BioLite HeadLamp 750 review

Coming in at just under £100, the BioLite 750 HeadLamp is a considered purchase and as such, we expect strong results. Fortunately, it delivers… just.

The first thing that you notice is the weight – at 150g this a little heavier than many headtorches on the market, primarily due to the large battery pack that rests on the back of your head, which also houses a large rear red light (flashing light optional).

Also found on the rear unit is the rear light control, with a burst mode function button and the charging port.

The weight of this headlamp is supported well by a robust harness, meaning the light sits comfortably on the head with minimal slippage when on the fly.

The front light has several modes including spot, flood and flashing, while a quick hit of the button on the rear briefly employs burst mode, delivering 30 seconds of 750 lumen intensity. This is enough to illuminate up to 150m along your path.

The light’s housing feels a little sticky, not clicking securely into the differing angles, making adjusting while on the move somewhat fiddly.

Battery life is good, with up to seven hours on high (though employing burst mode regularly eats into this).

There’s also the option to employ ‘run forever’ mode by using the supplied cable to connect the battery unit to a backup battery pack via the USB point on the rear unit, which could prove useful to the endurance athletes among us.

Verdict: Impressive light in short bursts

Score: 88%

For less money, consider…

Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp

• £50

If you’re not looking to spend as much on a headtorch as you’d need to to get the BioLite, the Black Diamond Storm 400 could be an option for you.

It delivers up to 400 lumens of light and comes with multiple modes, including full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, red, green and blue night-vision, as well as a lock mode.

Unlike the BioLite, it’s powered by four AAA batteries, which offer a claimed run time of five hours when the unit is used on its highest setting or up to 150 hours on its low setting. When loaded with batteries, it’s said to weigh 120g.

It also carries an IPX67 rating, meaning it should be both dustproof and waterproof. In fact, Black Diamond says it can withstand immersion over 1m for 30 minutes.