Black Diamond Icon Headlamp

Best headlamp I have ever owned. I use this lamp with the rechargeable battery kit and it lasts longer and shines brighter than any headlamp I have owned in the past. With freshly charged batteries and when put on the brightest setting this light is brighter than my car headlights which might not be saying too much but it is one bright light. It is also perfect for night rides and can be rigged onto a bike helmet with some imagination. Check it out i'm sure you won't be disappointed.

This head lamp is so bright you can see the future, and burn holes in brick walls.... Seriously though..I used and abused one of these for several months in South America and it's still ticking....even got it super soaked in a rainstorm and it managed to survive...a solid design....and potentially a life saver!!! Woohoo!!

Great headlamp! I useing it for trail running at night, for trekking, climbing and night trails. In winter and summer. it work in hot and wet/cold climment. Good strong light! working for hours on hours...Buy it!

Best. In. Gear. is there anything else to say?

As the primary feature of light is to illuminate, so consciousness is said to illuminate its objects. Just as in light there is no categorical distinction between the illumination and that which illuminates, so in consciousness there is no real difference between the process of knowing or cognition and that which knows or cognizes. In consciousness, as in light, there is a quality of illumination.
- His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Just by the lamp

I've found this headlamp easy to operate and have put it to use on more than just backpacking. I've also used it when I work on computer hardware and working on my vehicle.

Speaking for headlamps in general, you can't beat the hands free lighting this provides when you are trying to set up your tent after the sun has gone down.

This thing is bright. Use it camping. on trails, or anything in the dark. Great light, and very comfortable considering the size of the battery pack.

I dont usually write reviews, but feel the need with this one. This is the best quality headlamp I've ever used. Really top notch for the price. I've been using it for the past 4 months in the Amazon jungle and it has far exceeded my expectations. The 2 different lights were very useful as well as the different brightness settings for each. Also, I liked the lights on the side of the battery pack that let you know how much battery life is left. I didn't use the battery kit, just regular rechargeable batteries and the lifespan was pretty good.

This thing lights up a trail. With the high beam, you can see forever and with very effective/broad lighting.

Nice Headlamp Extremely bright!!!

the princeton tec apex pro vs the bd icon
lighter. 6.1oz vs 6.6oz
more lumens. 130 vs 100
better warranty. LIFETIME vs 1 year
better made. USA vs China

i love black diamond everything, but the princeton tec takes the cake with the apex pro.

princeton tec won 2007 outside gear of the year
and bd icon won rock and ice best in gear.

This is a great headlamp, fits securely to your head(even over a helmet if need be), has a long battery life, and isn't as heavy as others that boast the same power. This would be a perfect headlamp if there was some sort of shield over the power button. on multiple occasions i've opened my pack to find that my light is on. other than that a great light

For about a month it works great,then it just stops working.Then I replaced the first one and it stoped working a little over a month later!The battery holder on the back where the straps attach break also.If they made it more durable it would be a good product otherwise!

This is the best light I have tried so far. It is hard to turn on in your pack or pocket due to the membrane recess button. It has a combination of seven setting, 3 bright and 3 LED, 1 blinking led. The straps are adjustable over the top and around the head. The pig tail power cord works well and the light mount has an up and down adjustment. I wear glasses and there is no behind the glasses glare. It is an older model and deals can be had right now, don't delay. I am a light collector of sorts and this is my best hiking and utility light for head mount application.

I compulsively bought this headlamp for the night scenario portion of a Wilderness First Responder course. It was a good excuse to buy a nice headlamp I hadn't realized I needed. My headlamp easily out-shined everyone else's. This sucker allows you to look halfway down the mountain...or at least that's what it feels like.

I ended up using it a lot while teaching outdoor education in Colorado. I brought it along for a back-up light during night hikes, in case the moon failed us. When the moon did fail, the Icon was an explosion of light along the trail. No tripping was caused by not being able to see. My only issue with it is that the battery pack and the strap over the top made it rather awkward to wear around my neck while I wasn't using it. This could obviously be solved by wearing it on my head where it's designed to go, but why would I do that?

