Hiking headtorch of the year 2024: Petzl Swift RL

This isn’t the first time we’ve heaped praise upon the Petzl Swift RL. Back in 2022, it was awarded ‘Best in Test’ in our big headtorch review and picked up the ‘Gear of the Year’ accolade in the headtorch category. But there’s a new Swift RL on the scene. And very good though the previous model was, this one is better still.
Like its predecessor, the all-new version features reactive lighting (hence ‘RL’) that automatically adjusts brightness according to the proximity of the subject being illuminated. It still weighs just 100g, is still IPX4-rated for weather resistance, is still hugely comfortable on the head, and is still powered by a USB-rechargeable 2350mAh Lithium-ion battery (spares sold separately).
However, this 2024 version now has a maximum output of a whopping 1100 lumens - up from 900. It also has a far more effective lock that prevents accidental activation in a rucksack, meaning all that power is saved for shining where it’s needed. And, like its predecessor 2 years ago, it’s a deserving winner of its Gear of the Year award.