The 10 Best Headlamps For Hunting

This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in January of 2019. If you hunt or fish at night, you need a reliable headlamp to illuminate your way and surroundings while leaving your hands free for other things, such as reloading your weapon, building a fire, or attaching bait to a hook. Plus they are compact enough for easy transport without taking up much pack space. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in January of 2019. If you hunt or fish at night, you need a reliable headlamp to illuminate your way and surroundings while leaving your hands free for other things, such as reloading your weapon, building a fire, or attaching bait to a hook. Plus they are compact enough for easy transport without taking up much pack space. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Petzl Strix VL 40

The Petzl Strix VL 40 (around $89) uses just one AA battery, so you won't have to worry about running out of juice on long trips because you can carry a bunch of replacements. In addition to three levels of white light, it provides red, green, and blue, too.

Adjusts horizontally and vertically
Turns on at the lowest setting
Rugged build for harsh environments

2. Streamlight BuckMasters Trident

The Streamlight BuckMasters Trident (about $27) is built to withstand impacts from as high as six feet, so it shouldn't fail on you just because you drop it once or twice. In addition to its C4 white LED, it's got three green ones that shouldn't spook deer.

Low-battery indicator
Spot-style beam
Includes two kinds of head strap

3. Black Diamond Storm

The Black Diamond Storm (appx. $45) has a roughly 150-foot beam distance and provides a good amount of peripheral illumination, so you can see both far and wide. It is built like a tank and features a button lock that ensures it won't turn on in your pack.

Eight different lighting modes
Easy to tilt up and down
One-touch dimming

4. Vitchelo V800

The Vitchelo V800 (about $15) is a budget-friendly option, though you wouldn't know that based on its runtime and brightness. One of its greatest features is probably the separate buttons for the red and white lights, so you'll never accidentally ruin your night vision.

Can be operated with gloved hands
Runs on three aa batteries
No flood lamp setting

5. Black Diamond Spot

The Black Diamond Spot (around $22) comes in five different colors, so even if you and your buddies all get the same model, there won't be any arguments over whose is whose. It also offers the ideal balance of price and performance for most users.

180-hour runtime on low
Turns on at the last setting used
Annoying yellow spot in the center

6. DanForce 1080

The DanForce 1080 (around $30) can be operated in freezing temperatures and extreme heat, so no matter when and where you stalk your prey, it won't let you down. It is ridiculously bright and has rubber seals to prevent water intrusion if you get caught in an unexpected rain storm.

Adjustable beam focus
Backed by a seven-year warranty
Only has white leds

7. Cobiz CZJP006

With a 6,000-lumens output, the Cobiz CZJP006 (around $26) is one of the brightest options out there. It offers both focused and flood beams, so you can illuminate your entire surroundings or just the trail ahead, and can safely be used in the rain without getting damaged.

Battery recharges quickly
Feels well balanced on the head
Flashing sos mode

UNDER REVIEW

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8. Powercap Beanie

If you find bands uncomfortable or expect to go on a lot of cold-weather trips, then the Powercap Beanie (around $20) is for you. It will keep your noggin and ears nice and toasty, and it's available in a few different camouflage patterns, along with some stylish colors.

48-lumens output
Flood and spot lights
Throw distance is too short

9. Shining Buddy HL-103

The Shining Buddy HL-103 (around $13) has a high and low white setting, as well as steady red and flashing modes. Its bulbs are rated to last 100,000 hours, which is more than 10 years of continuous use, so the chances of them ever burning out on you are slim.

Each one is individually tested
100-percent money-back guarantee
Band isn't very adjustable

10. Beloman 12000

The housing of the Beloman 12000 (appx. $20) is a combination of sturdy aluminum and impact-resistant rubber, so it will have no problem taking a beating. In addition to the traditional vertical band, it has an over-the-head strap to keep it firmly in place.

Single-button operation
Run time isn't very long
Feels front heavy

Last updated by Brett Dvoretz

A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.

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