Kit & Gear

The Best Running Head Torches 2022

From lumens to fit, find out everything you need to know about the best running Head Torches for 2022 with this handy guide.

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WHY DO YOU NEED A HEAD TORCH FOR RUNNING?

Dark nights bring inevitable safety risks, especially when running next to busy roads. Head torches allow you to be seen by motorists, cyclists and other pedestrians, but most importantly, they will help to light your way, showing you where best to run in order to avoid potholes and kerb edges.

In winter, head torches are essential for off-road running, allowing you to complete your favourite routes in the dark by providing necessary light and giving you confidence on unpredictable and challenging terrain. In the unlikely event of an emergency a head torch will also help you be seen at night and therefore serves as an important piece of safety equipment. It’s always advisable to carry a small lightweight head torch, especially if you’re planning on running alone.

WHAT ARE LUMENS AND HOW MANY DO YOU NEED FOR A HEAD TORCH?

Lumens are a unit of measurement and used to rate the brightness of a head torch – the higher the number, the brighter the light. For road running, a minimum amount of 50 lumens is required in low-light conditions and for the trail, it should be at least 100 lumens.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A HEAD TORCH

Aside from lumens, head torches need to be practical in shape, weight and size. As you’re wearing the device on your head whilst moving at pace, it must fit comfortably and stay in a fixed position. Buy a head torch that suits your needs and demands - for example, if you are only using it to be seen on short road runs, then you won’t need to go out and buy the brightest, most expensive device on the market. We would also recommend buying a head torch from a reputable and trustworthy brand – be careful of purchasing cheap items that make bold promises. If something on the internet seems too good to be true, then it usually is! In which case, do your research and read the reviews.

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Our Sportsshoes athlete Ben Mounsey, has been busy testing our range of headtorches. Here he gives his lowdown on the best models and his top recommendations:

1. THE BEST HEAD TORCH FOR TRAIL RUNNING: SILVA TRAIL SPEED 5X

If you’re looking for some serious light output then the Silva Trail Speed 5X certainly packs a punch. This lightweight model delivers up to 1200 lumens on full power mode and makes it possible to run at speed in the darkest of conditions. It has an intelligent light system which can readjust to focus on objects both near and far, helping to widen your vision and perspective when travelling at pace.

The 5X is flexible in design, allowing you to run with the battery on the backplate, or simply detach and use with an extended cable to carry the battery in your pocket or inside a pack. It is also suited to multi-sports as it comes with extra attachments for a bike and helmet.

This is the most powerful compact head torch that I’ve ever used for trail and fell running. It’s opened up a whole new world for me during the winter months, allowing me to run in places I would have previously avoided in the dark. The Silva 5X has 3 light modes, making it really easy to use (20 hours on min/8 hours on medium/5 hours on max). If I’m running for less than a couple of hours then I use this device on max power mode and take full advantage of its most powerful beam, especially when I’m training on the fells or moorland in pitch black conditions. However, if I intend on running for longer, then I usually opt for the medium mode, which boasts 600 lumens and is more than ample for every type of condition and environment. It’s rare that I use the low power mode, but at 80 lumens it is adequate and suitable for running in low-light conditions.

It took a couple of training runs to adjust and perfect the size and fit of the headtorch, but now it sits very comfortably on top of my head. Previously, I’ve tested models with a similar specification and found them to be extremely heavy and uncomfortable. The Silva 5X doesn’t compromise on weight or power and strikes a perfect balance between the two.

I also like the fact that the USB cable can be plugged straight into the side of the battery pack which means I can easily charge it without having to take the head torch apart. I have also found the battery power indicator to be a really useful guide, as I know when the headtorch needs to be recharged. When the battery is running low, the headtorch beam will flash to give you an early warning that it’s time to recharge.

So, if you’re serious about fell, mountain or trail running and you need a powerful and lightweight head torch to help you train in the darkest conditions, on unpredictable and gnarly terrain, then the Silva Trail Speed 5X is the ideal model for this task.

