Hiking lights and head torches
The Lighting page for hiking brings together headlamps, lanterns, and flashlights for walking at night, setting off before dawn, camping, or dealing with a later than expected return.
See and be seen, from camping to early departure.
Why a headlamp
The headlamp is a basic safety equipment for hiking: a trip that runs longer, a navigation error or setting off before dawn for a summit can easily lead to being in the dark. Fixed onto the head, it lights up where you look and leaves both hands free for trekking poles or rocky passages. It has a place in the bag on every outing, even for day hikes.
Hiking equipment
Hiking equipment also includes:
All equipment can be found on the equipment page.
Power, battery life and beam
Power is measured in lumens: a few tens are enough for camping, while a few hundred are useful for walking at night on a trail. The battery life significantly decreases in high mode: check the duration stated for the mode you will use the most. The wide beam lights up the feet and surroundings, while the focused beam reaches far to spot markers. The red light preserves night vision and does not blind companions at camp.
Battery, batteries and waterproofing
A rechargeable battery headlamp avoids the need to buy batteries and charges via cable; a battery headlamp can be used anywhere, with spare batteries in the bag. In cold weather, the battery life decreases: keep the lamp warm close to your body. The waterproofing, indicated by the IPX rating, protects against rain. A lantern, placed or hung, lights up the whole tent at camp.
Good deals
Good deals can also be found in good plans, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. Key events of the year follow a regular order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and back-to-school.
Frequently asked questions
How many lumens for a hiking headlamp?
About a hundred lumens is enough for walking on an easy trail. Between two hundred and four hundred lumens, the headlamp lights up far enough for orientation, approaching technical terrain, or heading out at night in the mountains.
Is it better to have a USB rechargeable lamp?
A rechargeable battery is cheaper to use and can be charged from a power bank. Batteries are available everywhere and can be a lifesaver when far from a socket, hence the appeal of hybrid models that accept both.
Why a red light on a headlamp?
The red light preserves night vision and does not blind other hikers at camp or in a refuge. It also allows you to read a map without losing your eyes' adaptation to darkness.
What does the IPX rating of a lamp mean?
The IPX rating, followed by a number, measures water resistance. A rating of four withstands splashes and rain, while a rating of seven or eight supports temporary immersion.
Lantern or headlamp for camping?
The lantern lights up the entire tent or the camping table with diffuse light. The headlamp remains essential for walking and keeping hands free: both complement each other.
