Choosing a new headlamp for caving could save your life. Being able to clearly see where you’re going and spot distant hazards easily for many hours at a time without the battery suddenly giving out is critical to your survival. This article examines the 10 best headlamps for spelunking in 2018.
Product |
Details |
Rating & Price |
|---|---|---|
|
[amazon link=”B07121R3CX” title=”OLIGHT H2R NOVA” /][amazon fields=”B07121R3CX” value=”thumb”] |
Brightest beam (lumens): 2300 burst / 750
Distance lit on brightest beam: 153 m Max time on brightest beam: 1 min / 1 hr 50 min Next brightest beam (lumens): 600 Max time on next brightest beam: 2 hr 30 min Red light selectable: No Waterproof (IP rating): IPX-8 (submersible to >1 m) |
[amazon fields=”B07121R3CX” value=”button”] |
[amazon link=”B01J8IFD3I” title=”FENIX HP25R” /][amazon fields=”B01J8IFD3I” value=”thumb”] |
Brightest beam (lumens): 1000
Distance lit on brightest beam: 187 m Max time on brightest beam: 1 hr 30 min Next brightest beam (lumens): 350 Max time on next brightest beam: 4 hr 30 min Red light selectable: Yes Waterproof (IP rating): IPX-6 (safe from water jets) |
[amazon fields=”B01J8IFD3I” value=”button”] |
[amazon link=”B07121R3CX” title=”COAST HL7 285” /][amazon fields=”B005NXPW5W” value=”thumb”] |
Brightest beam (lumens): 285
Distance lit on brightest beam: 119 m (spotlight) Max time on brightest beam: 1 hr 30 min Next brightest beam (lumens): 4-284 adjustable Max time on next brightest beam: 70 hr – 1 hr 30 min Red light selectable: No Waterproof (IP rating): “Weather resistant” IP unspecified |
[amazon fields=”B005NXPW5W” value=”button”] |
[amazon link=”B07BQCPDW8″ title=”PRINCETON TEC APEX 550” /][amazon fields=”B07BQCPDW8″ value=”thumb”] |
Brightest beam (lumens): 550
Distance lit on brightest beam: 120 m Max time on brightest beam: 2 hr Next brightest beam (lumens): Unspecified Max time on next brightest beam: Unspecified Red light selectable: No Waterproof (IP rating): IPX-7 (submersible to 1 m) |
[amazon fields=”B07BQCPDW8″ value=”button”] |
[amazon link=”B01N4RJ5L7″ title=”PETZL TIKKA” /][amazon fields=”B01N4RJ5L7″ value=”thumb”] |
Brightest beam (lumens): 200
Distance lit on brightest beam: 60 m Max time on brightest beam: 60 hr Next brightest beam (lumens): 100 Max time on next brightest beam: 60 hr Red light selectable: Yes Waterproof (IP rating): IPX-4 (weather resistant) |
[amazon fields=”B01N4RJ5L7″ value=”button”] |
[amazon link=”B01KYTU6BO” title=”PETZL ULTRA RUSH BELT” /][amazon fields=”B01KYTU6BO” value=”thumb”] |
Brightest beam (lumens): 760
Distance lit on brightest beam: 170 m Max time on brightest beam: 4 hr Next brightest beam (lumens): 370 Max time on next brightest beam: 10 hr Red light selectable: No Waterproof (IP rating): IP 67 (submersible to 1 m) |
[amazon fields=”B01KYTU6BO” value=”button”] |
[amazon link=”B00GNJM3AM” title=”NITECORE CREE XML2 HC50” /][amazon fields=”B00GNJM3AM” value=”thumb”] |
Brightest beam (lumens): 760
Distance lit on brightest beam: 98 m Max time on brightest beam: 1 hr 15 min Next brightest beam (lumens): 300 Max time on next brightest beam: 3 h 30 min Red light selectable: Yes Waterproof (IP rating): IPX-8 (submersible to >1 m) |
[amazon fields=”B00GNJM3AM” value=”button”] |
[amazon link=”B00AFDEJ9A” title=”BLACK DIAMOND REVOLT” /][amazon fields=”B00AFDEJ9A” value=”thumb”] |
