Ensuring that you have visibility in the dark is essential to keeping you safe while out in the wilderness or in your basement.
Tactical headlamps are excellent tools to keep you on task while in a dark environment.
Generally, tactical headlamps come pre-equipped with the mounting hardware required to attach them to your helmet, hat, or forehead.
Table of Contents
What To Look For In Tactical Headlamps
With the head-mounted design, you will be able to stay hands-free while on a mission or other outdoor activities.
Durability
The main difference between a standard headlamp and a tactical one is the durable construction.
Tactical headlamps are constructed out of high-end materials to resist damage from harsh environments and accidental drop damage.
Brightness
The brightness of a headlamp is measure in lumens.
Without getting too technical, a lumen is the amount of light that you can see.
What that means to you is that the more lumens you have, the brighter the light is.
For comparison, a standard flashlight offers between 20-150 lumens.
Battery Type
Tactical headlamps use a variety of battery types to power your tactical headlamp.
Based on your needs, you may prefer one style over another.
They will either use disposable or rechargeable batteries.
Below are the 10 best tactical headlamps that you can get.
#1. Response XR1 Headlamp
- Lumens: 1,000
- Weight: 3 oz
- Battery Type: CR123 or 18650
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): Black
- Price: $79.99
5.11 Tactical’s Response HL XR1 Headlamp is a supercharged tool that provides 1,000 lumens of brightness.
With 1,000 lumens of power, this tactical headlamp can light up the darkest of environments which is essential for rescue operations.
The beam has a distance is 135 meters (443’), which is over a football field worth of visibility.
While running at the peak spot mode, the battery can last up to 2 hours or up to 6 hours when using the flood mode instead, which still provides excellent visibility.
It comes with a red COB light element which will help preserve your night vision during an operation.
The tactical headlamp is constructed with a durable aluminum body and has impact resistance up to a meter.
With a waterproof rating of IP54, the tactical headlamp is constructed to withstand heavy rain and sleet.
It includes an integrated pocket clip to easily attach it to your pack, pocket, or you can mount it to the included woven elastic headband.
It is available from 5.11 Tactical. Here’s where to buy it: www.511Tactical.com
#2. RAPID 1AA Headlamp
- Lumens: 200
- Weight: 4 oz
- Battery Type: AA or 14500
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): Black
- Price: $49.99
The RAPID 1AA Headlamp by 5.11 Tactical is pretty much Response HL XR1 but with fewer lumens and is affordable.
When using a AA battery, the headlamp can push out 200 lumens, but when using the 14500 Lithium rechargeable battery (not included), it can push out 330 lumens.
It has a run time of 6 hours while running on flood mode and can run up to 1 hour and 3 minutes on spot mode.
The RAPID 1AA Headlamp has a beam distance of 55 meters (180’) on the highest setting.
The body is constructed out of durable aluminum and has an impact resistance of 1 meter (3.28’).
Like the Response HL XR1 the RAPID 1AA includes a waterproof rating of IP54 which can handle severe storms and sleet.
It also has an integrated pocket clip to mount it to your gear or pocket easily.
Another option would be to mount it with the included woven elastic headband.
It is available from 5.11 Tactical. Here’s where to buy it: www.511Tactical.com
#3. Princeton Tec Remix 300 Headlamp
- Lumens: 300
- Weight: 9 oz
- Battery Type: AAA
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): Tan, MultiCam, Black
- Price: $39 – $42
Princeton Tec’s Remix 300 Headlamp is an excellent tactical headlamp for various activities such as running, hiking, camping, and hunting.
The Remix 300 comes with high-quality Maxbright and Ultrabright LEDs that have various options that set them apart from their competition.
They are constructed with Maxbright LEDs with multiple beams and various modes to help you select the right power for the operation.
The Ultrabright LEDs are perfect for close to medium ranged tasks.
When on the spot high mode, the headlamp operates at 300 lumens and has approximately 43-hours of battery life.
In this mode, the beam distance is 46 meters (150.9’).
The red low mode is suitable for a distance up to 9 meters (29.5’) and has a runtime of 73 hours.
