Meet the reviewer
Lifesystems Intensity 300 LED Head Torch: first impressions
Everyone who's heading outdoors needs a headlamp in their pack, but not everyone needs to splurge on a high-tech head torch with 20 different light modes, 1000 lumens and 27 hours worth of battery time. Some of us just need a light source in case we end up not getting back to the trailhead until dusk or need a pee break during a night of camping. For those people among us, this headlamp will serve you well.
With a maximum output of 300 lumens, the Intensity 300 is bright enough for most nocturnal adventures and six lighting modes give you plenty of options. Among them are red light mode, which is enough for you to see where you're going without losing your night vision, and a strobe function for emergencies. Be careful when you're packing it away, however, as there's no lock mode to protect it in your pack.
• List price: £29.99
• Weight: 3.17 oz / 90 g
• Max light output: 300 lumens
• Battery: Rechargeable Li-ion (included)
• Run time: 2 hours on high beam
• Max beam distance: 213 ft / 65 m
• Water resistance: IPX6
• Best use: Hiking, camping
This headlamp is easy to use – just thread the lamp through the elasticated strap and you're ready to go. It's operated by a single button which allows you to switch through the various light modes, however you're not able to toggle back and forth between the spot and flood modes. Press and hold the button for the red light function.
It has up to two hours run time on continuous high beam setting, but you'll get at least 30 hours if you use it at the lower settings and when it runs out, just use the USB cord to charge it back up. It's pretty comfortable to wear for extended periods, and weatherproof enough to wear in the rain. The profile isn't the slimmest so it's not ideal for running, however you could wear it at a faster pace and the headband has reflective details.
All in, it's a practical and functional headlamp that's robust but lightweight and comes at a very reasonable price.
Lifesystems Intensity 300 LED Head Torch: in the field
Like many hikers, I like to have lots of headlamps kicking around. There's one that never leaves my backpack, one in my car, one packed with my camping gear and then a few others stashed around the joint for emergencies. For the past couple of months, I've been taking the Intensity 300 with me on my hikes. Since it's been winter in Scotland, night has been falling extremely early so there haven't been too many adventures where I haven't needed it towards the end.
Here’s how it performed:
Weight and comfort
This headlamp is definitely on the lightweight end which surprised me because it doesn't have the slimmest profile which fooled me into thinking it would be heavier. I wouldn't describe it as "barely there" exactly, but it's not cumbersome and doesn't slip down.
It's actually pretty comfortable to wear over extended periods as it's the headband and not the plastic backing of the torch that sits against my skin and I could wear this for a couple of hours no problem.
Battery life and ease of use
The Intensity 300 is advertised as having two hours of run time, which frankly didn't sound like much, but this is with continuous use at high beam, which as I've mentioned I never use. I left it on all day and night at low beam as an experiment and got at least 30 hours out of it. Since I tend to use head torches for short bouts, this has more than enough battery life for me, though of course there's no option to use backup AAA batteries so it's a good idea to stay on top of your charging.
I also really like how easy it is to use. There's just one button and you press it until you get the beam you like. I don't want to have to think any more than that when it comes to night vision. Lock mode could come in handy when it's rattling around in my backpack, but so far I haven't pulled it out to discover it's accidentally switched on.
Brightness and beam
At 300 lumens, this headlamp is bright enough for my needs and in fact, I don't ever use the high beam on it. The beam travels up to 65 meters which isn't as far as some, but honestly for walking along a dark path, taking a midnight bathroom break at camp or rummaging around in my tent, it's absolutely ideal. I like having the different functions to choose from without feeling overwhelmed by all the options.
Durability and value
For such a lightweight headlamp, this one is obviously robust in design and has already survived a few drops by me, plus it can withstand the rain which is crucial in Scotland. All of this makes the very modest sticker price a really big selling point, and if like me you have kids, you'll understand the importance of having a headlamp that can get lost without too much financial sacrifice.
Lifesystems Intensity 300 LED Head Torch: the bottom line
This is a practical and functional approach to night vision that's easy to use, friendly on the wallet and provides enough output and functions for evening hikes and camping trips with the family. If you're looking for something in a similar budget range but want the rear light for running, check out the Evadict Ontrail 250.
