Best Head Torch For Fishing

The RidgeMonkey VRH300X is built for long nights, with a 2000mAh battery that runs its 1 percent night location glow for up to 670 hours, so it's easy to find in the bivvy when an alarm sounds.

Output runs from 1 to 200 lumens across five colours (white, green, red, orange and violet), with frosted and direct beams. Green protects night vision while showing more detail than red, the IP66 shell has recessed buttons, and USB-C charging takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.

Carp anglers on long sessions will get the most from it, and next to the Fox Halo AL350C it gives away brightness (200 lumens against 500 on boost) but adds front red and green light, a formal IP rating and a battery score a full point higher.

To be fair, it's a touch heavier than basic models and sits in the mid to premium price bracket. For anglers who fish right through the night, though, I think it's the most complete torch here.

Fox have given the Halo AL350C an anodised aluminium front and a separate rear battery pack, which keeps the 190g torch balanced rather than front-heavy, and the side switches click positively even with gloves on.

A Cree XP-G2 LED delivers 500 lumens on boost, with 350 for walking or rig prep, 150 around the bivvy and 25 for close baiting. The beam spreads enough to avoid a tunnel effect, and the battery charges by micro USB, with a rear light that turns green when full.

It suits anglers who want a bright white beam and a tough build. Next to the RidgeMonkey VRH300X it's far brighter but lacks a front red or green mode, and against the Wolf Cube 200 Powerbeam it's much heavier yet throws more than twice the light.

To be fair, there's no formal IP rating, the only red light is a rear safety lamp, and the battery needs a few full cycles to reach its best. For anglers who mainly need strong white light, though, I think it's a dependable all-rounder.

At just 52g, the Wolf Cube 200 Powerbeam is the torch you'll barely notice on your head, yet the plastic housing feels solid and the adjustable strap holds firm without slipping.

A 200 lumen CREE LED sits behind a wide lens that spreads light evenly for baiting and netting, with high, medium and low settings. Zero Dazzle dims the beam automatically when it faces another head torch, a motion sensor lets you wave it on and off, and the built-in 700mAh battery charges by USB.

It's at home with roving anglers, short sessions and anyone wanting a backup in the rucksack. Next to the Fox Halo AL350C it's a fraction of the weight but well short on power, and against the Nash Powerbanx UV Lite it gives up UV and IPX8 sealing for a much lighter, cheaper torch.

To be fair, there's no red or green mode, and the 700mAh cell isn't made for long sessions. For mobile anglers who travel light, though, I think it's the best lightweight option here.

UV is the headline on the Nash Powerbanx UV Lite, with a blue LED that lights up UV reflective mono and braid and charges glow-in-the-dark tackle. It's also the brightest torch in this guide, at 754 lumens.

Four modes (white low, white high, blue high, and blue with white) run from a single button, with a beam reaching 11 to 140 metres. It's IPX8 rated for full submersion and impact resistant from one metre, and the USB-C battery gives 4 to 7.5 hours, taking 3 to 4 hours to recharge.

It's aimed squarely at carp anglers fishing reflective line or lumi tackle. Next to the Wolf Cube 200 Powerbeam it's heavier and dearer but far tougher in the wet, and against the Sonik Gizmo HTR-250 it trades red LEDs and sensor control for raw brightness and UV.

To be fair, it's one of the dearest torches here and runtimes are short on full power. For anglers already using UV reflective line, though, I think it's the obvious choice.

Sonik have packed a 250 lumen COB LED and twin red LEDs into the compact Gizmo HTR-250, which has a grippy rubberised ABS body and comes with its own hard case.

The COB LED throws a wide flood that covers multiple rods or a baited area, while the red LEDs handle close work without costing you your night vision or spooking fish. A sensor mode switches it with a wave of the hand, there's an instant-off button, and the 1800mAh battery charges by USB-C with a quad LED gauge.

It's a natural fit for short overnighters where you want red light and sensor control for very little money. Next to the Nash Powerbanx UV Lite it's much dimmer but a lot cheaper, and against the Trakker Nitelife 220 M it adds USB-C charging, though the Trakker is better sealed against rain.

To be fair, it isn't rated for heavy rain and it's dimmer than the premium torches. For anglers wanting a proper red mode on a tight budget, though, I think it's a cracking buy.

The Trakker Nitelife 220 M keeps things simple, with a 220 lumen output, three AAA batteries and a weight of just 68g before they go in, all in an IPX6 rated housing that shrugs off drizzle, splashes and mud.

Alongside multiple white settings there's a red LED mode for tying rigs and handling fish without losing your night vision, plus a motion sensor so you can wave it on and off with wet hands. Runtime is 5.5 to 8 hours depending on brightness, and the headband detaches for washing after muddy trips.

Anglers who'd rather carry spare AAAs than rely on a power bank will like it. Next to the Sonik Gizmo HTR-250 it's better sealed against rain but not rechargeable, and against the Sonik XP4 it trades some brightness for a red mode and waterproofing.

To be fair, lighting and battery both score just 7.5, and there's no boost or beam focus. For anglers who want a dependable, no-fuss torch for very little outlay, though, I think it's a sound pick.

The Sonik XP4 is one of the cheapest torches here, yet its 10W LED puts out 300 lumens from a body that mixes ABS and aluminium to take a knock.

Rather than a wide flood, the beam is long and concentrated, with high, low and flash modes, and the head tilts through 90 degrees so you can aim it without craning your neck. The included lithium battery charges by USB in a couple of hours and gives around 4 to 5 hours of use, although there's no charge indicator.

That focused throw suits barbel anglers and anyone walking riverside paths at night, and it's a handy standby to leave in the car. Next to the Trakker Nitelife 220 M it's brighter and rechargeable but lacks a red mode, and the Trakker's IPX6 sealing makes it the safer bet in rain.

To be fair, it's bulky at 178g and runtime is its weakest score. For anglers who want a capable torch for the least money, though, I think it's the best budget buy here.