Best Caving Headlamp 2024
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Light up your adventures with some of the top headlamps on the market today!
If you love exploring caves or going on outdoor adventures after the sun has set, it’s no exaggeration to say that having an excellent light source with you is an absolute must. A good headlamp or flashlight will help you see everything ahead of you and will make sure that you get out of any cave safely.
With that said…
Should you get just any lamp or flashlight?
Well, you technically can, but if your goal is to enjoy your whole caving trip without worrying about your safety or whether you’re going to make it out of the cave alive and unharmed, you should get a light that is specifically designed for caving and outdoor enthusiasts.
Not sure what to look for in a headlamp for caving?
You’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we are going to feature some of our top recommendations when it comes to caving lights and also cover:
- The characteristics that high-quality headlamps should have;
- The features that you should look for when choosing a caving lamp;
- Top tips for buying and taking care of your caving headlamp;
- Our round-up of some of the best headlamps available today;
- And a whole lot more…
If that sounds interesting to you…
Then let’s light it up!
Introduction
There are many options in the market today when it comes to caving headlights. We know how overwhelming all the choices are, as we were once caving newbies too. But once you know what to look for in a headlamp, picking one that suits your needs is quite easy.
Table Of Contents
Table of Contents
In our opinion, the best caving headlamps should be made from durable materials, have comfortable head straps that are also adjustable so that they can fit just about every head size, should have multiple light outputs and settings for a variety of situations, adjustable lumen outputs, a good beam distance, long battery life and runtime, is waterproof, or at least water-resistant.
Because exploring in the dark can put excessive strain on your precious eyes, headlamps with red LEDs that can prevent this are also preferable.
With headlamps’ rise in popularity comes more advanced technology, and that means even more options when it comes to things like beam type, battery type, and light color.
Headlamps that are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are a great option convenience-wise, if you’re willing to bring a power source with you. By contrast, if you’re going to use the headlamp for emergency preparedness, the ones with non-rechargeable batteries are ideal as they can still work without being plugged into a power source in case of a power outage.
As for beam type and light color, it will mostly come down to personal preference and what you’re going to use the headlamp for. We have some products in our list that are versatile and can be adjusted to different light settings depending on your needs.
If budget is your main concern…
Worry not, as we have a lot of affordable options on our list. And we can assure you that everything featured here is worth every penny.
Read on to see our picks!
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1 - Best Caving Headlamp For Adventure - Editor’s Choice Award
Energizer Rechargeable LED Headlamp
- Manufacturer: Energizer Battery Company, Inc.
- Lumens: 400 lumens
- Weight: 0.24 pounds
- Beam Distance: 80 meters
- Life Span: 4 hours
Bottom Line: The Energizer Rechargeable LED Headlamp is a simple yet great all-around versatile option that has all the features you would need in a good-quality caving lamp.
Pros
- Sturdy and is pretty much indestructible
- Versatile
- Light weight
- IPX4 water-resistant
- Has 7 lighting modes
- Smart dimming feature
- Rechargeable
- Ergonomic design
- Comfortable, stretchable, and adjustable head strap
- Fairly affordable
- Includes a USB cable
Cons
- The battery is not replaceable
- No memory function
SUMMARY:
For a great all-arounder headlamp that you can take with you on your nighttime caving adventure, look no further than the Energizer Rechargeable LED Headlamp.
Specifically designed for extended usage in rough places like caves, this headlamp is made from durable plastic material and is completely water-resistant. It is ergonomically designed and has an adjustable and stretchable head strap that is very soft and comfortable to wear even for days.
What’s more…
This caving flashlight provides an impressive light output of 400 lumens when in High Mode, making it fifteen times brighter than your average LED technology. It also features seven light modes to choose from in various situations: High, low, wide, wide low, night vision, and red and green light settings so that you won’t ruin your night vision.
The many mode settings make this headlamp versatile and perfect not just for recreational outdoor activities but for a variety of uses as well. Use it for camping and hiking, as an emergency light in case of natural disasters, or as a safety light when you’re out on a walk with your dog at night, and it will surely deliver.
