After testing, I recommend the Biolite Head Torch 425 for walks when you know you won’t be out for long.

The Biolite Head Torch 425 is the equal lightest headlamp reviewed and one of the lowest priced. It’s not that powerful but the highest setting is okay for walking, though that only lasts 4 hours.

Chris Townsend recommends

A great lightwight back up for a more powerful lamp, this is a good head torch for the price.
Pros
  • Cost
  • Lightweight
  • Stable
  • Dimmable light
Cons
  • Not that powerful
  • Small
Quick Specs
Price: £65 | $83.28
Weight: 81g
Power Source: 1000 mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery
Battery Life: 4 – 60 hours
Brightness: 5 – 425 lumens / 15-85 metres
Features: 2 light levels, spot & flood beams, dimmable, red light, lock, splashproof
uk.bioliteenergy.com

It has an excellent headband made of moisture wicking fabric that feels very comfortable. The battery pack is at the back with the cable mostly integrated into the headband though there is one external coiled section near the battery case. The lamp itself is small and almost flush with the headband. 

There are separate LEDs for spot and flood mode and each mode is dimmable. A single button operates these. This is tiny and not that easy to use with gloves on. The red light is on the battery pack and operated by a switch there. It’s also dimmable. If you want to use the red light for more than an indicator you have to turn the lamp round or take it off.

The weight, compact size, comfortable headband, and price make the 425 attractive.

I think it’s great for walks where you know you won’t be out in the dark for long, for use in camp, as back up to a more powerful lamp, and for carrying in summer when hours of darkness are short. I wouldn’t use it as my main torch in winter though.

Testing Notes

Chris tested the Biolite Head Torch 425 on night walks and when camping in the Scottish Highlands, mainly the Cairngorms, throughout 2024. This comparative review was first published in the November 2024 issue of The Great Outdoors. His other reviews in this comparative test can be found in our guide to the best head torches.