Black Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp Outdoor Head Torch

Product Information

The advantage of flashlights over headlamps is that they allow you to focus your beam better. Some runners, for example, prefer a flashlight to a headlamp because they can precisely focus their beam directly in front of them on the trail. As always, if you’re carrying electronics or other moisture-sensitive items anywhere they’re likely to get wet, we recommend a dry bag. Value Unlike other super bright headlamps, it doesn’t need have an extra strap going over the top of the head, meaning it works well for people with pony tails, big hairstyles, or those wearing hats or hoods. Most headlamps come with dimming or red light modes. These are ideal for situations where you want to minimize the disturbance to others while maintaining visibility. Use a red light when reading in a shared tent or camping area. Signal your presence

The rechargeable CORE battery that comes with the Actik Core is a USB-rechargeable lithium battery that fits in the battery compartment. The CORE battery can be removed and replaced. This means if you carry an extra battery, you don’t have to worry about pass-through charging. You can charge one battery at night while using this Petzl headlamp with the other battery inside. It’s the convenience of AAA batteries without the weight or waste. Average run time and power source: You probably don’t need more than five hours of battery life. That said, almost all of the headlamps we tested ended up running for 10-plus hours. We prioritized headlamps that could use both rechargeable and AAA batteries. Rechargeable batteries are more environmentally costly to manufacture than traditional batteries, but they last longer, creating less waste. Self-discharge (the gradual loss of battery life even when the batteries are not in use) is low in the CORE rechargeable battery; it is negligible in standard batteries. What we like: Compact yet bright; reactive lighting offers hands-free illumination and optimizes battery life.

Still, our one issue with the Nitecore NU 25 is battery life. When using the max light output of 360 lumens, it only lasts 0.5 hour–which is the lowest time of the headlamps we tested. However, in low light mode, it runs for 160 hours, which is better than some other rechargeable headlamps, like the BioLite 330. Still, it’s lower but in the general ballpark of AAA battery headlamps like the Spot 400.

The Spot is one of our favorite lights, but it is not without some shortcomings, which we'll cover below. Lower cost competing lights have also improved significantly over the past few years, and the Spot now faces strong competition from lower cost lights like the Petzl Tikkina, which offers strong performance at a 33% lower cost, and is one of the other lights we recommend considering before buying the Spot (the other being the BD Storm). Below we'll take you through the Spot's performance, with ample comparison and contrast to other top contenders worth consideration. Trail Finding

Most headlamps are designed to work in cold conditions, but extremely low temperatures can affect battery performance. Keeping spare batteries warm and close to your body can help maintain their capacity in the cold. Can I use my headlamp in rainy or wet conditions? Let's take a closer look at the two Spot 350* and Storm 400* brand headlamps and see the differences.

A headlamp is an essential tool for outdoor adventures, but it's important to use it responsibly to ensure your safety and the comfort of others. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind: Mind your beam angle Text on the Spot 350 claims and IPX8 standard of waterproofing. With this rating users should be able to submerge a given device to a depth of over 1 meter for at least 30 minutes. Most would interpret this standard to mean the headlamp is somehow sealed to prevent water from entering the housing, and it might even float under the right conditions.A headlamp with a red light or dimming feature helps preserve your night vision. This is particularly useful for stargazing, wildlife observation, or maintaining your awareness of your surroundings without blinding yourself or others with a bright white light. Plus, many folks find it is easier to fall asleep at night if they've been using a red light instead of a bright white one. Extended adventures Most of the headlamps we recommend offer focused and directional lighting, which is handy for illuminating specific areas or objects like your cook pot or where you think that mouse hiding under your tent may be. You can adjust the angle and intensity of the light to suit your needs, whether you're examining gear, reading, or navigating uneven terrain. Improved night vision For stubborn dirt or residue, use a damp cloth or a mild cleaning solution that is safe for plastics and electronics. Ensure the headlamp is completely dry before use.