Nitecore/Headlamp

Nitecore NU25

Name: Nitecore NU25
Brand: Nitecore
Price: 36 USD
Availability: InStock

The ultralight hiking headlamp beloved by thru-hikers. The NU25 weighs just 1 oz with high CRI and red/aux modes. The PCT/AT community swears by it.

Beam profile

Balanced, about 23° wide. A usable hotspot with enough spill to see around it.

Estimated from 400 lm ÷ 3,200 cd — how this works

$36

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Specifications

Output: 400lm
Peak intensity: 3200cd
Beam distance: 113m
Emitter: CREE XP-G3 S3
Colour rendering: 90 CRI
Beam type: Flood
Cell: Built-in
Runtime: 4 hrs (high)
Modes: 4 Stepped
Interface: Simple
Water/dust: IP67
Dimensions: 3.5 x 1.5 in
Weight: 1.0 oz
Warranty: Lifetime

Manufacturer figures, measured to ANSI FL1 where the brand states it.

Features

High CRI (90+)USB-C Charging Waterproof (IP67+)

What owners report

Nitecore NU25/5 sources reviewed

The default ultralight backpacking headlamp, and the consensus among thru-hikers is that it's best in class. At 45 grams it packs 400 lumens, dual spot-and-flood optics, IP66 weatherproofing and USB-C charging that refills the 650mAh cell in about an hour. Reviewers note the blend of spot and flood works well across climbing, trail running, hiking and camping, and that no mode — including the highest — felt harsh.

The most striking finding is that its perceived brightness matches headlamps with much higher lumen ratings and comfortably beats other ultralight models. Two criticisms: the minimal strap can feel tight around the temples over a long session, and the update to newer versions removed the 0.9-lumen super-low red mode that some owners specifically valued.

Consistently praised

45 grams — one of the lightest headlamps available anywhere
Dual spot and flood optics that blend well for varied activities
Feels as bright as headlamps rated much higher
USB-C charging, full in about an hour
IP66 weatherproofing and a broad consensus as best in class among thru-hikers

Common complaints

The minimal strap can feel tight around the temples over long sessions
Newer versions dropped the 0.9-lumen super-low red mode
Sealed 650mAh cell — no swapping in a fresh one on a long trip
Runtime is limited by that small cell at high output
IP66 handles rain but isn't submersion-rated

Questions people ask

Is 400 lumens enough for night hiking?: Reviewers consistently say it punches above its rating and beats heavier ultralight rivals. For trail walking and camp use it's ample; for genuine off-trail navigation at speed you'd want more.
What happened to the low red mode?: The 0.9-lumen super-low red was removed in the update to newer versions. If preserving night vision at the lowest possible level matters to you, look for which revision a listing is selling.
Can the battery be replaced?: No — it's built in. On a long thru-hike that means carrying a power bank rather than spare cells, which is usually what ultralight hikers do anyway.
Is it comfortable?: Mostly, though the minimalist strap can press at the temples over several hours. That's the trade for 45 grams; heavier headlamps distribute better.

Sources (5)