Well I have searched the forums, but can't seem to find one that looks right for me....i want a headtorch (so not a helmet mounted light) that will compliment my exposure bar light for night riding (just a few hours at a time, not all night stuff) and is also fine in the tent for long winter nights. Budget isn't massive, maybe £40.
Thanks as always

TBH I have that as two separate requirements. Around the tent/bivvy I prefer a very low powered torch. I use a little Petzl Zipka which provides just enough illumination to let me see, without advertising my presence too much or completely overwhelming my night vision/experience (it has a red light option too).

For riding I prefer something much brighter and more directional. That means heavier and so also less comfortable to wear on my head while at rest.

I bought one of these a few months ago. Not the lightest thing but very secure once on your head and also appears well put together. It's certainly bright enough to ride with (even on its own) when on the highest settings and produces a decent beam pattern with no shadows. The low setting isn't very bright at all but great for camp duty.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Headlampe-Sofi ... 2127330706

Have a look at the Nitecore Nu25. Been using mine for a few yr=ears and very happy with it. Much better than the Petzl it replaced.
3 white light levels, 3 red light levels including a strobe so can be used as an emergency/rear light also.
Lightweight, usb rechargeable and under your budget

I use a petzl Tikka, very bright for cycling but has lower power modes and red light for preserving nightvision. the phosphorescent glow is neat -d helps finding it after turning it off in a bag..

Another vote for the Nitecore NU25, fantastic headtorch. I also have a NU32 that I use in winter.

Cheers, Michael.

I have used an Alpkit Viper for riding and camp duties and have found it to be very good for both. I have 2 both going strong, one that is about 5 years old despite me knackering part of the battery compartment hinge and a second that is now 2 years old and is as good as new.

https://alpkit.com/products/viper-camping-head-torch

If you want something cheap and cheerful try this - https://sofirnlight.myshoplaza.com/prod ... k-or-5000k

I have one for use in the garage and garden when I need more light. Have a Zebralight for dog walking and other types for bikepacking (usually a e+lite or bindi)

Super cheap, was recommended on another forum and it's been ace. Includes battery and micro usb charging point. Defo bright enough to ride with but low enough for normal camp use. Doesn't have a moonlight type mode like the Zebralight but it's low enough

Thanks for all the replies. That Nitecore looks nice and compact, however it's 'only' 300 lumens, where Stu's light he links to is 1200! How much output is adequate for trail riding do you suggest?

where Stu's light he links to is 1200!

As I said, plenty bright enough to ride by

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Mon Oct 25, 2021 3:17 pm

where Stu's light he links to is 1200!

As I said, plenty bright enough to ride by

It's practically daylight with that

I've got an Alpkit Qark, mainly wanted something that was rechargable but could also take AAAs in an emergency. Has an adjustable lens so I've found it pretty good zoomed in for gravel and easy trail riding and then lower setting zoomed out is good for round camp.

I have that it's cheap plastic and lots has broken off it in a year so its all taped up so it works
Cannot recommend it even if it cost a fiver.
Light output and recharge feature is good though

Thanks folks, I ended up going for one of those Nitecores but with a higher lumen output.