Headlamps: A Helpful Camping and Travel Tool

Headlamps are an essential piece of camping gear, but they’re also extremely helpful for travelers. If you were to look inside the pack of a typical backpacker, you’re bound to find a headlamp in there somewhere. If you haven’t yet discovered how useful headlamps can be for traveling, read on!

Using a cell phone as a light source can be downright cumbersome. Having a light attached to your head keeps your hands free, so that you can easily rummage through your backpack or suitcase in the dark. Just be aware of fellow travelers, and try not to wake them if you’re sharing sleeping quarters.

Headlamps are also water resistant, making them perfect for adventure activities like exploring caves, or just walking around in the rain. If you’re doing a sunrise hike, headlamps are also essential for lighting the way before the sun rises.

Look for a headlamp with different settings to customize the intensity of the light. Many models also come with a red light setting, which is perfect for nighttime (or, getting up early in the morning before your fellow hostel-mates rise.)

These useful little lights aren’t just for adventures, though. They’re perfect for reading in the dark, whether you’re in bed, on a plane, in a train or anywhere else. It’s the easiest way to read without disturbing others.

There are a ton of headlamp models on the market, but Black Diamond’s Cosmo is a nice entry-level option priced around $30. There are also cheaper, and far more expensive, headlamps available depending on your needs.