The Top 10 Best Running Headlamps for 2017 – Guide and Reviews

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best-running-headlamp-review-guideIf you’re a runner, and specifically a long distance runner, you probably like to run at all hours of the day and night. While running in the light of day is refreshing, there’s just something about running at night that makes you feel like you’re floating from one step to the next. Of course, the problem with running at night is that it’s dark, so it’s difficult to see where you’re going. To counteract this problem, you should consider getting yourself a running headlamp.

Running headlamps provide you with hands-free light to direct you to wherever you wish to go. Simply strap it to your forehead, switch on the light, and get to running.

What is a Running Headlamp?

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There’s nothing too complicated about a running headlamp. It’s simply an LED light attached to an elastic band designed to wrap around your head. Once the light is turned on, it is capable of illuminating all of the area directly in front of you, making it easy to see where you’re going in the dark.

While some running headlamps require typical AAA or AA batteries, others are equipped with high-powered rechargeable batteries which are designed to last for long periods of time. If you’re looking for a hands-free light to help guide your way in the dark, a running headlamp is exactly what you’re looking for.

What are the Benefits of a Running Headlamp?

While running headlamps are designed specifically for running in the dark, they can also be used in a number of other capacities. These capacities include hiking, camping, or digging through attics and crawl spaces, to name a few.

What makes them useful is that they can be operated without the use of hands, allowing you to use your hands for picking things up, and for moving various items around. Running headlamps can also be used to make you visible in the dark, protecting you from passings cars and any other dangerous situations.

Who are the Contenders for Best Running Headlamp?

BoldBrite Running Headlamp LED Flashlight

Sporting a 120 lumen LED light, this BoldBrite running headlamp is capable of four light settings, including bright white, white, red, and strobe light. Weighing in at just 2.4 ounces, and fixed with a curved forehead panel, it fits perfectly to the specific shape of your head with very little tension or strain. Waterproof and shock-resistant, it works perfectly in any type of weather condition, whether rain or shine.

LED Headlamp Flashlight by SmarterLife Products

Weighing in at a ridiculously light 1.5 ounces, this running headlamp by SmarterLife Products fits comfortably to your head with the use of its elastic headband. Equipped with a 115 lumen LED light, it possesses six different light settings, including four intensities of white light, two intensities of red light, and one SOS light for emergencies. Waterproof and shock-resistant, you won’t have to worry about damage or injury while using it in the rain.

HEIMDALL Led Headlamp Flashlight

Equipped with a 115 lumen LED light, this Heimdall running headlamp provides six different light settings, including 4 intensities of white light, and two intensities of red light to go with an SOS light for emergencies. Weighing just 1.5 ounces, it sports a textured, elastic headband that is designed to fit comfortably despite the size and shape of your head. Water-resistant and highly-durable, it thrives in any type of weather condition.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Running Headlamp

Running headlamps are, for the most part, fairly similar. They’re all fairly lightweight, and equipped with elastic straps that are designed to fit snugly to your head. Of course, this doesn’t mean that every running headlamp is interchangeable. While some possess top-notch construction and and are of the highest quality, others can be a little chincy, constructed with little care or attention to detail. There are a few primary things you must consider when choosing a running headlamp. These things include, but are not limited to, its grip-ability, how comfortable it is, its illumination capabilities, and the manner in which it’s powered.

Grip

Because you’re going to be wearing it while running, you want to make sure that the running headlamp you choose is capable of staying firmly in place when your body is making hard and sharp movements. Almost all running headlamps possess elastic straps that are designed to fit snugly to your head.

Comfort

You could be wearing your running headlamp for prolonged periods of time. For this reason it’s important to make sure that it’s going to fit comfortably. Some headlamps have a tendency to jut out in undesirable areas, placing unnecessary pressure on the front or sides of your head.

Illumination Capabilities

The entire purpose of purchasing a running headlamp in the first place is so that you have enough light to see where you’re going in the dark. It’s necessary to find a headlamp which provides enough light so that you can see at least about 8 feet in front of you.

Power Source

All running headlamps are powered by batteries, but it’s important to figure out exactly what type of batteries your headlamp is powered by. Some simply make use of AA or AAA batteries, while others come equipped with high-powered, long-lasting, rechargeable batteries.

Grip

BoldBrite Running Headlamp LED Flashlight

Equipped with a flexible, adjustable, elastic strap, this BoldBrite running headlamp is capable of clinging snugly to your head regardless of your head’s size or shape. With a curved forehead panel, it places just enough friction between it and your forehead to prevent it from slipping down.

LED Headlamp Flashlight by SmarterLife Products

Though it doesn’t quite possess the grip offered by the BoldBrite running headlamp in our top 3, this SmarterLife Products running headlamp still possesses plenty of grip to get you where you need to go. With a heavy-duty, adjustable, elastic headband, it allows you to adjust it to the size of your particular head shape.

HEIMDALL Led Headlamp Flashlight

In terms of overall grip-ability, this Heimdall running headlamp is comparable to the SmarterLife and BoldBrite headlamps in our top 3. It possesses a textured, adjustable, elastic headband which can be fastened to fit snugly to your particular head shape and size.

