We test the best rechargeable head torches for walkers and campers
Silva Terra Scout H, £59.99, silvasweden.uk
Some eye-catching eco-innovations won this functional little head torch an award at the 2022 ISPO, the outdoor gear industry’s big trade show. Based on the Scout 3 head torch, the Terra Scout’s carbon footprint is a remarkable 90% smaller, according to its Swedish makers; the torch unit and headband are made from recycled plastic mixed with hemp fibres. But is it any good? It’s pleasingly small and light at just 84g. It’s really easy to use, with one big button toggling between two white-light settings, of which the brightest 350-lumen setting throws a moderately focused spotlight beam well suited to night walking and most trail running. The red-light setting gives you just enough to see the path ahead. The rechargeable battery gives you three hours of light on the brightest setting. One big bonus: the torch will also run off three conventional AAA batteries – a potentially vital back-up.
VERDICT: Functional, smart, sustainable parts.
Biolite Headlamp 750, £99.99, uk.bioliteenergy.com
If you walk or run on country lanes after dark, the rear red light mounted on the rear battery pack will make you visible. The rechargeable battery delivers four hours to the front lamp on the mid 250-lumen setting (adequate for walking). The maximum 500-lumen setting is great for running. Dimmable.
VERDICT: Smart design for the safety conscious.
Ledlenser MH4 Outdoor Head Torch, £64.95, ledlenser.co.uk
This torch feels tough and comes with an impressive seven-year warranty. There are two light settings: a bright 400-lumen beam or 20 lumens for close quarters. To adjust between a spotlight and a broader beam, twist the lens. There’s no red light for night vision. The rechargeable AA battery delivers four hours on full beam.
VERDICT: Robust, bright, no-nonsense.
Black Diamond Cosmo 350-R, £45, blackdiamondequipment.com
Compact and lightweight at 75g, this neat torch has plenty of useful functions. On the brightest 350-lumen setting, the integral battery delivers an impressive five hours of burn time. Toggle to two lower light settings, including red light and a six-lumen beam adequate for reading, or hold down the button to dim to your chosen brightness.
VERDICT: Neat and functional.
Petzl Swift RL, £86, petzl.com
The impressive Swift RL delivers an extremely bright maximum setting of 900 lumens. But the big win is the addition of optional ‘Reactive Lighting’, which really reduces the faff: a sensor automatically adjusts the brightness of the torch by measuring the ambient light. On the 200-lumen setting suitable for most night walking, the integral rechargeable battery should last five hours.
VERDICT: Powerful and sophisticated.