“Honey, have you seen my Petzl?” It’s that time of the year again. Days are shorter, darker and you are desperately looking for that faithful night companion: your running head torch.
Whether you are a Petzl or a Knog user, Run4It has got you covered to make sure you can see and be seen on the road and trails during your night runs.
How to choose a running head torch?
But before we jump into the different models, it is important to know what you are looking for when buying a new running head torch.
Autonomy (or operating hours)
The first criteria will be autonomy or operating hours. Usually, the longer it is, the heavier the head torch will be as batteries with bigger capacities will be larger. In most cases, you will barely notice any difference (we are talking a few dozen grams here) but it is important to be aware of that. No one likes to feel the bounce from any extra weight on their head right.
You can usually choose from two different types:
- Batteries inserted directly into the lamp on your forehead
- A system with a strap to place it at the back of your head while the torch itself rests on your forehead like the Petzl Iko Core 500 and NAO
The choice will depend on your use. For short runs the first option will be enough, but if you are aiming at long trails and ultra marathons you will probably need to opt for the second option.
What kind of battery?
The second criteria will be based on rechargeable versus single-use batteries. Rechargeable ones are more eco-friendly and convenient but if you are not a massive runner you will most likely be happy with a single-use battery throughout the winter season. It is easy to stock up on AA or AAA batteries but make sure you recycle them once they are dead. All of the rechargeable batteries are micro-USB compatible and therefore really easy to charge on the go.
What kind of lights and output?
The type of lights is the final criteria you will be looking at. Some lamps will use a single beam, some a system of adjustable and reactive spotlight combined with a flood, giving more options depending on the level of darkness.
Finally, in the lighting jargon you’ll come across the word "lumens". A lumen is the unit of measurement for visible light a head torch can emit. The higher the lumens, the brighter your head torch will be.
At Run4It, we have options ranging from 100 to 900 lumens, catering to different runners’ needs. Choosing the right option for you will then be based on where you run. For example, if you run on roads with most streets well lit, a running head torch with 100 lumens will suffice. However, if you run in pitch black areas, away from any street lights, we’d recommend using a head torch with a minimum of 300 lumens.
Now that we’ve covered the nitty-gritty of running head torches, let’s find the right option to suit your running needs.
Which running head torch is the best for me?
Best for semi-lit urban runs
1. Knog Bandicoot
- Lumens: 100
- Range: up to 40 meters (brightest setting)
- Battery life: Rechargeable (up to 80 hours in low brightness)
- Weight: 60g
The Bandicoot is a very simple yet interesting product. When on, two red LEDs are visible through the silicone headband making you visible from different directions. One of the modes allows you to make those LEDs blink and several others are available depending on the amount of light you need: low to high, flash, or a combo of the two. It’s a great budget option if you are looking for something basic and functional.
It’s also worth noting that it is USB rechargeable and that one Bandicoot battery's lifespan is equivalent to 650 AAA batteries.
2. Petzl Tikkina
- Lumens: 250
- Range: up to 60 meters (max power mode)
- Battery life: Rechargeable or three AAAs included (two hours on high, up to 120 hours on low brightness)
- Weight: 81g
The Tikkina has long been Petzl’s entry level head torch for a reason: it does the job with minimal fuss. Compact, lightweight and very easy to use with its single button on the top, you can choose from three white lighting levels and that is pretty much it.
Put it on and go.
3. Knog Quokka
- Lumens: 100
- Range: up to 40 meters (on brightest setting)
- Battery life: Rechargeable (2:30 hours runtime on high, up to 10 hours on low brightness)
- Weight: 49g
Compared with the Bandicoot, the Knog Quokka is a more streamlined option that is small and super lightweight (by 11g). When the headlamp is in operation a red halo light effect is created thanks to the transparent silicone, increasing visibility to other road users. The four modes and four brightness settings for each mode make it a great option for running in an urban environment.
Best running head torch for mixed-terrain runs or low light areas
1. Petzl Actik Core
- Lumens: 600
- Range: up to 100 meters (max power mode)
- Battery life: Rechargeable or three AAAs (two hours on high, up to 100 hours on low)
- Weight: 88g
The Petzl Actik Core allows you to either use the included rechargeable battery or your own single-use AAA ones. Extremely simple to use, select one of the three modes using a floodlight and spot beam and a red lamp and you are ready to explore.
The new version also comes with a pouch like the Iko Core model. The pouch can be used to store the head torch, but it will also diffuse light, so it can easily be turned into a lantern while camping.
Be careful with the brightest settings as they will drain your battery really fast, but most people won’t need to go as high as 600 lumens.
2. Petzl Tikka
- Lumens: 300
- Range: up to 65 meters (max power mode)
- Battery life: Rechargeable or three AAAs included (two hours on high, up to 120 hours on low)
- Weight: 86g
The Petzl Tikka is not the most powerful in the range but very adequate for most environments in the UK. The beam length of 60 metres will be sufficient for most runners and it has some really nice features for a basic head torch.
It can be adapted into Petzl’s Noctilight system to turn into a lantern if you are camping, a phosphorescent reflector, emergency beacon, and a built-in whistle.
Best for runs in dark conditions and on technical terrain
1. Petzl Swift RL
- Lumens: 900
- Range: up to 150 meters (max power mode)
- Battery life: Rechargeable (2h runtime on high, up to 50h on low brightness)
- Weight: 100g
The best feature of the Petzl Swift RL is its reactive lighting technology: it will automatically adapt the level of brightness emitted based on how dark it is around you. This allows for optimal use of the battery so you can keep on running with a clear mind. Please note that it is possible to turn off the reactive function.
Regarding how it fits, like every other Petzl model out there, the elastic band is easily adjustable, doesn’t bounce on your forehead, even on technical terrain. It’s the perfect model for trail runners.
2. Knog Bilby
- Lumens: 400
- Range: up to 100 meters (on brightest setting)
- Battery life: Rechargeable (five hours runtime on high, up to 105 hours on low brightness)
- Weight: 90g
The Knog Bilby is another solid option for your dark winter runs. The Bilby produces a serious output of 400 lumens and offers an impressive five-hour runtime on full power.
The five LEDs on the Bilby are optimally placed for their individual purposes – a high beam to see by, two elliptical beams for mid and wide beam angles, a red light for night light purposes and downlights for reading. It’s the perfect model for outdoors enthusiasts who need a highly versatile head torch.
It's also waterproof, so becomes a valid option for night swimming if that's your thing...
3. Petzl Iko Core 500
- Lumens: 500
- Range: up to 100 meters (max power mode)
- Battery life: Rechargeable battery or three AAAs (2:30 hours on high, up to 100 hours on low)
- Weight: 79g
From the massive packaging to the design itself, the Petzl Iko Core 500 intrigues from the first second you set your eyes on it. Instead of the usual flexible and adjustable straps, you wrap it around your head through a plastic halo, and a bungee strap holds it securely to the back of your head. It is a lot lighter than you think and can be set on several modes.
The more structured but comfortable and lightweight design eliminates bounce entirely, which the traditional elasticated band minimises, but with the trade-off being how tightly it needs to be adjusted. This makes the Iko Core 500 potentially the best option for tackling technical downhill at night time.
Interesting feature: it can be easily used as a lantern when camping thanks to the included pouch.