I've recently started using it for bike commuting. I was able to loosen the straps and shove it over my helmet, which works great. However, if I was to use that set up for something more intense, there would be issues. Someone has posted an ingenious way to 'cement' the Icon to a helmet. But no matter how you have it rigged to your helmet, it functions almost better than a car headlight. It ensures you won't be launched over the handlebars by an unseen pothole and drivers will definitely see you.

If you want a headlamp that has great battery life for the amount of light you get out of it and works for pretty much everything, this is it. If you want something small and light to jam in your pocket, pack or glovebox, this is probably not the light for you.

I have been using this light for over a year now and have no complaints. I used the same set of lithium batteries in it forever. Light output is great, two diffenet modes with different intesities in either mode makes it versatile. I mostly use this for camping and night hiking and plan to use it for caving also.

Although 6.6 oz seems like a lot of head weight, the performance outweighs any concerns there. The settings are easy to switch through and offer very diverse usage. I use the center "SuperBright" for biking (It does fit under a helmet with some loosening and tweaking) and the low-light setting on the 3-Watt LEDs to read or rummage through my pack at 11 p.m. for your poker deck. The flashing green-to-yellow-to-red battery meter is awesome so you don't leave home with drained batteries installed. And it uses AAs so you don't have to dig through the secretary looking for the reclusive AAAs (which most heaslamps use).

I've had another old model Black Diamond headlamp in the past and even though it was tiny, I liked it alot. So, when I needed a more powerful light for a variety of uses, I chose this one after a fair amount of searching. It's quite nice. It is a bit heavy but from what I've seen, all lights of this variety are heavy. It's exactly why they provide you with the "top-of-the-head" strap. If you have a need for a light that lasts a long time and has a lot of adjustments in light and positioning, get this one.

...only not as hot. Or as heavy. I bought this with the rechargeable battery pack option, and it's amazingly bright. I can see the spot it makes on the ground a good 20 feet away in broad daylight, and at night it's just mind-boggling. Via some magical witchcraft, Black Diamond has somehow made the focused spot on the bright setting stay focused at any distance. On the flip side, the LEDs provide a good spread of light up close for cooking, reading, whatever. It fits my head really snugly, doesn't flop around when I move, and the top strap comes off for helmets, hats, or if you don't want to mess up your faux-hawk. I can't think of anything wrong with this.

Oh, and on a side note, ala2474331 is *ahem* an idiot. If you have an item from Backcountry, their return policy is NOT "sorry, now throw it in a burning barrel of garbage". Send it back, get your money back. Easy. Guess you're out 60 bucks now.

...and lots of it! I've used several types of headlamps for hunting and trail running. I researched and came across this one. I looked at the reviews and read nothing, but good things. I used it on a few night runs and was amazed at the brightness. Even on its medium to lowest output, it outperformed the majority of my other headlamps. I could actually see the trail better with very little shadow effect.
The real test came when I used it at the 2012 'coon ultra. To say the least, it performed great.
Hey, if it's good enough for Karl Meltzer, why not anyone else?!

My wife and I started at the North Kaibob Trail at sunup and hiked down to the Phantom Ranch, had a beer or two and up we came on the Bright Angel Trail. It took us some 12.5 Hrs and this photo shows just a mile or so short of the top after sunset. This headlamp is not only quite bright, but feels very light.

I went in to REI and ask the dude near the headlamps, "What's the best one here for general use" and he said, "No question, the Icon." So I thanked him, went home and ordered one of these up from here and I have to agree. I've ordered five more since for around the house and for a friend who also agrees this is the best any of us has ever tried. Keep in mind it's a little heavier but the multiple levels of both flood and spot and the incredible power of this headlamp is just perfect for everything I do. I still have several Zipkas around, my choice for the tiny option - but they aren't comfortable to wear and don't have nearly as many light levels. I actually like the battery on the back configuration for the balance and comfort. The Zipkas now are mostly used to strap on to something and not something I wear any longer.

If you need long distance lighting, then this is your toy. This lamp is as bright as the sun and you can arc weld with it too (just kidding). The four lower wattage LED's on the side are about everything you'll need, thanks to the 3 different settings. But when you need to get on route after dark, switch to the 3 watt lamp and blaze on. I've seen other lights this bright, but they're twice the money. This light is truck.

