A head torch gives a hands-free option, with the light source coming from just above your line of vision to clearly illumine the terrain ahead. Now recreational road runners are discovering the benefits of head torches, both in being able to see well on a poorly lit or unlit route, and be able to be seen by other road users.
How to go about choosing the right torch with all the key features is a little bewildering for first-time users, so here are 7 key tips to guide you through head torch jargon and help you decide.

1. Battery Life

All torches give an average “Battery life”. Remember this is just an average. Most torches have more than one setting and will use battery quicker if the brightest setting is used all the time. This will obviously depend where and how often you run in the dark. Battery life can be saved by intelligent use of the settings, e.g. switching to a dimmer beam if your eyes have adjusted to a certain light level and remembering to switch your light off on an early morning run as it gets light. (Also remembering to switch off when you get home in the dark!). Some torches have an indicator light to let you know when your battery is running low. You may wish to go for a unit that only takes 1 x AA battery so you can take a spare with you. Changing the battery should also be an easy task when out and about.

2. Bulbs

LED bulbs (light emitting diodes) are probably the most practical bulbs in the majority of head torches. Some use a single LED, some use multiple LEDs. 2-3 LEDs can make for a wider beam, but a single focussed beam can sometimes be brighter. Halogen and tungsten bulbs are also used, and although these can be brighter, they need replacing with time and like house bulbs, can break if the torch is dropped! LEDs on average last up to 5,000 hours, (that’s a lot of running miles!) but they do also shine dimmer as the battery life fades.

3. Strength

Light strength is measured in lumens. Simply put, a lumen is a measure of the total “amount” of visible light in a defined beam or angle. The higher the lumens the brighter the light. All head torches should display the approximate lumens. Basic head torches for most normal conditions have a range of 30 and 100 lumens. It depends where you are running and in some cases how well and how quickly you adapt to night time conditions when running.

4. Beam

The beam range of a head torch is the useful distance you can see on various settings. How long a beam range you need will also depend on where you are running. If you are running in an urban setting, just needing some extra light to see or be seen, you will need less beam than if you are running around your local park early on a winter’s morning, or undertaking a fairly technical training run, preparing for an upcoming trail race with night time sections.

5. Ease of Use

Make sure you can operate the buttons and modes easily. Not surprisingly, the autumn and winter months are when torches are used most, so it may be useful to activate the key button whilst still wearing your gloves.

6. Weight

With so many modern lightweight materials, weight is not really an issue. The lightest all-inclusive torches come in at around 30g, up to the more technical models with separate battery packs that weigh in at just under 200g. Where and how long you will be running in the dark will in some ways determine the torch and the weight. Most headtorches have the batteries in the headset so it is important to actually go out and run with one to see how they wobble on your head!

7. Comfort

All head torches come with an elastic strap that is adjustable, so make sure you can adjust the tension (with or without a hat on) so that it is comfortable as well as secure.

8. Top Tip for Running at Night

When you begin your run, or when you are about to put on your head torch as it gets dark, just close your eyes for 30-60 seconds. This helps allow the eyes to adjust to the change in light levels.
Safety Note
Until you have become accomplished and built up some experience of running at night, stick to routes you are familiar with or run with others who are familiar with any terrain you will be running on. While it is good to explore, NEVER compromise your safety.
For further information contact Nigel Atkins – nigel@pennineorganisation.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
N Atkins
DCA Training Officer 2015
© N Atkins 2015
 
 
Head torches for running
 
Petzl Lighting
e+LITE (£25) £18
Ultra-compact emergency headlamp. 26 lumens max
Ultralight (27 g) and very compact due to the integrated ZIP retractable cord, the e+LITE emergency headlamp should always be with you. Always ready to use, it can be stored with its batteries for 10 years in a vest, an emergency kit… Its white or red, continuous or strobe lighting allows you to be seen and to signal an emergency.
 
TIKKA^® (£35) £25
Headlamp for proximity lighting and some movement 100 lumens
Simple and compact, the TIKKA headlamp offers 100 lumen brightness and a wide beam for proximity lighting and some movement. Its phosphorescent reflector helps you find it in the dark.
 
TIKKA^® + (£45) £35
Compact headlamp for outdoor activities, with CONSTANT LIGHTING technology for guaranteed constant brightness over time. 160 lumens
The TIKKA + headlamp offers 160 lumen brightness in Boost mode. It is ideal for outdoor activities that require rapid movement. Featuring CONSTANT LIGHTING technology to ensure constant brightness over time, and a mixed beam (wide, focused or red for discretion).

Petzl Pixa 2 Headtorch (£55) £40

The Petzl Pixa range of work lights are very robust, resistant to knocks, drops and crushing.
· 20/80 Lumens (2 stage switchable output)
· 30/40m beam
· 160g (including batteries)
The lamphead rotates into its mount protecting the lens from damage during transport and storage. The switch is also locked preventing inadvertant operation.
· Will resist a 2m fall onto a hard surface.
· Will resist up to 80kg weight.
 

Petzl Pixa 3 Headtorch (£70) £55

The Petzl Pixa range of work lights are very robust, resistant to knocks, drops and crushing
· 20/100 Lumens (3 stage switchable output)
· 20/100m beam
· 160g (including batteries)
The lamphead rotates into its mount protecting the lens from damage during transport and storage. The switch is also locked preventing inadvertant operation.
· Will resist a 2m fall onto a hard surface.
· Will resist up to 80kg weight.
 
 
Fenix Lighting
HL23 Fenix Headlamp (£29.99) £22
Max Lumens: 150
Modes: 3
out of 5
Rugged aluminum housing and waterproof construction, the IP68 rated HL23 adventure proof headlamp is ready for anything you can throw at it. Armed with a powerful Cree XP-G2 LED, this one AA battery powered headlamp provides 150 lumen output with 180ft (55m) beam distance. Featuring three brightness levels, HL23 is a great choice for your night time adventures
 
HL25 Fenix Headlamp (£38.95) £30
Max Lumens: 280
Modes: 4
out of 5
Fenix HL25 LED Headlamp is an aluminum housed, high performance headlamp boasting a maximum of 280 lumens while in burst mode, and a 223ft beam distance. Built to resist the elements, the HL25 is water proof to 2m, impact resistant at 1m and dust proof with an IPX-8 rating. The HL25 is powered with 3 AAA batteries and offers 3 brightness levels and burst mode.
 
 
HP12 Fenix Headlamp (£56.95) £44
Max Lumens: 900
Modes: 5
out of 5
The powerful Fenix HP12 Headlamp features 900 lumen output in Burst mode from either a rechargeable 18650 Li-ion battery or primary CR123A batteries. The separate battery compartment provides excellent balance. Rugged aluminum housing with IP68 waterproof and dust proof makes the HP12 a perfect fit for technical and dynamic activities.