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BioLite Range 500 Headlamp: Illuminate the Night: OHUB Review
I’ve had the BioLite Range 500 headlamp strapped onto my head for the last several months during duck and deer seasons and while SUV camping. In this BioLite Range 500 headlamp review, I share how it’s survived rainstorms, foggy mornings, and general hunting and camp use.
Specs & Features
- Max lumens: 500 Lm
- Beam distance: 100 M
- Battery: 1634 mAh Li-Ion
- Runtime: 200h Low/ 6h High
- Weight: 2.6oz
- IP rating: IP67 (Submersible up to 1M for 30 minutes)
- Number of modes: 5 modes (White spot, white strobe, red flood, red strobe, and white flood)
- USB-C fast charging
The BioLite Range 500 maxes out at 500 lumens and has a maximum beam distance of 100 meters. It’s IP67-rated, which means you can submerge it up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery has a claimed 6-hour runtime on high and 200-hour runtime on low. You can switch between 5 modes: white spot, white strobe, red flood, red strobe, and white flood.
Beam Pattern & Brightness
The dimmable flood beam is excellent for working or walking in close quarters, such as in a tent or a wooded area, because it illuminates most of your field of view. The dimmable spot beam is suitable for scanning a trail, such as while following a blood trail. The red flood is also good for the close-up tasks. The bright white and red strobe will ensure you’re quickly and easily spotted if you need to get someone’s attention.
Rating:
9 / 10
Comfort & Fit
This lightweight, balanced headlamp is one of the most comfortable I’ve ever worn (and I’ve worn a lot while hunting and camping over the years). I’ve nearly forgotten I’m wearing it on several occasions because it doesn’t push my hat and glasses into the bridge of my nose, like heavier headlamps do. The adjustable strap also ensures it doesn’t move around during heavy physical activity without creating pressure points or pinching.
Rating:
9 / 10
Controls & Ease of Use
With two easy-to-feel buttons, it’s easy to turn on/off and switch between modes, even in complete darkness, and while wearing gloves. The power button doubles as a dimmer when held down, and it’s very user-friendly. To activate the strobe modes, double-click the mode-switching button. Tilting the light to the most helpful position is also very simple and can be done with one hand. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more user-friendly headlamp.
Rating:
9 / 10
Battery Life & Charging
Switching between modes, I generally get 6-10 hours of battery life per charge. It quickly recharges to 80% capacity via USB-C in 30 minutes, but takes a little longer to fully recharge (it’s still lightning-fast compared to my old rechargeable headlamps). I’m okay with it only using a built-in battery because it lasts long enough for all of my single-night trips. However, if I were going on a multiple-night trip, I would bring spare battery packs to recharge it.
Rating:
8 / 10
Durability & Weather Resistance
I’ve had zero durability issues after dropping it or cramming it into my backpack with other heavy gear on top. I love that it’s waterproof, which I’ll continue to put to the test as duck season wears on, but I haven’t had any problems with it after dipping it in the water and wearing it on foggy/drizzling mornings. The IP67 rating is legit. I’m still waiting to use it in freezing temps to see how it holds up, but everything I’ve experienced so far gives me high hopes for this headlamp.
Rating:
9 / 10
Versatility & Use Cases
The BioLite Range 500 is one of the most versatile headlamps I’ve ever used. It’s bright enough for tracking game trails, letting others know you’re running on the road, or illuminating the distance while on a late-night hike. It’s dimmable for close-up tent tasks, and rugged enough for vehicle repairs on the side of the road on a stormy night. No matter what low-light situation you’re using it in, I’m confident it will help you get the job done.
Rating:
9 / 10
Value & Competition
At $70, it’s more expensive than entry-level headlamps, but the durability, versatility, light quality, and waterproofing make it well worth it. I’ve tested similarly priced headlamps that didn’t offer the same features or perform as well. I would purchase this headlamp in a heartbeat, knowing how well it works compared to others I’ve used.
Rating:
9/ 10
Overall Rating: BioLite Range 500 Headlamp Review
The BioLite Range 500 is one of the best headlamps I’ve ever worn while waterfowl and deer hunting, camping, and nightly chores around the farm. I love how comfortable and durable it is, especially the waterproofing. It’s very versatile, but you’ll need to bring a way to charge it on extended camping trips.
Rating:
8.9 / 10
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