The Bushnell Headlamp: Everything You Need to Know

Before creative innovators invented useful items like the Bushnell headlamp, miners in the 19th and 20th century carried open flames into the mines, from candles to hanging lamps. Eventually, they realized that wearing an oil-wick lamp on their helmet or cap helped with visibility while keeping hands free.

These crude hats were the dawn of headlamps, which have evolved into something completely different. Now, we use these handy devices to help us see while camping or hiking out in nature. I used to think that an ordinary flashlight was fine for camping until I tried out a headlamp for the first time. Now that I’ve seen the light, I can’t imagine switching back to using an ordinary flashlight. It’s too convenient to have my hands free while hiking, and you’re a lot less likely to lose something when you attach it to your head.

The Benefits of Using a Headlamp

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You might wonder what’s the point of using a headlamp. Why stop at one point? There are several.

Easier to keep track of

A headlamp is simply easier to keep track of than an ordinary flashlight. While you’re camping or hiking, you can’t afford to go without lighting. Instead of worrying about turning off your flashlight, setting it down, and losing it forever, just use a headlamp.

Usually cost less

Headlamps are smaller, on average, than ordinary camping flashlights. Fewer materials mean lower costs of production and a more affordable product overall. Although it’s worth noting that both ordinary flashlights and headlamps come in a wide variety of prices, you can usually find a quality headlamp for cheap.

Keeps your hands free

An ordinary flashlight must be carried in your hand, while a headlamp leaves your hands free. If you’re hiking in an area that requires you to clear brush from out of your path, a headlamp lets you use your hands freely. Having your hands free is also more convenient for setting up a tent and rock climbing.

Stays firmly in place

Unlike a flashlight, which you have to grip with your hands, a headlamp stays firmly strapped to your head. Straps like this are a handy feature, especially in cold weather when holding onto a flashlight tightly might be more of a challenge. With your light source attached to your head, you won’t have to worry about dropping it. Some headlamp models also come with additional top straps for even more stability when you’re wearing the headlamp.

Regulated output

Ordinary handheld flashlights tend to dim gradually as the batteries lose power, whereas headlamps offer a steady level of brightness while the batteries last. As long as you keep track of how full your batteries are, and keep extras with you, this will be a very positive feature.

What to Consider Before You Buy

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Whether you’re running the trail at dusk, setting up a tent in the dark, or trying to find something in your basement, a headlamp has got you covered. Most of them use LED lights as their light-source since this type of lighting lasts a long time and is energy-efficient. So, what else is there to think about before buying a headlamp?

Beam type

A headlamp is simply easier to keep track of than an ordinary flashlight. While you’re camping or hiking, you can’t afford to go without lighting. Instead of worrying about turning off your flashlight, setting it down, and losing it forever, just use a headlamp.

Lumens (light output)

Lumens are used to measure the quantity of light that is coming from a light source in all directions. Usually, a light with higher lumens consumes more energy than a light with lower lumens. Does this mean that lights with higher lumens are always brighter? Usually, but not always.

Brightness is also determined by how the manufacturer directs and focuses the light.

Weight

Most headlamps on the market will weigh under seven ounces with batteries and have a similar size. You won’t see a major difference in weight and size for headlamps until you look at more expensive models with extra bulk and top straps. These heavier models are more suited for professionals or people who do activities like rock climbing on a regular basis.

Headlamp modes

Most headlamps, even very basic models, come with at least a low mode and a high mode. But other models will come with three or more modes to suit your needs. Strobe mode can function as an emergency blinker, low mode is standard, mid is for people who want something a little brighter or with longer range than low mode. High or max is for situations that call for brighter light, while boost or zoom modes can project an extra bright light for a limited time. Some models have a red light mode that is good for nighttime use.

Weather resistance

Depending on the climate where you live or plan to use your headlamp, try to find one that’s waterproof and weather resistant. A waterproof or weather-resistant product will ensure that you’re never stuck without light when you need it most. Most headlamps can handle at least some rain and are built to be durable for outdoor environments.

Batteries and charging

Depending on the climate where you live or plan to use your headlamp, try to find one that’s waterproof and weather resistant. A waterproof or weather-resistant product will ensure that you’re never stuck without light when you need it most. Most headlamps can handle at least some rain and are built to be durable for outdoor environments.

About the Bushnell Headlamp

The various Bushnell headlamp models are one-size-fits-all products with adjustable straps that can fit just about any head. Bushnell crafts their products from durable materials designed to withstand the elements without a problem. These products also come with the benefit of being priced affordably when compared to similar products.

Special features to keep in mind

Bushnell headlamps have several modes including night-appropriate settings, spotlight effects, and wide range lighting. They are usually waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about rain ruining your light. While some models require batteries, others are chargeable via a USB cable (included in your purchase).

