Black Diamond  Storm Headlamp

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Bright and easy to use and adjust on the go. This one is pretty comfortable too. I like the 3 preset brightnesses as is, but having the option to adjust or use different colors is a nice perk. It also makes it usable in a wide array of tasks. The top cutoff for the light beam also seems to be low enough that when you look at your buddy, you don't blind them. I also think the button shortcuts were pretty easy to learn and remember. For trail running, I usually use the middle of the presets which is a good blend of far enough out to see, without feeling excessive. It also stayed put pretty well and didn't bounce around. For climbing, I used the low preset and that seemed to work for close up, without being to bright. That level also seemed about right for around-camp tasks and also for some random car maintenance I had to do. The brightest was good for looking far off, and actually shot a beam farther than I would expect from a headlamp. On the battery... I was skeptical of not being able to change out to fresh batteries, but the battery life seems good for what I need. It is pretty slick to just plug it in and then its ready to go. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This Storm headlamp is my 4th Black Diamond one and as the largest one I have owned now, I was worried it would be too heavy and bulky on my head. I’m a smaller framed person and I get headaches easily from heavy headlamps and accessories. During the last few weeks of using it, I fond myself pleasantly surprised to have a way brighter and more powerful headlamp without it being too heavy for me and no headaches during use. It’s comfortable, stays on well even while crawling through brush and moving around a lot, and SUPER bright! I tried to use all the settings before reading the quick start guide and couldn’t quite figure it all out the first night, but after reading the guide, it’s been easy to go through the settings. I especially love that the buttons are bulkier and way easier to press through winter gloves than my other headlamps. That’s probably my favorite feature. Also love the red and green light options since my eyes are sensitive. I’ve been using this headlamp in the San Juan Mnts between 7-11,500 ft on a night SAR mission, splitting and gathering firewood in a rain/hailstorm, multiple nights camping, sunset bike rides that we returned from in the dark, and evening adventures on our acreage with the dogs through canyons and dense brush. Our roof also started leaking in the heavy rain and I had to go do a wet tar patch after dark, and it was easy to change the settings on the headlamp to make the lighting just right through my gloves. I usually use it in a moderate setting but have used the ultra bright modes a few times which are truly like a floodlight in the night. With this use, I’ve still only had to fully recharge it once in this time of testing it. It has only been in the mid to low 30s so far this fall though, so it’ll be interesting to see how well the battery does once it gets a lot colder. I also was surprised to see that the charging port appears to have no cover, yet it’s certified waterproof. Curious how it’ll do in heavy snow but it handled rain no problem. I’ll probably get a second Storm for my SAR pack for the longer missions that really need to extra lumens and power and keep one for around the cabin since I have been reaching for it nightly this fall.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. I'm a mountaineer and backcountry trip leader in the Seattle area, so my headlamp earns its keep on evening exits and night miles, not just around camp. I've tested the Storm on a range of outings: an evening exit off Mailbox Peak, a night loop of West Tiger, close up usage at night, and plenty of walks and runs around my neighborhood. Ease of use: Really easy. There are only two buttons, so it's simple to operate in the dark without thinking about it, and the buttons are easy to use with gloves on, which I appreciate. My favorite detail: the brightness stays at the same setting when you turn it off and back on, so it's never blasting you in the face or coming up dimmer than you left it. Beam performance and brightness adjustment: The medium setting (200 lumens) is totally fine for general hiking — I used it for most of my trail miles. High mode (550 lumens) was really nice to have when I needed to see further ahead, and low mode (35 lumens) was great for close-up tasks around camp. The charge lasted plenty long on medium without any concern. Color modes: I really liked that it has multiple colors besides just red — red, green, and blue — useful for preserving night vision without everything going monochrome. Power indicators and Digital Lock: The lockout worked well, and this matters to me — I've had headlamps in the past turn on in my pack and be dead when I needed them, so knowing this one can't accidentally turn on is a real relief. Locking and unlocking is pretty straightforward. I liked the three small LEDs that show how much power is left, though I did find the color/blinking codes for reading the exact level (per the instructions) a bit confusing. It tries to tell you in more detail how much power is left but I find it hard to fully get at a glance. One tip: the indicator reads best looking straight down over the top of it. Rechargeability: USB-C recharging is a big plus. The charging port sits uncovered, which looks wrong, but that's how it's sealed — the lamp is fully waterproof (IP67). I now always carry a small power bank on overnight or longer trips, and I love not having to carry lots of spare batteries — one power bank plugs into everything. Weight and comfort: The Storm is light enough to carry as a spare and strong enough to use as a primary, which gives it really good flexibility. I've also run in it around the neighborhood and never had it tip down or bounce around on me. Weather performance: I haven't worn it in the rain yet, but I love that it's weatherproofed — the rain starts tomorrow and will probably last the next six months here in Washington, so I know I'll appreciate it :). Overall, this is the headlamp I'll reach for: simple controls, dependable battery, and no spare-battery clutter. Amazing battery life at a useful brightness - which isn't always the case - and light enough that I never think twice.