Black Diamond Storm 550 Lumen Headlamp

The Black Diamond Storm 550 Lumen Headlamp is a rechargeable, IP67 waterproof head torch for walking, climbing and camp. The Storm reaches 550 lumens and throws light up to 137 m on high, runs up to 70 hours on low, charges by USB-C, and weighs 102 g. Two oversized buttons work with gloves on.

Who it's for

The Storm is the head torch for people who are out when the weather turns: a pre-dawn start for a summit on the Overland Track, an abseil descent in the Blue Mountains that runs past sunset, a wet night setting up camp in the Tasmanian highlands. It has a robust waterproof, dustproof housing and large, easy-to-use buttons.

Brightness and runtime together

Lumens only tell half the story, so here is the other half. On high the Storm puts out 550 lumens and lasts about 4 hours, reaching 137 m down the track. Drop to low and it runs for around 70 hours with a 21 m reach, which is plenty for camp chores, reading a map or walking a well-formed path. In between, a medium setting and brightness adjustment let you set exactly the light you need, and mode memory brings it back at that brightness next time you switch on.

Beam shape

Three lenses sit behind the window: a flood lens, a spot lens and an RGB spot lens. Black Diamond describe peripheral white lighting for close-range jobs like rigging an abseil. The RGB lens gives red, green and blue night vision, so you can check the map without blinding your mates or wrecking your own dark-adapted eyes. SOS and strobe are there if you ever need them.

Charging and battery

The Storm runs on a rechargeable 1800 mAh battery that charges by USB-C, so it tops up from the same power bank as your phone. Pass-through charging means it keeps working while plugged in, and a battery indicator on top shows what is left before you head out. The battery is serviceable rather than sealed in for good. Digital Lockout stops it switching on in your pack and flattening itself before the night you need it.

Weather resistance

The Storm is rated IP67: dustproof, and sealed to survive being submerged to 1 m for 30 minutes. The two big buttons are made for ease of use in all conditions and with gloves on.

Looking after it

Recharge it after each trip and top it up every few months in storage so the battery stays healthy. Rinse off salt or mud with fresh water, let it dry, and wash the recycled headband by hand when it gets sweaty.