How many lumens do you need for running in the dark?
The clocks go back on Sunday 25 October, and for most of us the evening run is about to happen in the dark. The question we get asked most at this time of year is a simple one: how bright does my head torch need to be?
Brightness is measured in lumens. More lumens means more light, but more isn't always better: a brighter torch is heavier, costs more and drains its battery faster. The right answer depends on where you run.
The short answer
- On lit streets: 350 to 450 lumens
- On country lanes and village paths: 600 lumens or more
- On trails and in the woods: 900 lumens or more
Running on streets: 350 to 450 lumens
If your runs stay on pavements around town, the street lights do most of the work. What you need is enough light to pick out kerbs, potholes and uneven paving stones in the darker patches between lamps, and a light that makes you easy to spot.
Something between 350 and 450 lumens is plenty. Our pick is the Petzl Tikka (350 lumens, £33.50). It weighs just 94g, has a wide, even beam, one button and a red light mode. It runs on three AAA batteries (included), or you can add a Petzl Core rechargeable battery.
Running on lanes and village paths: 600+ lumens
Once the street lights stop, things change. On a country lane or a path between villages there is no background light at all, so your head torch is doing everything. You want a stronger beam that reaches further ahead and lights up the verges on either side, so you can see the edge of the road and anything coming.
Laura runs from a village with hardly any street lights, and her rule of thumb is 600 lumens at least.
Our pick is the Petzl Actik Core (625 lumens, £64). It comes with a rechargeable battery but also takes three standard batteries, which is handy if you forget to charge it.
Running in the woods: 900+ lumens
Trails are the toughest test. Roots, rocks, mud and tight bends mean you need to read the ground in detail and see well ahead at the same time. Shadows are deeper under trees too, so a weak beam makes everything look flat.
Go for 900 lumens or more. Our pick is the Petzl Swift RL (900 lumens, £120). It has Petzl's Reactive Lighting, which adjusts the brightness and beam automatically depending on what you're looking at, so you get full power when you need it and longer battery life when you don't.
Three things to look for
- Rechargeable. USB charging is far easier than buying batteries. The Actik Core and Swift RL charge by USB, and the Tikka can take a Petzl Core rechargeable battery.
- Red light mode. A red light won't dazzle the runners, dog walkers and drivers you pass, and it's useful at the start of a group run.
- Comfort. A head torch bounces if the strap isn't right. Try it on and jog on the spot before you buy.
Head torch or chest light?
It's personal preference. A head torch points wherever you look, which is useful for checking a junction or the ground at your feet. A chest light sits lower and lights the area straight in front of you, which some runners find steadier. If you're not sure, come in and try both.
See, and be seen
A head torch helps you see. To make sure drivers see you, add hi viz or reflective kit. Ronhill's Tech Reflect jacket (£80, women's version here) has reflective detailing all over, and if you'd rather not wear anything bright, a Ronhill Reflect Belt (£25) or a Six Peaks lightweight vest (£21.95) goes over whatever you already run in.
Running the Rutland Night 10K on Friday 6 November? A head torch is compulsory, so it's worth sorting yours now. Find it and other local races on our Events page.
Try them on in Stamford
We've got head torches, hi viz and reflective kit in store at 42 Broad Street, Stamford. Tell us where you run and we'll help you match the torch to it.