This is the best headlamp I have ever owned. Fits well with super bright light!

Its really amazing when your climbing partner is about 50 ft up the cliff with his own head light and he asks, “Hey Ryan I can’t see where I’m suppose to go can you look up” and all of sudden the entire face is illuminated in bright white light completely dwarfing his own beam. Put some lithium Ion batteries in this puppy and be amazed. I’ve had mine for about three years now and its starting to get a little touchy when turning it on, a couple of slaps usually does it but once its own no problems. Only thing I’m not a fan of is how the batter back starts to dig into the back of my skull after a while but I’d say just nut up and deal with it. Great light end of story. Oh yeah fits on my half dome great too

I bought this headlamp for the 3Watt LED, but when I recieved the light, I quickly realized this is more than just a headlamp for projecting a long distance beam. The 4 "super bright" LEDs will light up your entire work area whether it be a campsite or working on your car in the garage. I purchased the headlamp to use when I go duck hunting. I needed a spot light that allowed me to keep my hands free. It has been great. Being an ultra light backpacker so I was a little conserned that the headlamp might be too heavy for backpacking. I really like the red, yellow, and green LED battery meter on the side. I have also purchased the rechargable kit. I have used this light for everything from hiking at night to oporating a boat to doing projects in the garage. I do not endorse many products, but this gets a big thumbs up.

I got this headlamp to use in some of Florida's dry caves. It can take the abuse, which speaks for the products quality, but does not shed water very well. I will be returning it for the petzl headlamp. It works like a charm for anything else though! This thing is bright!

This thing packs a punch for such a small light. I used it on a recent caving trip in Florida and it was like daytime in there! Great fit, snug around a helmet, and it was even completely submerged at one point and kept going! I'm impressed!

The light itself is great. Two of last three I've bought have had problems with battery compartment. One the screw that tightens it was defective and I had to send it back. The other I had to pry the battery compartment open cause it was stuck in the back where the tabs hold it together. Broke a little chip off but able to salvaged it.
The other problem I have is the head straps. They must be made for giants! Especially the top strap which even full tightened is barely snug enough.

Great Headlamp...bought this before a trip to Yosemite. It exceeded all my expectations.
Used it hiking in the dark and it light up the trail alot brighter than I had expected and far better than many other headlamps I have used. The multiple settings may seem a bit much, but they all have their uses.
This thing is bright and durable and lightweight and the batteries last longer than you would expect for the light being as bright as it is.

I would recommend this headlamp!

Very good headlamp for the price. I have used it a lot on my bike, hiking and climbing.
Lasts very long and is extremely bright.
Only downside is the weight, litle to heavy.

This light has been a trusty partner in everything from ski touring at night in the winter, Climbing, Running, Hiking, Biking, Traveling, Camping, kayaking and Partying when the power goes out. I bring it with me when ever I hit the road and have driven with it because the lights failed on my truck. (dont recommend but point is it worked!) At about 30 MPH i wasn't over running my headlights. The buttons take a bit to get used to and the half push is certainly finicky sometimes but other then that I would highly recommend. Just bought another for my dad and he has nothing but good reviews. Battery life is phenomenal but to maintain brightness must be changed after about 6 hours of burn time.

This light has been a trusty partner in everything from ski touring at night in the winter, Climbing, Running, Hiking, Biking, Traveling, Camping, kayaking and Partying when the power goes out. I bring it with me when ever I hit the road and have driven with it because the lights failed on my truck. (dont recommend but point is it worked!) At about 30 MPH i wasn't over running my headlights. The buttons take a bit to get used to and the half push is certainly finicky sometimes but other then that I would highly recommend. Just bought another for my dad and he has nothing but good reviews. Battery life is phenomenal but to maintain brightness must be changed after about 6 hours of burn time.

I have used this lamp primarily for night hiking and climbing. It is so bright it will burn your eyes out if you look directly at it. In the woods the 3 watt LED is great for spotting blazes down the trail while the flood lights are great when your on single track trying to pick your route or climbing searching for that next hold. The batteries last a ridiculously long time. It only loses one star because the brightness settings with the half depression of the switch is difficult to figure out but other than that it will do everything you need.

