Flashlight or headlamp: which lights for hiking?
There are a number of different factors that can influence whether a flashlight or headlamp is suitable for hiking. Generally speaking, LED lamps are the best choice for hiking over hill and dale, as they shine brighter than conventional lamps. They often also have different light levels and various other modes. If you opt for a headlamp for hiking, you have the advantage of having your hands free. The unrestricted freedom of movement allows you to concentrate fully on your surroundings and enjoy your adventure.
The advantages of headlamps for hiking:
- High wearing comfort
- Maximum freedom of movement
The advantages of a flashlight for hiking:
- Comparatively long light range and brightness
- Flexible illumination of the surroundings
On winter tours in particular, it can be advantageous to have both a flashlight and a head torch with you when hiking. This way, you can always benefit from the advantages of both. Should an emergency arise during a night hike, for example, the handy P7R Signature with a luminous flux of up to 2000 lumens can be a real lifesaver. As a rule, however, flashlights with around 1000 lumens are sufficient for hiking. For outdoor sports, jogging or other activities where you want to move as freely as possible, it is worth investing in a headlamp. An LED lantern can also be a valuable addition when hiking, for example to illuminate the tent on a camping trip.
Our tip: Ledlenser headlamps have a swivel lamp head so that you don't dazzle your fellow hikers in conversation. If you have a headlamp without a swivel lamp head, you can simply take it off and hold it in your hand instead of having to switch it off completely and stand in complete darkness.
How bright should a lamp be for hiking?
For simple hikes or night hikes, it is sufficient if your torch or headlamp has a luminous flux of 500 to 1000 lumens. With most lamps, a higher lumen output also means a greater light range. A light range of several meters is particularly important on difficult hiking trails to ensure your safety. Flashlights or headlamps with high luminosity can also help to scare off unwanted animals.
If you tend to hike during the day, a good head torch could still be worthwhile. In the event that the hiking tour takes longer than expected and you are surprised by the darkness, it is worth having a lightweight headlamp such as the NEO1R in your pack to illuminate your surroundings. For the early evening hours, you generally only need a torch or headlamp with up to 300 lumens.
- Normal hiking trails: lamp with 200 to 300 lumens
- Rough terrain: Lamp with 500 to 1000 lumens
Our tip: If you are going on a longer hiking tour, you should have a power bank or spare batteries with you. In an emergency, you can use them to recharge your lamp or quickly change the batteries.
Lamps for hiking: What do hikers look for?
There are certain features, such as good protection against moisture, good handling and appropriate robustness, that every outdoor headlamp or outdoor flashlight should have. You should pay attention to this when buying an LED flashlight or headlamp for hiking:
- Light range, luminosity and light cone
- Rechargeable battery or (rechargeable) batteries
- Dust and impact-resistant housing
- IPX protection or a high level of waterproofness (with IP68 protection, your torch can even fall into a puddle without water getting in)
- Various light modes and functions such as SOS and flashing light mode, super bright or boost mode or strobe function
- Long burn time (3 hours in highest mode, 6 hours in medium mode)
- Additional functions such as outdoor headlamps with red light
Long-lasting rechargeable batteries and batteries are important for long hikes so that you can continue to follow the trail even at dusk. Batteries are generally less sensitive to heat and cold than rechargeable batteries, but they cannot be recharged.
Good to know: With an adjustable light cone or zoom function, you can adjust the focus as required and illuminate the surroundings precisely. Basically, the narrower and more focused the cone of light or light beam, the further the light range and the more precisely you can aim your lamp into the distance. The headlamp or flashlight can therefore be used for simple walks or longer night hikes.
Hiking activities: Which lamp should you take with you?
| Features | |
| Flashlight | It is always a good idea to have a flashlight with you when hiking. Flashlights with a red light function also have the advantage of not putting too much strain on the eyes. Flashlights with a variety of light modes, such as a flashing light function or a power boost function, are particularly impressive. |
| Headlamp | When hiking, headlamps have the advantage that you always have your hands free. The HF models from Ledlenser are the ideal partner for your next adventure. A headlamp with red light can be particularly useful for reading a map in the dark without straining your eyes. Basically, both the HF6R Core and the HF8R Core are suitable headlamps that perform excellently in all situations. |
| ML4 lantern | The small Ledlenser LED lantern is particularly suitable for a break during a hike in the late evening, as it provides pleasant light. The lamp also scores points for its low weight and relatively long burn time. During the hike, the lantern can also be used as a fill light. To do this, simply attach the ML4 to your backpack. |
Good to know: Whether you ultimately decide on a flashlight, lantern or headlamp for hiking, it is important that your lamp has the highest possible IPX protection. IPX protection is a defined standard that measures the waterproofness of electronic devices. The higher the protection, the more suitable the lamp is for outdoor activities.
For the most beautiful adventure: Hiking lamps from Ledlenser
At Ledlenser, long-distance, long-distance and extreme hikers as well as occasional sports enthusiasts will find the perfect LED lamp. Whether it's a headlamp or flashlight for camping, fishing, mountaineering or a walk in the dark, our range combines the latest LED technology with practical functions. If you are unsure where to start your search for the perfect light, take a look at our Hf series headlamps. In addition, the P7R Signature flashlight, for example, offers a super-bright beam of light that will never leave you in the dark.
Find the right model for you and your needs now. Whether it's a head torch or a flashlight for hiking - you'll find the right light here.