What are customers saying about the Bushnell headlamp?

Customers state that their Bushnell headlamp is good for tracking their kill while they hunt. Others say that the product will work in all conditions including oil, dirt, metal, and rocks and that a Bushnell headlamp is the best they’ve ever owned or used.

How much do headlamps typically cost?

Headlamps can cost anywhere from under $10 to thousands. To get a good quality product for an affordable price though, look for one in the $25 to $60 range.

Top Versions of the Bushnell Headlamp

Bushnell provides a variety of models for headlamp seekers. Below are a few of their most popular and well-rated items:

Bushnell H150L Rubicon Headlamp

The Bushnell H150L Rubicon Headlamp provides durability, an attractive design, and tested materials. It offers both flood lighting for wider proximity and a spotlight mode for longer range. The Bushnell H150L Rubicon Headlamp uses three AA batteries (not included) and uses durable bulbs.

The headlamp provides 173 lumens of light output (plus 209 extra lumens with the boost function) for when you’re hiking, fishing, or camping in the great outdoors. The Bushnell H150L has multiple modes including the low lumen Red Halo mode which enhances your sight without threatening your natural night vision. This product is one-size-fits-all and weighs 3.2 ounces.

Bushnell TRKR Multi-Color Headlamp

The Bushnell TRKR Multi-Color Headlamp is a high-performance lighting tool with three modes including night vision. This hands-free headlamp is powerful and gives off 250 lumens of output. It uses three AA batteries (included in the purchase). The Bushnell TRKR Multi-Color Headlamp is designed to withstand tough environments as Bushnell makes it from durable materials.

Its adjustable head strap makes it easy to tighten or loosen as needed. The product weighs 6.7 ounces and can withstand the elements at their worst.

Bushnell TRKR Multi-Color Headlamp

If you’re looking for a headlamp that doesn’t require batteries, consider this rechargeable Bushnell Pro High Performance Headlamp. It comes with five different light modes including low flood, high flood, low spot, and high spot.

The Bushnell rechargeable pro headlamp gives off 300 lumens of output and comes with a USB charging cable. This product is lightweight and only weighs four ounces.

What Can You Expect to Pay for a Bushnell Headlamp?

Bushnell headlamps are in the mid-price range with regard to comparable products. You can expect to pay between about $30 and $60 for a Bushnell headlamp product.

How We Reviewed

We know that the Internet is full of endless information about any number of products. So in order to make your life easier, we’ve scoured the web for tons of headlamp reviews to bring you only the best, most useful and relevant information for your shopping experience.

Bushnell vs. Similar Brands

One good way to figure out the quality of a certain brand is to compare it to other brands with similar products within a similar price range.

Black Diamond Spot Headlamp

The Black Diamond Spot Headlamp is a tool with multiple modes including a distance mode, proximity mode, red night vision, dimming, and more. Giving 300 lumens of light output, this lamp is super lightweight, weighing just over 3 ounces. It’s waterproof and requires three AAA batteries (included with your purchase).

Durable and compact, this could be the next irreplaceable item you add to your camping backpack.

PROS

• Waterproof
• Compact
• Multiple modes

CONS

• Difficult light switch
• Feels a bit flimsy

VITCHELO V800 Headlamp

The VITCHELO V800 Headlamp is a comfortable, compact, and lightweight headlamp that works for hunting, reading, emergency lighting, camping, jogging, and more. It has six lighting modes and two buttons with which to control them. The band is adjustable and comfortable. The product requires 3 AAA batteries and gives off 168 lumens of output.

PROS

• Six light modes
• Very low price
• Comfortable band
• Good customer service

CONS

• Might break if dropped

DanForce Headlamp

The DanForce Headlamp is a durable headlamp flashlight with an impressive 1080 lumens output. Suitable for all types of weather and work, it uses a rechargeable battery and has four different light modes. You can adjust it to long-range, a wider range, or whatever you need at the time. The Danforce light is a heavy-duty headlamp for more serious hikers or campers and weighs 22 pounds.

PROS

• Heavy-duty and durable
• Rechargeable battery
• Strong light output

CONS

• May feel too heavy
• A bit expensive

Bushnell Headlamp Pros and Cons

As with any other product, the Bushnell headlamp will come with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at these below.

PROS

• Several lighting modes
• Durable materials
• Light lasts a long time
• Night mode

CONS

• May get loose after a while
• Some require replacing batteries

Ready to Illuminate Your Path?

As you can see, a headlamp is a good way to keep your hands free while you hike, hunt, or fish, and could be an interesting change from an ordinary flashlight. The Bushnell headlamp is a good choice since it has an affordable price and will fit you no matter what shape or size your head is. Whether you need to track your kill in the woods or just want to read comfortably in your tent before hitting the hay, a Bushnell headlamp could be a good way to do it.

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