Nitecore’s $40 Bright, Lightweight Headlamp Outperforms My Most Expensive Models

Editor’s Note: Maggie tested and recommends the Nitecore NU25 MCT 400; she’s owned her model since 2017, but today’s model looks slightly different—so you’ll notice a discrepancy in her tested pictures and the product images from the retailer. 

A few years ago, I tested a $75 headlamp during a November Ouachita Trail thru-hike where daylight was limited enough that I spent at least an hour each day hiking after dark. This was bad news, considering the rechargeable battery on this particular headlamp lasted a paltry 45 minutes at max brightness and 90 minutes at medium output, despite the brand’s grandiose promises.

After hitchhiking to a Walmart to buy an over-the-head light that looked like a miner’s lamp, I swore I’d never leave home without my go-to thru-hiking headlamp: Nitecore’s NU25 MCT 400. I’ve been using this budget headlamp since 2017 (pictured in my photos), and it still has the same battery retention as when I bought it, though the updated model we link to looks slightly different. Even though the vibe is more Tonka truck accessory than a sleek, high-tech backcountry tool, its 400-lumen output, multiple brightness settings, and 1.76-ounce weight far outshine (sorry) any other headlamp I’ve tested while undercutting similar comps by up to $30.

Nitecore NU25 MCT 400

Price: $40
Weight: 1.76 oz.
Battery: 2.5 hours (400 lumens) | 5 hours (200 lumens)
Settings: White light, red light, strobe

Who It’s For: Weight-conscious backpackers and backcountry travelers who want a no-fuss headlamp with plenty of brightness, lighting options, and excellent battery retention.

$40 at Amazon

$40 at Nitecore

Ultralight with Long-Lasting, Rechargeable Battery

These two characteristics—low weight and long-lasting battery—are what make this budget headlamp so popular with thru-hikers. I first saw it on my AT thru-hike, and while my Petzl headlamp looked fancier, the Nitecore lights were brighter, lighter, and longer-lasting between town days.

The NU25 MCT 400 lasts over 2.5 hours at full brightness (and five hours at half output), which is almost exactly the same as the popular $55 Black Diamond Spot. The Nitecore also weighs just 1.8 ounces compared to the Black Diamond’s 2.7 ounces, and it has better battery retention than any other model I’ve tested. This is key, as I am prone to leaving my backpacking electronics in my closet and forgetting about them until I’m packing to leave. I’ve pulled this headlamp out of my bag after not touching it for six months, and the battery is still full.

Bright Enough for Night Hiking with Numerous Settings

Conventional wisdom (and personal experience) says you need at least 350 lumens for night hiking on a moderately technical trail. The NU25 MCT 400 has a max output of 400 lumens and throws a 144-yard beam, which is more than enough for any situations I’ve encountered.

Oftentimes, one of the first things to go with a budget headlamp is the lighting options, but once again, this little powerhouse subverts expectations. A push of the “mode” button cycles through four brightness options (400 lumens all the way down to 6 lumens) as well as three red light options to avoid blinding your fellow campers. It also has two long-lasting SOS strobe settings, which can be critical for analog communication strategies during a rescue situation. For comparison, Petzl’s ARIA 1 RGB costs the same as the Nitecore but has a max output of 350 lumens, weighs 3.7 ounces (without the spare battery), and lacks the Nitecore’s range of lighting options.

TL;DR

Nitecore’s unfussy, ultralight, reasonably priced headlamps are the only ones I use for thru-hiking. The batteries last as long (or longer) than those of big-name brands, and Nitecore lights are often lighter and offer more features than budget models from those same brands. The NU25 MCT 400 is an excellent option, with multiple lighting settings, long-term durability, and an IP66 rating for dustproofing and high water-resistance. It stays on my head while hiking and running, and even though it’s nearing ten years of use, I’ve pulled it out of my closet after six months to a still-full battery.