Brightest beam (lumens): 300
Distance lit on brightest beam: 80 m Max time on brightest beam: 30 hr Next brightest beam (lumens): Unspecified Max time on next brightest beam: Unspecified Red light selectable: Yes Waterproof (IP rating): IPX-8 (submersible to >1 m) |
[amazon fields=”B00AFDEJ9A” value=”button”] |
JETBEAM HP35[amazon fields=”B01MQXIQFQ” value=”thumb”] |
Brightest beam (lumens): 335
Distance lit on brightest beam: 90 m Max time on brightest beam: Unspecified Next brightest beam (lumens): 200 Max time on next brightest beam: 5 hr Red light selectable: Yes Waterproof (IP rating): IPX-6 (safe from water jets) |
[amazon fields=”B00GHYA7LA” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.jetbeamstore.com/catalog/product/jetbeam-hp35/” button_text=”Check Price”] |
[amazon link=”B001D1FKCI” title=”PETZL DUO 14” /][amazon fields=”B001D1FKCI” value=”thumb”] |
Brightest beam (lumens): 1100 boost
Distance lit on brightest beam: 200 m Max time on brightest beam: Unspecified Next brightest beam (lumens): 700 Max time on next brightest beam: 3 hr 30 min Red light selectable: No Waterproof (IP rating): IP 67 (submersible to 1 m) |
[amazon fields=”B001D1FKCI” value=”button”] |
How the Caving Headlamps Were Reviewed
The chosen headlamps were carefully reviewed for light output, distance lit, burn time, light options, battery type, attachment options, waterproofing and durable construction. Customer reviews and the maker’s brand were also considered, and a rating of one to five stars was arrived at for each lamp.
[amazon link=”B071WKN81Y” title=”Olight H2R Nova” /]
[amazon box=”B071WKN81Y”]
The Olight H2R could literally save your life with its stunning 2300-lumen burst, lighting up deep pits, distant caverns and hazardous obstacles with ease. It’s so bright, you could even use it for self-defense against unexpected wildlife.
This amazing blast of light lasts for up to a minute at a time, then the lamp throttles down to 750 lumens, which is still one of the highest outputs reviewed here. It also has lower settings for close quarters.
This headlamp can be attached almost anywhere as it comes with both a pocket clip and a head strap.
For more comfort and secure fitting on longer expeditions, the headgear includes a center strap across the top of your head. It’s easy to operate with a single button and includes an S.O.S. mode for emergency signaling.
The durable body is made of anodized aluminum and is waterproof, submersible to up to two meters (IPX-8 rating). The Olight also includes a magnetic cable to recharge the 18650 battery and the option of either a Cool White or Neutral White LED as the light source.
pROS
Solid Quality
CONS
Some reviews say that it stopped working after a few weeks
Quality |
Price |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
[amazon fields=”B07121R3CX” value=”button”]
[amazon link=”B01J8IFD3I” title=”Fenix HP25R” /]
[amazon box=”B01J8IFD3I”]
The Fenix HP25R headlamp has the brightest beam of those reviewed here (1000 lumens), except the Olight and Petzl burst modes. The Fenix can cast that light 187 meters for up to an hour and a half. Stepping down to 350 lumens increases the battery life to four and a half hours. You can also switch to red light from white, which is easier on the eyes during a long trek.