Another really nice feature that we love in this headlamp is that, although it’s incredibly bright, you can still control how bright or dim you want the light to be with its smart dimming feature.
Even better…
Our Editor’s Choice is rechargeable and can be charged anywhere as it comes with a USB charging cable. It also has a light indicator that turns from red to green once fully charged.
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2 - Best Budget Caving Headlamp -Best Value Award
Rechargeable Headlamp, Tupwaid Led Head Lamp Waterproof
- Manufacturer: Tupwaid
- Lumens: 18,000 lumens
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
- Beam Distance: Approx. 50-75 yards
- Life Span: 100,000 hours
Bottom Line: The Tupwaid Rechargeable LED Headlamp is an excellent affordable option that packs a lot of punch for a relatively low price.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Budget-friendly
- IPX4 waterproof
- High light output
- Wide beam
- Has 8 lighting modes
- Double switch (COB and regular)
- Adjustable by 90 degrees
- Quick charging
- Thick and adjustable head strap with sponge padding
- 24-month warranty
- Includes a USB charging cable and 2 rechargeable batteries
Cons
- The Head strap is a bit too tight even when adjusted
- Buttons are easily triggered when stored in a small bag
SUMMARY:
Anyone who’s on the lookout for an affordable headlamp for caving that is high in quality and loaded with useful features will surely love the Tupwaid Rechargeable LED Headlamp.
This completely waterproof caving light features a thick and adjustable head strap that has an elastic belt and sponge padding for maximum comfort. It’s constructed from rugged aluminum alloy, so you can be assured of its durability and longevity.
Think you can only get basic features with budget-friendly options? Not with this headlamp. First off, it offers immense output of 18000 lumens— that alone makes this a standout option. It also features eight lighting modes and a double switch that allows you to control the COB and LED lights.
But wait, there’s more…
This headlamp can be adjusted by 90 degrees, so you can angle it up and down depending on your needs, which is great if you need the light concentrated on one area. The safety red light on the rear is another useful feature to help keep you safe when using it at night.
Additionally…
You’re also getting two large 18650 rechargeable batteries and a USB micro cable with each unit. With our Best Value awardee, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth.
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3 - Best Beam Distance Caving Headlamp - Top Pick
ThruNite TH30 Rechargeable Headlamp, Super Bright 3350 Lumen LED Headlamp
- Manufacturer: ThruNite
- Lumens: 3,350 lumens (Turbo mode)
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
- Beam Distance: 155 meters
- Life Span: 32 days (Firefly mode)
Bottom Line: Whether you want a hands-free light option or an EDC flashlight, the ThruNite TH30 Rechargeable Headlamp is a must-have tool, especially for campers, hikers, and anyone who needs to light up large areas.
Pros
- Incredibly bright
- Impressive beam distance
- Great for lighting up a large area
- Wide flood beam
- 7 light modes
- IPX8 waterproof
- Impact-resistant
- Dust-proof
- Simple user interface
- Detachable head band
- Reasonable price
- Includes 1 pocket clip, 1 rubber slot, 1 3100mAh 18650 IMR battery, 2 Spare O-rings, 1 USB rubber plug, and 1 USB charging cable
Cons
- It would’ve been better with red light to help with night vision
- Not recommended for anyone who prefers a spotlight beam instead of a flood beam
SUMMARY:
The ThruNite TH30 Rechargeable Headlamp is just what you need if you want a reliable headlamp that can light up a large area.
We’re not exaggerating when we say that this is the best 18650 battery-powered headlamp we’ve tried. Firstly, the durability is awesome; we’ve dropped this thing many times when using it, but the one we own is still working perfectly until now with no issues.
Made from aluminum alloy, this caving headlamp is sturdy yet lightweight; weighing only 8.8 ounces, its light weight allows you to feel almost nothing when wearing it. Its head band is detachable, so you can use this not only as a headlamp but also as an EDC flashlight.
It has a straightforward user interface; you can switch it on and off, as well as change the brightness mode, with a single button, making it an excellent on-the-go caving gear.
A versatile headlamp, it has seven light modes to choose from: Turbo, High, Medium, Medium-Low, Low, Firefly, and SOS. Each mode has something different to offer— if you want maximum blazing brightness, choose Turbo mode, and if you want to preserve battery life and you don’t really need a high level of brightness, opt for Firefly mode instead.
