Best Headlamp for Running 2025: Your Nighttime Safety Tool
As I turned another corner in the dark, winding through the forest trails in Winnipeg, I was becoming aware I was not alone. The headlamp does many things for you. It prevents injury by showing you potholes and bumps to avoid tripping on, it shows vehicles where you are, and it shows the eyes of predators off in the distance, now keenly aware of my position, and that I was coming there way all my myself….
In training and racing ultras, you will run in the dark—there’s no way around it. Whether you’re a Winnipeg early-bird like me who trains before sunrise, or an ultra racer running through the night, you need a reliable, powerful, comfortable headlamp. The difference between a good headlamp and a bad one isn’t just comfort—it’s safety.
If you’re like me, and most marathon-runners – you wake up early for daily runs before the family is up. By the time they start their breakfast, you’ll be safely back home and ready to bring them to school in time – thanks to your headlamp!
Time to buckle up and get familiar with lumens and battery life as we take you through the best running head lamp!
Last Updated: November 2025
Quick Answers:
- Best Overall Ultra Headlamp: Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 – 1,600 lumens, 280-hour battery ($137)
- Best Reactive Lighting: Petzl Nao RL – Auto-adjusting brightness ($180)
- Best Versatile: Petzl Actik Core – Hybrid battery, affordable ($85)
- Best Budget: Black Diamond Spot 400-R – Solid performance ($50)
- Best Ultralight: Nitecore NU25 UL – Under 2 oz backup ($37)
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Jump to: Detailed Reviews | Tech Specs Explained | Buying Guide | FAQ
| Headlamp | Main Features | Our Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Pick | Fenix HM65R-T V2.0
| ||
 | Petzl Nao RL
| ||
 | Petzl Actik Core
| ||
 | Black Diamond spot 400
| ||
 | Nitecore NU25 UL
|
Detailed Reviews of the Top Running Headlamps.
1. Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 – Best Overall Ultra Headlamp ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
With 1,600 lumens and a 280-hour battery life on the lowest setting, this remains the gold standard for ultra running headlamps. The 2025 V2.0 upgrade improves on an already legendary design with new Boa fit system and updated battery (3,400mAh vs previous generation).
What’s New in 2025 V2.0:
- New BOA fit system – Micro-adjustable closure for perfect fit dial-in
- Larger 3,400mAh battery – 200+ more capacity than V1.0
- 1,600 lumens (up from 1,400) – More powerful peak brightness
- Dual beam control – Independently control spot and flood beams
- IP68 waterproof – Submersible, impact resistant, durable
What I Actually Love:
After 100+ km of testing with this V2.0, I noticed the Boa fit system is genuinely better than the old strap. It’s quicker to adjust mid-run, stays tight during technical terrain, and the BOA dial is easy to reach even with gloves. The larger battery means I can run multiple nights without recharging which is critical for multi-day ultras or big training blocks.
Lumens:
For short runs, you might consider the high settings which give you: 1300 lumens, 4hrs run time, and 170m of visibility. For long runs and Ultra Races you’d likely run on medium to conserve battery: 130 lumens, 24hrs run time, 50m visibility.
Who Should Buy:
Serious ultra runners racing 100-milers, multi-day mountain runner athletes, anyone doing overnight training runs, ultralight purists who want one premium headlamp for everything.
Testing Data:
- 100+ km tested on varied terrain
- Battery: Confirmed 280+ hours on lowest setting
- Durability: Survived drops, rain, brush contact
- Comfort: Boa system is genuinely comfortable after break-in
Bottom Line: The Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 is still the ultimate ultra headlamp. The 2025 upgrades (Boa system, larger battery) make it even better. If you’re doing serious ultras, this is the investment that pays for itself through safety and confidence.
2. Petzl Nao RL – Best Reactive Lighting for Ultras ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Petzl Nao RL is the premium choice for runners who want reactive lighting – meaning the headlamp automatically adjusts brightness based on what you’re looking at. This is genuinely game-changing for ultra running.
Why Runners Love This:
- Reactive Lighting Technology – Auto-adjusts brightness to terrain
- 1,500 lumens max – Incredibly bright beam
- 150-hour runtime on low – Multi-day ultra capability
- Hands-free operation – Never manually adjust brightness
- Perfect for technical terrain – Reactive mode prevents over-brightness on easy sections, full power on obstacles
Who Should Buy:
Serious ultra runners doing overnight racing, athletes with technical terrain, runners wanting premium reactive features, anyone doing multi-day ultras. You never have to touch a button. This is next-level convenience.
