In the world of trail running, whether for training or competition, the importance of a good headlamp cannot be underestimated. As the trail running market grows, choosing the right headlamp has become a real challenge, given the multitude of options available.
A good headlamp for trail running must meet three essential criteria:
- sufficient lighting power to illuminate your path effectively
- extended autonomy to last throughout your races or training sessions
- a secure and comfortable fit on the head.
These features not only ensure your safety by allowing you to see and be seen in low-light conditions, they also enhance your performance by giving you the confidence to move forward at your own pace, even in the most technical and demanding terrain.
Contents
- 1 Petzl SWIFT RL 900 lumens: the classic headlamp for running and trail running
- 2 Petzl Actik Core: the affordable headlamp
- 3 Petzl Nao Reactive Lighting 1500 Lumens : The most powerful headlamp on the market
- 4 SILVA Crosse Trail 7R 600 lumen headlamp : An excellent alternative, ideal for trail running
Petzl SWIFT RL 900 lumens: the classic headlamp for running and trail running
Product presentation
Petzl's SWIFT RL headlamp is a compact, rechargeable model that delivers 900 lumens of light while weighing just 100g. Its REACTIVE LIGHTING technology automatically adjusts light intensity according to ambient light, optimising battery use. The two-piece reflective headband ensures a secure fit for activities such as mountaineering, trail running or skiing.
The SWIFT RL is simplicity itself: one button does it all! Its USB rechargeable battery means you don't have to worry about running out of batteries. And don't worry about battery life - the charge indicator keeps you on track.
When it comes to lighting, the choice is yours: wide beam or mixed beam, depending on your outdoor needs. And what about comfort? The headband adapts to your head and stays put, even when you're out and about on the trails. Practical for trail running, night-time hiking or even DIY!
This headlamp has everything you need for your night-time adventures. Let's start with the lighting: you can choose between two modes, REACTIVE LIGHTING and STANDARD LIGHTING. Switching from one to the other is child's play. But what do you do when you put your lamp away? To prevent accidental switching on in your bag, the LOCK function is there to save the day.
Now let's talk about range. No more nasty surprises in the middle of a run! Thanks to the five-level gauge, you'll always know where you stand with your battery.
And that's not all. To adapt to every situation, the lamp is adjustable. You can tilt it to light just the right spot, whether you're looking at your feet or the horizon.
Finally, when it comes to comfort and hygiene, we've got you covered. The headband is removable and washable. After a sweaty trail session, you'll appreciate being able to clean it easily.
Product features
| Features | Petzl Swift RL 900 |
|---|---|
| Power | 900 lumens (Worse than full car headlights) |
| Weight | 100g |
| Power supply | A battery + rechargeable |
| Waterproofing | Weatherproof |
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
✅ Waterproof
✅ Durable rechargeable battery
✅ Lightness
✅ Maintains
Disadvantages
❌ Price
The trail company's opinion
It's impossible to be disappointed with this product. Backed by its experience and innovation, Petzl has come up with the perfect product for running at night on the road and even in the forest. Ideal for both short and long trail sessions, it will ensure excellent visibility.
Over and above the price, this is a real investment for any trailer.
Petzl Actik Core: the affordable headlamp
Product presentation
Petzl's ACTIK CORE headlamp is a powerful rechargeable option, delivering 600 lumens for your outdoor activities. It's guaranteed to provide excellent lighting for your night-time sessions.
Looking for a lightweight headlamp for your night out? Look no further! Weighing in at just 88g, our little marvel won't slow you down, whether you're a weekend jogger or a seasoned trail runner.
But don't let its size fool you! This mini-lamp has more than one trick up its sleeve. A phosphorescent reflector to spot it in the dark? Check. A red light to protect your night vision and avoid blinding your running buddies? Double check. And when it comes to power, it's up to you: rechargeable battery or standard batteries, it adapts to your preferences.
In terms of lighting, it's the queen of versatility. Adjustable beam, three levels of white, fixed or flashing red... In short, enough to cope with every situation, from a leisurely stroll to a final sprint.
And when it comes to ease of use, we've pulled out all the stops! A single button to control everything, a battery indicator to avoid unpleasant surprises, and a LOCK function to make sure it doesn't party on its own in your bag.
The icing on the cake: with the right accessories, it can be transformed into a lantern or adapted to your helmet or bike. From trail running to mountain biking and road racing, this little all-rounder will never leave your side!
