Once upon a time, hunting in the night time was considered an impossible task. Thanks to the invention of hunting headlamps, however, that has changed.
In fact, great headlamps for hunting make it possible to be accurate and effective even when it’s pitch black out there. In order to help you choose the right one for you, we will go over some of the best products on the market.
Additionally, we will provide important information about headlamps in general.
Our Testing Process and Selection Criteria
Our testing team put a lot of time, research, and effort into testing the best headlamps for hunting by passing them through multiple objective test criteria. To find the brightest headlamps for hunting, we started looking at different models, and narrowed down the top 7 best headlamps in 2022.
The selection process for the headlamps for hunting was not an easy task, but we think that our team of experts has found the cream of the crop. Each one of these models comes with different features and benefits that are designed to appeal to a wide range of hunters’ choices.
First, we looked at how comfortable each model is to wear, as well as how adjustable the straps are. After all, if you’re going to be wearing a headlamp for an extended period, you want it to be as comfortable as possible.
Furthermore, we moved on to the lumens. This refers to how much light the headlamp emits, measured in candela. The higher the number, the brighter the light. They also took into account the beam distance, which is how far the light can reach.
We consider these factors important during hunting, such as light type. LEDs are mostly used in headlamps because it’s more durable and long-lasting than incandescent bulbs.
In addition, we checked the battery runtime of the headlamp, which is how long it can run before it needs to be recharged or replaced. This is an important consideration, especially if you’re going to be out in the middle of nowhere. After all, you don’t want to be in the middle of a hunt and have your headlamp die on you.
The testing process also included reading customer reviews, to get a better idea about what most users are looking for in a headlamp. What things they liked and what they disliked.
We completed the testing criteria and concluded that the Streamlight 61070 is the best headlamp for hunting because of its ergonomic design and LED light, making it more durable and convenient to use.
All this testing process was done, to make sure our readers would be getting the most comprehensive review possible, and so they could easily pick up the hunting headlamps according to their preference.
The Best Hunting Headlamp Reviews
1. Military Grade XML Headlamp
The Military Grade XML T6 comes up with a unique and amazing technology that is not seen in many other headlamps. With a lumen of 3000, this headlight is one of the most powerful and efficient headlamps available on the market.
It has 3 different light settings which can be changed according to the requirement. The beam of this headlight is very wide and it covers a 600 yards large area. The 3-mode light feature makes it very convenient for the hunter as they don’t have to move their head a lot to see things clearly.
And with an adjustable tilt lamp, you can easily adjust the light angle up to 90 degrees. Which makes the vision clear at night. And it can be easily charged with the help of a USB cable.
Moreover, You don’t need to worry about battery timings, because it has 6AAA batteries which will provide you with a backup for long hours. Also, this headlamp is waterproof and it can withstand any type of weather conditions.
Considering that the Military Grade XML T6 has an elastic wire and convex lens, it is a must-buy for anyone looking for a high-quality and powerful headlight.
Specification
| Max Lumens: 3000 | Max Beam Distance: 600 yards |
| Battery Life: 10 hrs high, 20 hrs medium, 30 hrs low | Battery: 6 AAA Aluminum batteries |
| Weight: 1.8 lbs. | Light: Red Light, White light, green light |
2. COAST® HL8R Hunting Headlamp
The COAST HL8R can be a great option for those who are looking for a reliable and bright headlamp for hunting. This headlamp is equipped with an 800-lumen Cree LED that emits a powerful, focused beam of light that helps you see in even the darkest of conditions.
The twist focusing feature provides you with two beams in one light which means you can adjust the light to fit your needs. The wide beam is ideal for general illumination, while the focused beam is great for tracking a blood trail.
One of the best things about COAST HL8R is that it has an Alkaline dual power which is really helpful when you are out in the woods for a long time.
With an IPX4 weather rating, this headlamp can be used in any weather condition.Its runtime is up to six hours on high settings and twelve hours on low, so you can stay in the field all day.