With a waterproof rating of IPX4, it can handle the harshest of storms and handle accidentally being submerged in water for a moment.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#4. Princeton Tec Quad Tactical MPLS Headlamp
- Lumens: 78
- Weight: 6 oz
- Battery Type: AAA
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): MultiCam, Tan, Olive Drab, Black
- Price: $59.99
Princeton Tec’s Quad Tactical MPLS Headlamp is an excellent choice for military or law enforcement.
It is available in tactical colors, constructed out of durable materials, and has several features making it perfect for nighttime operations.
The Tactical MPLS Headlamp includes a focused wide beam which helps simulate daytime conditions.
Compared to other tactical headlamps on this list, this headlamp comes with regulated LEDs, which means that you will get consistent light even with a low battery.
Another great feature is the IPX7 waterproof rating with allows it to be submerged for 30 minutes in 1 meter (3.2’) of water.
The 78-lumen flood high mode offers a visibility range of 50 meters (164’), and it can run for 8 hours on a single charge.
The tactical headlamp also comes with green, blue, and red filters.
The package also includes a nylon head strap, an NVG adapter plate, and a bracket mount for MOLLE-equipped gear.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#5. Pelican HeadsUp Lite 2610 3AAA LED Headlamp
- Lumens: 30
- Weight: 2 oz
- Battery Type: AAA
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): Black
- Price: $39.79
Pelican’s HeadsUp Lite 2610 3AAA LED Headlamp is an excellent general-purpose tactical headlamp best suited for close activities.
The headlamp offers different power modes to suit your needs.
If you are in a tight space and need to read a map or your favorite novel, you can use the low power mode, which provides up to 47 hours of power and the beam visibility goes out to 19 meters (62.3’).
If you need more light, you can use the full 30 lumens of power with the high mode with a beam distance of 28 meters (91.9’), and it will last for 19 hours on a single set of batteries.
The tactical headlamp also has a waterproof rating of IPX4.
Pelican’s HeadsUp Lite 2610 3AAA LED Headlamp provides an excellent hands-free experience while camping or in the woods.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#6. EDC Headlamp 2AAA
- Lumens: 183
- Weight: 9 oz
- Battery Type: AAA
- Water Resistant: Not Specified
- Color(s): Black, Kangaroo
- Price: $29.99
At $29.99, 5.11 Tactical offers the cheapest tactical headlamp on the list.
The EDC Headlamp 2AAA is designed to operate on just two AAA batteries, but it still pushes out 183 lumens of power.
You get two modes with this headlamp flood and spot.
The spot mode has a beam distance of 56 meters (183.7’) and has a total runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes on a single set of batteries.
A great feature of this tactical headlamp is the polymer housing which will help protect it from accidental drops and bumps.
It is also compatible with the S+R H2 Lens Filter Kit.
If you are looking for a bargain tactical headlamp made by one of the best tactical brands, the EDC Headlamp 2AAA by 5.11 Tactical is an excellent choice.
It is available from 5.11 Tactical. Here’s where to buy it: www.511Tactical.com
#7. Petzl Actik Core Rechargeable Headlamp
- Lumens: 450
- Weight: 65 oz
- Battery Type: CORE Rechargeable, AAA, LR03
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): Black
- Price: $69.95
Petzl’s Actik Core Rechargeable Headlamp is a lightweight tactical headlamp that offers 450 lumens of brightness.
The 450 Lumens headlamp is perfect for outdoor activities such as running, hiking, camping, and hunting.
It offers a two-beam pattern that gives you a variety of options to adjust the brightness you require.
With several levels of white brightness, you can adjust the amount of light that you desire.
It also comes with the option for red lighting, which helps preserve night vision.
A single button controls the headlamp to help provide simple control of your light, and it comes with a lock function to help prevent accidental use, which could quickly kill your battery.
You have the option to use AAA, LR03 batteries, or the included CORE rechargeable battery.
The 1250 mAh CORE rechargeable battery charges in 3 hours via a micro USB port.
The tactical headlamp is rated with a waterproof rating of IPX4.