Product features
| Features | Petzl Actik Core |
|---|---|
| Power | 600 lumens (This is starting to look very interesting) |
| Weight | 88g |
| Power supply | A battery + rechargeable + battery |
| Waterproofing | Weatherproof |
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
✅ Lightness
✅ Good lighting
✅ Comfort
✅ Practicality
✅ Good value for money
Disadvantages
❌ May not satisfy all outdoor sports enthusiasts ("only" 600 lumens).
The trail company's opinion
Once again, this is a product that offers excellent value for money. Largely sufficient for trail running and running in general, it's also suitable for other outdoor sports, including cycling. It also features Petzl technologies, making it an excellent product.
Petzl Nao Reactive Lighting 1500 Lumens : The most powerful headlamp on the market
Product presentation
The NAO RL rechargeable headlamp is an ergonomic option for trail and ultra-trail enthusiasts, offering a powerful 1500 lumens of light while weighing just 145 grams. At full power, it's as bright as day! Its adjustable headband ensures a solid fit, essential for long, intense runs.
Let's talk about our champion of comfort! This headlamp feels like it's been moulded onto your head. The secret? A clever design that magically distributes weight. Whether you've got a head like an idiot or a noggin like a rugby player, it adjusts in the blink of an eye.
But that's not all! Its battery is a real Swiss Army knife. With its 3200 mAh, it goes the distance and recharges via USB. There's no need to guess when it's going to run out, the charge indicator tells you everything. And don't forget, it has a super power: it can even recharge your other gadgets if you need to!
For night owls, we've thought of you: the reflective headband makes you visible even in total darkness. And for organised adventurers, the storage pouch does double duty. Looking for a cosy atmosphere? Turn your torch into a lantern! Need extra power? Slip in a spare battery.
With this torch, you're ready for any adventure, from a simple night-time stroll to an ultra-trail!
Product features
| Features | Petzl Nao Reactive Light |
|---|---|
| Power | 1,500 lumens (a real beacon) |
| Weight | 145g |
| Power supply | A battery + rechargeable |
| Waterproofing | Weatherproof |
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
✅ Power
✅ Comfort
✅ Power supply (Battery)
✅ Safety
✅ Adaptability
Disadvantages
❌ Price
The trail company's opinion
Obviously, this type of ultra-high-performance product comes at a price (depending on how you use it). However, it is without doubt one of the most powerful and comfortable on the market. It also has excellent autonomy and features to keep the battery fully charged.
SILVA Crosse Trail 7R 600 lumen headlamp : An excellent alternative, ideal for trail running
Product presentation
The Cross Trail 7R is a versatile headlamp that's well worth a look. Perfect for runners, it features a lightweight 2.0Ah battery that weighs just 85 grams, providing extended runtime for your runs. The light is designed for ease of use, with an improved battery holder that ensures a comfortable and stable fit on the head. You can easily insert the battery into the holder attached to the headband.
Welcome to the world of Cross Trail 7R, the headlamp that adapts to your needs like a chameleon! Do you like to tinker? You'll love it. Batteries, accessories... customise it to suit your mood or your day's adventure.
When it comes to comfort, we've pulled out all the stops. The headband? Non-slip, it holds your head as if it were magnetised. The battery? Fits snugly into its ergonomic back plate. But wait, there's more!
Want to travel light? Just remove the back plate, replace it with a small cable guide and voilà! The battery slides into your pocket and your head feels as light as a feather. It's like having two lights in one!
With the Cross Trail 7R, there are no more excuses for sitting on the sofa. Whether you're a hardcore runner or a Sunday stroller, it adapts to you, not the other way round. So, are you ready for your next nocturnal adventure?
Product features
| Features | Silva Crosse trail 7R |
|---|---|
| Power | 600 lumens |
| Total weight | 163g |
| Power supply | A battery + rechargeable |
| Waterproofing | Weatherproof |
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
✅ Versatile
✅ Excellent autonomy
✅ Easy to use
✅ Good fit and overall comfort
Disadvantages
❌ Slightly heavier than Petzl
The trail company's opinion
This is an excellent alternative to the Petzl headlamp. This headlamp is likely to suit all runners, whether road or trail. In addition to its features, it also comes at an affordable price, giving all trail runners access to a great product.
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