This headlamp uses the 2nd generation of CREE XHP70 LED to provide a maximum output of 3350 lumens. With a beam distance of 155 meters, it produces a wide flood beam that is ideal for illuminating large areas.
In case you’re not impressed yet…
Our Top Pick has a runtime that lasts up to 32 days when in Firefly mode. On top of being impact-resistant and dust-proof, it also has an IPX8 waterproof rating, which means that you won’t have to worry about it getting damaged when you’re using it during bad weather.
Each unit includes several accessories such as a pocket clip, a rubber slot, a 3100MAH 18650 IMR battery, two spare O-rings, a USB rubber plug, and a USB charging cable.
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4 - Best Durable Caving Headlamp
Nitecore HC65 1000 Lumen USB Rechargeable Headlamp
- Manufacturer: NITECORE
- Lumens: 1,000 lumens (Turbo mode)
- Weight: 2.21 ounces
- Beam Distance: 120 yards maximum beam distance
- Life Span: 800 hours (Ultra-low mode)
Bottom Line: The Nitecore HC65 1000 Lumen USB Rechargeable Headlamp is an extremely durable headlamp that is packed with special features for maximum convenience.
Pros
- Extremely sturdy and well-built
- Convenient and easy to use
- IPX8 waterproof
- Impact-resistant
- 5 brightness levels and 4 special light modes
- Memory function
- Charging light indicator
- Includes 1 USB charging cable, 1 3400mAh rechargeable battery, 2 Lumen Tactical CR123A non-rechargeable backup batteries, 1 holder, 1 Spare O-Ring, a warranty card, and a user manual
Cons
- Doesn’t have the best-quality head strap
- It would’ve been better (in our opinion) if there’s no need to unscrew one of the end caps in order to access the USB port
SUMMARY:
Some people just want a dependable and sturdy headlamp that is easy to use and will last for years. If you’re one of those people, the Nitecore HC65 1000 Lumen USB Rechargeable Headlamp is well worth considering.
With its tough metal construction, sturdiness and durability are definitely this headlamp’s strong suits. It is impact-resistant and has a waterproof rating of IPX8.
This headlamp is very easy to operate as well. With just one button, you can control the brightness level and light mode depending on your preference. It has three light sources (Main light, Auxiliary white light, and Auxiliary red light), and it features four special light modes (SOS, Strobe, Beacon, and Red caution light).
The main light can be adjusted to five brightness levels (Turbo, High, Medium, Low, and Ultra-low), and the two other light sources make this headlight ideal for a variety of purposes.
Love reading at night? Or maybe you need something to help you see while setting up camp in the darkness? The auxiliary white light is great for short-range illumination. On the other hand, the red LED is good for hunting, making a signal, for night photography, and for doing just about any night activities while preserving your night vision at the same time.
Aside from its fantastic durability, what makes this headlamp an excellent emergency light is the locator beacon mode, which makes the headlamp easy to find in case of a power outage during bad weather.
Another helpful feature of this headlamp is the charging light indicator. Once plugged into a power source, the blue light indicator will start blinking, and once the headlamp is fully charged, the blue light will become steady.
5 - Best Battery Life Caving Headlamp
PETZL, Swift RL Rechargeable Headlamp with 900 Lumens & Automatic Brightness Adjustment
- Manufacturer: Petzl
- Lumens: 900 lumens (High mode)
- Weight: 100 grams
- Beam Distance: 150 meters (High mode)
- Life Span: 100 hours (Low mode)
Bottom Line: Lightweight and compact, the PETZL Swift RL Rechargeable Headlamp is nevertheless a powerful headlamp that provides superior battery power and light brightness.
Pros
- Very long battery life
- Reactive lighting technology
- 3 manual lighting levels
- IPX4 water-resistance
- Lightweight and compact
- Battery light indicator
- Charging light indicator
- Detachable head band with reflective design for nighttime visibility
- Includes a micro B USB charging cable and rechargeable battery pack
Cons
- On the pricey side
- Not completely waterproof
SUMMARY:
If long battery life is your priority when choosing a headlamp, then the PETZL Swift RL Rechargeable Headlamp will surely interest you.
