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1 Petzl NAO+
Best for – serious runners with deep pockets
This is a bit like mounting the Northern Star on your forehead. The Petzl NAO+ is so powerful it could lighten up a Morrissey concert. Alongside the 750 lumens, which lights up the trail more than 100 metres ahead, this head torch boasts a bounce-free fit and reactive live, which automatically adjusts the output depending upon how light or dark it is. Pair it with the MyPetzl Light mobile app, and you can consult your smartphone in real-time to check the torches remaining burn time. Truly, the high priest of head torches.
Max lumens: 750 over a 6.5hr burn time
Burn time: 1hr 30 to 15hrs, depending on setting.
Approx range: 65m – 140m, depending on setting
Weight: 185g
2 Petzl Reactik+
Best for – premium quality for less than £100
If the NAO+ is the gold standard in head torches, the Petzl Reactik+ is a very worthy runner-up. Given that it’s £50 less than the NAO+, it also represents something of a bargain. Like the NAO+, it has reactive lighting and can be paired with the MyPetzl Light to check remaining burn time. It’s also more compact than the NAO+ and seemingly almost indestructible. There’s good reason this well-made, well-regarded product adorns the heads of countless ultrarunners: for the price, there’s simply no better head torch.
Max lumens: 300 over a 3.5hr burn time
Burn time: 2.5hrs to 15hrs, depending on setting
Approx range: 70-110m, depending on setting
Weight: 115g
3 Silva Trail Runner 4
Best for – a long burn time and a solid build quality
To Sweden next, for this impressive and affordable addition to the list. Silva has been creating high-quality outdoor products since the 1930s, and it’s particularly well regarded for its head torches. On its max mode, the Trail Runner 4 has impressive power (350 lumens) and range (75m). It also boasts an anti-slip headband and can be charged with AAA batteries. There’s nothing particularly cutting-edge about the Trail Runner 4; it’s simply a well-made, reliable head torch at a highly affordable price.
Max lumens: 350 over a burn time of 10hrs
Burn time: 10hrs to 90hrs, depending on setting
Approx range: 20m to 75m, depending on setting
Weight: 121g
4 Kalenji OnNight 710
Best for – a whole lot of light for not a lot of money
Speaking of affordable prices, how’s this budget-friendly option from Kalenji. As well as its four light modes and rechargeable battery, the OnNight 710 beams out 300 lumens and has a max range of 75m. That’s pretty darn impressive for a product that costs less than most pairs of running shorts. Plus, it’s lightweight, hard-wearing and waterproof. It could be used as a perfectly decent main head torch or a superb backup for races in which you’re required to carry two.
Max lumens: 300 over a burn time of 3hrs
Burn time: 3hrs to 12hrs, depending on setting
Approx range: up to 75m, depending on setting
Weight: 120g
5 Petzl Bindi
Best for – when every gram matters
If you’re packing for a running adventure and are counting every gram, the Petzl Bindi comes into its own. At 35g, it is one of the lightest head torches on the market and can be packed down to a tiny size. However, don’t let its smaller dimensions fool you: this pocket-rocket can still pump out 200 lumens (and can burn for two hours at that level). As such, it also makes for a great tool on training runs. Further proof that good things come in small packages.
Max lumens: 200 over a 2hr burn time
Burn time: 2hrs to 50hrs, depending on setting
Approx range: 6m to 36m, depending on setting
Weight: 35g
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