We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Hiking Torch 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fenix HM70R Headlamp, 1600 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable with White, High CRI and Red Beams and Lumentac Organizer

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,189
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Durability and Water Resistance

Most important from
482 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The brightest setting outshines handheld spotlights, making it invaluable for activities like duck hunting and navigating through woods.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting over a week on medium settings with regular use.
Durability and Water Resistance
Durability is exceptional; it withstands being submerged in water, mud, and heavy downpours without any issues.
Modes and Features
The flood and spot light options offer versatile lighting for various tasks, with the flood setting providing a bright, uniform light and natural color temperature.

The Fenix HM70R Headlamp is a powerful choice for hikers needing bright and consistent lighting. With a maximum brightness of 1600 lumens, it can illuminate distances up to 203 yards, making it suitable for nighttime hiking or other outdoor activities. Its USB-C rechargeability offers convenience and supports an impressive run time of up to 100 hours on the low setting. This is particularly beneficial for extended trips where reliable battery life is crucial.

The headlamp is built with robust materials, featuring an aluminum alloy frame that is impact-resistant up to 2 meters and carries an IP68 water resistance rating. This ensures durability in harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures from -31° F to 113° F. Weighing 7.3 ounces and featuring a compact design, it balances portability with performance.

The reflective strap made of lightweight, breathable fabric adds to the comfort, and its silicone strip ensures a secure fit. Additional features like the auxiliary red LED and high CRI neutral LED enhance versatility for different lighting needs. However, its relatively higher weight compared to some other headlamps might be a minor drawback for ultra-light packers. Its higher price point may also be a consideration for budget-conscious hikers. Nevertheless, its array of features and solid construction make it a reliable investment for serious hikers.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,189
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Durability and Water Resistance

Most important from
482 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The brightest setting outshines handheld spotlights, making it invaluable for activities like duck hunting and navigating through woods.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting over a week on medium settings with regular use.
Durability and Water Resistance
Durability is exceptional; it withstands being submerged in water, mud, and heavy downpours without any issues.
Modes and Features
The flood and spot light options offer versatile lighting for various tasks, with the flood setting providing a bright, uniform light and natural color temperature.
#2

Fenix HP30R v2.0 Headlamp, 3000 Lumen Rechargeable Heavy-Duty with Spotlight & Floodlight, Detachable Power Pack and LumenTac Organizer, Black

Rating
9.4
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Weight and Size

Most important from
164 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Far exceeded expectations in brightness and battery life. No need to cycle through half a dozen settings, and thankfully, no annoying strobe function.
Battery Life
Far exceeded expectations in brightness and battery life. No need to cycle through half a dozen settings, and thankfully, no annoying strobe function.
Weight and Size
This headlamp is a beast, lasting a long time and lighting up the darkest of dark. Though a bit heavy, its reliability and brightness make it worth the weight.
Modes and Features
Far exceeded expectations in brightness and battery life. No need to cycle through half a dozen settings, and thankfully, no annoying strobe function.

The Fenix HP30R v2.0 Headlamp is a powerful and versatile choice for hiking and outdoor activities. With an impressive 3000-lumen brightness, it provides ample illumination for any situation. The headlamp features both spotlight and floodlight capabilities, offering flexibility depending on your needs. The beam distance is suitable for spotting distant objects, making it a reliable companion for night hikes and search and rescue missions.

The USB-C rechargeable battery pack ensures long-lasting performance, capable of running for over 15 days of continuous use, and can also charge other electronic devices, adding to its utility. The detachable power pack adds convenience but does contribute to the weight, making it slightly heavier at 15.41 ounces compared to some other headlamps. Durability is a standout feature, with an all-metal unibody that is impact-resistant up to 2 meters and rated IP66 for water resistance, ensuring it can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.

The headlamp is also designed to operate in extreme temperatures, from -31°F to 113°F. While it has a robust build and high performance, the weight and size might be a consideration for those seeking a more lightweight option. The included accessories, such as helmet attachment hooks, cable clips, and a LumenTac organizer, enhance its practicality for various uses. With a solid customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, it is well-regarded by users for its reliability and functionality. This headlamp is particularly suitable for serious outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and anyone needing a dependable light source in challenging environments.

Rating
9.4
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Weight and Size

Most important from
164 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Far exceeded expectations in brightness and battery life. No need to cycle through half a dozen settings, and thankfully, no annoying strobe function.
Battery Life
Far exceeded expectations in brightness and battery life. No need to cycle through half a dozen settings, and thankfully, no annoying strobe function.
Weight and Size
This headlamp is a beast, lasting a long time and lighting up the darkest of dark. Though a bit heavy, its reliability and brightness make it worth the weight.
Modes and Features
Far exceeded expectations in brightness and battery life. No need to cycle through half a dozen settings, and thankfully, no annoying strobe function.
#3

PETZL ACTIK CORE Headlamp - Powerful, Rechargeable 600 Lumen Light with Red Lighting for Hiking, Climbing, and Camping - Blue

Rating
9.4
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Durability and Water Resistance

Most important from
2011 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The three brightness levels are fantastic, with even the lowest setting providing ample light for dark conditions.
Battery Life
This headlamp is brighter on its lowest setting than my old one was on its brightest, and battery life is impressive even on max brightness.
Durability and Water Resistance
The improved battery door is now weather-resistant, offering better protection against the elements.
Modes and Features
Switching modes is straightforward once you read the instructions, making it easy to use.

