Trail running headlamp comparison tool
Pick up to 5 headlamps and compare them in a table with the best of each row highlighted: lumens, weight, lowest-mode burn time and water resistance. With 2 or 3 models you also get a radar.
Compare up to 5 at once
Type a model, pick it from the list and see them all in columns. The best in each row is highlighted in green.
Radar of the selection
The selection lives in the URL: copy it to share.
Trail headlamp FAQ
How many lumens do I need to run at night?
As a guide: 300–500 lm on trails and easy paths, 600–1000 lm on technical terrain and 1000 lm or more if you descend fast. Lumens are not everything: beam type and optics matter too.
Lumens or burn time: which matters more?
Both. Max mode does not last (for example 2.5 h at 500 lm on the Petzl Iko Core), so check burn time at the power you will actually use. Here we compare lowest-mode runtime, the only figure every brand publishes.
What do IPX4, IP66 and IP68 mean?
The last digit rates water: 4 = splashes, 6 = powerful jets, 8 = immersion. IPX4 covers ordinary rain; if you cross rivers, look for IP68.
Better on the head or the chest?
On the head the beam follows your gaze; on the chest it gives the ground more relief and avoids dazzling runners ahead. Some models, like the Ledlenser NEO5R, include a chest strap.
Which headlamp for an ultra?
Prioritise burn time and a spare power source: a model with a swappable battery such as the Fenix HM65R-T, or a light backup lamp. Many race rules require a spare light.
Why do some headlamps show no radar?
The brand does not publish lowest-mode burn time and we do not estimate it. They remain in the table with their verified data.
Rechargeable battery or disposable cells?
USB-C rechargeable is the most convenient. Some models, like the Petzl Iko Core or the Fenix HL18R-T, also take AAA cells as a backup.
How much weight is too much?
Under about 100 g you barely notice it. Rear-battery designs spread the load, and a heavy lamp on the forehead bounces more as you run.