Updated May 2026
A headtorch is a non-negotiable kit for trail runners the moment the clocks go back. Whether you are doing early morning winter training runs, heading out after work in the dark or taking on a night section of an ultra marathon, the right headtorch makes the difference between running confidently and running cautiously.
I recently spent eight hours overnight on the Thames Path, crewing a friend through miles 60 to 80 of her first 100-mile ultra. We were running from midnight until just before 7 am through mist, tree roots, wooden steps in the dark and the kind of technical riverside path that demands a reliable light source. That experience, testing headtorches in real overnight ultra conditions rather than just on a training run, gave me a very clear picture of what matters and what does not.
This guide covers the four headtorches we recommend for trail runners in 2026, from a versatile everyday option to a serious ultra-distance torch. All have been chosen based on genuine running experience rather than spec sheets.
Comparison Table
| Torch | Lumens | Weight | Best For | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petzl Swift RL | 900 | 100g | Technical trail and fell racing | Rechargeable |
| Petzl Actik Core 625 | 625 | 88g | Everyday trail running | Hybrid USB-C and AAA |
| Petzl Iko Core | 500 | 79g | Overnight ultras and summer night running | Hybrid micro USB and AAA |
| Ledlenser NEO5R | 600 | 117g | Road to trail runners | Rechargeable |
Petzl Swift RL — Best Overall Headtorch for Trail Running
The Petzl Swift RL is the torch that comes up most consistently when serious trail and fell runners discuss headtorches, and there is a very good reason for that. The reactive lighting technology is genuinely transformative — a sensor automatically adjusts brightness based on the ambient light around you, which means the torch is constantly optimising its output without you having to fiddle with buttons mid-run. On a technical trail where you move between open sections and dark tree canopy, the difference this makes is immediately noticeable.
At 900 lumens maximum output from a 100g package, it is both powerful and light. The battery life in reactive mode is significantly longer than on full manual power because the torch is constantly pulling back from maximum output when conditions allow. It also flashes a warning when the battery is running low, giving you time to manage the situation rather than being caught out mid-run.
The Swift RL replaced the older Petzl Reactik, which was on a previous version of this page. If you have a Reactik and are considering an upgrade, the Swift RL is a meaningful improvement in every respect.
Pros: Reactive lighting adjusts automatically, 900 lumens excellent for technical terrain, lightweight at 100g, battery warning system, widely available in UK
Cons: More expensive than the Actik Core, reactive mode can occasionally feel slightly inconsistent in rapidly changing light conditions
UK price: Around £90 to £100
Petzl Actik Core 625 — Best Mid-Range Headtorch for Trail Runners
The Actik Core 625 sits between the Iko Core and the SwiftRL in both price and capability and for most trail runners doing regular training runs and occasional races, it is the sweet spot in the Petzl range. The 625 lumen output is more than enough for technical trail running, and the USB-C recharging is a welcome upgrade over the micro USB on the older Iko Core — you can charge it from the same cable as your phone.
The Petzl hybrid concept means it works with both the rechargeable Corebattery and three standard AAA batteries as a backup — exactly what you want for longer events where you cannot guarantee access to charging. Five different light modes, including a red light option for preserving night vision, give you versatility across different running conditions. At 88g it sits comfortably on the head without the bouncing that heavier torches can cause on technical descents.
Pros: 625 lumens are plenty for most trail running, USB-C recharging, hybrid battery backup with AAA, red light mode for night vision, comfortable and stable at 88g, and more affordable than the Swift RL
Cons: No reactive lighting, slightly less powerful than the Swift RL for very technical terrain
UK price: Around £65
Petzl Iko Core — Best for Overnight Ultras and Summer Night Running
I have personal experience of this torch performing over eight consecutivehours overnight on the Thames Path — from midnight until just before 7 am on a technical riverside trail with roots, steps and variable surfaces. It performed well throughout that period before the battery dropped toward the end. For a summer overnight ultra section or a regular night training run it is an excellent choice.
The Iko Core is genuinely unlike any other headtorch on the market in terms of design. The ultra-thin lamp body with the battery pack worn at the rear of the head creates a balanced feel that is almost imperceptible once running — no front-heavy weight pulling the torch down your forehead. The AIRFIT headband sits flat against your head with minimal contact area, which reduces sweating significantly compared to a conventional elastic strap. The storage pouch doubling as a lantern is a useful, practical feature at aid stations and checkpoints.
At 500 lumens, it is less powerful than the Swift RL and Actik Core, which makes it less suitable for very technical, high-speed fell running. For mixed terrain ultras, long training runs and overnight pacing sections it is an excellent choice — just make sure it is fully charged before an event lasting more than seven hours.
