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The Bottom Line: BioLite has combined the best of all features in a headlamp into this bright lightweight durable light. Weighing in at under 2.5 ounces, this adjustable light has a range of different lighting options, a moisture-wicking headband, and USB rechargeable battery unit that allows for 40 hours of light on conservative power or 3.5 hours per charge on the light's brightest option.
First and foremost, my biggest issue with headlamps is that most of them continue to use disposable batteries. I use my headlamp for everything including around the house chores, and it is always in my travel or camping bag, so it pains me to burn through disposable batteries. Over the past few years, a rechargeable power source became my primary factor in picking out a new headlamp when one was needed.
And as anyone who has been a headlamp user for any length of time now remembers, these lights have been fairly bulky and clunky up until relatively recently.
Recently, it was time to upgrade my light, and a couple important details are what led me to BioLite's HeadLamp 330 model. Powered by a USB-rechargeable lithium ion battery, both the battery pack and the light unit itself are compact and lightweight. The entire thing weighs less than 2.5 ounces and was built with a slim-fitting profile so that, even on trail runs, there is no awkward bounce to it.
The front panel is about the width of a half dollar, and at 330 lumens the HeadLamp emits a tremendous amount of light. With only a single button, the light can be shuffled through, from a wide short range flood light to a concentrated spotlight beam, both easily dimmable by holding down the button, along with a white strobe light and a red light that I often use for camping out at night to keep my eyes from adjusting to bright light.
The light advertises itself as being weather resistant, although this seems to come in most handy on some uphill hikes that work up a bit of sweat, which has no effect on the light's functioning.
While there seems to be a lot of catchphrases thrown around like the 3D Slimfit and smart fabric construction, the BioLite HeadLamp embodies the best qualities of a headlamp: rechargeable power that can be quickly plugged into a USB wall outlet or a portable battery, lightweight construction that has a firm and comfortable fit while feeling balanced and not bouncing or slipping during use, and small helpful features like a light panel that tilts and an easily adjustable headband.
Overall, I've been extremely happy with my BioLite HeadLamp 330, and I have not experienced any issues with it at all. From taking it on evening trail runs to backcountry night photography sessions, this light has been more than capable and comfortable. And at 330 lumens, this thing is bright in a way that completely surpasses its small size!
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