What is a Headlamp?

A Headlamp is a flashlight strapped to your forehead. For runners, it serves two purposes: to see (the path ahead) and to be seen (by cars and cyclists).

Key Specs

• Lumens: Brightness. 200+ lumens is good for roads; 400+ is recommended for technical trails.
• Beam Type:
  • Spot: Focused beam for seeing far ahead.
  • Flood: Wide beam for seeing immediate surroundings (peripheral vision).
• Weight/Balance: A heavy lamp can bounce on your forehead. Some models put the battery pack on the back of the head for balance.

Usage

Essential for:

• Early morning or late night runs.
• Ultra Marathons: Often mandatory gear for races that go through the night.
• Trail Running: To spot roots and rocks in the dark.