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] After putting the Black Diamond Storm through its paces on several cold-weather hunting trips, I came away really impressed with how easy it was to use, the range of brightness settings, and the overall battery life. One of the first things I noticed was how intuitive the controls were. I was able to pick it up and start using it without even looking at the quickstart guide. The buttons are easy to operate in the dark, even with gloves on, which is a big plus when you're hunting in colder weather. The range of brightness settings is probably one of my favorite features. On the lower settings, the light is nice and soft, making it perfect for working around camp or digging through gear in my pack without blinding myself. When I needed more light to navigate rough terrain in the early mornings or evenings, the higher settings provided plenty of visibility. Switching between brightness levels is simple, and I really liked being able to hold down the power button to fine-tune the brightness to exactly where I wanted it. The red light mode was another feature I used quite a bit. It was great for those early mornings when I was just waking up and didn't want a bright white light in my face. I also found it useful when hunting predators at night, allowing me to preserve my night vision. Battery life was excellent for my needs. I'm usually pretty conservative with how much I use my headlamp, but I was able to get multiple nights of use without needing to recharge. Most of my usage was on low to medium brightness for a couple of hours before sunrise and a few hours after sunset. Recharging is also really convenient with the universal USB-C port. There are a couple of small things I would change. First, I'm a little concerned about the exposed charging port eventually collecting dirt or moisture. I didn't experience any issues during testing, but it's something I'll be keeping an eye on. The battery indicator also takes a little getting used to. You really need to look directly over the top of it to get an accurate reading, since looking at it from the side can make it appear like only one LED is illuminated. I also wish it had four indicator LEDs instead of three to give a slightly more precise reading of the remaining battery life. One feature I really appreciated was the locking function. I usually keep my headlamp stuffed in my pack alongside plenty of other loose gear, so having the ability to lock the buttons gives me peace of mind that it won't accidentally turn on and drain the battery. As far as size and weight go, the Storm feels pretty comparable to most standard headlamps I've used. Nothing about it felt noticeably heavier or bulkier, and it was comfortable to wear during extended use. For reference, my testing took place in temperatures ranging from around 30°F to 57°F. I didn't encounter any rain or snow, so I can't speak to how it performs in those conditions just yet. Overall, the Black Diamond Storm has been an excellent headlamp for my needs as a backcountry hunter. It's easy to operate, has an impressive range of brightness settings, and provides plenty of battery life for multiple days in the field. Aside from a few minor concerns with the charging port and battery indicator, I really don't have much to complain about. It's a solid, dependable light that I'll continue using on future hunts.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Quick Take: The Black Diamond Storm is a bright headlamp that's well suited for alpine starts, mountaineering and nighttime hiking. Its 550-lumen output and strong battery life make it a great option for big mountain days. The main trade off is its size and weight, making it less ideal for anyone wanting an ultra-lightweight, compact headlamp. I tested the Black Diamond Storm on several mountain outings, including a 3 hour nighttime hike near Golden, Colorado, and an alpine start to climb Kelso Ridge on Torreys Peak in snowy conditions. I also carried it as a backup headlamp on two other peak ascents. These outings gave me a chance to test its brightness, battery life, and performance in real conditions. Comfort and Design: The Storm has a classic Black Diamond headlamp strap that is easy to adjust, even while wearing it. The elastic feels high quality and durable. Because this is a 550-lumen headlamp, the light housing is a little bigger and heavier than some smaller models. But compared to headlamps from years ago, this is a big improvement in how much light you get for the size and weight. It feels well built and ready for demanding days in the mountains. Brightness and Lighting Modes: The different brightness settings are one of my favorite features. Each setting has a purpose, depending on how much light you need. Low setting: Provides enough light to see roughly 10 feet ahead in complete darkness. This is ideal for slower nighttime hiking, camp tasks, or skinning uphill when you don't need to see far ahead. Medium setting: Offers a good balance of brightness and range, letting you see farther down the trail and identify terrain ahead. I found this useful for nighttime hiking when I needed more visibility without using the highest setting. High setting: This is where the Storm really shines. It lights up a wide area around you and lets you see much farther into the distance. This is ideal for alpine starts, mountaineering, and other objectives that require traveling in the dark. I often start around 1 a.m. for big mountain objectives, so having a bright headlamp is important. The high setting provides the visibility needed to navigate unfamiliar terrain before sunrise. Ease of Use: The Storm was intuitive and easy to figure out. The buttons were easy to press, even with thicker gloves, and switching between brightness settings felt straightforward. I didn't have to spend much time figuring out how to operate it, which is important when you're using a headlamp in cold conditions or in the dark. I also like that the brightness can be adjusted to match the situation rather than having to use full power all the