For anyone jogging or running at night, a good source of light can be important for staying safe, to see the path ahead of you and alert others of your presence. Advances in LED technology have made today's headlamps ultra lightweight, powerful, and durable.
These are J2LedFlashlight's top 4 picks for headlamps for night jogging, from basic function to advanced running-dedicated models. They come from the world's top lighting brands and will be able to go the distance for you while you go yours.
Nitecore NU10
The Nitecore NU10 is an ultra lightweight and compact rechargeable headlamp for runners, campers and anyone needing hands-free lighting. Its five dual-output LEDs give up to 160 lumens of white light or can be switched to red output to preserve night vision. The NU10 has wide angle illumination and can be tilted 60 degrees to cover your field of vision as needed. This headlamp is a good go-to model for general purpose lighting.
Choose the NU10 CRI version if you are looking for super-accurate colour rendition (CRI >= 90, max brightness 115 lumens).
⦁ 5 high performance LEDs, white and red dual outputs
⦁ 3 brightness levels and 2 special modes (SOS, location beacon)
⦁ Max beam throw of 35 metres
⦁ Dual switch design for easy one-handed operation
⦁ Flood-illumination with 60° adjustable angle
⦁ Built-in 900 mAh Li-ion battery provides runtime up to 150 hours (low)
⦁ Onboard USB charging circuit provides easy charging for over 500 recharge cycles
⦁ Built-in power indicator
⦁ Made from durable PC materials
⦁ IP66 rated waterproof and dustproof
⦁ Impact resistant to 1 metre
See more of the Nitecore NU10 here
Nitecore NU17
Similar to the NU10, Nitecore's NU17 is a lightweight and compact rechargeable headlamp ideal for outdoor use. It utilizes a single primary CREE XP-G2 S3 LED with a max output of 130 lumens, plus two each of red auxiliary and high CRI white auxiliary LEDs. This makes the NU17 less bright compared to the NU10, but otherwise it's a more all-in-one versatile LED package.
⦁ Primary CREE XP-G2 S3 LED with a max output of 130 lumens
⦁ Auxiliary high CRI white LEDs (CRI>=90, Color Temperature: 4500K) and auxiliary red LEDs
⦁ Max beam throw of 43 meters
⦁ 3 brightness levels, 3 LED sources and 2 special modes (SOS, beacon) available
⦁ Built-in 580mAh Li-ion battery with onboard charging circuit via Micro-USB port
⦁ High efficiency constant circuit provides a stable output for a max runtime of 150 hours (low)
⦁ Built-in power indicator
⦁ Wide range flood optic system of 180 degree illumination angle specially designed for outdoor applications
⦁ 60 Degree adjustable angle
⦁ Body constructed from durable PC materials
⦁ Waterproof and dustproof in accordance with IP66
⦁ Impact resistant to 1 meter
See more of the Nitecore NU17 here
Fenix HL18R-T
Fenix's HL18R-T is another lightweight trail running headlamp that is a step up from the previous Nitecore models in terms of raw performance. It provides a max output of 500 lumens on high, while 200 lumens on normal and 70 lumens on low that can last 20 hours. This headlamp's included battery pack can be switched out for 3x AAA batteries, letting you switch easily to backup batteries in case you forgot to recharge. For high performance and peace of mind during long runs, the HL18R-T is a headlamp packed with features made with runners in mind.
⦁ Cree XP-G3 S3 neutral white and Everlight 2835 white LED's, with lifespan of 50,000 hours
⦁ Three spotlight and two floodlight output levels
⦁ Max throw 82 metres (high), 54 metres (normal)
⦁ Dual switches for easy and fast operation
⦁ Lockout function avoids accidental activation
⦁ Max runtime 20 hours (spotlight, low); 43 hours (floodlight, low)
⦁ Included 1300 Mah Li-Polymer Battery Pack with Micro USB charging port for direct charging
⦁ Compatible with 3 AAA Ni-MH/Alkaline batteries (charging prohibited)
⦁ Battery level indicator
⦁ Reflective and sweat-channeling breathable headband
⦁ Patented SPORT headband fit system -- rotary push-pull clasp for single-handed headband adjustment
⦁ IP66 rated waterproof and dustproof
See more of the Fenix HL18R-T here
Nitecore UT32
The UT32 is Nitecore's top of the line headlamp made specially for serious trail runners and features unmatched design, performance and durability. It has a first of its kind coaxial dual output design that lets you rotate between two high-power LEDs with a single hand twist. The primary cool white beam (5700K) has a max output of 1,100 lumens to 80 metres, ideal for wide range trail illumination. While the auxiliary warm white beam (3000K) is perfect for cutting through rain, snow, and fog up to 117 metres. This headlamp is built to withstand extreme weather conditions, constructed from aero-grade aluminum alloy and fully dust and waterproof. This premium grade headlamp brings Nitecore's top engineering making it built to last if you're a hardcore trail runner who likes to brave the elements.
⦁ Dual output headlamp specially designed for the unpredictable weather and harsh outdoor environment in trail running
⦁ Primary Cool White Beam uses a Cree XP-L2 V6 LED (5700K) for a maximum output of 1,100 lumens and a throw of 80 meters, combined with an OP reflector with TrueVision Technology for 100° wide range flood illumination with uniform and soft light
⦁ Auxiliary Warm White Beam uses a Cree XP-L V6 LED (3000K) for a maximum output of 920 lumens and a throw of 117 meters, combined with an optical system with crystal coating and "Precision Digital Optics Technology" (PDOT) for better penetrating ability in rain, snow or fog
⦁ 4 brightness levels and 2 special modes available for both beams
⦁ High efficiency constant circuit provides a stable output of 18 hours (low) / 8 hours (normal)
⦁ Compatible with 1x 18650 Li-ion battery or 2x low temperature resistant CR123 / RCR123 batteries
⦁ Specially designed lightweight and breathable headband included
⦁ Constructed from aero grade aluminum alloy, HA III military grade hard anodized finish
⦁ Rating in accordance with IP68, dustproof and 2 meters submersible
⦁ Impact resistant to 1 meter
See more of the Nitecore UT32 here
With these headlamps charged and ready, all that is left to do is pick your trail and set out. Stay safe out there and happy running.