Specification
| Max Lumens: 800 | Max Beam Distance: 234 yards |
| Battery Life: 04hrs 15mins high, 09 hrs medium, 15 hrs low | Battery: 4 x AAA Alkaline Dual Power |
| Weight: 0.77 lbs. | Light: Green light, White Light, and Yellow Light |
3. Kohree CREE 80000 LUX LED Coyote Hog Coon Hunting Light
Cleverly attached to a hunting cap, the Kohree CREE 80000 LUX LED Coyote Hog Coon Hunting Light is a practical and functional hunting headlamp. It features a long-range light beam that can be modified according to your necessities and preferences. Even better, this product includes a color switcher that allows you to adapt to different situations. Switching between colors is easy. In fact, it can be done without removing the device from your head.
Despite being relatively compact and very lightweight, the Kohree CREE 80000 is capable of producing a 275-yard light beam. Even at its farthest reach, this beam is remarkably bright and the light output focused. When dealing with short-distance situations, however, the beam can be a bit too ample for some uses. At any rate, however, the device offers brightness adjustment capabilities that can help deal with this problem on the spot.
Without a doubt, one of the best features that the Kohree CREE 80000 LUX LED Coyote Hog Coon Hunting Light has to offer is its rechargeable battery. Very capable, this battery can produce up to 6 hours of high-intensity light, 12 hours of medium-intensity light and more than 20 hours of low-intensity light for increased night vision. For your comfort, the product includes both a wall charger and a home charger. All this makes the Kohree CREE 80000 one of the best rechargeable headlamp products out there.
Specification
| Max Lumens: 80000 | Max Beam Distance: 275 yards |
| Battery Life: 6hrs high, 12hrs medium, 20hrs low beam | Battery: Rechargeable lithium battery pack |
| Weight: 1.2 lbs. | Light: Red light, white light, green light |
4. Hunting Friends High Power LED Headlamp
If you are looking for a hunting headlamp that is capable and practical at the same time with great light output, look no further than the Hunting Friends High Power Headlamp. Using a high-tech LED lighting element, this device is capable of producing powerful beams of light continually for over 10,000 hours which can come in handy. This makes it unlikely that you will ever have to replace its bulb.
To power itself, the Hunting Friends High Power Headlamp features a 6×18650 lithium battery that is remarkably stable and reliable. To improve the efficiency of said battery, the product also includes a built-in intelligent protection board. However, this type of energy-saving technology is not known for producing the brightest or most powerful light beams. At any rate, this is one of the best LED headlamp products out there.
One of the best things about the Hunting Friends High Power LED Headlamp is that it’s incredibly compact and lightweight. Its simple design makes it fantastically practical and portable. Like all the best hunting headlamp options out there, this product is also very convenient in terms of battery duration. As if all that wasn’t enough, even though it doesn’t look that way, the Hunting Friends High Power Headlamp is also very ergonomic and portable.
Specification
| Max Lumens: 1050 | Lamp: CREE L2 LED light |
| Battery Life: 15-30hrs | Battery: 6 x18650 Battery Batteries (18000mA battery pack) |
| Weight: 1.06 lbs. | Light: White light, yellow light |
5. Outdoor Pro Gear Headlamp Flashlight
The Outdoor Pro Gear Headlamp for outdoors features a unique technology that uses a magnifying lens to increase the power of the light beam. This alone makes this product stand out among the rest as it’s able to produce bright light output, focused beams without using too much energy. There are other remarkable aspects of this technology, though: For example, it allows zooming the beam in and out according to the particularities of a given situation.
In addition to these unique features, the Outdoor Pro Gear Headlamp Flashlight offers some of the things you would expect from a high-end hunting headlamp, including brightness adjustment, output regulation and more. It is also worth mentioning that its construction is remarkably tough and rugged, allowing it to withstand the most challenging adversities without losing efficiency or effectiveness.
