BioLite came up frequently in the feedback after our big solar panel review — many readers asked why we didn’t include them. We hadn’t realized how popular the brand was until we made the mistake of leaving it out, so we reached out to them. Not only did they send us a panel for our next update, but they also included one of their latest products: the **HeadLamp 200**.
I’m a regular headlamp user — I own a high-end, all-metal Streamlight ProTac HL powered by CR123A batteries that I use daily around the property. So, I’ve had the chance to spend some time with this new light and here are my thoughts.
**Specs:**
- MSRP: $44.95
- Battery Life: 40 hours on low, 3 hours on high
- Weight: 1.75 oz
- Brightness: 5 lumens (low), 200 lumens (high)
- Battery Size: 700mAh
### Basic Features and Usability
[Image: HeadLamp 200 from different angles]
The first thing that stands out about the HeadLamp 200 is its incredible lightness — just 1.75 ounces. That’s impressive even by lightweight standards. When paired with its sculpted body, it becomes a very comfortable headlamp for long wear and doesn’t bounce when running or moving quickly.
This makes it perfect for a bug-out bag, where it can sit quietly and be forgotten until needed. However, I need more time testing it before I’d feel confident recommending it as a primary survival light. I’m still unsure about its durability and overall build quality, though it shows promise.
The beam is quite diffuse — it spreads out a lot, giving good coverage up close but not much further ahead. This works well for walking, jogging, or working, but if you need to light up something far away, this isn’t the right tool for the job.
One nice feature is the adjustable beam angle. It can pivot into three positions, plus the vertical position. This gives flexibility for different tasks. But from a prepping perspective, I worry that the pivoting mechanism might reduce long-term durability. When fully angled down, it feels like it could snap out easily. For a bug-out light, I’d probably keep it closed unless charging.
The strap is lightweight, adjustable, and comfortable during extended use. The only downside is that it tends to lose its shape when removed from the head. But once on, it stays snug due to tension and friction.
The fabric is supposed to wick moisture, but I haven’t had a chance to test that yet, given the cold weather.
### Modes and Operation
[Image: HeadLamp 200 controls and settings]
The HeadLamp 200 has a wide range of modes and functions, which is both a benefit and a drawback. There are four lighting modes: white spot, white strobe, red flood, and red strobe. Each mode has multiple brightness levels, plus a lock function and a battery indicator via color-coded flashes.
While this variety is great for versatility, it's all controlled via a single button, which can be confusing at first. Navigating through the modes requires timed presses, which can be frustrating. A separate brightness slider would make things much easier, as that’s a common UX pattern for similar lights.
There's also a helpful instructional video that explains how to use all the features:
[Embedded video: BioLite HeadLamp 200 How-To]
I appreciate the mode memory feature, which remembers your last setting. That helps avoid having to reset everything every time you turn it on.
That said, I think the number of modes is excessive for most users. I’d prefer just a white spot, dimmer, and lock — especially for emergency situations where simplicity is key. The red flood could be useful for night hunting, but that’s not exactly legal.
### Conclusions
Overall, the HeadLamp 200 is a solid choice for general outdoor use, especially for running or urban activities where a long beam isn’t necessary. Its low weight and comfort are major advantages for prepping, but I’d like to see more information on its long-term durability before fully endorsing it for a bug-out bag or home kit.
I also love that it charges via micro-USB, which is compatible with most solar chargers we've tested. That makes it easy to pair with solar setups for camping or long-term emergencies.
If we set aside durability concerns for now, the HeadLamp 200 is almost ideal for a bug-out light. Here are a few small changes I'd suggest:
1. **More waterproofing**: Currently IPX4, which handles sweat and light rain, but I’d like to see a version that can handle submersion.
2. **No pivot mechanism**: While convenient, it may compromise durability. A version without the pivot would feel more rugged.
3. **Simplified modes**: Just white spot and lock would be enough for most prep scenarios. Extra features could be a distraction in stressful situations.
With these tweaks, this light would be nearly unbeatable for prepping. Even without them, it’s definitely a strong contender for our next headlamp review.
Foshan Gruwill Hardware Products Co., Ltd. , https://www.zsgruwill.com