Kit & Gear

The Best Silva Running Head Torches 2024

From lumens to fit, find out everything you need to know about the best Silva Running Head Torches for 2024 with this handy guide.

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Why do you need a head torch for running?

Dark nights bring inevitable safety risks, especially when running next to busy roads. Head torches allow you to be seen by motorists, cyclists and other pedestrians, but most importantly, they will help to light your way, showing you where best to run in order to avoid potholes and kerb edges.

In winter, head torches are essential for off-road running, allowing you to complete your favourite routes in the dark by providing necessary light and giving you confidence on unpredictable and challenging terrain. In the unlikely event of an emergency a head torch will also help you be seen at night and therefore serves as an important piece of safety equipment. It’s always advisable to carry a small lightweight head torch, especially if you’re planning on running alone.

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What are lumens and how many do you need for a head torch?

Lumens are a unit of measurement and used to rate the brightness of a head torch – the higher the number, the brighter the light.

For road running, a minimum amount of 50 lumens is required in low-light conditions and for the trail, it should be at least 100 lumens.

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What to look for when buying a head torch

Aside from lumens, head torches need to be practical in shape, weight and size. As you’re wearing the device on your head whilst moving at pace, it must fit comfortably and stay in a fixed position. Buy a head torch that suits your needs and demands - for example, if you are only using it to be seen on short road runs, then you won’t need to go out and buy the brightest, most expensive device on the market. We would also recommend buying a head torch from a reputable and trustworthy brand – be careful of purchasing cheap items that make bold promises. If something on the internet seems too good to be true, then it usually is! In which case, do your research and read the reviews.

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Our SportsShoes athlete Ben Mounsey, has been busy testing our range of headtorches. Here he gives his lowdown on the best models and his top recommendations to help you find the most suitable running headtorch for you;

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1. Silva Free 1200 XS/M

Best for Sky runners, technical mountain terrain, high-lumen lovers

If you're looking for some serious light output then this headtorch certainly packs a punch.

This lightweight model delivers up to 1200 lumens on full power mode and makes it possible to run at speed in the darkest of conditions. It has an intelligent light system which can readjust to focus on objects both near and far, helping to widen your vision and perspective when travelling at pace.

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Features:

● 3 light modes, ranging from 80-1200 lumens.

Max 1200 lumens | Med 500 lumens | Min 80 lumens

● Red safety light at the back

● USB-C charging battery

● Big on/off button, optimised for cold weather wearing gloves. 

● Simplicity of use - just 3 light modes to cycle through 

● Battery warning indicator - flashes at 10% left. 

● IPX5 Water resistant rating

● Interchangeable torch heads and batteries which you can buy separately. Instead of having 5 torches for different jobs, this series gives you freedom to adapt your torch for whatever race is coming - increase burn time for an ultra, increase lumens for sky race, decrease weight/lower lumen for a short fast fell race etc.

● For fast, light & bright option, go with XS battery package. 230g and a good distribution of weight with your battery on the back and torch on the front.

● For a longer burn time & those who prefer to carry their battery in their pack or belt, go with Medium battery package. You get an extension cable included, meaning you take the battery off the strap & keep your torch a light 114g on the head.

2. Silva Trail Runner Free 2 Ultra

Best for Ultra-Distance Trail Running

If you're looking for a powerful headtorch to go the distance, then this is the pick for you. It has the best high-powered burn time with 550 lumens for up to 7-hours.

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Features

● Extension cable included so you can drop the battery case off your headband and into a pocket or pack. This takes weight on head to just 61g.

● Red safety backlight case included so you have the option to use for road runs or to meet race-kit requirements that ask for rear red light.

● Ultimate 'Ultra' battery options! Use, AAA's, 1.25Ah recharge battery (buy separate add-on) or included Ultra 4.0Ah battery. Meets UTMB race torch requirements

● USB-C Quicker Charging than Micro USB

● Great range of movement in the torch head to adjust light spread for technical downhills

● IPX5 Water resistant rating

● Hybrid/AAA battery case is included so you have an option to use a red backlight for road runs/kit requirements for races of 'red safety light'

3. Silva Trail Runner Free 2 Hybrid

Best 'Go-To' model for everyday training

The Trail Runner Free 2 Hybrid is your daily workhorse of a headtorch, with 500 lumens of power for up to 2 hours, helping you to get your training done on the trail or the road.

The Hybrid battery case can carry either the included Silva rechargeable Hybrid battery pack or 3 x AAA batteries (not included). This means that you can use AAA batteries as a backup if you run out of power in the rechargeable one.

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Features

● 500 Lumens for 2 hours

● Red back safety light

● Better balance of weight with battery on the back and torch on the front – just 113g in this set up

● Anti-slip headband with the silicon inside.

● USB-C quicker charging than micro-USB

● 3 battery options! AAA's, 1.25Ah recharge battery (included with this model) & Ultra 4.0Ah battery (buy separate). Meets UTMB race torch requirements.

● Great range of movement in the torch head to adjust light spread for technical downhills

● Free technology – cables integrated in to the headband, so no messy wires.

● Extension Cable included so you can drop that weight on head to just 61g.

● IPX5 Water resistant rating

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Back in stock soon!

4. Silva Smini

Best for lightweight versatility

Whether you're running on the trails or the road, the super lightweight SMini is ideal for both, providing the perfect balance of weight and brightness. Weighing from only 38.5 grams, with 250 lumens & a red rear safety light, this headlamp will keep you safe and motivated as the dark nights roll in. If you want lightweight versatility without breaking the bank, then let the Smini be your ally on all your winter runs.

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Features

● Incredibly lightweight and versatile - you'll forget you're even wearing it.

● Weighing in from just 38.5g & tiny pack size - fits in the palm of your hand!

● 250 Lumens with Spot & Flood - see your feet and far ahead 

● Lock function - won't switch on in your bag

● USB-C - the Quickest charging

● Rear Red Safety Light - Be visible from the front and the back. Can be taken off the torch and used on a pack, or a bike when cross training or commuting.

● Changeable headband strap - go from SMINI 15mm headband (53g) to SMINI Fly 3mm headband (38.5g)

● With up to 20 hours burn time

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Back in stock soon!

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All SILVA lighting is ANSI independently tested to ensure the torch does what it says it will on the box in terms of lumen output, light quality & burn. 

Silva Lighting is ‘True Lumen’ meaning Real Lumen Output, no boosts for 10 seconds or auto dims/brightness figures.  

Burn Times are provided as a guide and measured from when the light is switched on until the brightness reaches 10% of the starting value. It is vital to remember that battery powered electronics are impacted by external factors such as which light mode is used (max, med or min), Temperatures & Wind or wind speed (as this impacts torches ability to cool).

It is best practice to carry spare batteries when using any headtorch.

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Shop all Silva Headtorches now

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