Featuring a simple and yet secure adjustment system, the Outdoor Pro Gear Headlamp Flashlight’s headpiece can be adapted to different head sizes with great ease. It can even be fitted to hats and caps, allowing you to adjust the lighting element’s angle accordingly. No matter how you decide to wear it, this product is amazingly comfortable and practical, making it one of the best options on the market.
Specification
| Max Lumens: 9500 | Max Beam Distance: 100 yards |
| Battery Life: 8hrs high, 15hrs medium, 28hrs low beam | Battery: 3 AA batteries |
| Weight: .5 lbs. | Light: White light |
6. GearOZ Coon Hunting Headlamp
Specifically designed for long-range hunting of animals such as raccoons, coyotes and different predators, the GearOZ Coon Hunting Headlamp can be a great choice for hardened hunters. Its powerful long-range light beam is capable of helping you spot the eyes of animals that are as far as 800 yards away. If you are looking to hunt on medium or close ranges, however, do not worry: The device also includes a 50-yard mode for rifle action and a useful 30-yard mode for full-body illumination.
In order to provide full illumination for up to 15 hours straight, the GearOZ Coon Hunting Headlamp includes a rechargeable 18650 battery with circuit safety protection. Of course, this battery offers a regulated output that prevents sudden changes in brightness from hindering your performance.
The GearOZ Coon Hunting Headlamp comes mounted on a high-quality hunting cap that can be either camouflage or black. Both the cap and the device itself are completely waterproof and impact-proof.
Specification
| Max Lumens: 1200 | Max Beam Distance: 800 yards |
| Battery Life: 10hrs high, 20hrs medium, 30hrs low beam | Battery: Rechargeable 18650 battery |
| Weight: 2.2 lbs. | Light: Red light, amber light, green light |
7. Streamlight 61070 BuckMasters Trident Headlamp
Rugged and tough, the Streamlight 61070 BuckMasters Trident Headlamp can be a great option for those who have an intense, aggressive hunting style. Provided with a high-intensity central lighting element and two side ones, the device is capable of producing a wide, enveloping beam of light that is great for both close and medium-range hunting.
Considering that it uses a LED lighting element, the Streamlight 61070 BuckMasters Trident Headlamp is remarkably powerful and focused. It allows choosing from two different modes: a direct white beam or an extra-wide green beam that uses the three lighting elements at the same time. To switch between these two modes, the device provides a large push button that can be operated even when wearing gloves.
Specification
| Max Lumens: 80 | Max Beam Distance: 800 yards |
| Battery Life: Up to 63hrs | Battery: 3 AAA Alkaline or lithium batteries |
| Weight: .3 lbs. | Light: White light, green light |
The Best Headlamps for Hunting Buyer’s Guide
Characteristics to Consider Before Making a Purchase
No matter its brand or model, any hands free hunting headlamp worth the name has a set of essential characteristics that you should take into account.
They are the following:
Beam Distance
As its name implies, beam distance refers to the distance that the light manages to travel before dissipating. The longer the beam distance is, the farther you will be able to see while in the dark aiding in increased night vision. Going a bit deeper, it can be said that beam distance is a combination of brightness and focus.
For that reason, you should always look for a hunting headlamp that is bright while providing a focused beam.
Lumens
Lumens is a unit of measure that is used to talk about light. With it, you can measure the light energy that is emitted by your hunting headlamp in any given direction. Without a doubt, having a basic idea of lumens can point you in the right direction when looking at hunting headlamps.
However, there are other factors that affect the effectiveness of a headlamp, including the previously mentioned focus and brightness. As a general rule, you should always consider lumens in combination with beam distance.
Battery Power Source
Without a doubt, the battery of a headlamp for hunting is of great importance. Hunting is all about patience, and having your headlamp run out of power in the middle of tracking an animal can be incredibly frustrating. Even worse than that, having no light in the middle of the wilderness can be very dangerous.