Described as one of Petzl’s most powerful compact headlamps, this headlamp has a maximum lumen output of up to 900 lumens and a maximum beam distance of 150 meters.
The “RL” in its name stands for “reactive lighting.” Probably this headlamp’s key feature, the reactive lighting technology uses an onboard sensor to automatically adjust the headlamp’s brightness, maximizing not only its burn time but also your visual comfort. This results in a runtime that can last up to 100 hours.
Powered by a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, this headlamp features a battery life indicator that makes it easy to estimate how much battery it has left. The charging light indicator also makes recharging a breeze—it will light up with a red LED when charging and will turn green once finished charging.
Another thing that makes this an ideal option for extreme caving and other intense activities is its two-part constructed detachable and reflective head band, which provides maximum stability and comfort, and is designed to fit easily into your caving helmet.
In addition to that…
The center-mounted pivot enables you to be able to tilt the headlamp up and down, allowing you to keep it closer to your head or wear it around your neck. This results in reduced bobbing and also helps you see ahead of you, unlike with other caving lights that have their lights pointed down at the feet.
This headlamp’s single-button design with lock function makes adjusting brightness and switching to different lighting modes hassle-free as well.
6 - Best Runtime Caving Headlamp
Princeton Tec Apex Pro LED Headlamp
- Manufacturer: Princeton Tec
- Lumens: 550 lumens
- Weight: 0.62 pounds
- Beam Distance: 120 meters
- Life Span: 35 hours
Bottom Line: The Princeton Tec Apex Pro LED Headlamp maintains the simplicity of the Princeton Tec Apex basic version but with added special features for added convenience and efficiency.
Pros
- Bright light
- Excellent runtime
- 4 light settings (Low, Medium, High/Low Spot, High Flood)
- Heat-regulating feature
- Battery status indicator
- IPX7 water-resistant
- Impact-resistant
- More lightweight compared to the basic version
- Three-strap head band with a detachable top-crown strap
- Comes with 2 CR123 lithium batteries
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- No red light function
- Not the most lightweight option on the list
SUMMARY:
The Princeton Tec Apex Pro LED Headlamp is a no-frills headlamp option that any minimalists and caving enthusiasts will love.
An excellent choice for professional runners, cave adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and just about anyone who loves being out and about at night a lot of the time, this headlamp is manufactured from high-quality plastic material that offers long-term durability and a high level of resistance from water and other elements.
Compared to the basic version, this Pro version requires only two lithium batteries, making it not only lighter in weight but also more suitable for cold weather. Its intense 3-watt LED emits an exceptionally brilliant beam thanks to its optimized lens.
This light is held in place by a three-strap head band, and the top-of-head strap is easily detachable if necessary. The use of heat-regulating technology keeps it from becoming excessively hot even after prolonged use.
It has two light source: one Maxbright LED and four White Ultrabright LEDs (both dimmable). It also has four light settings and an emergency strobe.
The spot light is controlled by one button, while the flood light and flashing light are controlled by the other. With a single click of a button, the floodlight’s last output memory restores the light to the previously selected level.
Moreover…
Another cool feature this headlamp has is that it will blink two to three times to let you know that your battery is running low and that you should lower the brightness. There’s also a little LED that blinks red or green to indicate the battery’s status.
Each unit comes with two CR123 lithium batteries and a lifetime warranty.
7 - Best Battery Time Caving Headlamp
Petzl Tikka Compact Headlamp
- Manufacturer: Petzl
- Lumens: 200 lumens
- Weight: 0.08 kilogram
- Beam Distance: 80 meters
- Life Span: 60 hours
Bottom Line: Made by one of the most trusted brands when it comes to headlamps, the Petzl Tikka Compact Headlamp is the best headlamp to use for after-dark light outdoor work and household chores, as well as outdoor adventures, with its special safety features.