Downside:
- Most expensive at $180
- Heaviest at 5.1 oz
- Overkill for shorter runs
Bottom Line: If budget isn’t a concern and you want the most advanced headlamp available, the Petzl Nao RL is it. Reactive lighting is genuinely better for ultra running.
3. Petzl Actik Core – Best Balanced Value ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Petzl Actik Core is the best overall value headlamp for most runners. It’s not as powerful as the Fenix HM65R, not as flashy as the Nao RL, but it’s reliable, affordable, and genuinely good.
Why Runners Love This:
- Hybrid battery system – Use rechargeable Petzl CORE battery OR standard AAA batteries
- 600 lumens with CORE battery (450 with AAAs) – Plenty bright
- 50+ hour runtime – Covers long nights
- Affordable at $85 – Best price-to-performance
- Lightweight – Only 3.1 oz
- Easy to use – Single button operation
New in 2025:
Petzl upgraded the CORE battery to use USB-C (instead of micro USB). Faster charging, more compatible.
Who Should Buy:
Marathon trainers doing occasional night runs, trail runners wanting reliable backup, budget-conscious ultra runners, anyone wanting versatile battery options.
Downside:
- 600 lumens less bright than Fenix HM65R
- Front-heavy design
- Battery compartment is a bit fussy to open
Bottom Line: Petzl Actik Core is the smart choice for most runners. You get 90% of the performance of premium headlamps at 50% of the price.
4. Black Diamond Spot 400-R – Best Budget ⭐⭐⭐⭐
With 1,600 lumens and a 280-hour battery life on the lowest setting, this remains the gold standard for ultra running headlamps. The 2025 V2.0 upgrade improves on an already legendary design with new Boa fit system and updated battery (3,400mAh vs previous generation).
Why Runners Love This:
- $50 price – Great value
- 400 lumens – Plenty for trail running
- AAA batteries (rechargeable available) – Cheap to replace
- 3 oz weight – Lightweight
- IPX8 waterproof – Fully submersible
Who Should Buy:
Budget-conscious trail runners, training runs (not racing), new runners trying headlamps, backup headlamp option.
Downside:
- Not enough light for serious ultra racing
- AAA batteries expensive long-term vs rechargeable
Bottom Line: Black Diamond Spot 400-R is the best value headlamp. Perfect for training runs and casual night running.
5. Nitecore NU25 UL – Best Ultralight Backup ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Weighing under 2 oz, the Nitecore NU25 UL is the ultimate backup headlamp. Stash one in your hydration vest for emergencies.
Why Runners Love This:
- 1.6 oz weight – Barely notice you’re wearing it
- 400 lumens max – Surprisingly bright for size
- $37 price – Cheap enough to carry always
- USB-C rechargeable – Built-in battery
- Great for emergencies – When you get caught out after dark
Who Should Buy:
Trail runners wanting backup, gram-counters, anyone who ever gets caught after dark.
Downside:
- Too light for main headlamp for ultras
- Small battery (400 lumens only)
Bottom Line: Nitecore NU25 UL is the best backup headlamp ever. So light and cheap, you should carry one always.
Headlamp Buying Guide for Ultra Runners 2025
The Technicals – What to look for in a headlamp.
Before I dive in to more details, I’ll tell you what happened with the wild animals I mentioned at the beginning.
I was running in the forest in Winnipeg, where I know there are coyotes but there should not be wolves or bears, and that was the case. There was a mid-sized coyote that ran past me about 100 feet ahead on the trail, and luckily it was just the one.
I sped up, turned the headlamp up to full brightness, both bulbs, and scanned the forest for more eyes, but did not see any.
As a precaution, if you are doing night runs, know your environment, and for the sake of wild animals, injury, and getting lost, please travel in a group whenever there is these risks.
Now, onto the technical details!
Lumens
Lumens are the light output or a measure of the total amount of visible light to the human eye from a lamp or light source. The higher the lumen rating the “brighter” the lamp will appear.
For trail running, the minimum you need will be around 200 lumens to have a bright light. Anything above that will make it easier to find and follow the trail with all the surprises it has for you. During a starless night on the trails, 300 lumens or more is what you are looking for.
A running light for a trail runner needs to meet other criteria compared to what you need when setting up your tent in the dark. For a trail run, you prefer a lamp with a light beam that is powerful enough to see the trail.
It is also a consideration of what type of run you are planning, the weather conditions may play a role, and finally, what kind of terrain are you going to tackle.
You need to be able to see the edges of rocks, ditches, stones, branches, and slopes.