Pros: Almost imperceptible balanced design, AIRFIT headband reduces sweating, converts to a lantern using a storage pouch, hybrid battery concept, 79g lightest on this page, personally tested on overnight ultra conditions
Cons: 500 lumens less powerful than Swift RL and Actik Core, micro USB charging rather than USB-C, battery life of around seven to eight hours on full charge, carry a backup for longer events
UK price: Around £50 to £75
Ledlenser NEO5R — Best for Road to Trail Runners
The Ledlenser NEO5R is the only torch on this page designed specifically for running rather than general outdoor use, and that specialisation shows in its design. The 600 lumen output covers most trail running conditions, and the torch comes with both a standard headband and a chest strap — giving you the option of wearing it across the chest rather than on the head, which some runners find provides better ground illumination on technical terrain.
The rear red light is a safety feature that the Petzl options on this page lack — useful if you are running on roads or shared paths where being visible to other trail users or vehicles matters. The swivel adjustment on the lamp lets you angle it precisely for the terrain you are on, useful when descending, where you want the beam on the ground immediately ahead rather than at eye level.
For runners transitioning from road to trail who want a purpose-built running torch at a reasonable price, the NEO5R is a strong choice. It lacks the reactive lighting of the Swift RL and the unique design of the Iko Core, but it delivers solid performance at a competitive price point.
Pros: Specifically designed for running, chest strap option for alternative wearing position, rear red light for road visibility, swivel beam adjustment, good value at around £55
Cons: Heavier than the Petzl options at 117g, no reactive lighting, less distinctive design than the Iko Core
UK price: Around £50
What to Look For in a Trail Running Headtorch
Lumens
For road and easy trail running 300 to 400 lumens is sufficient. For technical trail running on roots, rocks and uneven terrain, you want 500 lumens minimum. For fell racing and very technical terrain in the dark, 600 to 900 lumens gives you the confidence to run at pace. All four torches on this page meet the minimum threshold for technical trail running.
Weight
Anything under 100g is comfortable for running. Heavier torches tend to bounce on technical descents and can cause neck fatigue on longer runs. All four torches on this page are under 120g.
Battery life
For regular training runs of one to two hours, any rechargeable torch on this page is more than adequate. For races with night sections, calculate your expected time in the dark and add a 20% buffer. For overnight ultras lasting more than seven hours, carry a backup battery or a second torch.
Rechargeable versus disposable batteries
All four torches on this page use rechargeable batteries as the primary power source. The Petzl options all use a hybrid concept allowing AAA batteries as a backup, which is invaluable for longer events where charging is not possible. The Ledlenser NEO5R uses a rechargeable battery only, so carry a spare for longer events.
Reactive lighting
Only the Petzl Swift RL on this page has reactive lighting. For regular training runs and shorter races, it is a nice feature. For overnight ultra sections where you are moving at a consistent pace through similar terrain, it is less critical.
Night Trail Running Safety
A good headtorch is the foundation of safe night running, but not the only consideration. See our full guide to night trail running safety for advice on routes, kit and staying safe on trails after dark.
For an honest account of what overnight ultra running actually looks like from the inside — the conditions, the kit and what eight hours on the Thames Path at midnight taught me — see our Thames Path 100 crewing article.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lumens do I need for trail running at night? For easy trails and road running, 300 lumens is sufficient. For technical trail running with roots, rocks and uneven terrain, use 500 lumens minimum. For fell racing and very fast technical running in complete darkness, 600 to 900 lumens gives you the best combination of visibility and confidence.
How long should a headtorch battery last for trail running? For regular training runs of one to two hours, any rechargeable torch on this page is more than adequate. For races with overnight sections, calculate your expected time in darkness and add a 20% buffer. The Petzl Iko Core lasts around seven to eight hours on full charge; for anything longer, carry a backup.
Is the Petzl Swift RL worth the extra cost over the Actik Core? For serious trail runners doing regular technical night running yes, the reactive lighting makes a meaningful difference on varied terrain. For occasional night training runs and entry-level racing, the Actik Core 625 delivers excellent performance at a lower price point.
Can I use a headtorch for fell racing? Yes, a headtorch is a mandatory kit for many fell races with any night running sections. Check the specific race mandatory kit list before entering. The Petzl Swift RL is the most popular choice among competitive fell runners for its power and reactive lighting.
What is the difference between flood and spot beam on a headtorch? A flood beam illuminates a wide area immediately around you, good for technical close-range trail running. A spot beam throws light further ahead, useful for seeing obstacles at a distance on faster terrain. Most modern trail running headtorches offer a combination of both or allow you to switch between modes.