Like the Olight H2R Nova described earlier, this Fenix headgear has a strap across the top of your head as well as around it for a more secure fit. The HP25R has an IPX-6 waterproof rating, meaning that it’s not necessarily submersible, but is safe from water jets and sweat.
pROS
Soft floodlight beam with max beam angle of 90 degrees
CONS
They don`t see 1000 lumens here. Maybe 700-800 for short time. Still bright
Quality |
Price |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
[amazon fields=”B01J8IFD3I” value=”button”]
[amazon link=”B005NXPW5W” title=”Coast HL7 285” /]
[amazon box=”B005NXPW5W”]
With the Coast HL7 headlamp, you can quickly and easily adjust the beam from a narrow spotlight to a wide floodlight or anything in between. Adjusting the brightness up to 285 lumens is just as simple. The narrowest beam can reach up to 119 meters into the cave you’re exploring.
The battery charge will last for 1.5 hours at maximum brightness and up to 70 hours on the lowest setting of 4 lumens. This headlamp is also weather-resistant. Several other models in the Coast HL series are available from Amazon and other vendors, with light output ranging from 145-800 lumens
pROS
No need to fuss with multiple switches through various modes. Just turn the lever on the back to your desired beam strength, and you are set.
CONS
This device runs on three AAA batteries and has a top burn time of about 90 minutes at the highest setting.
Quality |
Price |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
[amazon fields=”B005NXPW5W” value=”button”]
[amazon link=”B07BQCPDW8″ title=”Princeton Tec Apex 550” /]
[amazon box=”B07BQCPDW8″]
The combination of Maxbright and Ultrabright LEDs in the Princeton Tec Apex headlamp lets you select between a spotlight effect for distance and a wider floodlight for closer exploration. At its brightest setting of 550 lumens, it can cast a beam for 120 meters into the darkness for up to two hours (longer on lower settings).
Like the Olight and Fenix models described earlier, the Princeton headlamp includes a center strap across the top of your head. It is also waterproof with an IPX-7 rating, submersible to up to one meter. Additional Apex models from 200-550 lumens are available from Amazon and other vendors.
pROS
Battery low level warning system
CONS
Hinge can be fragile
Quality |
Price |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
[amazon fields=”B07BQCPDW8″ value=”button”]
[amazon link=”B01N4RJ5L7″ title=”Petzl Tikka” /]
[amazon box=”B01N4RJ5L7″]
The Tikka is Petzl’s budget headlamp, compared to the other two Petzl models reviewed here. Its brightest beam of 200 lumens can reach up to 60 meters for 60 hours before draining the battery. A lower setting of 100 lumens is also available, providing similar battery life. To relieve your eyes on a long expedition, you can easily switch to red light from white. The Tikka headlamp is weather-resistant with an IPX-4 rating.
pROS
Only weighs 3 oz making it a good option for ultralight backpackers.
CONS
Head strap is hard to adjust.
Quality |
Price |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
[amazon fields=”B01N4RJ5L7″ value=”button”]
[amazon link=”B01KYTU6BO” title=”Petzl Ultra Rush Belt” /]
[amazon box=”B01KYTU6BO”]
The Petzl Ultra Rush Belt headlamp is the only model reviewed here that is powered by an external battery pack worn on your belt or in your pocket. This pack, filled with high-capacity batteries, extends the brightest 760-lumen light duration to a whopping four hours. This is several times longer than the others reviewed here, making it one of the best headlamps for long treks or other situations where you’re likely to blaze through battery power quickly. Those 760 lumens can reach up to 170 meters into the unknown, helping to keep your journey safe and secure. Switching down to 370 lumens, you now get 10 hours of battery life, thanks to the belt pack.
This headlamp includes a center strap across the top of your head. It’s waterproof with an IP 67 rating, submersible to up to one meter. If you’re wearing gloves or have difficulty with tiny devices, the Petzl’s large control knob is quite easy to use.
pROS
Very bright light
CONS
Bad battery life
Quality |
Price |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
[amazon fields=”B01KYTU6BO” value=”button”]
[amazon link=”B00GNJM3AM” title=”NITECORE CREE XML2 HC50” /]
[amazon box=”B00GNJM3AM”]
The NiteCore HC50 has a 760-lumen beam that will light up the cave for 98 meters with its durable mineral crystal housed lamp. That brightness can be sustained for an hour and 15 minutes, or you can switch down to 300 lumens for three and a half hours instead. Once your eyes tire of the white light, you can switch over to red.