The more lumens your lamp has and the steadier your beam is, the easier it will be to navigate all these obstacles and surprises.
Check how many settings your light has; a variety of options is good and various color options may also be a plus punt. A lamp that adjusts to the ambient light might be something to consider.
Beam distance
This is the distance your light can cover. This is of importance since it will help you in spotting potential hazards along the trail. When you are in a race, you want to be able to see the reflective markers from as far away as possible. Some of the available headlamps can cover distances of well over 100 meters. That is
really what you like during a night run, to be able to see at least 50 meters in front of you or even more. A nice addition is if your lamp offers a focusable beam, which can help you adapt to changes in the terrain.
Batteries
Rechargeable or single-use batteries, which one do you prefer? The rechargeable option is convenient and can be recharged
with a USB cable. Unless you want to start your run and you realize that your batteries are not charged. A typical full charging cycle lasts anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. If you need to start your run at that moment, that is not a good option. A spare set of rechargeable batteries might be an option.
Alternatively, you can investigate in a headlamp that runs on AA or AAA batteries.
Just make sure that you always bring a spare pack of batteries.
Ideally, your lamp offers both options.
Burn time
The longer your lights last, the heavier your batteries most likely are. There always seems to be a trade-off somewhere!
Lamps with a longer burn time will most likely have two components, the actual light in front and at the back of your head the battery compartment. Many lights also give you the option to stash the batteries in your pack or attach it to a belt. For ultra’s, this may be the better option, since most likely you will be running through the night.
For shorter runs, a lamp that has the lightbulb and the batteries in the front compartment will be sufficient
Nowadays headlamps come with some hard-to-belief burn time, well over 100 hours is not unheard of in some models.
Type of LED
Cheaper lights tend to only have one single spotlight, providing a constant beam. This is good since it shows you what is in front of you. Most likely that is all you need if you run on roads. Once we start hitting the trail, it will be beneficial if you can also see your surroundings. For this, you will need a flood beam.
Advanced models typically include three different types of light, a spotlight, a flood, and a red light.
Weight
A lightweight headlamp probably indicates a shorter burn time, but it may be more comfortable to wear.
Once you start to add batteries, for increased burn time, you probably find that the weight also increases.
The lamps that give you more burn time, usually tend to have two straps, one that runs from your forehead, over your ears to the back of your head. The other strap runs from the back to the front of your head, which stabilizes the setup.
A nice feature is that many manufactures now give you the option to stash your batteries in your pack or attach them to a belt. This takes some weight off your head. It will be a nice option to try the lamp out before you purchase it, to see if it feels comfortable. That is not always possible, especially if you order online. Always check what the return conditions are.
Just don’t take the lamp on a multi hour run to try it out!
Control buttons
A trail lamp should have easy-to-use buttons. Anything complicated distracts you from the run and can be
potentially dangerous. You do not want to start fumbling with your buttons during any part of the run or let alone a race.
You should be able to reach and activate the buttons whilst you run, possibly even when wearing thin or medium-thick gloves.
A system that locks the system is also a must. When you travel or stash the lamp away, you do not want the battery to drain.
Water resistance / Waterproof Headlamp
This is measured from IPX1 up to IPX8. For a trail running headlamp, you should obtain a lamp that has IPX4 as a minimum, IPX 7 or 8 are best. With an IPX7 rating, you can be submerged for 1 meter for 30 minutes.
On the other hand, IPX4 is a safeguard against splashes and light rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lumens do I really need for trail running?
Honest answer: 300-600 lumens for most runners.
Less than 300: You’ll struggle on technical terrain
Is reactive lighting worth it?
Yes, if you’re doing serious ultras
Budget isn’t a concern
You will value hands free operation
What’s the best backup headlamp?
Nitecore NU25 UL $37, 1.6 oz, 400 lumens. So light and cheap, stash one in your hydration vest for emergencies.
Can I wear headlamp under or over a hat?
Yes, wear under technical hat in rain (keeps water off lens). Wear over beanie for warmth.
Should I get a headlamp with rear battery pack?
Rear battery benefits: – Less weight on head – Can stash in hydration vest – Better for very long ultras (24+ hours)
Front battery benefits:- Simpler design, more compact – Easier to turn on/off mid-run – Better for shorter ultras
What’s the difference between spot and flood beams?
Spot beam: – Focused, narrow, far-reaching – See distant hazards – Good for navigation
Flood beam: – Wide, gentle, close-range – See surroundings – Good for peripheral awareness
Dual-beam headlamps (Fenix HM65R) let you control both independently—best for technical ultras.
