How to Choose Headlamps

This USB-rechargeable headlamp is comfortable and lightweight. It's bright enough for camp and night hikes and offers versatile modes. The band adjusts to fit both kids and adults.
Imported.
View the BioLite Headlamp Product LineView all BioLite LED HeadlampsBest Use | Camping Backpacking |
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Bulb Type | LED |
Bulb Detail | Light module: 1 white spot LED, 1 red flood LED, 1 green power level indicator LED |
Red Light Mode | Yes |
Beam Type | Spot |
Max Light Output (Lumens) | 325 lumens |
Light Output | High: 325 lumens; low: 5 lumens |
Max Beam Distance (m) | 75 meters |
Beam Distance | High: 75 meters; low: 10 meters |
Brightness Levels | Dimmable from high to low |
Strobes | 2 |
Average Run Time | High: 3 hours; low: 40 hours |
Regulated Output | Yes |
Rechargeability | Rechargeable |
Batteries | 700 mAh Li-ion |
Dimensions | 3.94 x 3.07 x 2.44 inches |
Ultralight | Yes |
Water-Resistance Rating | IPX4 |
Weight With Batteries | 1.8 ounces |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials From a Climate Neutral Certified brand |
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I have a good number of headlamps and this is my least favorite. It works, its rechargeable and it is light, which are the reasons I purchased it. There are better options though. A few issues: the controls are too complex (first time I had to look up controls online for a headlamp since I couldn't remember all the functions), the strap loosens too easily and I have to readjust often, and I don't love how the main portion of the unit is housed in an integrated case. It looks slick but sometimes pressing the power button is not so easy. I've gotten so aggravated with it that it I wrote this review, and it now lives in the junk drawer and doesn't travel with me. Two stars because it works and is super light, but there are other options that are lighter. I prefer my Nitecore headlamp which is lighter, simpler, and easier to use. I've also got Petzel, Blackdiamond, and other brands as well. I like all these others more.
This is for a BioLite 330 purchased 2 years ago, which I think is nearly equivalent to the BioLite 325 now for sale from REI. I kept this mostly as an emergency head lamp, and it proved its worth by keeping a charge for well over a year. Recently I was with someone who needed it for close-up detailed work at night, and it again was perfect. We got more than 3 hours on high beam. The only thing to know about this, is that when it runs out of battery, it just goes off. No warning with a dimmer light, just OFF.
At first I was a little skeptical of the head band. I’ve always used head lamps with full elastic headbands, also to mention that’s how they’ve all failed. This has an interesting mix of stretch and none stretch. After wearing it and feeling the difference I like it. Battery life is great, lives up to the times listed. Awesome light. With all that said, not for spelunking or pre dawn summits
I have been using this headlamp for about 3 months. I like it! It's small, very light, comfortable, and stays pointed where I want it. Switching between the different functions is simple and intuitive. Most importantly, both the white and red lights are fully dimmable, so I can have just enough light to see what's in front of me without losing my night vision, annoying other people, or disturbing wildlife. I love the night sky. With the red light fully dimmed I can read a star chart and still see the stars! The rechargeable battery lasts a long time. I used mostly red light, occasionally white light, for an hour or two for 26 nights before the battery indicator fell below half, and for a total of 39 nights before I got a low battery warning. I also appreciate that Biolite donates a lot of equipment to communities in developing countries.
I love headlamps as I always late to the trail and have to hike sometimes in the dark. I have another BioLite that I love that’s bigger than. I only bought this as it was super cheap in the return/bargain bin as first owner complained about its fast dying battery. She was correct!! But if I lower the brightness a tad the battery last quite a bit longer. It’s so light and has Biolite’s excellent 8 second off or on “press and hold” lock that prevents it from turning on your pocket. I found this the only lock that works (Petzl’s often get turned on accidentally and Black Diamond, eh? Forget about them- don’t last!!) My back up lite for short time use!! I wouldn’t trust it at full price however..
This headlamp is comfortable to wear and if anything, too bright. It has a builtin rechargeable lithium battery, rather than one added as an afterthought. It's a least the third headlamp I have owned. The thing that has gone on all of them is the strap. After a few years, the elastic lets go. The strap on this one is totally built in, not removable for washing or replacement.
A lot brighter than I expected. Works great! Perfect for outdoors at night.
I like the idea of rechargeable battery. But it just doesn’t hold a charge anymore and dies really quickly worthless. 
Extremely comfortable and user-friendly compared to my previous headlamps from brands like Petzl and Black Diamond. The key to my satisfaction is the headband material that comfortably hold its position on my forehead. I can walk for extended periods of time without the headlamp sagging! The single push button control took me a minute to figure out, but I finally got the hang of it. Finally, I am impressed by the long burn time of this lamp considering the small footprint of the headlamp. This is simply one of the best pieces of tech I have purchased in a long time.
Great idea, but horrible switch and possibly a defective unit. Purchased black 325 from REI on 9/18/24 for sale price of $34.93 before tax. The serial # for unit is 191022. As others have written, the button/switch is small and requires a lot of force to push making it almost impossible if you have gloves on. My problem was that the unit failed to consistently cycle through the light settings after unlocking. My unlock hold time was closer to 4 seconds and not 8 sec. as Biolite states. After plugging in to charge I had to apply what I would consider to be excessive force on the micro USB connector to remove it from the head lamp. I had hoped this would replace my Petzl Tikka, however this Biolite headlamp is going back to REI (Return Every Item).