Pros
- Perfect for outdoor activities, household chores, and automotive work
- 3 brightness levels (Soft, Medium, Ultra-bright)
- IPX4 water-resistant
- Doesn’t heat up
- Very lightweight
- Glows green in the dark after being turned off
- Features a built-in emergency whistle
- Adjustable and removable head band
- Affordable
- Comes with a USB charging cable and triple-A batteries
Cons
- It would’ve been better if the red light has a little bit more power
- Not ideal for professional/heavy-duty use
SUMMARY:
Petzl needs no introduction; it’s a brand that’s well-known for its high-quality climbing and caving gear and headlamps. Their products are even used by special forces, law enforcement officers, and firefighters all around the world.
The second Petzl product in our list is the Petzl Tikka Headlamp.
This headlamp is a solid option for camping, backpacking, and hiking trips, as well as for outdoor and automotive work and doing chores in the darker areas of your house.
With a maximum output of 200 lumens, it’s not as blindingly bright as the other caving headlamps on our list, but the great thing about this headlamp is the awesome brightness and battery life balance. It also offers an ample spread beam and enough range for a variety of situations.
Even better…
We love the glow-in-the-dark ring that glows green after you’ve turned the headlight off, making it extremely easy to find in the dark, especially if you’re prone to forgetting where you’ve put down your things.
Another nice touch is the little whistle built-in emergency whistle, which is a nice feature to have in case you get lost and you want your companions to know where you are.
8 - Best Quality Caving Headlamp
Nitecore HC35 Rechargeable LED Headlamp
- Manufacturer: NiteCore
- Lumens: 2,700 lumens (Turbo, Strobe, Beacon, and SOS mode)
- Weight: 4.89 ounces
- Beam Distance: 134 meters (Turbo mode)
- Life Span: 50 days (Ultra-low mode)
Bottom Line: With its unique shape and versatility, the Nitecore HC35 Rechargeable LED Headlamp is definitely one of the best headlamps in the market today, whether you want a hands-free carrying option or a hand-held one.
Pros
- Multi-purpose
- Small and compact
- L-shaped body for versatility
- 5 brightness levels and 3 special modes
- Charging light indicator
- Power indicator
- Breathable and lightweight head band
- Comes with 1 headband, 1 bracket, 1 4000mAh 21700 rechargeable battery, 1 CR123A battery magazine, 1 pocket clip, 1 lanyard, 1 Spare O-Ring, 1 portable magnetic charger, and an instruction manual
Cons
- A bit heavy for a headlamp
- Battery life isn’t that long
SUMMARY:
The Nitecore HC35 Rechargeable LED Headlamp is a great multi-purpose headlamp that is the first of its kind to utilize a high-performance 21700 battery.
Made from aero grade aluminum alloy, it has a magnetic base that allows for hands-free positioning or tail-standing, and light knurling down the center of the body for better grip.
This headlamp has a unique L-shaped body that will surely be appreciated by anyone who works in the dark and needs their hands free. It transitions easily between usage, whether you wear it on your helmet with the head band and mounting bracket that come with the unit, or remove it from the holder for hand-held use.
Four CREEXP-G3 S3 LEDs are embedded in the bezel of this headlamp, which produce an even and smooth beam that’s visually pleasant no matter what setting the light is on. With five brightness levels ranging from 1 lumen on Ultra-low mode to 2700 lumens on Turbo mode, this headlamp will give you good light quality in any situation.
This headlamp is operated simply by a single, easily accessible button on the bezel’s side. Just push and hold the button for a second, and the light will turn on at the previously selected brightness level. To cycle through the five brightness settings, just quick-press the button again.
Better yet…
It’s compatible with various lithium-ion batteries. To signify that charging is taking place, a blue charging indicator light will light up and flash slowly under the control button. Once charging is finished, this light will illuminate steadily. A built-in power indicator shows you your battery voltage. The blue charging indicator under the control button will flash two sets of numbers after you’ve inserted a battery, to display the remaining battery voltage.
The unit comes with a package that includes a headband, a bracket, a 4000mAh 21700 rechargeable battery, a CR123A battery magazine, a pocket clip, a lanyard, a Spare O-Ring, a portable magnetic charger, and an instruction manual.