The NiteCore body is anodized aluminum and is waterproof, submersible to over one meter (rated IPX-8). The HC50 also includes a center head strap for comfort and a more secure fit, an S.O.S. signal for emergencies, a beacon to help you locate the headlamp in the dark and a police warning signal
pROS
Simple and effective construction.
CONS
The feel of switch system is good for the partial press, but the full press requires more force.
Quality |
Price |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
[amazon fields=”B00GNJM3AM” value=”button”]
[amazon link=”B01LE9Z5DM” title=”Black Diamond Revolt” /]
[amazon box=”B01LE9Z5DM”]
This Black Diamond headlamp offers a quite long battery life of 30 hours at its maximum 300-lumen output. The light extends 80 meters in front of you, illuminating your surroundings in either red or white. The headlamp is also waterproof rated IPX-8, submersible to over one meter in depth.
pROS
Battery choice (MiMH or Alkaline)
CONS
No wall plug for USB
Quality |
Price |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
[amazon fields=”B01LE9Z5DM” value=”button”]
JETBeam HP35
[amazon fields=”B01MV9L4R4″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]
[amazon fields=”B00GHYA7LA” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.jetbeamstore.com/catalog/product/jetbeam-hp35/” button_text=”Check Latest Price”]
The JetBeam is the least expensive caving headlamp reviewed here. It provides a 335-lumen burst of light that can reach 90 meters, and a sustained beam of 200 lumens for up to five hours. Red light is also available to make longer treks easier on the eyes. Like the Fenix HP25R described earlier, the JetBeam has an IPX-6 waterproof rating (safe from sweat and direct water jets, but not submergible).
pROS
The headband is stiffer and feels like it’s made of tighter-knit materials and fit is better.
CONS
They didn’t like the buttons on the bottom as that’s different than most other headlamps out there and the buttons were a bit confusing to use.
Quality |
Price |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
[amazon fields=”B00GHYA7LA” value=”button” link_overwrite=”https://www.jetbeamstore.com/catalog/product/jetbeam-hp35/” button_text=”Check Latest Price”]
[amazon link=”B001D1FKCI” title=”Petzl DUO 14” /]
[amazon box=”B001D1FKCI”]
The Duo 14 headlamp is a new product from Petzl, too new for an extensive collection of user ratings. It can generate an 1100-lumen burst of light to penetrate 200 meters into the darkness, then sustain a 700-lumen beam for up to three and a half hours before exhausting the battery. A patented anti-glare feature dims the headlamp when beams cross, so people using Duo 14 equipment can safely work together face to face.
The headgear includes a center strap across the top of the head and the lamp is adaptable to any type of helmet with its adhesive plates. The control button is large and easily manageable with gloves. The Duo 14 is also waterproof with an IP 67 rating, submersible to up to one meter.
pROS
Decent battery life
CONS
Heavy for fast running.
Quality |
Price |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
[amazon fields=”B001D1FKCI” value=”button”]
Product FAQs
1. Why buy a new headlamp for caving?
Light output has increased, battery technology has improved and lamps are more waterproof than in the past. These are all critical for caving.
2. Where can you buy one?
All the headlamps in this article can be purchased on Amazon and most from the original manufacturer.
3. How much does it cost?
Price depends on many factors, including the brand. Most of the headlamps in this article are priced under $90.
Recommendation
The Olight H2R Nova headlamp is the clear winner for caving because of its 2300-lumen light burst, flexible attachment options, durable construction and lack of a bulky external battery pack for that brilliant light output.
The Fenix HP25R, Petzl Ultra Rush Belt, NiteCore Cree XM-L2 HC50 and Petzl Duo S are also among the best headlamps for caving. It all depends on which specific features matter the most to you. Some of these do have longer battery life or burn time than the Olight.
