Headlamp Recommended For Trail Runners

One of the most important piece of gear in trail running, is a powerful reliable headlamp that can lead you through the darkest night(s) out in the wilderness. 

A few factors to consider while choosing a headlamp: 

Lumens 

Generally a 400-500 lumens cool white beam headlamp is bright enough for non-technical trails in good weather condition.  

A higher max output headlamp can be used for path finding while facing poor visibility.

Beam

On technical terrain, or unpredictable weather, a higher lumens &/or warm white penetrating beam headlamp is ideal. The warm white beam gives more vision depth and helps to see better on rocky/snowy terrain, in foggy/rainy weather. 

Beam Distance

For path finding, beam distance also matters, it needs to be at least 80m+ for Turbo mode/max output, or 50m for high lumen mode. So that runners can see upto 50m ahead while running, and 80m or more during path finding. 

Battery life

A headlamp should last 6+ hours, with 1 set of backup battery, should last longer than a night. For ultra events, even longer battery life is needed.