For that reason, always look for a headlamp with long-lasting, high-quality batteries. Furthermore, look for headlamps with easily-replaceable batteries. Don’t forget to always carry extra batteries.
Weight
When it comes to headlamps, weight is a very important factor to take into account. Remember that you will be wearing the device on your head while simultaneously being required to move quickly and efficiently keeping your hands free. Having a bulky and heavy headlamp can actually hurt your hunting game rather than help it.
Even worse, a heavy headlamp will cause unnecessary strain that, in the long run, can cause injuries and neck problems.
Light Type
Different headlamps for hunting feature different types of lights. Among the most popular ones, there are super bright floodlights and spotlights. Generally speaking, floodlights are better for close-range lighting with a wide radius. Meanwhile, spotlights are better for long-range lighting because they are capable of covering greater distances.
It should also be noted that some headlamps feature red lights. These red lights can help illuminate your target without affecting your own pupils, resulting in added accuracy. Make sure when looking for the best hunting headlamps to get one with a red light mode to take on your night time big game hunting trip. Some of the best hunting headlamps feature red green and blue lights.
What to Look For in Hunting Headlamps
In order to be worth its cost, the best headlamp for hunting should have certain qualities. By far, the most important ones are the following:
Durability
Most of the time, you will do your hunting in difficult areas that leave you exposed to the elements. For that reason, your hunting headlamp should be able to withstand different types of punishment without becoming damaged.
Waterproofing is an absolute necessity. It’s not the only one, though: Look for a product that can resist heat, cold, dust and impact.
Ergonomics and Comfort
While not essential for hunting, ergonomics can reduce strain and improve your performance. Always look for a hunting headlamp that has a head strap that fits you nicely, hugging your head comfortably and tightly at the same time. After tightening, the headpiece should not move or jiggle in any way.
On the other hand, though, it shouldn’t be tight enough to cause pressure or pain. Remember that the best backpacking headlamp products should feel like a normal part of your hunting gear and allow you to stay hands free.
Regulated Output
In the past, headlamps would lose brightness as their batteries were drained of energy. Today, most headlamps use a regulatory system that enables them to provide a steady level of brightness throughout the entire life of their batteries.
Without a doubt, this is incredibly useful when you are out hunting as it allows you to perform at the top of your capabilities at all times. The only downside to this feature is that it causes the headlamp to go dark suddenly and without a warning.
Also Consider the Black Diamond Storm Headlamp
If you’re looking for something really simple with good light settings and small then consider the water resistant Black Diamond headlamp. The Black Diamond Storm has several lighting modes which include full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, LED colour options – red light, green light and blue light night vision, and a lock mode to name a few. Depending on the lighting mode selected, the Black Diamond Storm also offers a run time of 5hrs on max intensity high setting and 150hrs run time on low intensity.
The Black Diamond Storm would definitely make a great hunting headlamp with bright LED light functionality.
In Conclusion
After careful analysis, it’s possible to make an accurate evaluation of any headlamp for hunting on the market. Regarding the products featured in this article, we can confidently say that they offer great value.
Effective, powerful and durable, each of them is capable of elevating your nighttime hunting and aid your night vision. However, there is one product that stands out. It’s more than just its high level of quality and expert construction.
Featuring a modern and versatile design, the Streamlight 61070 BuckMasters Trident Headlamp is, without a doubt, one of the best options on the market today. With it, you will be able to greatly increase your accuracy, response and night vision when hunting at night.
In the end, though, it’s up to you to make the final choice. Hopefully, the information we provided in this buyer’s guide will help you do so.
I’m Nebojša, a seasoned digital marketing professional with over 15 years of experience. My writing covers a diverse range of topics, from technology and gaming to app development and automobiles, all while delving into the intricacies of SEO optimization. Beyond the digital realm, I find solace in nature, inherited from my father’s love for the outdoors. His passion for hunting has influenced me, adding another layer to my appreciation for the natural world.