Comfort

BoldBrite Running Headlamp LED Flashlight

Weighing in at just 2.4 ounces, this BoldBrite running headlamp feels almost weightless on your head. Because its light is situated at a 45-degree angle, it allows you to run without having to contort your neck.

LED Headlamp Flashlight by SmarterLife Products

Weighing in at a miniscule 1.5 ounces, this SmarterLife Products running headlamp is as comfortable of a running headlamp as you’re going to find. With a curved forehead panel, it prevents downward slippage, allowing you to run without the constant worry of it falling off.

HEIMDALL Led Headlamp Flashlight

Equipped with a light that can be adjusted at angles up to 45 degrees, this Heimdall running headlamp illuminates the area a few feet in front of you so that you don’t have to uncomfortably twist your neck. Weighing in at just 1.5 ounces, you can barely even feel it on your head.

Illumination Capabilities

LED Headlamp Flashlight by SmarterLife Products

Sporting a 115 lumen LED light, this SmarterLife Products running headlamp possesses six different light settings. These include 4 different white light intensities, 2 different red light intensities, and an SOS emergency light setting, giving you a light setting for just about any given situation.

HEIMDALL Led Headlamp Flashlight

Equipped with a 115 lumen LED light, this Heimdall running headlamp possesses six different light settings. These settings include four intensities of white light, two intensities of red light, and also an SOS emergency setting.

BoldBrite Running Headlamp LED Flashlight

Though it doesn’t possess poor illumination capabilities, this BoldBrite running headlamp falls just below the SmarterLife and Heimdall running headlamps in our top 3 in terms of illumination. With a 120 lumen LED light, it possesses four light settings, including bright white, white, red, and strobe red.

Power Source

BoldBrite Running Headlamp LED Flashlight

Making use of 3 AAA batteries, this BoldBrite running headlamp is capable of running for weeks of on/off use. This is a lot longer of a running time than you will find with many running headlamps. Because of this, you will ultimately pay much less for batteries.

LED Headlamp Flashlight by SmarterLife Products

While the BoldBrite running headlamp in our top 3 makes use of 3 AAA batteries, this SmarterLife Products running headlamp makes use of just one AA battery. While this may cost less money for each new battery, it doesn’t possess even close to the same duration as the three batteries used by the BoldBrite. It may actually end up being more expensive in the long run.

HEIMDALL Led Headlamp Flashlight

Like the SmarterLife Products running headlamp in our top 3, this Heimdall running headlamp makes use of just one AA battery. This gives it a duration of 8 to 80 hours depending on the intensity of light setting that you use.

Conclusion: Our Running Headlamp Reviews

Best Cheap: Flagship-X Waterproof CREE LED Camping Headlam

flagship-x-waterproof-cree-led-camping-headlampRunning headlamps are available at all different prices, both low and high. Perhaps you’re looking for a quality running headlamp at a low price. If so, you might consider this running headlamp by Flagship-X. With a 160 lumen LED light, it provides a total of five light modes, including max light, dimmed light, strobe light, red night vision, and red strobe light. Waterproof and weighing in at just 2.5 ounces, it is both highly durable and exceedingly comfortable, allowing you to wear it all night without any extreme effort required. Want a great running headlamp at an affordable price? This is the one for you.

Pros:

  • Powerful 160 lumen LED light
  • Five different light settings
  • Fits comfortably at just 2.5 ounces in weight

Cons:

  • Its red LED light works questionably

Best for the Money: HEIMDALL Led Headlamp Flashlight

heimdall-led-headlamp-flashlightFor a running headlamp in its price range, this Heimdall running headlamp is the best running headlamp you’re going to find. Equipped with a 115 lumen LED light, it provides six light levels, including four intensities of white light, two intensities of red light, and an SOS emergency light setting. Weighing in at a scant 1.5 ounces, it fits to your head comfortably regardless of its shape or size. If you’re looking for the best running headlamp at a respectable price, you should definitely give this a look.

Pros:

  • Six different light settings
  • Weighs in at just 1.5 ounces
  • Waterproof and shock-resistant

Cons:

  • Battery life is limited at max brightness

Best Overall: BoldBrite Running Headlamp LED Flashlight

boldbrite-running-headlampWhile there are a number of high-quality running headlamps on the market today, we’ve decided to go with this BoldBrite running headlamp as our top choice. This is due, in part, to its uber comfortable elastic headband, and form-fitting forehead panel. Weighing in at just 2.4 ounces, you can barely even feel it on your head. Sporting a 120 lumen LED light, it has four light settings, including bright white, white, red, and strobe red. If you’re looking for the best running headlamp currently on the market, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Pros:

  • Fits as comfortably as any headlamp you’re going to find
  • Powerful and reliable 120 lumen LED light
  • Waterproof and and shock-resistant

Cons:

  • A little difficult to power on and off

All in All

If you’re going camping, fishing, or running, you more than likely have a use for a running headlamp. These lamps help you to guide your way in the dark. They also make you visible to people passing by, ensuring that you’re always safe.

Comfortable and highly-functional headlamps like the BoldBrite Running Headlamp LED Flashlight provide you with a number of different light settings to suit any illumination situation you may come across. To keep yourself on the right track while out in the dark, you should always bring along a headlamp.