Night trail running comes with a tremendous adrenaline rush and is an activity that most passionate runners will want to try at least once in their lives.
The risk when doing it is when you have inadequate light to clearly see the path ahead. It is something trail running reviews overlook as you risk endangering yourself and others.
Deciding on a head torch that will clearly light the way ahead when embarking on a trail night run is a much better option than trying to carry a flashlight, which can be bulky and difficult to hold on to.
Trail running headlamp reviews overlook some of the key features required when out at night.
Choosing the best headlamp for your needs will ensure that you are safe when on your run. It protects those around you and ensures you’re a quickly seen and remain safe. It also leaves your hands free to check your run time if required, and hold your water.
If you expect to get caught in a storm or light showers, owning one of the best waterproof head torches is a no brainer.
What Headlamp for Trail Running Should You Look For?
When running at night you will need a headlamp that is lightweight, bright and just right for your budget.
When looking for a headlamp for trail running you should choose a high-quality head torch that is designed to not only stay on your head when you are moving and pounding the ground, but comes with a light bright enough to make it very easy for you to see.
There are a few important features that you will want to look for when considering a head torch for night trail running and these include:
- Overall weight
- Lumens
- Lighting modes
- Burn time
- Versatility – Use in other ways as well as a head torch
Olight 500 Lumens H1 Nova Head Torch Multifunction Headlamp
The Olight H1 Nova Head Torch is a really popular headlamp option for night trail running.
It is a 500 Lumen head torch that is ideal for runners who are looking for a highly powerful headlamp that is lightweight, comfortable and easy to wear.
It comes with a single CR123A battery (3V 1600mAh) which gives it a long burn time and helps it stay light.
Other features include:
- Coupled with high light transmission rate TIR optic lens to deliver a balanced and soft beam
- Five brightness levels and SOS mode covering 1~500 lumens
- Low profile, silicone switch located on the head of the headlamp for easy location and operation
There are five different in-built brightness levels that you can choose from, easily making this head torch a versatile option to have when out trail running. When using the turbo mode, the Olight HI head torch can stay on at the maximum output for three minutes before gradually dropping down to the next brightness mode.
Additionally, it can power up to 500 lumens, which is sure to light up the night and allow runners to easily see into the woods around them. It has a magnetic tail cap that can be attached to ferrous surfaces to make it easy to work hands free.
One often overlooked feature is the magnetic tail cap which allows the Olight H1 Nova be attached to any metallic surface for hands free work when being used as a light.
Ledlenser 7299-R Rechargeable Professional LED Head Lamp
This head torch offers an impressive 300m range and has 1000 lumens of power, so trail runners won’t ever trip over a stick or root in the path.
The Ledlenser 7299-R is a versatile head torch that can be used as a mobile spot light, can be attached to the body as a hands-free lamp or attached for using as a belt torch
It comes with a single Li-ion battery that can be charged from a mains supply or USB charging connection.
Other features include:
- An incredible 1000 Lumens with a beam range of 300m.
- A clever fastening system.
- A rear safety light with red or blinking light options.
- A Low Battery Message System.
The long runtime on the Ledlenser 7299-R makes it ideal for long distance night trail runners. Moreso runners in the middle of an intense training session or training for a marathon.
The Ledlenser 7299-R comes with a Li-ion battery which has a number of charging options, making it easy to keep this head torch ready for your next run.
The head torch can easily be used to focus on far away items to light them up or spread a wider beam, depending on your needs.
Boruit RJ-5000 LED 6000 Lumens Head Torch
The Boruit RJ-5000 is one of the brightest LED headlamps on the market today. It comes with 6000 Lumens and improved CREE LEDs.
Asides from being one of the top rated night trail running head torches, the Boruit RJ-5000 is also an ideal headlamp to use for fishing, hiking or camping activities.
Other features include:
- IPX5 water-resistant head torch that can be used in the rain.
- Ultra-Bright Headlamp illuminating up to 6000 Lumens of white light.
- Rear safety warning light is in a great position to help alert vehicles and pedestrians to your location.
- Rechargeable 18650 batteries with long burn time. Giving between 8 -10 hours working time once fully charged.
The Boruit RJ-5000 is powered by two 18650 (3.7V 2200mAh) batteries. Improved CREE XM-L2 lamp Beads also help provide super brightness allowing you to see farther.
It has a brightness range is up to 10 meters, and the illumination distance is up to 200 meters, ideal for trail running and any night time runners.
Using a DC power source, the Boruit RJ-5000, charges to full capacity within approximately 3.5-hours. Once fully charged, it remains working for up to 10 hours. It also comes with a rear safety warning light which lights up to remind the rear vehicles and pedestrians to your presence.
With three great night trail head torches to choose from when you are going to be hitting the trail for some night running, you can easily make sure that you will be safe on your run and that you can easily see anything of you. A waterproof head torch is also a good option to have if you anticipate rain or getting wet while out on a run.
Runners know how dangerous it can be to go out on a night trail without a proper light, but investing in one of the options above is a great way to stay safe. Rather than putting yourself at risk on the trail, when you wear a great head torch you can be sure that you will easily see anything in your path and that others can clearly identify you, as well.
