Whatever the specialist outdoor brands may try to tell you, the reality is it’s pretty tough to beat the basic Energizer 6 LED Headlamp (MSRP: $15) when it comes to price or performance from a hands-free flashlight.
This lightweight (0.3 ounces) unit comes with three AAA batteries that offer 50 to 75 hours of light through four settings spread across a half dozen LED bulbs unlikely to burn out in your lifetime: a bright white spotlight beam, a broader floodlight setting, a combo of the two and a red light setting designed to preserve night vision (sometimes tricky because users must cycle through all three white light settings in order to use the red one).
A hardy 36 lumens can be directed via the swiveling headset attached to an adjustable elastic head strap that will fit over a hat. Given the plastic housing that is neither waterproof (although it will typically bounce back after a soaking) nor especially durable, the Energizer Headlamp may be better suited as a budget-friendly “backup” light source to a sturdier setup. But don’t be surprised to find yourself reaching for it first on a dark night.
Find it: Wal-Mart
