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Frequently Asked Questions
For camp, reading and walking a marked track, 200 to 350 lumens is plenty: the BioLite HeadLamp 200 or the Cosmo 350-R. For off-track navigation, alpine starts and trail running, look at 550 lumens and up, such as the Storm 550, Storm+ 750 or Distance 1500. Beam distance in metres tells you more than lumens alone.
Rechargeable torches charge by USB and save buying batteries, which suits most walkers carrying a power bank. AAA torches like the Black Diamond Astro 300 are easier on long trips away from power, because spare batteries are light and sold everywhere. The Astro 300 can also run on Black Diamond's rechargeable BD 1500 pack, sold separately.
Yes. Head torch is the usual Australian name and headlamp is the American one, which is why Black Diamond and BioLite use it in their product names. Both mean a light on a strap that keeps your hands free for cooking, pitching a tent or scrambling.
One that stays still when you run. The Black Diamond Distance LT 1100 keeps its battery flat against the band and has an 1100-lumen boost; the Distance 1500 boosts to 1500 lumens, and both take a swappable battery. The Exposure Head Torch moves the battery to the back of your head. The Deploy 325 suits shorter runs and fits under a cap.
How to choose a head torch
• Lumens and distance:How to choose a head torch
• Lumens and distance: lumens are output; metres tell you how far the beam reaches. The Cosmo 350-R gives 350 lumens to 64 m. The Storm+ 750 gives 750 lumens and reaches 149 m.
• Rechargeable or AAA: USB rechargeable torches like the BioLite HeadLamp 325 save buying batteries. The Astro 300 runs on three AAAs from any supermarket, which suits long trips away from power, or on Black Diamond's rechargeable BD 1500 pack (sold separately).
• Runtime: check the low setting. The Cosmo 350-R runs 5 hours on max and 225 hours on its 6-lumen low; the Storm 550 runs up to 70 hours on low.
• Comfort: the BioLite HeadLamp 200 and 325 weigh 50 g with the battery built into the band, so nothing hangs off your forehead. On brighter lights, a rear battery pack balances the weight, as on the Onsight 375 and the Exposure Head Torch.
• Weather: the Storm 550, Storm+ 750 and Onsight 375 are sealed to IP67, the Exposure Head Torch is IP65 and the HeadLamp 200 is IPX4.
• Red light: saves your night vision. The Cosmo 350-R has a red night light; the HeadLamp 425 adds a rear red light.
The head torches we stock
• Black Diamond for camp and hiking: Astro 300, Cosmo 350 and 350-R, Spot 400, Storm 450, Storm 500-R, Storm 550 and Storm+ 750.
• Black Diamond for running and climbing: the Deploy 325 Run Light, flat enough to sit under a cap brim; the two-beam Onsight 375, developed for night climbing; and the Distance LT 1100 and Distance 1500, both with swappable batteries.
• BioLite: HeadLamp 200, 325 and 425 (78 g), with the light, electronics and moisture-wicking band built as one piece.
• Exposure Lights: the Exposure Head Torch, with an aluminium lamp at the front and the battery at the back, in 500 and 1000 lumen versions.
Head torches for Australian nights
On the Overland Track in July you will set up camp in the dark, so pick a torch with a long low-mode runtime and a red light. For a pre-dawn start on Kosciuszko or an abseil in the Blue Mountains that runs past sunset, the IP67 Storm 550 has two oversized buttons you can work in gloves. Trail runners heading into a night section want a light that stays put: the Distance LT 1100 keeps its battery flat against the band and only the slim lamp pivots. Riding at night? See our bike lights.
Why buy from Oz Backcountry
Free shipping Australia-wide over $150 (T&Cs apply), sent from our Helensvale warehouse on the Gold Coast. Many models are down to the last one or two; the "In stock – ships immediately" filter shows what is ready today.
Related: Black Diamond · Exposure Lights · Bike Lights · Camping Gear · Hiking Gear