SHOP SILVA TRAIL SPEED 5X NOW

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2. THE BEST HEAD TORCH FOR ULTRA RUNNING: SILVA TRAIL RUNNER FREE ULTRA

In truth, I could easily be recommending the Silva Trail Speed 5X for this category and vice-versa, as in my opinion, both are the best models for trail and ultra-running. But for me, the reason the Trail Runner Free Ultra edges it as the best head torch for ultra-running is purely down to two things - comfort and weight.

Boasting 400 lumens on max power, it isn’t as powerful or as bright as the 5X, but at 119g it is significantly lighter. It also has another big advantage, presenting a new kind of technology where the power cord is integrated into the headband. Silva named this Free Technology - a comfortable headlamp experience without distracting cords or tangled wires. It includes a Hybrid battery case that can carry either the AAA batteries (included) or the rechargeable Silva Hybrid battery pack. This means that you have the freedom to upgrade the headlamp when you want to complement it with a rechargeable battery. In addition to this, the Ultra comes with an additional rechargeable battery, expanding the amount of time you can spend on your adventures in the dark. This also comes with a multi-attachment soft case. The battery has 4-step battery indication and can be charged anywhere, using the included USB cable. This makes the Ultra edition more appropriate for longer days out on the trails, where you have additional resources to back up your light. The case has grip-friendly surfaces and holds an integrated red rear safety light - adding extra visibility.

Featuring Silva Intelligent Light, you will get a clear view of both near and far obstacles. This means that you get a double light beam technology in your headlamp, with light settings that are perfect for running. The unique combination of a long reach spotlight and a close flood-light, results in less head movement, better control, improved balance, less fatigue and higher speed.

SHOP THE SILVA TRAIL RUNNER FREE ULTRA NOW

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3. THE BEST BUDGET RUNNING HEAD TORCH: PETZL TIKKA & SILVA SCOUT 3XT

Let me be perfectly clear - you don’t have to rush out and buy the latest and most expensive device to enjoy the benefits of owning a headtorch. There are plenty of budget models that are more than fit for purpose and probably more suited to someone who is only occasionally running in the dark or wants something to provide additional light and enhance their safety during training sessions.

I have two comparable recommendations for the best budget head torch. The Petzl Tikka and the Silva Scout 3XT, offer 300 and 350 lumens of brightness respectively, have multi-beam options and are well suited for a range of dynamic outdoor activities. In addition, the latter uses Silva intelligent light, which provides a unique combination of long reach spot light and a close flood light - giving you a clear view of both near and far obstacles. Ideally suited to all outdoor adventures, the Scout 3XT is water-resistant according to IPX5 standard, allowing light rain and moisture to bead off, keeping it dry and protected. Large buttons also make it easy to use whilst wearing gloves.

SHOP SILVA SCOUT 3XT NOW

Light and compact, the Petzl Tikka, is easy to use and offers three different white lighting levels (proximity, movement and distance) to ensure multiple uses. It has red lighting which preserves night vision and prevents members of a group from blinding each other. The headlamp also features a phosphorescent reflector which is useful for locating the lamp in the dark. It also has an easy-to-adjust reflective headband and is compatible with mounting accessories for a helmet or a bicycle.

Both lightweight models are the perfect companion for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a fortune on something they will only use a handful of times or just wants a head torch that is affordable without having to compromise on quality and performance.

SHOP PETZL TIKKA NOW

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4. THE BEST LIGHTWEIGHT EMERGENCY HEAD TORCH: PETZL E+LITE ULTRA COMPACT EMERGENCY HEADLAMP

For the safety conscious trail runner, the Petzl e+LITE Ultra Compact Emergency Headlamp is an essential emergency item. It even comes with a unique and compact carry case, plus an integrated whistle which can be used for attracting attention. Weighing just 26g and with 30-lumens of power, this head torch is always ready to use and can be easily carried in a backpack, or vest, as part of your emergency kit. It can be stored with its batteries for up to 10 years and has white or red strobe lighting which is visible from a distance.

SHOP PETZL E+LITE ULTRA COMPACT

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Check out our full range of running head torches, as well as our other running accessories.ㅤ

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