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HEADLAMP GUIDE
Running & orienteering
Choose the right headlamp for running
When you run, your head moves a lot – which makes low weight and a comfortable headband fit essential. Many runners focus too much on lumen output, when in reality the beam pattern makes the biggest difference on the trail. Silva’s running headlamps are designed to sit securely, weigh little, and offer a good balance between brightness and burn time. The Free series and Trail Runner Free 2 also feature a cable-free design with the cord integrated into the headband for a smoother, hassle-free running experience.
What kind of running do you do?
Urban running & road
Find your headlamp for city runs.
Trail running & gravel
Find your headlamp for trail running.
Orienteering & off-trail
Find your headlamp for technical terrain.
Urban running & road
In well-lit environments like cities or illuminated tracks, you don’t need as much brightness – especially if you’re running with friends or in a run club where multiple headlamps complement each other. Running alone on dark country roads requires more light, but still less than on trails since the terrain is usually non-technical.
Tips when choosing a headlamp for urban running
BRIGHTNESS
200–400 lumens are enough in well-lit environments like cities and lighted tracks. Around 250 lumens is sufficient if you’re running in groups or run clubs. Running alone on darker country roads requires 450–550 lumens.
BURN TIME & WEIGHT
There’s no need to carry extra weight on shorter runs – choose a smaller, lighter battery. For longer road runs you may need a bigger battery for extended burn time, especially if you’re using maximum brightness. Carry the battery in your running vest to avoid excess weight on your head.
EXTRA VISIBLE – EXTRA SAFE
Always wear reflectors. Add the red Smini Rear Light for visibility up to 1000 meters, attachable to the headband, your running vest, or backpack.
COMPARE HEADLAMPS
Explore our headlamps for urban running or take the headlamp test to find the right model for you.
Trail Runner Free 2
Sale price£62.99 GBP
450 lumen running headlamp that is lightweight, cordless, and sleek
Trail running & gravel
The brightness you need when trail running depends on the terrain. Wide forest paths, gravel roads, and easier trails don’t require as much light as narrow and technical singletracks, where you need to see exactly where you place your feet.
Tips when choosing a headlamp for trail running
BRIGHTNESS
500 lumens are enough for easier trails, forest, and gravel roads. Around 900 lumens works well for mixed terrain that’s partly technical. For narrow and tricky singletracks you’ll need 900–1200 lumens to keep your pace without tripping.
BURN TIME & WEIGHT
Choose a smaller battery for short runs to avoid carrying unnecessary weight. For long runs you’ll need a larger battery for enough burn time. Carry it in your running vest to avoid weight on your head. For ultra-distance runs, two smaller batteries can be a better and more comfortable option than one large, or bring a Smini Fly as a backup light.
SAVE BATTERY
In cold weather, keep the battery in a pocket to extend burn time. Also, dim the light on climbs or easier sections to make the battery last longer.
COMPARE HEADLAMPS
Explore our headlamps for trail running or take the headlamp test to find the right model for you.
Trail Runner Free 2
Sale price£62.99 GBP
450 lumen running headlamp that is lightweight, cordless, and sleek
Free 1200 S – Run/XC ski
Sale price£169.99 GBP
Battery S. Trail running and XC-skiing. Burn time: 3 h.
2xAward
Orienteering & off-trail
When orienteering or running off-trail, powerful light is crucial to safely navigate roots, rocks, and uneven terrain – especially at high speed. You’ll need headlamps with higher lumen output that can handle technical conditions, and since more light requires more power, a larger battery is necessary.
Tips when choosing a headlamp for orienteering
BRIGHTNESS
2000 lumen is a solid starting point for orienteering in challenging terrain. 3000 lumens provides even better visibility at high speed, while Ignite with 10,000 lumens turns night into day.
BURN TIME & WEIGHT
More light requires more power, and a bigger battery. Carry your Free battery in a running vest for balanced weight distribution. Ignite comes with a larger, more powerful battery worn in the Ignite Battery Harness. Bring a spare battery, or carry a Smini as a backup lamp.
SAVE BATTERY
Reduce brightness in open terrain or on longer stretches of trail to conserve power. Increase brightness in technical sections or when approaching checkpoints for maximum visibility.
COMPARE HEADLAMPS
Explore our headlamps for orienteering or take the headlamp test to find the right model for you.
2xAward
2xAward
Free 3000 M – Action sports
Sale price£284.99 GBP
Battery M. Downhill biking, ski touring, orienteering. Burn time: 2 h.
Free 3000 L – Action sports
Sale price£324.99 GBP
Battery L. Downhill biking, ski touring, orienteering. Burn time: 4 h.
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