How to Choose the Best Head Torch for Walking and Hiking
The clocks have gone back, autumn is in full swing and winter is rapidly approaching. For many people this is their favourite time to go walking in the hills and mountains. The cooler temperatures and the autumn colours make for a beautiful time to be outdoors.
However with sunset now before 5pm and getting earlier every day there is the very real possibility of getting benighted.
A slower pace than anticipated during the day, a planning error or a navigational mistake can easily lead us into a situation where we are finishing our day in the dark.
We know we need to carry extra kit to cope with unexpected incidents such as a first aid kit, an emergency shelter and a phone but now is the time to make sure we have a good quality and working head torch in our packs.
So how do we pick a head torch and what are the features we should be looking for? I asked the Beyond the Edge instructors who have spent many decades using head torches in a variety of situations both professionally and on their personal adventures throughout the world.
Here are some top tips and also their personal picks for dependable head torches. As well as good choices for walkers and hikers these recommendations are excellent head lamps for Lowland Leaders, Hill and Moorland Leaders and Mountain Leaders.
Durability and Reliability.
A head torch is one of those bits of gear that lives in your pack not being used for months or even years. And then one day you need it and it absolutely has to work.
Periodically check that it’s functioning and check the battery. Rechargeable batteries are great and will save you money if you use your head torch a lot. However if it becomes drained of power in your pack you will be in trouble. Carry a battery pack for emergency charging (also an excellent idea for giving your phone a boost of power). Some head torches with rechargeable batteries also enable us to use AAA batteries so carrying a set of these could avert a disaster.
Pick a reliable brand. A cheapo head torch from the petrol station probably won’t last very long and might fail when you most need it. The brands we have used and trusted for many years are Petzl, Led Lensor, Alpkit, Fenix and Nitecore.
Usability.
Is your head torch simple to use? Or do you have remember complex button pressing sequences to find the right brightness setting. Can you easily operate the buttons while wearing gloves? Does it fit over your hat? Is it front heavy and flops down over your eyes?
A function that locks the on/off buttons to prevent the head lamp accidentally turning itself on is worth considering.
Storage.
Keep it somewhere safe. A zip lock plastic bag and/or a small dry bag will keep the moisture out. Some manufacturers sell cases that protect their head torches. If you have used your head torch in the rain or damp conditions make sure you dry it out before storing it back in your rucksack.
Consider Spares.
Spare batteries are always worth carrying or if you have a rechargeable headtorch then carry a compatible power pack. Another option is a spare head torch. Modern head torches are light and very portable. Chris carries a Petzl E+Lite which is an excellent spare or emergency head torch. They only weigh 26g and has a ten year shelf life.
If you’re taking your HML or ML assessment remember that if your head torch fails your assessor won’t have e much sympathy and will expect you find a solution. This where you can save the day and whip out your spare batteries or spare light. You don’t want to risk being unable to complete your night navigation test due to a head torch failure.
Brightest isn’t always best.
It’s temping to rush out and buy the brightest head torch you can find but this isn’t always the best choice. A very bright beam will reflect back at you in mist, fog and snow and reduce visibility, Chris recommends holding your head torch in your hand at waist level for improved vision in fog.
Also those high lumens will drain your battery incredibly quickly and your fellow walkers and/or comrades on HML or ML assessment won’t thank you if you shine your 1000 lumen beam directly into their eyes!
Beyond the Edge Instructors Favourite Head Torches
So what are the Beyond the Edge Instructors using? Our instructing and coaching team have navigated at night through tough weather conditions on Himalayan mountains, through Arabian deserts, down Alpine glaciers, through Utah Canyons, over the Greenland icecap and even survived night navigation on the moors of Kinder! These are their tried and trusted head torches choices.
Chris uses the very bright Petzl Nao+ for his Mountain Rescue work. But for everyday Beyond the Edge work he carries a Petzl Aktik Core, He says “the Aktik is brilliant; small, lightweight and the battery pack is front mounted so you can lie down while wearing it. Also it’s super easy to slide on over a helmet when required”.
James and Claire both use the Led Lenser H8R. James still uses one that is 13 years old! He likes the adjustable beam for long distance focusing.
Hati uses Alpkit Qarks. She says “I have two and one is about 7 years old and still working. l like the beam focus adjustment and the 580 Lumen max output. Usually I use it on the lower brightness settings to save the battery and then power it up when needed. The battery is rechargeable or you can use AAAs which I like because you can carry spares”.
Alex I’ve been using Petzl head torches for decades and have always found them extremely reliable. However after my excellent Petzl Actik got run over (don’t ask) I thought I’d try something different and started using a Nitecore NU21. At 44g It’s very light and great for lightweight camping but is only 360 lumens so looking forward to a long dark winter of training and assessing night navigation I’ve now upgraded to a Nitecore UT27. My favourite features are the lovely warm light option and the ability to replace the rechargeable battery with AAAs.
Training and Courses.
If you fancy getting some training in map reading and navigation you can find our Peak District based courses here – https://www.beyondtheedge.co.uk/product-category/skills-courses/peak-district-navigation-courses/
And for some night navigation training and tuition have a look here – https://www.beyondtheedge.co.uk/night-navigation/
Alex
Beyond the Edge Ltd is based in the Peak District, easily reached by train from London and within easy travelling distance from Sheffield, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham and other Northern towns and cities.
We are one of the UKs most experienced providers of climbing, walking, scrambling, mountaineering and navigation training courses. We also train and assess future leaders and instructors via the Mountain Training qualifications including Lowland Leader, Hill and Moorland Leader, Mountain Leader, Bouldering Wall Instructor, Climbing Wall Instructor and Rock Climbing Instructor.
Most of our courses are run in the Peak District National Park which has some of the finest rock climbing, bouldering, walking and hiking in the world.
