Night hiking opens up a whole new world—cooler temps, quieter trails, and stunning stargazing. Lately, we’ve been doing a lot of it ourselves to escape the New Mexico heat. But it also demands the right gear, and your headlamp is arguably the most important piece. We’ve tested and compared the best headlamps across all price points to help you find the perfect fit for your adventures.
Before you hit the trail after dark, check out our Night Hiking 101 guide and our Top 5 Tips for Night Hiking Success for key safety advice.
Note on Prices: The prices listed are only estimates based on the average price we could find. Check the links to get the current prices.
Quick Picks
- 💸 Budget: Black Diamond Astro 300-R
- 🏆 Best Value: Black Diamond Spot 400
- 🔋 Best Rechargeable: Black Diamond Spot 400-R
- 🔦 Brightest: Black Diamond Distance 1500
What to Look for in a Night Hiking Headlamp
When you’re choosing a headlamp for night hiking, there are a few key features to keep in mind:
- Brightness (lumens): 300 lumens is the minimum for clear trail visibility; 600+ lumens is better for rugged or technical terrain.
- Battery type: Rechargeable headlamps save money and reduce waste over time, especially if you hike often.
- Weight & comfort: Lightweight models reduce fatigue, especially on long or warm-weather hikes.
- Lighting modes: Look for multiple brightness levels and especially red light mode, which helps preserve night vision and minimizes disturbance to wildlife or fellow hikers.
- Weather resistance: A water-resistant or waterproof design ensures durability in wet or unpredictable conditions.
Budget (Under $40)
BLACK DIAMOND Astro 300-R Rechargeable LED Headlamp, Dimmable IPX4 Rainproof Headlamp for Camping, Hiking, Running, Work, Travel
PETZL, TIKKINA Outdoor Headlamp 250 Lumens for Camping and Hiking
Black Diamond Astro 300-R
- Price: $39.95
- Max Brightness: 300 lumens
- Features: Rechargeable, lightweight (2.65 oz), long battery life (up to 140 hours on low), memory function, digital lockout, comfortable recycled headband
- Best For: Hikers who want solid performance and reliability at a low price, with the convenience of USB charging.
Petzl Tikkina
- Price: $25
- Max Brightness: 250 lumens
- Features: Simple, three brightness settings, easy single-button operation, optional rechargeable battery upgrade, long burn time, weather-resistant
- Best For: Those seeking a no-frills, affordable, and reliable headlamp for casual hiking or camping.
Mid-Range ($40–$70)
BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400 LED Headlamp Waterproof and Dimmable Battery Powered Headlamp for Camping, Hiking, Running, Work, Travel with Red Light Headlamp Mode
EdisonBright Nitecore NU27 600 Lumens USB-C Rechargeable Jogging Camping Headlamp with Warm, Neutral,Cool White and Red Light Bundle with EBR Power Adapter
Black Diamond Spot 400
- Price: $50
- Max Brightness: 400 lumens
- Features: Versatile, dimmable, spot and red light modes, PowerTap instant brightness, waterproof, long battery life, compatible with rechargeable battery
- Best For: Hikers wanting a proven, all-around performer with excellent reliability and features at a reasonable price.
Nitecore NU27
- Price: $45
- Max Brightness: 600 lumens
- Features: Lightweight (2 oz), multiple color temperature options, five brightness settings per color, two red light modes, USB-C charging
- Best For: Those who want customizable lighting and excellent value in a lightweight package.
Upper Mid-Range ($60–$90)
BLACK DIAMOND Spot 400-R Rechargable LED Headlamp Waterproof and Dimmable for Camping, Hiking, Running, Hunting, Work with Red Light Headlamp Mode
PETZL ACTIK CORE Headlamp Powerful, Rechargeable 600 Lumen Light with Red Lighting for Hiking, Climbing, and Camping
Black Diamond Spot 400-R
- Price: $65
- Max Brightness: 400 lumens
- Features: Rechargeable, lightweight, comfortable, long battery life, PowerTap technology
- Best For: Hikers who prioritize comfort, rechargeability, and versatility for regular use.
Petzl Actik CORE
- Price: $85
- Max Brightness: 600 lumens
- Features: Rechargeable, bright, comfortable, easy to use, phosphorescent reflector
- Best For: Those seeking a higher-lumen, easy-to-use headlamp for frequent outdoor adventures.
Premium ($100 and Up)
PETZL Swift RL Headlamp 1100 lumens with Reactive Lighting. Continuous red lighting to preserve night vision and increase comfort when reading, without blinding those around you
BLACK DIAMOND Distance 1500 Rechargeable LED Headlamp for Trail Running, Mountain Biking, Adventure Racing, Octane
Petzl Swift RL
- Price: $129.95
- Max Brightness: 1100 lumens
- Features: Rechargeable, “Reactive Lighting” sensor for automatic brightness adjustment, very bright, red and white modes, comfortable and secure fit
- Best For: Hikers needing maximum brightness, advanced features, and comfort for demanding conditions.
Black Diamond Distance 1500
- Price: $190
- Max Brightness: 1500 lumens
- Features: Ultrabright, long burn time, waterproof, RGB modes, PowerTap boost, swappable battery
- Best For: Those who need extreme brightness and rugged durability for technical terrain or long nights.
Comparison Table
Budget (<$40) Black Diamond Astro 300-R 300 2.65 oz Yes Memory, lockout, comfort Budget hikers, long battery life
Petzl Tikkina 250 3.2 oz Optional Simple, long burn, upgradeable battery Simplicity, casual use
Mid ($40–$70) Black Diamond Spot 400 400 2.7 oz Optional PowerTap, waterproof, versatile All-around hiking
Nitecore NU27 600 2 oz Yes Color temp options, red light, USB-C Custom lighting, lightweight
Upper Mid ($60–$90) Black Diamond Spot 400-R 400 2.6 oz Yes Comfortable, PowerTap, long battery Frequent hiking, rechargeability
Petzl Actik CORE 600 3.1 oz Yes Bright, easy, phosphorescent reflector Versatility, brightness
Premium (>$100) Petzl Swift RL 1100 3.5 oz Yes Reactive Lighting, very bright, comfy Maximum visibility, advanced tech
Black Diamond Distance 1500 1500 3.8 oz Yes Waterproof, RGB, swappable battery Tech terrain, ultrabright needs
Summary
All of these models are highly rated for comfort, durability, and performance. For most night hikers, the Black Diamond Spot 400 offers the best balance of price, brightness, and reliability, while the Astro 300-R is the best choice for tight budgets and the Petzl Swift RL or Black Diamond Distance 1500 are ideal for those needing maximum performance and features.
In Conclusion
A reliable headlamp can make or break your night hike. Whether you’re climbing desert switchbacks under moonlight or navigating thick forest trails, having the right light—especially one with red light mode—helps you stay safe, aware, and comfortable. We’ve put in the night miles here in New Mexico, and these headlamps are the ones we trust.
Got a favorite headlamp or recent night hike you loved? Tag us in your photos and stories on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest; we’d love to see where your trails lead!
Stay safe and happy hiking!