A head torch is useful for more than hiking. It gets dark early in November, and a head torch helps on an evening dog walk, fishing before dawn, in the garage, when fixing a leak under the sink, or anywhere both hands need to stay free. The range is huge: from models costing around £2 to branded torches at several times that. Let us look at which specifications matter and which numbers on the box you can safely divide by two.
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Lumens and beam distance
Lumens show the total amount of light a torch emits in all directions. As REI writes, more lumens usually means a brighter torch, but not always. The reason is that lumens say nothing about the shape of the beam: part of the light may go into a wide patch at your feet and part into a narrow beam far ahead.
That is why GearLab experts advise looking not only at lumens but also at beam distance in metres. In their tests the distance claimed by manufacturers was overstated by about 9% on average, and the best models lit up the length of a football pitch, around 100 metres, with only a few reaching beyond 150 metres. You do not need that for the path around the house or a campsite, but it matters on a forest trail or when finding your way at night.
Be careful with numbers on cheap torches
If an inexpensive torch says 2500 or 5000 lumens, that is almost certainly a marketing figure. Look for models that state real modes, battery capacity and beam distance, and for branded torches, compliance with the ANSI FL1 standard.
The ANSI FL1 standard and run time
Run time is the trickiest specification. According to REI, manufacturers used to count run time until the torch gave light equal to a full moon at 2 metres. The new standard stops the clock when brightness falls to 10% of the original. REI gives an example: the same 350-lumen torch could “run” for 40 hours by the old method but only 2 hours by the new one. GearLab states plainly that many manufacturers greatly overstate run time, and in its tests it measures it by the ANSI FL1 definition.
Regulated or unregulated light
A regulated torch holds the same brightness almost until the charge runs out, but may then go dark suddenly. An unregulated one dims gradually and so warns you in advance that the battery is running down. For hikes where predictability matters the first type is more convenient, but then you should carry a spare power source.
Beam type: flood or spot
REI describes three options. A wide flood beam suits close work, reading and camp chores. A narrow focused spot beam is for seeing far. Combination torches with two modes are the most versatile. GearLab observes that almost every model has a flood mode, while a separate long-distance beam usually appears on more expensive torches.
Red light
A red mode seems minor but is useful. According to REI, red light does not make the pupils contract as much as white light, so your eyes adapt to the dark faster. GearLab adds several more reasons: a red LED is more efficient and noticeably extends run time, it does not dazzle people in the tent, it suits stargazing and it scares animals less when hunting or fishing.
Water protection: IPX4, IPX7 and IPX8
- IPX4. Protection from splashes from any direction. According to GearLab, this is enough for rain: in its test about 20 torches rated IPX4 were sprayed with water for half an hour and none failed.
- IPX7. Withstands immersion to a depth of 1 metre for 30 minutes. Needed for rafting, fishing and anyone likely to drop a torch in water.
- IPX8. Protection when submerged deeper than 1 metre.
- IP67. The same water protection as IPX7, plus full dust protection, indicated by the number 6.
Battery: built-in, AAA or 18650
Torches that run on AAA batteries are convenient because the cells are sold everywhere and a spare set weighs little: according to GearLab, three AAA batteries add about 35 grams. REI recommends lithium batteries for freezing weather, as they work better in the cold than alkaline ones. A built-in battery with USB-C charging is more practical for town use and short outings, but a long hike needs a power bank. Torches with a replaceable 18650 battery give more brightness and run time, and you can carry a spare cell. REI also reminds us that batteries slowly lose charge in storage, so it is best to top up the torch before heading out.
Weight, lockout and motion sensor
According to REI, most head torches weigh under 200 grams with batteries, while heavy powerful models with a separate battery pack are meant for special tasks such as mountaineering. For running and long walks choose a light torch. Another useful feature is a button lockout: it stops the torch switching on in your rucksack and draining the battery. Many inexpensive AliExpress models have a motion sensor that switches the light on and off with a wave of the hand. This is handy when your hands are dirty or gloved, but in close work the sensor sometimes triggers by accident.
4 popular head torches from AliExpress
We picked the best-selling models with high ratings, from budget to branded. Specifications are taken from the store listings.
Budget motion-sensor torch, 210 lm
One of the most popular head torches on AliExpress, with almost 9 thousand sales. It is rechargeable, with a motion sensor, four modes, an adjustable tilt and water protection. The claimed 210 lumens is enough for a walk, the garage, fishing by the bank and power cuts. It costs £1.80 (old price £4.55).
Price on 3 November: £1.80
Sold: 8 707+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.0%
View on AliExpress
COB torch with an 18650 battery and sensor
More than 9 thousand sales. A rechargeable torch with a wide COB panel that gives an even patch of light up close, plus a motion sensor. It runs on a replaceable 18650 battery, so you can carry a spare. A good option for fishing and jobs where you need wide light in front of you. The price is £4.69 (old price £11.17).
Price on 3 November: £4.69
Sold: 9 115+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.0%
View on AliExpress
BORUiT 1000 lm with an 18650 battery
A torch from the official BORUiT store: a compact mini body, a claimed 1000 lumens, an 18650 battery and water protection. It suits anyone who needs a powerful long-range beam for the forest, hunting or a night trail. It costs £7.01 (old price £24.40).
Price on 3 November: £7.01
Sold: 548+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.1%
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WARSUN G7 with gesture control
A rechargeable torch with gesture control and USB-C charging. A storage pouch is included. More than 3.5 thousand sales. A good middle option between cheap no-name models and hiking brands. The price is £9.93 (old price £25.89).
Price on 3 November: £9.93
Sold: 3 584+ pcs, positive reviews: 95.9%
View on AliExpress
Quick cheat sheet
For home, the garage and power cuts, an inexpensive 200-lumen torch with a motion sensor is enough. For fishing and jobs, wide COB light will do. For the forest and a night trail you need a long-range beam and an 18650 battery. For running and light hikes, look for a lightweight model. And in any case check whether there is a red mode, at least IPX4 protection and a button lockout.