The light is really bright but yet when you dont need to light up half the trail you can turn it down. The best light i have used.

I bought this product with high expectations because I own a great deal of Black Diamond equipment (to include the Spot headlamp which is phenomenal). I used it once. I never dropped it, crushed it, abused--I did nothing to it except use it properly. After one use, the button malfunctioned: it didn't turn the light on or off. In addition, the strap easily comes unattached to the battery pack. That kind of reliability isn't compatible with the nighttime ice climbing I like to do.

My use with the Icon is limited, but so far I'm really digging it. Upon turning it on, I was immediately surprised by how broad the headlamp projects light. Rarely did I need to use the super bright setting, but it's comforting knowing that it's there. Some might consider three light settings as overkill, but honestly, it's been super functional and I can't imagine hiking without it. I really doubt Black Diamond can improve on such a valuable tool that should be a part of everyone's gear closet.

Excellent features and not as bulky as I thought. For most applications, this light is overkill. However, if you are looking for a head system and you want A LOT of light with versatility, look no further. I own other Black Diamond products and use them weekly for my business, they have lasted for years. Excellent use of materials and fairly compact design.

This headlamp totally rocks... I find myself doing all kinds of activites outside in the dark now, since I can see with this light! The spot and spread modes are great, and each mode has a different brightness setting as well as a flashing mode. battery life is also very good, even when used in very cold conditions. My favorite headlamp out there by a long shot.

I've owned a handful of smaller headlamps in the past; Princeton Tec, Petzl, etc.. I wanted a headlamp that would really put out some light. This is it! I didn't opt for the rechargeable setup, I've been using regular AA's and the battery life is phenomenal. This was my go-to light source as I spent a winter running a snowcat at a ski area. It provided more than enough light to perform my pre-operational checks on my cat and a little wrenching out on the hill when a break down occured. Managed to get an entire season out of one set of standard AA's. And if the batteries do start running low, the LED battery status light lets you know where you stand. Hands down one of he best headlamps on the market for the price.

I used this up on Mount Shasta at 3am and it was excellent. The 7 different modes are handy and it seems sturdy enough. I'm not sure why that one reviewer down at the bottom had such a hard time with the different modes but it's simple enough and you do not have to hold it down for 5 seconds. I should mention though that this is my first headlamp. So far, I love it.

This lamp puts out light, tons of it, for a long time. I use this lamp for everything from search and rescue to riding my bike to and from campus. It is a little heavy but the extra weight is due to extra functionality. The multiple dimness levels and dual light sources make this a winner.

I was skeptical but after reviewing many other lights and spending too many hours debating on my top 4 lights I figured the price and high ratings made this choice obvious. After owning this light and using it on a trip from Canada to Mexico along the Great Divide, I can safely say this light is durable (I beat the crap out of this thing), comfortable (usually forgot I had it on), bright as can be (brighter than anyone else's headlamp on the trail) and long lasting. Highly recommended. Don't let your friends tell you the LED high beam wont be bright enough - it's bright! Disclaimer - First Headlamp.

With a fresh set of batteries this light shines very bright and has a strong pencil beam!

Also, the flood light works great for close-in lighting.

Fantastic headlamp! I used this in the San Diego 100 mile endurance run and ran through the night with it. Hey, if it's good enough for the Speedgoat (Karl Meltzer) it's good enough for me....and it was. Performed flawlessly, didn't even feel it on my noggin and it lit up the trail like the sun at night. Beautiful. I switched between the spotlight of the 3 watt LED and the 4 super brights and also played around with the brightness. Ran into all kinds of trail and all kinds of conditions. It lit up the nocturnal toads that were on this run, which was quite amazing. I can't recommend this enough!

I bought the icon for hiking, night skiing, and camping, but now I use the Icon for everything from grilling to working on my vehicles. Definitely works great outdoors, as well as indoors. Brightest flashlight I own now. Definitely will be buying another one!

