My Honest Nitecore NU25 Ultralight Headlamp Review
I used to carry a bulkier (71g) headlamp on my trips, and honestly, my only real regret with this upgrade is that I didn’t switch sooner. When you are trying to keep your pack light, every single gram matters, but this Nitecore headlamp also offers more features than my heavier one.
I hesitated for a while between the traditional headband version and this 3g lighter elastic cord setup because I was worried the thin cords would hurt my head. They actually don’t at all. The cords press smoothly against your forehead and are incredibly comfortable. I use this strictly for hiking, and it doesn’t bounce around at all. It is so lightweight at 1.65 oz (48g) that I genuinely forget it’s on my head.
How the Multi-Temperature Beam and Red Light Perform on the Trail
Having three different color temperatures across four brightness levels is actually super useful for dealing with different weather conditions out there:
- 3000K Warm Light: This is much easier on the eyes and cuts straight through heavy mist, fog, or rain instead of reflecting right back at you.
- 4500K Neutral White: Mimics natural daylight—this is my go-to for reading maps or organizing gear inside my tent.
- 6500K Cool White: Gives you maximum contrast and a 144-yard throw when you need to spot a distant trail marker in total darkness.
But my absolute favorite feature is the red light. I love stargazing, and standard white headlamps completely ruin your night vision. The red light has three modes (Low, High, and Slow Flashing), which lets me adjust my camera gear, read, or sort through my pack without wiping out my ability to see the stars clearly.
Battery Life and Durability Over a 5-Day Backpacking Trip
Battery anxiety is real with rechargeable trail gear, but this thing holds up great. I take it on 5-day backpacking trips, and I’ve never even needed to charge it while away. I don’t need it on for hours on end, so for standard nightly camp tasks and evening chores, it has plenty of juice to last the whole trip, and I’m pretty sure it’ll make my gear list for my PCT attempt.
When you do need to top it off, it has a universal USB-C port. You can just plug it into a standard backpacking power bank inside your tent, and it goes from dead to full in a little over an hour. It also has a built-in power indicator so you can check the battery status before leaving camp, and a lockout mode so it doesn’t accidentally turn on inside your pack.
The body has an IP66 waterproof rating so it easily survives heavy downpours, and it can handle a 1-meter drop onto rough ground. As a really cool bonus, it comes with a diffusing stuff sack. You can turn the headlamp on, pop it inside the sack, hang it from your tent ceiling, and it instantly turns into an ambient camp lantern.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Genuinely Ultralight: Drops your base weight down to just 1.65 oz (48g) with the cords.
- Perfect for Stargazers: The auxiliary red light preserves your night-adjusted vision perfectly.
- Fast USB-C Charging: Plugs into your power bank and recharges fully in just over an hour.
- Bonus Lantern: The included diffusing stuff sack is a great, practical piece of multi-use gear.
- Weatherproof: Rugged enough to handle pouring rain and accidental trail drops.
Cons
- Haven’t found one yet: I’ve put it through its paces and it has worked flawlessly for my style of hiking.
Key Technical Specifications
- Maximum Brightness: 400 Lumens
- Peak Beam Distance: 144 Yards
- Color Temperatures: 3000K (Warm), 4500K (Neutral), 6500K (Cool)
- Total Weight: 1.65 oz (48g), including the bracket and elastic cords
- Waterproof Rating: IP66
- Impact Resistance: 1 Meter
- Battery Type: Built-in 700mAh USB-C Rechargeable
- Maximum Runtime: 45 Hours (on the 6-lumen Ultralow setting)
Who is the Nitecore NU25 Ultralight Headlamp For?
- Backpackers and Hikers who want a minimal, lightweight setup but still want a bright, reliable beam.
- Stargazers and Night Photographers who need a dedicated red light to keep their eyes adjusted to the dark sky.
- Minimalists who want simple USB-C charging instead of messing around with spare disposable batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the elastic cord version hurt or pinch your forehead?
No, not at all. I was worried they might dig in, but they press smoothly against your skin, feel completely comfortable, and don’t cause any pressure points on long treks. Since I use it strictly for hiking rather than running, it stays perfectly secure with zero bounce.
How long does the battery last on a typical backpacking trip?
It’s highly efficient. For normal nightly camp tasks, cooking, and tent chores, it easily lasts through a 5-day backcountry trip without needing a single recharge.
Can you turn it into a tent lantern?
Yes. It comes with a small diffusing stuff sack. If you turn the headlamp on and pop it inside the sack, it diffuses the beam into a soft, ambient light that you can hang directly from your tent ceiling.
