HEADLAMPS

Headlamps — Hands-Free Light for Camp and Trail

A headlamp is the single most-used light in any outdoor kit. Hands-free illumination for cooking, setting up shelter, navigating in the dark, and the dozen small tasks that fill the gap between sunset and bedtime. SRO carries Fenix HM and HL series, Nitecore, and other professional-grade headlamps.

Output and battery considerations

Most camp tasks need 50-200 lumens — the high modes (400-1000 lumens) are for distance signaling and emergencies. USB-C rechargeable batteries dominate the modern lineup; AAA-compatible models keep emergency-kit value. See Flashlights for the broader lighting category.

Match the headlamp to use

Camping: 100-200 lumens, red mode for night vision preservation. Backpacking: lightweight, USB-C, long runtime. Tactical: high-output strobe, tactical mode. Pair with Camp Lighting for ambient light.

Every kit should have one quality headlamp per person. The Fenix HM65R-T is a popular gateway — magnetic charging, 1200 max lumens, 5-day runtime on low.