time. Battery Life and Rechargeability: Battery life was a big positive during my testing. I charged the headlamp before heading out and used it for approximately 3 hours, with most time on the highest setting in complete darkness. The battery indicator only dropped by one bar out of three, which was good to see. Based on this outing, the battery seems capable of handling long adventures, especially when you conserve power by using lower settings when appropriate. Recharging was simple. The USB-C port was easy to locate and use, and charging seemed quick and effective. The battery indicator is also useful for checking how much power remains before heading out. Weather Resistance and Durability: The headlamp got wet in snow during use and continued working without any issues. The housing and strap feel durable, and I had no problems with the light during my testing. It gives me confidence that it can handle the typical conditions encountered on mountain adventures, although I haven't tested it in heavy rain or extreme cold. Weight and Best Uses: The main trade-off is the size and weight of the lamp itself. It is not the headlamp I'd choose for trail running because it can bounce around more than a lighter, smaller model. For backcountry skiing and mountaineering, where I want strong lighting and don't need to run, I think the trade-off is worth it. Final Thoughts: I really like the Black Diamond Storm. This headlamp gave me confidence in the darkness because it illuminated the trail and surrounding terrain very well. I've used other headlamps that didn't provide the same level of visibility, and the Storm made a noticeable difference during my outings. It feels durable, looks good, is easy to use, and has impressive brightness and battery life. I'd recommend it to hikers, backcountry skiers, and mountaineers who need a dependable light for big outings. The size and weight are worth considering, but for the brightness and performance, I think it's worth the price. I'd happily get another one if this one eventually wears out. (I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review).

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I used this product on a few hikes and at camp in the High Sierra including a 2:30am start time for Half Dome. In addition I climbed SoCal’s infamous Mt San Antonio / Mt Baldy with an early start of 4am. Both times using the headlamp, I was impressed with the brightness and long lasting battery. I got through both hikes and was able to use the light at camp without a need for recharge. When I did recharge the battery, it charged very quickly. I liked the 3 color mode for camp, each person can have their own color for identifying who’s who in the dark! I used the brighter setting for the earlier start of the hike and then lowered it as the sun started coming up. It didn’t rain on my hikes but I feel like this headlamp would be excellent in wet and snowy conditions.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I had the opportunity to try out the Black Diamond Storm headlamp. I used it during early morning or late evening hikes and walks. It was great to use at work when the light in the office was out. Pros I'm very pleased with the performance of the headlamp. I used it in the early mornings and evenings for walking and hiking the pup. It was great for making sure we didn't come across any obstacles on our route and made us visible to vehicles. It's easy to use and switch between modes. The varying light intensity and colors was nice depending on where I was walking or hiking. Having a rechargeable battery is a great plus and I haven't run out of charge yet! It even came in handy at work when the light was out! I suspended it from the shelf and illuminated my workspace. I'm excited to use it for when I camp out next to my friend's horse to keep an eye on him. Cons I have no complaints about it at the moment. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I used this product on a few hikes and at camp in the High Sierra including a 2:30am start time for Half Dome. In addition I climbed SoCal’s infamous Mt San Antonio / Mt Baldy with an early start of 4am. Both times using the headlamp, I was impressed with the brightness and long lasting battery. I got through both hikes and was able to use the light at camp without a need for recharge. When I did recharge the battery, it charged very quickly. I liked the 3 color mode for camp, each person can have their own color for identifying who’s who in the dark! I used the brighter setting for the earlier start of the hike and then lowered it as the sun started coming up. It didn’t rain on my hikes but I feel like this headlamp would be excellent in wet and snowy conditions.

This is a headlamp, which is a light with a belt, that goes around your head or around a hard hat. It is meant to light the way, so you and others can see where you are going. These are great to have in an emergency or in a major storm when you lose electricity. This head lamp is very bright, and it contains a three- year rechargeable Li-ion battery. I do recommend this product, and I suggest everyone have at least one of these at home, for emergencies. I should suggest putting one of these in your ‘Go’ bag.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I had the opportunity to try out the Black Diamond Storm headlamp. I used it during early morning or late evening hikes and walks. It was great to use at work when the light in the office was out. Pros I'm very pleased with the performance of the headlamp. I used it in the early mornings and evenings for walking and hiking the pup. It was great for making sure we didn't come across any obstacles on our route and made us visible to vehicles. It's easy to use and switch between modes. The varying light intensity and colors was nice depending on where I was walking or hiking. Having a rechargeable battery is a great plus and I haven't run out of charge yet! It even came in handy at work when the light was out! I suspended it from the shelf and illuminated my workspace. I'm excited to use it for when I camp out next to my friend's horse to keep an eye on him. Cons I have no complaints about it at the moment. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.