I have had quite a number of headlamps over the years . When you you have an early alpine start and sometimes a late , late finish you need a really good lamp that will show you the way on the trail . This Icon headlamp from B.D. is just the ticket ! It is not too heavy and shines like a car headlight ! It has multiple settings , you can check out your guide book the night before , cook breakfast in the dark and find your way out on the mountain in the dawns early light !
It comes in two cool colours , and with Black Diamond quality and a Backcountry warranty you can not go wrong !
Altogether a good piece of kit .

Simon Bentley ,
Joshua Tree , Ca .

This thing is awesome. Fits really well do to top of the head strap. You can wear it comfortably and right, without it being super tight on your head. It has very bright lighting and a strobe light mode. This is a must have.

When you aren't concerned about weight, this thing can really light-up the night. You get great burn time with the side LED bulbs and the center bulb is crazy bright. I've used it in pouring rain and it seals worked well. This headlamp is borderline overkill for most situations, but it's pretty awesome when you need it.

I have a drawer of headlamps (mostly little petzls and others) but it wasn't until I got a pair of the Icons that I actually developed a favorite. Now I rarely ever use anything but this light. I quickly get used to the feel when it's on my head (I thought it'd feel heavy, but it really doesn't) and the light is excellent. I highly recommend getting the rechargeable battery kit -- it really makes this an excellent headlamp. Plus, the lime green is sick in a really good way!

the Icon has ups and downs:
downs: heavy (weight not worth the resource for backpacking); top strap has poor attachment design and can become uncomfortable or unstable.
ups: very bright light; excellent for cycling at night; beam throw is about 40 yards at peak output; and uses AA batteries.

overall, i wouldn't recommend this lamp, but it functions well.

I bought one of these for myself and was pleasantly surprised. It works amazingly well. You can see, what seems like, half way across the salt flats.In fact, I liked it so much that I bought one for my wife and another for my Mom. The two most important women in my life are happy. I am about to purchase a fourth for a gift. Amazing light. I see in the reviews that others have had problems. I have not experienced any of these. Should mine ever have an issue I know BD would take care of it.

As everyone else has said, this light is super bright. When hiking on some pretty technical trails I only use the lowest setting on the LEDs. I use the higher setting and/or center bulb (beam) to check something out or spot the dogs when they go exploring off trail. For around camp or in the tent I would actually use a much smaller headlamp that is less bright. This one is awesome for any kind of night adventure; whether its just seeing where you are going or a true safety need. I was skeptical at first of having "set" settings instead of a focusing beam like I've use on other headlamps. I've found that the 6 different settings are more than enough adjustment. One reason I chose this headlamp over other similar ones was the weight - lighter than most in its class. This is the first time I've used a headlamp with a separate battery pack and I don't even notice it on my head - even during strenous hiking. Can't wait to use it XC skiing this winter - should be more than bright enough and secure and light.

This light is awesome! It works wonders when used in pitch black camp grounds and all my camping mates are jealous of it's brightness. It has also taken quite a beating from the Pacific NW in the rain and cold to the deadly humid FL summer. I haven't had to change the batteries yet.

Forget reading, cooking, splitting wood--this headlamp is made for skiing, snowboarding, biking, perhaps even hang-gliding or automobile-driving in the dark. Within a month of my having purchased this light, my entire ski-touring posse had purchased Icons out of jealousy. Friggin' awesome headlamp for power--bring a Zipka or a Tikka for time around camp.

On my first use in Acadia, normal bumping of the light caused it to shut down. Tapping it again and cycling the switch got it working again. I'm just glad I wasn't in a place where I couldn't use my hands when I really needed the light. I'm in the process of contacting Backcountry and Black Diamond. We'll see what happens.

Plenty of light. It's a little bulky but comfortable to wear.

I've used this light on a few caving trips and it worked great. The four LED's are great for small crawlways and chimneys and the 3-watt LED in the center works well for larger chambers and viewing things from a distance. Also the three different brightness levels are a real battery saver.