9 - Best Power Caving Headlamp
Outdoor Pro Gear Led Headlamp Flashlight
- Manufacturer: Outdoor Pro Gear
- Lumens: 9,500 lux
- Weight: 6.4 ounces
- Beam Distance: 100-200 yards
- Life Span: 28 hours (Low mode)
Bottom Line: The Outdoor Pro Gear LED Super Bright Zoomable Spotlight Headlamp is a well-designed and innovative headlamp that is specifically designed for outdoor adventures and emergency preparedness.
Pros
- Very bright
- Sturdy and rugged
- Ideal for outdoor activities
- Great to have in emergency preparedness kits
- 3 brightness settings
- Zoomable
- It can be tilted by 90 degrees
- 3 adjustable head straps
- Includes 3 AA batteries
Cons
- Some people might not like that its batteries are non-rechargeable
- Heavy and bulky battery pack
SUMMARY:
Innovative and powerful, the Outdoor Pro Gear LED Super Bright Zoomable Spotlight Headlamp is equipped with a 9500 Lux German-engineered LED and boasts a unique magnifying lens that results in an extremely bright and powerful light. It has three light modes: High, Medium, and Low. You’ll love how strong the light is, even when set at Low mode.
It’s made from ABS and aluminum materials that are extremely sturdy and water-resistant, making it a good choice for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, and running.
This headlamp is designed for comfort and convenience. The three head straps of its head band ensure stability and adjustability, while the lens can be tilted by 90 degrees.
Above all…
One of this headlamp’s best features is the telescopic lens that allows for a smooth beam adjustment. Zoom in for a more narrow spotlight effect that is ideal for a more close-up view, and zoom out for a wide flood type of beam for far-distance illumination.
This headlamp is also great to have during emergencies. No need to plug and recharge this one when it runs out of battery life; just insert three AA batteries in it, and it’s good to go, which is definitely a good thing in case of a power outage. Just make sure you always have extra battery packs with you!
10 - Best Compact Caving Headlamp
OLIGHT Perun 2 2500 Lumens Ultra-compact, Multi-functional Rechargeable Headlamp
- Manufacturer: OLIGHT
- Lumens: 2,500-800 lumens (Turbo mode)
- Weight: 5.68 ounces / 161 grams
- Beam Distance: 544 feet
- Life Span: 12.5 days (Moon mode)
Bottom Line: Innovatively designed and well-built, the OLIGHT Perun 2 2500 Ultra-compact Cool White Rechargeable LED Headlamp and Flashlight is something that can’t be missed if you’re looking for a great quality and versatile portable light.
Pros
- Innovative design
- Multi-functional
- It can be used as either a handheld EDC flashlight or a hands-free light
- High-powered
- Compact and convenient
- Built-in proximity sensor feature
- 5 brightness settings
- IPX8 waterproof
- Impact-resistant (1 meter)
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Fast charging
- Magnetic charging cable
- Includes 1 headband with silicone bracket, 1 customized 4000mAh 21700 battery, 1 MCC3 magnetic charging cable, 1 lanyard, 1 pocket clip, and a user manual
Cons
- No strobe light option
- The light gets a bit warmer once put in a full-brightness mode
SUMMARY:
An improved version of the original OLIGHT Perun headlamp, the OLIGHT Perun 2 2500 Ultra-compact Cool White Rechargeable LED Headlamp and Flashlight is incredibly compact yet powerful.
This lamp has an all-aluminum construction and a very aesthetically pleasing purple body that will make you want to show it off. It’s a multi-functional tool as well— the right angle design makes it easy to use as a handheld EDC light; on the other hand, the magnetic base and the headband that comes with it are great for hands-free use.
Also…
It produces an astounding maximum light output of 2500 lumens of cool white light with a maximum of 544 beam distance and can run up to 12.5 days when set on Moon mode.
That being said…
Because it’s such a high-powered lamp, it can generate a lot of heat. That’s where the built-in proximity sensor feature comes into the picture. This very cool feature automatically dims the lamp’s light when it gets close to an object and will automatically turn off the light after a minute of close proximity to the object, which is really nice if you always store your lamp in your bag and it often turns on by accident.