The PETZL ACTIK CORE Headlamp stands out as a powerful and versatile option for outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and camping. With a brightness of 600 lumens, it provides ample illumination, making it suitable for various environments. The headlamp offers two beam patterns—wide and mixed—allowing users to choose between focused and broad light, which is useful during fast-paced activities like running or trekking.

Additionally, it has three lighting modes: continuous, red, and strobe, adding to its versatility. The hybrid concept is particularly noteworthy, as it can operate on a rechargeable CORE battery or three AAA batteries, giving users flexibility in power sources without the need for an adapter. The lock function is a practical feature that prevents accidental activation and battery drain when not in use. The headlamp can also be tilted to adjust the direction of the beam, enhancing ease of use in different situations.

The product is compact and lightweight, weighing only 3.1 ounces, and has a runtime of 3 hours, which might be a bit short for extended trips. Durability is a strong suit, as it meets the IPX4 standard for water resistance, making it suitable for use in various weather conditions. This headlamp is ideal for those needing reliable performance and flexibility in lighting options during outdoor activities.

Rating
9.4
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Durability and Water Resistance

Most important from
2011 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The three brightness levels are fantastic, with even the lowest setting providing ample light for dark conditions.
Battery Life
This headlamp is brighter on its lowest setting than my old one was on its brightest, and battery life is impressive even on max brightness.
Durability and Water Resistance
The improved battery door is now weather-resistant, offering better protection against the elements.
Modes and Features
Switching modes is straightforward once you read the instructions, making it easy to use.

Buying Guide for the Best Hiking Torch

Choosing the right hiking torch is crucial for ensuring safety and visibility during your outdoor adventures. A good hiking torch can help you navigate trails, avoid obstacles, and signal for help if needed. When selecting a hiking torch, consider the following key specifications to find the best fit for your needs.
Brightness (Lumens)Brightness, measured in lumens, indicates how much light the torch emits. This is important because it determines how well you can see in the dark. Torches with lower lumens (up to 100) are suitable for close-range tasks like reading maps. Medium brightness (100-300 lumens) is good for general hiking and camping. High brightness (300+ lumens) is ideal for challenging terrains or night hiking. Choose a brightness level based on the type of hiking you plan to do and the conditions you expect to encounter.
Beam DistanceBeam distance refers to how far the light can reach. This is important for seeing distant objects and navigating trails. Short beam distances (up to 50 meters) are adequate for close-up tasks. Medium beam distances (50-150 meters) are suitable for general hiking. Long beam distances (150+ meters) are necessary for spotting far-off landmarks or potential hazards. Consider the typical environment of your hikes to determine the appropriate beam distance.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the torch can operate before needing a recharge or new batteries. This is crucial for ensuring your torch lasts throughout your hike. Short battery life (up to 5 hours) is fine for short hikes or occasional use. Medium battery life (5-15 hours) is suitable for day hikes or overnight trips. Long battery life (15+ hours) is essential for multi-day hikes or extended use. Think about the duration of your hikes and how often you can recharge or replace batteries.
Weight and SizeWeight and size affect how easy it is to carry the torch. This is important for comfort and convenience. Lightweight and compact torches (under 100 grams) are ideal for minimalist hikers or those who prioritize portability. Medium weight and size (100-200 grams) offer a balance between portability and performance. Heavier and larger torches (200+ grams) may provide more features but can be cumbersome. Consider how much weight you are willing to carry and how much space you have in your pack.
Durability and Water ResistanceDurability and water resistance determine how well the torch can withstand harsh conditions. This is important for reliability in outdoor environments. Basic durability and water resistance (IPX4) are suitable for mild conditions and occasional use. Moderate durability and water resistance (IPX5-IPX6) are good for regular hiking in varied weather. High durability and water resistance (IPX7-IPX8) are essential for extreme conditions and frequent use. Assess the typical weather and terrain of your hikes to choose the right level of durability and water resistance.
Modes and FeaturesModes and features refer to the different lighting options and additional functionalities of the torch. This is important for versatility and convenience. Basic torches may have a single mode, which is fine for simple tasks. Torches with multiple modes (e.g., high, low, strobe) offer more flexibility for different situations. Additional features like red light mode, SOS signal, or adjustable focus can enhance usability. Think about the various scenarios you might encounter and choose a torch with the modes and features that will be most useful.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now