If the included headband is not your style, you can purchase various adapters to mount it to a helmet or bicycle.
It is available from BOTACH. Here’s where to buy it: www.Botach.com
#8. Black Diamond Sprinter Rechargeable 200 Lumen Headlamp
- Lumens: 200
- Weight: 7 oz
- Battery Type: Lithium Polymer Rechargeable Battery
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): Black W/Blue Trim
- Price: $79.95
Black Diamond’s Sprinter Rechargeable 200 Lumen Headlamp is perfect for hitting the trail and can keep you safe.
The Sprinter comes with a TriplePower 200 lumens LED that allows you to see up to 50 meters(164’) while using the high setting.
While on the low setting, you can see up to 2 meters away (6.5’).
You may want to run the headlamp on high for the entire time, but that will give you a 4-hour charge compared to the 42-hour charge while on the low.
The headlamp is powered by a lithium polymer rechargeable battery that can be fully recharged in under 5 hours.
A unique feature of this headlamp is that it comes with a read red taillight, which could help a car see you from behind.
The taillight can be turned off, and the headlamp comes with a strobe function.
The headlamp has a waterproof rating of IPX4 which can withstand rain and sleet.
If you are a runner and want additional visibility, this is an excellent option.
It is available from BOTACH. Here’s where to buy it: www.Botach.com
#9. Petzl TACTIKKA+ Headlamp Desert 250 Lumens
- Lumens: 250
- Weight: 3 oz
- Battery Type: CORE Rechargeable, AAA, LR03
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): Desert
- Price: $44.95
Petzl’s TACTIKKA+ Headlamp comes with a max power of 250 lumens, which provides 50 hours of power on a single charge.
With 250 lumens, the tactical headlamp can project up to 70 meters (229.7’) away.
The 100 lumens mode has a beam distance of 45 meters (147.6’) and has a battery charge of 50 hours.
With the autonomy mode, you will have 5 lumens of power to see up to 10 meters (32.8’) away, and the battery will last for 260 hours.
It also includes a red light mode to help preserve your night vision.
The red LED modes will allow you to have a flashing red light or a fixed constant light.
The TACTIKKA+ Headlamp comes with an elastic headband to help you secure your light and be able to use both your hands freely.
With a waterproof rating of IPX4, it is rated for the harshest storms and sleet.
If you want a rechargeable battery, you can use the CORE rechargeable battery with this headlamp, and Petzl guarantees the battery’s life to up to 900 AAA batteries.
It is available from BOTACH. Here’s where to buy it: www.Botach.com
#10. Fox Fury Command+ Tilt White LED Headlamp
- Lumens: 100
- Weight: 6 oz
- Battery Type: Rechargeable NiMH Battery or AA
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Color(s): Black
- Price: $96.99
Fox Fury’s Fury Command+ Tilt White LED Headlamp is a professional tactical headlamp with unique features to set it apart from other headlamps.
The True To Life LEDs offer a high-quality 100 lumens that show true colors without distortion.
There is also a rear red safety LED to help your teammates see you up to 1 mile away.
This headlamp is made to last with its durable design.
It offers a waterproof rating of IPX7 which means it can be submerged underwater for up to 30 minutes.
It also meets the fire resistance requirements of NFPA 1971-8.6 (2013).
If that is not enough for you, Fox Fury also offers a limited lifetime warranty on the headlamp.
The headlamp comes with three modes low, medium, and high, and the battery can last up to 14 hours on the low power option and 5 on the high.
You have the option to either have focused light or panoramic light for a wider angle of lighting.
The Command+ Tilt White LED Headlamp is designed to secure directly on your head or your helmet or hat.
If you want a professional-grade tactical headlamp with extra resistance against fire and water damage, the Command+ Tilt White LED Headlamp by Fox Fury is an excellent option.
It is available from BOTACH. Here’s where to buy it: www.Botach.com
See Also
11 Best Military Grade Tactical Flashlights
Navy Boot Camp Graduation Gift Ideas
References / Resources
What To Look For In A Headlamp Or Flashlight
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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