A small, waterproof headlamp that runs on three AAA batteries or Black Diamond's rechargeable BD 1500 pack. People pick it because it is bright enough for camp and trail, runs a long time on low, and costs less than most rechargeable lamps.
Specs
- Weight: 86 g with AAA batteries; 72 g with the BD 1500 battery (maker)
- Brightness: 400 lumens high, 200 medium, 6 low (maker)
- Beam distance: 100 m high, 60 m medium, 12 m low (maker)
- Run time: high 2.5 hrs (AAA) / 4 hrs (BD 1500); medium 5 / 8 hrs; low 200 / 225 hrs (maker)
- Batteries: 3x AAA included; BD 1500 rechargeable sold separately (dual-fuel)
- Waterproof: IPX8, tested to work 1.1 m underwater for 30 minutes (maker)
- Modes: spot and flood, dimming, strobe, red night vision, digital lock, battery meter, PowerTap quick brightness switch
What reviewers say
CleverHiker and Treeline Review both rank it near the top for value, pointing to long run time, real waterproofing and a comfortable, balanced fit. Treeline liked the red light and the lock that keeps it from turning on in a pack. Reviewers split on the controls: Treeline found the buttons easy, while CleverHiker found them less intuitive and the PowerTap side switch easy to bump into full brightness. The tight spot beam can feel harsh up close on high. It is not the light for night skiing or technical climbing, and you will be buying AAA batteries unless you add the rechargeable pack.
Good
- Good value for the brightness
- Long run time on low and medium
- IPX8 waterproof
- Red light and lockout
- Works on AAA batteries you can buy anywhere
Not so good
- Uses disposable batteries unless you buy the BD 1500 pack
- Controls take some learning; side tap is easy to bump
- Spot beam is harsh on high at close range
Who it's for
Campers, hunters and hikers who want one dependable headlamp for camp chores and walking trails at night. If you want USB charging out of the box or need a very bright lamp for fast night travel, look at a rechargeable model.
Sources
Last checked 2026-10-19. Specs from the maker; review notes summarized in our own words.