What To Look For
When shopping for the best headlamp, the light output, or lumens, is the most important factor to consider. Also take into account the beam distance and battery life if you plan to use your headlamp for a lengthy amount of time. Weight and size are important for comfort. Other features to consider are light modes for varying light intensity and a strobe light mode for emergencies.
Common Pitfalls
If you plan to wear your headlamp for an extended period of time, look for a headlamp with a wide head strap. Retractable cord straps are lightweight, but can be uncomfortable to wear. Avoid headlamps that make it difficult to change the battery, which can be an annoyance on your outdoor adventure.
Where To Buy
REI offers a wide selection of headlamps in a range of prices and brand names. Visiting an REI store is beneficial if you require professional advice about choosing the best headlamp. Ordering on REI's website is convenient and you can choose to have your headlamp shipped to your home or local REI store.
Cost
As of Setember 2010, headlamp prices range from $17 to $500. The high end of the price spectrum includes headlamps that feature multiple LED bulbs with a separate battery back for several hours of maximum run time. The majority of mid-range headlamps range between $40 to $50. Mid-range headlamp capabilities will suffice for most outdoor enthusiasts. Lower-priced headlamps are suitable for intermittent outdoor use.
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