Top 3 Kids Headlamp Brands in 2023
No camping trip is complete unless your child has a headlamp. And the truth is, kids will have more fun with the headlamp than the actual camping. This makes finding the best headlamp for them a necessity, but luckily for you, we took care of the research for you and compiled a list of the top-rated headlamps for kids on the market today.
Before we look at the list, here are a couple of reminders on what to look for when buying a headlamp for your little ones:
Buying a Headlamp for Your Kids; What to Look For
When buying a headlamp, the most important question will always be what you're going to use the headlamp for. We've broken headlamp uses down into the following four categories:
Common Kids Headlamp Uses:
- Camping/Hunting: Think multi-purpose. These headlamps will be good for hanging around the campfire, reading in the tent, and taking a stroll to the potty. They have a wider beam that spreads more ambient light. These headlamps also tend to be less bright, but have a longer battery life. Camping headlamps are usually smaller and more lightweight which makes them great for reading, doing campfire dishes, working on your car, etc. If you need a great emergency headlamp, get one of these.
- Running: You’re looking for headlamps that are lightweight without sacrificing illumination. The beam will be more focused on the road ahead. These headlamps don't need to be as bright but should fit snugly on the head without bouncing around too much.
- Biking/Hiking: As you might imagine, these kids' headlamps will need to be brighter and have a more focused beam for a trail or road. Some headlamps will have a removal lens for the handlebars. These will also be a bit bulkier as they have extra straps to stay secure while moving.
- Rock Climbing/Mountaineering: These headlamps are usually the more functionally advanced, with reactive lighting and brighter illumination. These can get expensive, up to the $400 range.
From this list, we can evaluate the kids' headlamp that is best designed for the activity you want to do. For this article, we'll focus on camping headlamps. Here are some basic features of headlamps that you’ll want to take note of, to find what fits what you’re looking for:
4 Common Headlamp Features to Lookout For:
- Battery Type: Most offer AA or AAA batteries. Do you need rechargeable batteries?
- Light Colors: As expected, white is the default light color; will you need a green or red light?
- Settings: Most headlamps will come with 5-6 settings. These offer different brightness options or colors. Do you need a strobe light?
- Cost: Most headlamps range from $20-$100. Shop around to find one in your price range.
Looking for a more comprehensive headlamp buying guide or to find the best headlamps for hunting and/or fishing? Check out the HEADLAMP BUYING GUIDE.
Our List of Top Rated Headlamps Designed for Kids
These headlamps are specifically designed for kids ages 2-12 year old. They all come with features that make handing a headlamp to a child worry-free; breakaway head straps, childproof enclosures, and automatic shutdowns. This allows you to enjoy camping without worrying about Johnny swallowing batteries.
Here is our list of the top three kid-approved headlamps we think your little ones will love:
Black Diamond Wiz
Age Range: 2-5 years old
What We Like:
- Lightweight 43g
- Breakaway strap and automatic shutdown after 2 hrs.
What We Don't Like:
- Only 30 lumens and one brightness setting
- 61-hour runtime expected more.
Cost: $24.95
Petzl TIKKID
Age Range: 2-5 years old
What We Like:
- Simple, small design
- AAA batteries and rechargeable options
What We Don't Like:
- Only 20 Lumens and one brightness setting.
Cost: $24.95
Biolite 330
Age Range: 5-12 years old
What We Like:
- Super Lightweight, 2.4oz
- Micro USB Rechargeable
- 330 Max Lumens, 40hr runtime
What We Don't Like:
- More pricey, which can be a little scary when buying for kids
Cost: $59.95
To wrap things up, specifically designed kids' headlamps have many great advantages for your younger campers. Built-in safety features ensure your kids can have fun while you relax. The great part about these kids' headlamps is that you'll get all the functionality for similar prices. This means they can be used for a variety of purposes, whether building a blanket fort or camping out in the woods.
There are a ton of headlamps to choose from out there, and finding the best brand for your little one doesn’t have to be complicated. With this buying guide, you can take your adventures to the next level, while also having peace of mind that your little one is wearing something designed for them. It’s a win-win.