With a Black Diamond headlamp, you experience unparalleled performance, reliability, and innovation at your fingertips. Whether you’re venturing into the backcountry, tackling an alpine ascent, preparing for an evening run, or simply taking the dog on a nighttime walk, our headlamps are designed to illuminate your path and power your adventures.
How to Choose the Right Headlamp
Selecting the ideal headlamp depends on your activity and environment. Here’s what to consider:
Brightness (Lumens):
A higher lumen count means more light output, which is essential for route-finding and navigating challenging terrain. High-lumen headlamps are also great for activities that require quick reactions or precision. For activities like climbing, trail running, or skiing, we recommend choosing headlamps with higher lumen output to ensure maximum visibility in fast-paced environments.
While many may just be looking for a headlamp to take camping, it’s worth considering the specific activities you may engage in while you're out there, so you select a headlamp that’s versatile enough to meet all your needs. For basic uses like reading, or walking in the dark 150 - 250 lumens should suffice.
Beam Distance:
The right beam distance depends on your activity and how far ahead you need to see. A longer beam distance is crucial for activities like trail running or mountaineering, where spotting obstacles or navigating the terrain well in advance is essential. For close-up tasks like setting up camp, cooking, or reading, a shorter beam distance of 30–60 meters will suffice, providing focused lighting without unnecessary brightness.
Rechargeable vs. Dual Fuel
The power source is an important factor depending on your activity, trip length, and convenience preferences. Here’s a quick breakdown of Rechargeable and Dual Fuel headlamp options:
Rechargeable
Rechargeable headlamps feature an integrated Li-ion battery with a micro USB or USB-C charging port. They are more powerful than non-rechargeable counterparts, offering higher lumen output and longer-lasting performance on a single charge. This makes them ideal for activities requiring consistent, high-intensity lighting.
Best for: Regular outdoor users who want convenience and eco-friendliness. Great for climbing, hiking, or camping where you can recharge between trips, or access power source for charging on longer expeditions.
Advantages:
1) Easy to recharge via a USB port. No need for disposable batteries.
2) Rechargeable headlamps let you top off the charge daily for maximum performance
3) Cost-effective over time.
Consider if: You use your headlamp frequently and have access to charging between trips or activities.
Dual Fuel
Dual-fuel headlamps allow you to use either standard AAA batteries or rechargeable BD 1500 Battery and charger, providing added flexibility.
Best for: Adventurers in remote areas without access to charging or on long trips where extended battery life is critical.
Advantages:
1) Batteries can be replaced quickly in the field.
2) Ideal for long treks or expeditions with no access to charging.
3) More affordable upfront cost.
Consider if: You need extra flexibility and may face situations where recharging isn’t an option.
A headlamp for Every Adventure
Running Headlamps
Purpose-built for runners, these headlamps are designed to tackle everything from early-morning urban jogs to all-night trail adventures and ultramarathons. Featuring powerful, versatile lighting with optimal range and brightness for trail running.
Expedition Headlamps
Our best, brightest, most waterproof, and feature-rich headlamps, Black Diamond expedition-grade headlamps are built for the harshest environments and the longest adventures. With powerful lumen output, optimal range, and exceptional battery efficiency, they are designed to endure multi-day backcountry trips and intense alpine pushes.
Hiking and Backpacking Headlamps
Compact, reliable, and designed for comfort, these headlamps are the ultimate companions for any adventure. Featuring a low-profile, ergonomic design, they offer balanced weight distribution for all-day wear, while remaining watertight and built to withstand the elements—making them ideal for everything from casual day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips, with plenty of lumen output for any nighttime adventure.