Another thing that sets it apart from other caving headlamps is its MCC3 magnetic charging cable, which enables it to charge 33% faster than other models.
As if that’s not enough…
It comes with a headband with silicone bracket, a custom 4000mAh 21700 battery, an MCC3 magnetic charging cable, a lanyard, a pocket clip if you want to attach it to your backpack or use it as an EDC light, and a user manual.
Buyer Guide:
How To Choose The Best Caving Light
Features to look out for
Adjustable and stretchable head strap
Assuming you’re going to wear the headlamp for hours, or even days, it’s a must that you choose one that has a head strap that’s very comfortable to wear and won’t give you a headache. Adjustability and stretchability are important so that the headlamp can properly fit your head.
Long battery life
One of the worst nightmares of caving enthusiasts is getting stuck in a cave with no light source and no way of seeing the way out. No need to fear that happening, though, if you choose a headlamp that has a long battery life.
Versatility
No headlamp can do everything and have every single feature, but you can still have a headlamp that can do a lot of things. A lot of the headlamps that are featured in our list are versatile and can have their features like brightness levels and light color be fine-tuned in order to fit a variety of conditions.
Top Tips
- Invest in a good-quality pouch where you can store your headlamp to avoid any possible damage.
- How many lumens you need in a headlamp will depend on what you’re going to use it for. Higher lumen output isn’t always best; in smaller spaces, for instance, lower brightness is better.
- Make sure to charge your headlamp’s battery fully before your first use.
- If you opt for a rechargeable headlamp, make sure to bring a reliable charger pack with you and keep your light well-charged at all times.
- Exposing your headlamp in wet environments can’t be avoided sometimes. Prevent any damages by air-drying it with the battery case open afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: How many lumens is good for caves?
A - It will depend on the size of the cave you’re going to explore. 10 lumens and above is enough for tight, smaller spaces. For larger areas, around 150 lumens or above would be ideal. Just remember to strike a balance and not to go higher than necessary in the brightness settings as you run the risk of damaging your and your companions’ visions.
Question 2: Do cavers headlamps need to be waterproof?
A - Ideally, yes. At the very least, they should be water-resistant.
Question 3: What does ATEX Certified mean and do I need it?
A - ATEX is a European certification that is given to any equipment that has been proven to be intrinsically safe after being tested. To put it simply, ATEX-certified products are proven and tested to be safe to use in explosive and hazardous environments. To be assured of your safety, choose headlights that are ATEX-certified.
Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
Best Value for Money
Value for Money Rating
Rechargeable Headlamp, Tupwaid LED Head Lamp Waterproof
Energizer Rechargeable LED Headlamp
OLIGHT Perun 2 2500 Lumens Ultra-compact, Multi-functional Rechargeable Headlamp
ThruNite TH30 Rechargeable Headlamp, Super Bright 3350 Lumen LED Headlamp
Nitecore HC65 1000 Lumen USB Rechargeable Headlamp
PETZL Swift RL Rechargeable Headlamp with 900 Lumens & Automatic Brightness Adjustment
PETZL Tikka Compact Headlamp
Nitecore HC35 Rechargeable LED Headlamp
Outdoor Pro Gear LED Headlamp Flashlight
Princeton Tec Apex Pro LED Headlamp
2Best Water Resistance
Water Resistance Rating
Energizer Rechargeable LED Headlamp
ThruNite TH30 Rechargeable Headlamp, Super Bright 3350 Lumen LED Headlamp
Rechargeable Headlamp, Tupwaid LED Head Lamp Waterproof
Nitecore HC65 1000 Lumen USB Rechargeable Headlamp
Princeton Tec Apex Pro LED Headlamp
