A headlamp with a high lumen count provides a brighter light. Lumen count: Lumens are a measure of the quantity of light emitted from a light source.Compared with the Spot 350, which can withstand being submerged underwater, this model can only handle splashes. Some things we liked less: There’s no floodlight feature (which is good for camping), and the Actik Core has a lower-than-expected weatherproof rating. The Actik Core is also versatile-if you don’t have a USB source handy, you can run the headlamp on three AAA batteries. If you travel with a battery pack, rechargeable devices can be more convenient (you accumulate somewhat less battery waste over time, and the charge lasts for more than 16 hours). This model recharges quickly and easily, which is great if you want to juice up the light on your way to the trail. The Actik Core’s 450-lumen light was also the brightest of the bunch, and it had the best optical quality. It’s durable, easy to use, and weighs under 3 ounces (just slightly less than the Black Diamond Spot 350). We tested two rechargeable headlamps in 2019 (and we’ve evaluated nine others for previous iterations of this guide), and we think this light is the best for outdoor adventures. The Petzl Actik Core is the best choice for backpackers, outdoor adventurers, and anyone who needs a headlamp with charging options (both USB and batteries). Although there are models out there with brighter, higher-quality beams, none offered the same combination of decent brightness, simplicity, and reliability at such a low price.
And its PowerTap technology lets you transition the headlamp from full power to dimmed with one touch. The 3-ounce Spot 350 locks and is weather-resistant. This model also has a red-light option (good for when you’re switching the lamp on and off at night), a “proximity” flood-light option (which gives you a wider beam and more peripheral lighting, so it’s great for camping), and strobe options (perfect for throwing an emergency signal in the dark). The Spot has a Brightness Memory mode, so it can revert to a previous setting whenever you turn on the headlamp. You’ll still have to experiment and click through various configurations, but we think the learning curve for accessing different modes is fairly quick. The Spot’s top buttons got a redesign, making them more intuitive to use than the single button on older versions. And it has 25 more lumens than the previous Spot (so 350 in all), for a slightly noticeable bump in brightness. The updated 350 model includes the same features we’ve always liked. The Spot has been at the top of our list since 2012 because it’s reliable and bright enough to light the way in most situations, whether indoors or outdoors.
When you’re car camping or even just digging through a closet, the newly updated Black Diamond Spot 350 provides exactly what you need: a bright beam, easy-to-navigate buttons, and long-lasting battery life (more than 12 hours).