BioLite Range 500 review

BioLite replaced its older HeadLamp line with the Range series, and the Range 500 is the brightest of the three. BioLite lists 500 lumens, a 100 m beam and a burn time of 200 h on low or 6 h on high from a 1634 mAh battery. Two specs set it apart. It is rated IP67, which BioLite describes as submersible to 1 m for 30 minutes, so rain and river crossings are not a concern. It also charges fast: 0 to 80% in 30 minutes, and 8 minutes adds an hour of light. At 75 g it is lighter than the Petzl ACTIK CORE, and the band uses moisture-wicking fabric for a low-profile fit. The Range 500 adds a white flood to the white spot and red modes of the cheaper Range 300. When the battery runs low, a reserve mode holds 5 lumens for an hour. It cannot take AAA batteries, so long trips need a power bank.

Who it is for

campers and paddlers who need a waterproof headlamp

Price

$69.95 at the BioLite US store.

$69.95 Shipping calculated at checkout.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• 500 lumens with a 100 m beam
• IP67 rating, submersible to 1 m for 30 minutes
• 0 to 80% charge in 30 minutes; 8 minutes of charging adds an hour of light
• 1634 mAh Li-ion battery for 200 h on low and 6 h on high
• 75 g (2.6 oz) with white spot, white flood and red flood modes

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: IP67 rating, submersible to 1 m for 30 minutes
• Strength: Fast charging suits short trips with little time to top up
• Strength: Moisture-wicking band and 3 year warranty
• Weakness: 500 lumens is less than the Petzl SWIFT RL or Fenix HM65R-T V2.0
• Weakness: No option to run on AAA batteries
• Weakness: Reserve mode gives only 5 lumens for 1 hour

Key facts

• Price: $69.95
• Max output: 500 lumens
• Weight: 75 g (2.6 oz)
• Battery: 1634 mAh Li-ion, USB-C
• Water rating: IP67

Where it ranks

BioLite Range 500 is No. 2 in our Best Headlamps verdict.