Best Ultralight Headlamp
Nitecore NU25
$30
Max output400 lumens
Weight1.6oz / 45g
BatteryBuilt-in rechargeable, USB-C
ModesWhite, high CRI, red
WaterproofIP66
Price$30
TrailCraft score 8.8/10
Read Full Review →Cheapest Usable Headlamp
Black Diamond Astro 300
$25
Max output300 lumens
Weight3.0oz / 85g
Battery3x AAA
ModesWhite, red
WaterproofIPX4
Price$25
TrailCraft score 7.6/10
Read Full Review →
Bottom line: The NU25 is the ultralight choice — 1.6oz, rechargeable, 400 lumens, and the lamp most thru-hikers converge on. The Astro 300 runs on AAAs, which matters if you cannot charge, and costs $5 less. For backpacking, the NU25 wins clearly.
Head-to-head differences
Weight
Nitecore NU251.6oz — half the Astro
Black Diamond Astro 3003.0oz with batteries
NU25 wins decisively, and this is why it dominates ultralight kits.
Battery
Nitecore NU25Built-in rechargeable — nothing to buy, nothing to carry spare
Black Diamond Astro 300AAA — swappable anywhere, works in deep cold with lithium cells
Depends on your trip; rechargeable for most, AAA for winter and remote travel.
Output
Nitecore NU25400 lumens plus a high-CRI mode for accurate colour
Black Diamond Astro 300300 lumens
NU25 wins.
Weather sealing
Nitecore NU25IP66 — dust tight and protected from heavy spray
Black Diamond Astro 300IPX4 — splash resistant only
NU25 wins.
Choose the Nitecore NU25 if:
- →Backpacking or thru-hiking where weight matters
- →You carry a power bank and can recharge
- →You want the most performance per ounce
Choose the Black Diamond Astro 300 if:
- →Winter camping where lithium AAAs beat rechargeable in cold
- →You cannot charge and need swappable batteries
- →$25 is the ceiling
See all Best Headlamps for Hiking reviews
Full rankings, specs, and scores for every product in this category.
View Full Category →Common Questions
Why do AAA batteries beat rechargeable in cold?
Lithium-ion capacity drops sharply below freezing. Non-rechargeable lithium AAA cells perform far better in deep cold and can be swapped in seconds.
What is high CRI and does it matter?
Colour Rendering Index — how accurately a light shows colour. It makes maps, first aid, and food inspection noticeably easier to read, at a small cost in brightness.
Is 1.6oz really that different from 3oz?
On your head, yes. Headlamp weight is felt more than the same weight in a pack because it bounces and pulls on the strap.