Outdoor Pro Gear LED Headlamp Flashlight
PETZL Tikka Compact Headlamp
Nitecore HC35 Rechargeable LED Headlamp
OLIGHT Perun 2 2500 Lumens Ultra-compact, Multi-functional Rechargeable Headlamp
PETZL Swift RL Rechargeable Headlamp with 900 Lumens & Automatic Brightness Adjustment
Best Durability
Durability Rating
Energizer Rechargeable LED Headlamp
Nitecore HC65 1000 Lumen USB Rechargeable Headlamp
Rechargeable Headlamp, Tupwaid LED Head Lamp Waterproof
ThruNite TH30 Rechargeable Headlamp, Super Bright 3350 Lumen LED Headlamp
PETZL Swift RL Rechargeable Headlamp with 900 Lumens & Automatic Brightness Adjustment
Princeton Tec Apex Pro LED Headlamp
PETZL Tikka Compact Headlamp
Outdoor Pro Gear LED Headlamp Flashlight
OLIGHT Perun 2 2500 Lumens Ultra-compact, Multi-functional Rechargeable Headlamp
Nitecore HC35 Rechargeable LED Headlamp
Best Runtime
Runtime Rating
Rechargeable Headlamp, Tupwaid LED Head Lamp Waterproof
ThruNite TH30 Rechargeable Headlamp, Super Bright 3350 Lumen LED Headlamp
Nitecore HC65 1000 Lumen USB Rechargeable Headlamp
PETZL Swift RL Rechargeable Headlamp with 900 Lumens & Automatic Brightness Adjustment
OLIGHT Perun 2 2500 Lumens Ultra-compact, Multi-functional Rechargeable Headlamp
Energizer Rechargeable LED Headlamp
PETZL Tikka Compact Headlamp
Nitecore HC35 Rechargeable LED Headlamp
Princeton Tec Apex Pro LED Headlamp
Outdoor Pro Gear LED Headlamp Flashlight
Best Light Intensity
Light Intensity Rating
Energizer Rechargeable LED Headlamp
Rechargeable Headlamp, Tupwaid LED Head Lamp Waterproof
Princeton Tec Apex Pro LED Headlamp
OLIGHT Perun 2 2500 Lumens Ultra-compact, Multi-functional Rechargeable Headlamp
ThruNite TH30 Rechargeable Headlamp, Super Bright 3350 Lumen LED Headlamp
Nitecore HC65 1000 Lumen USB Rechargeable Headlamp
PETZL Swift RL Rechargeable Headlamp with 900 Lumens & Automatic Brightness Adjustment
Nitecore HC35 Rechargeable LED Headlamp
Outdoor Pro Gear LED Headlamp Flashlight
PETZL Tikka Compact Headlamp
Our Final Verdict: Best Caving Headlamp
Best Caving Headlamp
Energizer Rechargeable LED Headlamp
Rechargeable Headlamp, Tupwaid LED Head Lamp Waterproof
OLIGHT Perun 2 2500 Lumens Ultra-compact, Multi-functional Rechargeable Headlamp
ThruNite TH30 Rechargeable Headlamp, Super Bright 3350 Lumen LED Headlamp
Nitecore HC65 1000 Lumen USB Rechargeable Headlamp
PETZL Swift RL Rechargeable Headlamp with 900 Lumens & Automatic Brightness Adjustment
Princeton Tec Apex Pro LED Headlamp
Nitecore HC35 Rechargeable LED Headlamp
PETZL Tikka Compact Headlamp
Outdoor Pro Gear LED Headlamp Flashlight
Conclusion: Best Caving Headlamp
And there you have it.
As this list has shown, there is no shortage of great-quality caving headlamps in the market. More advanced technology has also made the options more diverse so that you can pick exactly what will suit your needs.
If you’re still undecided…
You can’t go wrong with our Editor’s Choice, the Energizer Rechargeable LED Headlamp. From one of the most trusted brands when it comes to portable lighting products, this headlamp is sturdy, versatile, and just an overall fantastic all-arounder.
For our budget-conscious readers, we’ve also listed some of the most affordable headlamps available, which are on par with many premium brands. One of the best ones is our Best Value awardee, the Tupwaid Rechargeable LED Waterproof Headlamp. Loaded with special features, you just can’t beat its price!
And finally, we have our Top Pick, the ThruNite TH30 Rechargeable Headlamp, Super Bright 3350 Lumen LED Headlamp. As the name indicates, it boasts powerfully bright light. This is a great choice if you’re looking for something that provides a bright flood light type of beam.
We hope we’ve helped you choose a caving headlamp for your specific needs.
Now go ahead and explore the world, night wanderer!
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