Overcoming fear of the dark: A hunter’s guide to pre-dawn confidence

HEADLAMP PRIMER

Since you need adequate illumination to navigate safely while also avoiding detection by wildlife, selecting the right hunting headlamp means balancing visibility with stealth. The key is finding a versatile light with features that meet the demands of your specific hunting conditions and terrain.

BRIGHTNESS

Between 300 and 500 lumens is sufficient for most hunting applications. You might think brighter is better, but when hunting you need to see without being seen. Still, consider how and where you hunt when making your final choice.

RANGE & PATTERNS

Range refers to how far usable light projects, while patterns include common settings such as flood (wide view), spot (narrow view) and adjustable. An adjustable beam is particularly helpful when hunting, letting you switch beams to scout further ahead, or to get a clear view of the area immediately around you. The latter is especially important when dressing game in low light.

MODES

There are too many available lighting modes to list them all, but for hunting, you want a headlamp with a strobe mode for signaling in case of an emergency, and a red-light mode, which is less visible to large game. A blue or violet light mode for following blood trails is also handy.

RUN TIME

This refers to the time it takes a headlamp to lose 10 per cent of its original brightness. All else being equal, extended run times allow you to travel longer in low light before recharging.

POWER

Disposable batteries have been the headlamp standard for years. However, newer USB-rechargeable models are gaining traction for their longer run times, lighter weight, cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness. If you spend a lot of time in the backcountry, however, you may need to also bring a power bank or similar recharging source, which can negate any ounces saved.