The batteries on this lamp are rechargeable. This could be both a positive and a negative. On one hand, you won’t have to worry about replacing the batteries when they die. All you need to do is make sure that you charge the batteries when you get home from your trip.

On the other hand, you may want to consider buying extra batteries, since the initial charge only lasts for a few hours.

Pros

  • Affordable, costing only $24
  • Overhead strap helps keep the headlamp secure
  • Easy to switch from spotlight to floodlight settings
  • Zoom features makes it easy to pinpoint locations
  • 1,800 lumens make for a bright light

Cons

  • Rechargeable batteries die quickly
  • Only comes in one color, royal blue
  • Some customers said the connection wears down over time

5. Kohree CREE 80000 LUX LED Rechargeable Hunting Cap Light

kohree cree 8000

  • Light Output: Multicolor Beam-white beam with CREE XPL LED
  • Run Time: 20 Hours
  • Runs On: Rechargeable

If you’re someone who likes to wear a hat while hunting, you’ll want to consider this headlamp from Kohree. Instead of a traditional headlamp, which has elastic straps for you to mount the device to your head, this device is a ballcap with a light mounted on the front. You can remove the mount and attach it to your favorite soft or hard hat as well.

This light comes with a bright white beam that casts light up to 275 yards. It also comes with red and green lights that you will likely find useful when hunting at night. There is a dial that allows you to control the brightness of the lights as well.

Kohree made this light out of aluminum, which makes it durable and resistant to rain. The hat is camouflage, so you should have no problem blending into your surroundings. Customers can purchase this headlamp for $90.

Pros

  • 275-yard field of vision
  • Rotary switch makes it easy for you to control the brightness settings
  • Aluminum design is durable
  • Rechargeable battery has a long run-time
  • Mounts to both soft and hard hats

Cons

  • A bit bulky, especially when considering it is attached to a cap
  • Some customers said the locking mechanism is faulty and that the light flops occasionally
  • May be too heavy to sit on top of your head for extended periods

6. InnoGear Headlamp Torch with Rechargeable Batteries

innogear 5000

  • Light Output: Super-bright LED, Max output up to 5,000 lumens
  • Run Time: Six Hours
  • Runs On: Rechargeable

Those searching for a heavy-duty headlamp should check out this product from InnoGear. The headlamp can produce an astounding 5,000 lumen, meaning it can brighten the darkest of settings. It also comes with four working modes: Low, Middle, High, and Flashing.

This headlamp runs on two rechargeable batteries. The batteries provide you with up to six hours of working time. You’ll also find a USB port on the headlamp as well. You can plug your phone or other devices into the port in case of an emergency. InnoGear made this product with aluminum alloy and rubber. It comes with a third strap that goes over your head, ensuring that the unit stays in place. The device is waterproof and heatproof.

Pros

  • Resistant to heat, cold, and water
  • USB port could help in case of emergencies
  • Bright light can illuminate anything around you
  • Fits over hard hats
  • Durable design

Cons

  • Rechargeable batteries die quickly
  • No red or green lights
  • Some customers complained the light flickered occasionally

Comparing the Options

Product  Price  Warranty  Light Output  Run Time  Runs On  Where to Purchase 
Streamlight BuckMasters Trident Headlamp  $30   Limited Lifetime Warranty   C4 Power LED, One Green 5mm LED, Three White 5MM LEDs   63 Hours   AAA Batteries   Amazon  
Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight   $13   Complete Lifetime Warranty   Four Settings: Maximum, Medium, Low, and Red Light   45 Hours  AAA Batteries   Amazon 
Black Diamond Storm Headlamp  $38 – $50    Three Years   One Quad Power LED and one Double Power White LED   40 Hours  AAA Batteries   Amazon 
GRDE Super Bright LED Headlamp  $24   One Year   Floodlight/Spotlight that emits up to 1,800 lumens  Seven hours  Rechargeable   Amazon 
Kohree CREE 80000 LUX LED Rechargeable Hunting Cap Light  $90   Two Years   Multicolor Beam-white beam with CREE XPL LED   20 hours   Rechargeable   Amazon 
InnoGear Headlamp Torch with Rechargeable Batteries  

 

$55   Not specified   Super-bright LED, Max output up to 5,000 lumens   Six hours   Rechargeable   Amazon  

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to see when browsing online that there are dozens of different headlamps for hunting available. Hunting headlamps have become more affordable over the past few years. Hunting headlamps can not only make your job easier in the field, but they can also keep you safe as well.

Having ready access to bright light is a lot more convenient than having to fumble through a backpack looking for a flashlight.

Seeing as most hunting headlamps cost less than $50, headlamps are an affordable product worth adding to your camo selection. Although we feel as though you’ll be satisfied with any of the six options on our list, we believe the best headlamp for hunting available today is Streamlight 61070 Trident BuckMasters LED Headlamp. With shock resistance, water resistance, and green LEDs for night vision, you can’t go wrong with this $30 purchase.

We were also very impressed with the Black Diamond Storm Headlamp. This product was a close “second” because of its durability and multiple lighting options. If this headlamp was a little bit cheaper, we probably would have ranked it “Best Overall.” If you don’t mind paying a bit more for a hunting headlamp, this should be your go-to option.

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