10 Best Head Torches UK 2022 | Petzl, Black Diamond and more

For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:

1. Petzl - Swift RL Headlamp for £72.92
2. BioLite - Biolite Headlamp 330 Lumen for £59.95
3. Forclaz - Rechargeable Head Torch - 400 Lumen - HL900 for £29.99
4. MOSFiATA - Super Bright Headlamp for £25.99
5. ActiRunner - USB Rechargeable Head Torch for £14.95

For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of head torches available and understand how our ranking was determined.

This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.

1. Choose a Head Torch With Enough Lumens to Carry Out Your Activity Safely
2. Opt For Rechargeable Batteries for an Environmentally-Friendly Option
3. Pick a Lightweight and Well-Balanced Head Torch for Increased Comfort
4. Select a Waterproof Head Torch to Ensure You're Prepared
5. Consider Additional Features That Conserve Battery Life
   

First, consider the light's strength and beam pattern. Strength is measured in lumens - the higher the number of lumens, the brighter the light. The projection, however, depends on the beam pattern. A spot creates a bright narrow beam with a long-reaching throw, whilst a flood beam provides a close-range, even spread of light. Choose the right strength and beam pattern depending on your activity. 

• Camping, DIY and urban environments: Choose a head torch between 100 - 250 lumens with a flood beam. This will provide enough light for close up tasks like putting your tent up without blinding those around you and to see and be seen if you are running in a built-up area.

• Walking the dog and hiking: Out in the countryside with your dog or going hiking for the weekend? Depending on your budget, select a headtorch with 300 - 600 lumens with a spot and flood beam, so you can safely navigate the terrain close up and see 100 m into the distance.

• Night trail running, skiing or mountaineering: Go for a headtorch with between 400 - 900 lumens with a reactive light setting. This will adapt the brightness of your torch to the light available in your environment - perfect when you don't have the time to change the settings.
  

Going camping with the family? Choose from our selection of family-friendly tents.

Most head torches these days run on environmentally-friendly lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Providing greater lumens for less output than traditional batteries, rechargeable batteries enable you to use your headtorch for longer, which is perfect for long night runs and early morning treks to summits. Recharge them with a USB at home or with a power bank if you are on the go.

Going on a long trek without access to power? Consider a head torch with alkaline batteries. As these are lightweight, you can easily carry spare batteries, store them in your backpack and replace them when needed. The last thing you want is to run out of battery whilst traversing a mountain in the dark!

Going into the wilderness for the weekend? You might want to take a compass too.

Ensure you choose a headtorch that's comfortable, close-fitting and practical. The last thing you want is for it to slip whilst you're climbing a rock or when you've got your hands full while doing a DIY project. 

Choose a head torch with an adjustable elastic band to ensure a snug enough fit. If you're a runner, look for one that eliminates bounce and wicks away sweat, such as the headtorch by Biolite. For mountaineering, ensure the head torch can be easily mounted on a helmet or over a thick winter hat - it's best to go for one with an additional band that goes over the top of your head.

To avoid added pressure on the head and neck, look for a head torch that is lightweight (between 60 - 100 g) and well-balanced. Consider a torch designed with the battery pack at the back rather than having the battery and lamp together in one single unit.

Rather a handheld torch? There is a great selection here.

With the unpredictability of the British weather, you will want a waterproof and durable head torch that will be able to cope with the UK's adverse weather conditions. The level of waterproofness is measured using an IPX rating, from IPX1 (the lowest) to IPX8 (the highest). For light rain and everyday use, a rating of IPX4 should be sufficient but for mountaineering and trekking, go for at least IPX6.

Head torches come with some great additional features that will prolong the battery life and increase your visibility whilst making sure it is easy to use in all types of scenarios. We've listed below some of the most useful functions to look out for. 

• Light modes: Choose a head torch with multiple light modes such as low, dim, flashing or strobe. A brightness memory is also great for conserving battery life when you don't need full power. 

• Light sensor modes: These are slightly more expensive but perfect for night trail runners as the light reacts to your environment. This touch-free technology saves battery and time.

• Multiple LED colours: Choose a head torch with a red light if you are camping so you won't blind those nearby whilst also helping maintain your night vision. Green LEDs are also great for map reading and wildlife as it is less visible.
  

• Tilt function: To ensure your comfort, choose a head torch that enables you to adjust and tilt the light so that you can run or perform your tasks effectively without constantly having to change the angle of your head and strain your neck.

• Buttons: If you are out in the cold, wet or wearing gloves, you will want easy to press buttons, so look for head torches with chunkier ones. 

• Locking function: These are more useful than you might imagine, especially if your head torch will be kept in a bag. You don't want it to be accidentally turned on and run out of battery before you even manage to use it!

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.

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Written and researched by Amanda Norman