A headlamp is part of most backpackers kit and for good reason — lighting up the dark can be essential for everything from going to the bathroom to night hiking, if that’s your jam. In addition to lightweight chargers/ battery packs, Nitecore is known for its ultralight, rechargeable headlamp, the NU25.
Recently redesigned to allow for USB-C charging, the Nitecore NU25 UL is a 400 lumen headlamp available with an ultralight headband design — a dual-cord system that distributes weight, glows in the dark and features silicon for enhanced grip. The NU25 UL weighs in at 1.59 ounces. Other than the USB-C charging, the updated NU25 UL also has added lumens and lasts a bit longer.
I’ve been using the redesigned Nitecore NU25 UL headlamp for the last few months, including on a winter bikepacking trip.
Why This Headlamp?
The main sell of the Nitecore NU25 UL headlamp is that it only weighs 1.59 ounces, according to the manufacturer — my scales showed a weight of 1.65 ounces. While this is slightly heavier than the older NU25 model, it's still pretty darn light.
Personally, I love lightweight gear, but I also need it to work. This light claims 400 lumens in spotlight mode, and also offers floodlight, redlight and strobe-light options. In my testing, I confirmed this headlamp can throw a light up to 70 yards, which considering its weight, is amazing!
Nitecore rates this light as IP66, which means it is dust tight and able to stand up to powerful jets. During my use, I took the headlamp down to 22°F and woke up to the headlamp covered in condensation. The headlamp worked perfectly through this abuse.
This picture was taken with the light of the headlamp.
Nitecore states a battery life of 2 hours and 40 minutes on high, 4 hours and 40 minutes on medium, and 10 hours and 25 minutes on low power. Using the ‘ultralow’ option of 6 lumens in spotlight mode, this headlamp can achieve a maximum runtime of 45 hours.
The headlamp carries a 650mAh internal rechargeable battery, and can fully recharge in about 1 hour thanks to its fast-charging USB-C capabilities. (Note that Nitecore states a recharge time of 1.5 hours in its specs.) Recharging indicators make it easy to know how much juice is left.
Ok, So How Does the NU25 UL Actually Do?
The light performed admirably during my testing. The headlamp is extremely lightweight, the buttons are intuitive, and the various light modes are useful, allowing you to tailor lumen output to the activity.
I found the straps on the ultralight version of the NU25 to be extremely comfortable, though I acknowledge that these straps might not be for everyone. I swam in high school and as such used goggle straps similar to the straps on this headlamp.
The headlamp has a battery indicator with four small blue lights on the top of the headlamp, which lets you know how much battery you have left. I particularly love this feature!
The stated battery life is accurate and I didn’t feel like I had to charge the headlamp more often than expected.
I also like that the lamp pivots, and that everything works well!
This picture was taken with the light of the headlamp.
The Cons
I’m not a fan of the charging cord plug in. It’s a rubber cap that can sometimes be stubborn to put back in place.
The headlamp is perfect for walking around and hiking, but if I were going to be trail running, I’d consider a different headlamp that can throw a wider, brighter beam with a longer battery life.
While it personally doesn't bother me, some ultralighters have noted that the new version of the NU25 is heavier than the old version. Nitecore lists the 2017 version of the NU25 at 0.99 ounces, while the UL version of the newest model specs at 1.59 ounces. Also, the 0.9 lumen super low red-light mode was removed as part of the update. On the flip side, the new NU25 gives you USB-C charging, some added lumens, and a slightly longer runtime.
Bottom Line
The Nitecore NU25 UL is incredibly lightweight and works extremely well! There’s a reason that the broad consensus among ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers is that this headlamp is best in class.
My name is Ryan Steger and I’ve worked in the bike industry for 8ish years, and I’ve rode pretty much every type of bike out there. I graduated with my degree in Kinesiology from UW Madison in 2020 and I’m looking forward to sharing my love of bikes and all things outdoors! I’m pursuing a nursing degree, which is my journey currently.
9 comments
Don
The 2017 NU25 is able to run continuously using powerbank or any usb power source. Does the new gen has the same feature?
Amy Hatch
Hi Scott,
Yes, the regular headband will likely be the best choice for you in that use case of biking over mixed terrain. If you have more detailed questions, also feel free to email help@garagegrowngear.com.
Cheers,
Amy
Scott M
for biking on mixed terrain would you recommend the NU25 over the UL version? that is, do you think the traditional strap is more stable and less prone to slipping? thanks
Ace
Another pro is that it is totally fluffy-dog-approved!
Greg Santos
Regarding the built-in battery, I agree not being able to replace it on the fly is a con. However both the Old and the new and you 25s have full function pass through capability. If the battery dies pull out your battery Bank play it into the headlight and it will operate full function using the battery bank for power. All you need to bring is a cord long enough for wherever you want to store the battery Bank to your headlamp. Not very many headlamps have this feature so this contracts the con of the built-in battery somewhat. I do have another headlamp that does have a replaceable rechargeable battery that I really love and if I’m going on a trip or I’ll anticipate needing along the runtime that’s the one I’ll take with an extra battery.
Jason McGrath
I have the old version and the new one. I’ll backpack with the new one but I’ll run with the old one. Unlike the original, you can definitely feel the new one on your head, and you have to strap it tighter because of the weight. Really, they are completely different headlamps with the size, weight, and button changes. I’d buy the old one with USB-C in a heartbeat!
Lee
Built-in battery means that when the battery wears out, which it will eventually, the whole thing becomes garbage. Plus you can’t swap batteries on the trail (or anywhere); you have to charge it and wait.
Lloyd
Hey Gary! It’s a typo. Supposed to just be 10 hours and 25 minutes. Updated!
Gary
Why is the run time for medium light longer than low light mode? “4 hours and 40 minutes on medium, 3 and 10 hours and 25 minutes on low power”. Is that just a typo? Wonder why they removed the low red light option. That’s too bad.