Field note
How to use a headlamp without blinding camp
Updated October 5, 2026
Lock it
Learn the lock at home. A lamp that dies in the car is a brick on the trail.
Bring two
A second small light is the backup when the first one is in the tent and you are not. Kids should have their own.
Gear that shows the point
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Best rechargeable default
Petzl Actik Core
Actik Core is bright enough for trail-finding and restrained enough for cooking. Learn the lock. Check whether the version you buy accepts a backup cell or only the CORE pack, because that detail changes. A lamp you cannot turn off in the pack is a lamp that arrives dead.
Who should buy it. Most hikers who will recharge in the car.
Pros
- Useful low modes
- Rechargeable
- Red mode
Cons
- Battery details vary by year
- Not the lightest
Check current price on the listing.
Best lightweight lamp
Nitecore NU25
The NU25 is in the kit because of weight. Runtime on high is short, which is fine if high is ten minutes of trail and low is the rest of camp. Recent versions moved to USB-C. Confirm that on the box. It is easier to lose than a larger lamp.
Who should buy it. Ultralight hikers who still want a real headlamp.
Pros
- Very light
- USB-C on recent versions
- Multiple modes
Cons
- Small battery
- Easy to misplace
Check current price on the listing.
Kid headlamp
Petzl Tikkid
Give them their own light. It keeps the evening from being a negotiation and it keeps your hands free. Show them the lock so it does not die in the duffel. It is not a searchlight, and it does not need to be.
Who should buy it. Families car camping or doing short overnights.
Pros
- Simple
- Kid scale
- Replaceable batteries
Cons
- Not very bright
- Easy to lose
Not sold on Amazon US.
Closest on Amazon: Black Diamond Wiz Kid Rechargeable Headlamp. A rechargeable headlamp for kids from Black Diamond, in a similar price band to the Tikkid.
Check current price on the listing.
FAQ
Are more lumens better?
Only for a short throw. Camp does not need a searchlight.
Rechargeable or cells?
Rechargeable if you will charge it. Cells if you will not.
