Recommended for Power Outage Kit
When the power goes out, hands-free light beats fumbling with a torch every time — you can still work, cook or carry a child. A head torch is one of the highest-value items in any kit.
We've picked a dependable value option, a bright rechargeable step-up, and a simple no-fuss torch, so you can match the light to how you'll use it.
A reliable LED headlamp provides hands-free illumination for navigating, setting up camp, and performing tasks in darkness. Essential kit for any UK survival scenario where torchlight alone won't cut it.
Look for at least 200 lumens on the high setting with multiple modes including a low/economy mode for extended battery life, a flood beam for close-up tasks, and a spot beam for distance. A red-light mode is essential for preserving night vision.
Given the UK's famously wet climate, an IPX4 rating (splash-proof) is the bare minimum. Aim for IPX6 or higher if you plan to use it in heavy rain, stream crossings, or coastal conditions. Check that the battery compartment seal is robust.
Choose between AAA-powered models (easy to find replacement batteries) or rechargeable lithium-ion units (lighter, longer runtime). For survival use, a model that accepts both is ideal. Look for a minimum of 8 hours runtime on medium setting.
A padded, adjustable headband that fits over a hat or helmet is essential. The lamp unit should tilt at least 60 degrees downward so you can direct light at your feet, your hands, or the path ahead without moving your head constantly.
A headlamp is useless with dead batteries. Always pack at least one full set of spares stored in a waterproof bag, and consider lithium batteries which perform far better than alkaline in cold UK winter conditions.
Running your headlamp on full power drains batteries rapidly. Use the lowest setting that allows you to work safely, and reserve the high beam for moments when you need maximum visibility, such as signalling or scanning for hazards.
Many headlamps can accidentally switch on inside your pack, draining the batteries before you need them. Always engage the lock-out function or remove one battery when storing your headlamp to prevent this.
A bright, hands-free head torch for power cuts, checking the fuse box or moving around outdoors after dark. Water-resistant and runs on easily stored AAA batteries.
A bright rechargeable head torch with a strong beam and the option to swap to AAA batteries in a pinch. A dependable step up for regular outdoor use.
A simple, rugged head torch that runs on AAA batteries with no fuss. A great low-cost way to get hands-free light into every kit.
A durable dual-beam head torch with separate spot and flood LEDs, a magnesium-alloy body and USB-C recharging on a swappable 18650 cell. It is brighter and better made than budget head torches, which matters when you need reliable hands-free light for a job outdoors or a walk home in the dark. The spare-battery option is a real advantage when mains power is down for a while.
A rechargeable head torch that frees up both hands for first aid, repairs or cooking in the dark. It runs off a swappable 18650 lithium cell charged over USB, with a focusable beam and a comfortable head strap. A solid mid-range option if you'd rather recharge than keep buying disposable batteries.
A light, USB-rechargeable head torch putting out up to 360 lumens with a sensible spread of brightness levels and a battery readout. It is a good hands-free light for a power cut, checking the fuse box or walking the dog on dark autumn evenings. The built-in cell means one less set of spares to worry about, though it needs charging rather than a quick battery swap.
A 450-lumen head torch from Petzl, one of the most trusted names in outdoor lighting. It runs on three AAA batteries so you can keep spares in a drawer for a power cut, and the red beam preserves night vision without blinding everyone around you. A dependable hands-free light for storm nights, dog walks and reading a meter in the dark.
An affordable rechargeable head torch with a motion sensor for hands-free switching, an IPX6 waterproof rating and five light modes. A practical hands-free backup for power cuts, dog walks and jobs where you need both hands. Not a premium beam, but plenty for close-in tasks around the home and garden.
A compact 400-lumen rechargeable head torch that also clips off as a cap light. Hands-free light for reading a meter, fixing something in the dark, or moving around the house safely when the power's out.
A rechargeable 1100-lumen head torch with reactive lighting that reads the scene and adjusts brightness automatically, so you get a long throw when you look up and a soft flood up close. It is a premium pick aimed at people who genuinely rely on a head torch — night walks, power cuts, working hands-free outdoors in the dark. Overkill for occasional use, but hard to beat when you need serious hands-free light.
A lightweight rechargeable head torch with a wide COB flood and three brightness modes, keeping your hands free for jobs in the dark — power cuts, car repairs, dog walks or camping. It's a simple, inexpensive spare rather than a premium trail light, so treat runtime and brightness claims with a pinch of salt. Handy to keep charged in a drawer or grab bag.
A bright, rechargeable head torch with a wide 230° beam and a motion sensor so you can switch it on with a wave when your hands are full. Multiple modes and a spotlight cover everything from close jobs to walking a dark path, and it charges over USB. A practical hands-free light for outages, repairs and outdoor tasks.
A 650-lumen rechargeable head torch with a motion sensor so you can toggle it with a wave when your hands are full. A dependable hands-free light for outages, dog walks, loft rummaging or working under the car. Motion sensors are handy but can false-trigger, so it is worth learning how to lock it out for steady tasks.
A hands-free head torch from a brand that has earned its reputation, putting 350 lumens where you're looking. You'd reach for it during a power cut, a dark walk to the log store, or any job that needs both hands free. The focusable beam narrows to a spotlight or widens to flood the area, and the IP67 rating means rain won't stop it.
A rechargeable head torch from a brand known for genuinely good beam quality and build. Hands-free light is the sensible default for power cuts, checking the loft or fuse box, or moving around outside after dark. Being rechargeable means one less thing depending on spare batteries during an emergency.
A USB-rechargeable head torch putting out 475 lumens with a 90-metre beam and a wave sensor switch, so you can turn it on with a gloved or messy hand. It is rated IP65 for rain and IK07 for knocks, which makes it a work-grade light that suits power cuts and dark-morning jobs as much as camping. Run time stretches to around 35 hours on lower settings.
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