I just received this headlamp in the mail from Backcountry.com. First impression: the construction does not seem to be the best quality. I am skeptical of how it will hold up to wear and tear. As far as light goes, it is awesome. I need this head lamp for spotting creatures at night for research and I have been disappointed with some of the LED lamps out there. The center 3 watt does not disappoint. It is very powerful and the three power settings are great for times when I don't need as much power. The side LEDs are very bright as well and provide great peripheral lighting. I wish there was a setting to combine the two types of lighting but it is not that important.
I have not field tested it yet but I think it is just what I need. I will add more after I have put it to the test. I only gave it 4 stars because I think it could have been built a little more rugged.
*side note: the actual green color is much brighter than the green seen in the picture on the site.

Went underground in Colorado with this lamp and it was excellent, easy to function.

Puchased 2 of these they fell apart now my replacements do not work they turn on and suddenly shut off new batteries and still the same problem my other light is a princeton and it works great

I'm an ultrarunner who needs a good headlamp during the night portion of endurance runs. This is easily the best headlamp I've used for that purpose. The beam is strong and focused and perfect for lighting up the trail. The 3 batteries are a little weighty but the straps and adjustments make it comfortable enough.

I purchased with the rechargeable kit.
both excellent products.
6 days Kayaking in the Everglades, the
product performed flawlessly, and w/o
needing a recharge.

I first bought this light after researching a lot for the best bang for the buck light. It came down between this one and the petzl myo xp. I decided on this one mainly because it is brighter although the myo probably is made of more durable material. I think I made the right choice in getting this one as it doesn't seem too delicate. I even lost my first one and decided to buy the exact same one!

Got it and use it hiking in Norway. A bright light and batteries last a good while. Highly recommend this product.

Marty in Norway

THIS IS A GOOD LIGHT FOR GENERAL USE AND THE SPOT LIGHT OPTION IS GREAT FOR LOOKING FAR AHEAD. GOOD FOR SPOTTING ANIMALS IN THE DARK.

If are wondering if this headlamp might not be enough for night climbing, night hiking, and any other use you can think of, don't think that way. By far this is the best headlamp i personally have ever used. The battery life is astonishing, i have had mine for a little over a month and the battery life indicator is still showing full power. It eliminates having to have and hand held flashlight, and the face that in each mode you can have bright, medium, and low powers great for in the tent not to bright. extremely durable, and never turns on in my pack. Did i mention night climbing, every hand and foot hold is visible.
so over all the quality and performance of this product is better then expected.
Recommended for all.

This is my first headlamp. I purchased it for camping/canoing. Hands-free lighting on a camping trip is extremely convenient and this lamp serves that purpose great. The 4.5 watt LED's on the lowest setting make it easy to sneak into a tent without waking other occupants and the highest setting on the 3 watt spot is as bright or brighter than any flashlight I've ever owned. It is a bit heavy but the center (removable) top strap keeps it securely on your head if you opt to leave it attached. The battery power indicator is a nice plus but I've yet to have to replace the batteries- but then again, I'm using Sanyo oneloop rechargeable batteries. Because of its weight, I wouldn't purchase this lamp for a child, but highly recommend it for anyone willing to compromise a little extra weight for a lot of extra light.

I got this as a gift (my Petzl myo-belt broke) and I will say that it does provide more light that the petzl did. I use it for trail running mostly on a hilly fire road that is in rather poor shape, so I worry about a ankle roll. I have had no problem with seeing the trail, no rolled ankles. It does lose intensity pretty fast so I am glad I have the rechargable battery pack, I recharge after every other run. The "half click" to adjust the light is somewhat tricky, but I always leave it on full so not a problem for me. I only wish that it had the option of being able to keep the battery pack in your jacket to help keep it warm (a big plus of the petzl myo-belt). All in all, even though the power fades somewhat fast it is a solid unit.

This headlamp was quite beefy. I'm not sure if I blinded people when I was wearing it because I was on the other side of the light obviously, but this was definitely the brightest light I have ever used. Not the best for the ounce cutting adventures, or a casual outdoor party but it is 2nd to none for everything else.

I've been using this headlamp for over a month with the original batteries. The ability to easily change between the 3-watt and superbright LED with 3 brightness levels for each makes it very versatile. Fits comfortably with the center head strap.