Headlamps & Hat Lights
Short version: the Streamlight Bandit is the lightweight everyday headlamp at 180 lumens with USB charging. For a color mode, the Nightstick Multi-Function switches between white, red and green. For maximum output, the Cyclops Poseidon reaches 2,000 lumens. For a light that rides on your cap instead of your head, the Browning Night Seeker 2 clips to a hat brim.
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Hunting headlamps compared
| Light | Output | Colors | Power and notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streamlight Bandit | 180 lumens | White (white/red and white/green versions) | USB, 2 h high, 9.5 h low, IPX4, visor clip |
| Streamlight Enduro Pro USB | 200 lumens, 91 m | White | USB, spot to flood, 45 degree tilt, IPX4 |
| Streamlight Enduro Pro AAA | Not listed | White, red | AAA |
| Nightstick Multi-Function 210 | 210 lumens | White spot; white, red or green flood | Waterproof, ratchet tilt |
| Nightstick Multi-Function 120 | 120 lumens, 144 m | White | 3 AAA, waterproof |
| Nightstick Multi-Flood USB | 250 lumens | Green, red | USB |
| Nightstick Dual-Light Motion Sensing | 320 lumens | White | Motion sensing |
| Cyclops Ranger XP | 126 lumens | White, green, red | 3 AAA included, 5+ h |
| Cyclops Eflex | 400 lumens | White, red, green, blue | USB rechargeable |
| Cyclops Poseidon | 2,000 lumens, 200 m | White | 21700 battery included, IPX4, up to 5 h |
| Energizer Vision Ultra HD | 450 lumens | Not listed | AAA batteries included |
| Energizer Vision HD Plus Focus | 400 lumens | Not listed | AAA batteries included |
| Energizer Vision | 200 lumens | Not listed | AAA batteries included |
| Streamlight ProTac HL USB Headlamp | Not listed | White | USB rechargeable |
| Streamlight ProTac 2.0 Ducks Unlimited | Not listed | Not listed | USB-C rechargeable |
| Streamlight Sledge | Not listed | Not listed | Rechargeable |
| Browning Night Seeker 2 | 11 to 21 lumens | White, green | USB, attaches to a hat brim |
| Streamlight SL-Sidesaddle | Not listed | Not listed | USB, hard hat and hat mount kit |
Headlamp or hat light
A headlamp puts the light where you look, which is what you want for dragging a deer, tying decoy lines or field dressing. A hat light like the Night Seeker 2 clips to the side of your cap brim. At 11 to 21 lumens with a 20 to 25 yard reach, it is made for the walk in, not for searching. The SL-Sidesaddle comes with mounts for a hard hat or a regular hat.
Color modes for the walk in
A red or green mode lets you see the trail and your gear without ruining your night vision. The Bandit comes in white/red or white/green. The Nightstick Multi-Function has all three colors in its floodlight. The Cyclops Ranger XP adds a red strobe. For more colored lights, including lanterns and penlights, see red, green and multi-color lights.
Rechargeable or AAA
USB headlamps like the Bandit and Enduro Pro USB charge with your phone cable and never need batteries. AAA headlamps like the Energizer Vision series and the Nightstick Multi-Function 120 can be back to full in seconds with a fresh set of cells, which is worth a lot on a multi-day hunt. The Ranger XP and Energizer lights come with batteries in the box.
Headlamp FAQs
What is the best headlamp for hunting?
One with a red or green mode, so you can walk in without lighting up the woods. The Streamlight Bandit in white/red or white/green and the Nightstick Multi-Function are the two we would start with.
How many lumens should a hunting headlamp have?
For the walk in and setting up, 150 to 300 lumens is plenty. Go higher, like the 2,000 lumen Cyclops Poseidon, for tracking or searching at distance.
What is a hat light?
A small light that clips to the brim of a cap so it points where you look. The Browning Night Seeker 2 attaches to the side of a hat brim and has white and green LEDs.
Is a red or green headlamp better?
Red keeps your eyes adjusted to the dark best and is what most deer hunters use to walk in. Green looks brighter at the same output, which helps if you need to see a bit farther.