The advertised battery life is 40 hours at full power and 120 at low power. I typically use it on lower power settings, especially for reading or cooking in the dark - the Storm still excels as a general-use camping light. It’s not the lightest out there, but it performs above its weight. That’s light, especially given that at full power it can cast light about 80 meters out. Including the four AAA batteries, the Storm weighs in at just under 4 ounces. My headlamp was the Black Diamond Storm, a new model released in 2017.
I read by the light of my headlamp for about an hour before going back to the tent to sleep. I retrieved my book and headlamp from the tent and propped myself up against an old spruce tree beside the Savage River in Denali National Park. Even as the others went to sleep, I was not ready for bed.
Even when it fell below the horizon, the sky was still not entirely dark but in the boreal forest, where we had set up our camp, it was. You'll find options only from brands that are reliable and popular, and we also made sure to include a variety of models that are designed to provide maximum visibility for runners themselves, as well as those that are more effective at making sure you’re visible to other runners, pedestrians, or drivers.The Alaskan summer sun set late in the day over the mountains. We’ve used this insight-as well as extensive online research-to put together this list of options. We recognize the importance of visibility for runners, and have experience with a variety of lights and reflectors. We’ve been running for decades, and frequently head out before the sun rises or has already set. Even better, go with one that has several different lumen levels to choose from. If you’re primarily concerned with others easily seeing you in the darkness, we recommend going with an option that has as high a lumen count as possible. This output is measured in lumens, and indicates how bright your light will be, as well how far ahead it will be visible. Overall light output is another thing to consider. Or, if you want a front-facing beam with more of a hassle-free operation, go with a chest-mounted option, like the Zenoplige Night.įor running in rainy weather, or if you just sweat a lot, make sure the running light you're choosing is water-resistant. If you want to make sure you have maximum control over your light, like situations where you might need to see what’s going on around you, and not just in front of you, go with a directional light like a headlamp or handheld torch. These products, however, won’t provide the illumination that more powerful headlamps and dedicated flashlights do. These LED lights usually offer several different settings, like a flashing or strobe mode, and are more set-it-and-forget-it type lights. If you’re primarily concerned with making sure others can see you, go with an option that can clip or secure easily to your clothing. The first thing to consider is whether you’re looking for a light to help you see, to help others see you, or both. Regardless of which running light you go with, you should also pair your light with additional reflective gear and strive for visibility from any angle.įor runners who prefer the traditional running headlamp, we've included a few options in this round up, but you'll want to take a look at our deep-dive and test of the best headlamps for runners. These tools can alert those around you-especially those who aren’t paying attention-of your presence, and more powerful models can light your path to keep you from tripping or falling over any obstacles. Whether you enjoy running in the early morning or are a nighttime runner in need of gear, it is essential that you wear some kind of running light or reflective running apparel.