[Review] The Icon 700 Headlamp by Black Diamond

The Icon 700 Headlamp by Black Diamond is the Swiss Army Knife of headlamps. With a max output of 700 lumens, it’s powerful, feature-packed, and relatively small for what it is. The external battery pack is easy to move so the headlamp can be adapted for any adventure. While the Icon 700 comes with AA batteries, you can also opt to purchase rechargeable batteries which is what we highly recommend.

Most importantly, the max output of 700 lumens is about as bright of a light as you’ll need on your outdoor adventures. If you don’t need all 700 lumens, you can easily back down to low or medium settings. Here are the stats:

Max: 700 Lumens, distance of 140 Meters for 7 Hours

Medium: 350 Lumens, distance of 60 Meters for 80 Hours

Low: 6 Lumens, distance of 12 Meters for 190 Hours

The lower output settings will, as shown, reduce power consumption. It should also be noted that depending on the environment, battery times could also be impacted. If you’re heading into the backcountry on skis and it’s 13º outside, that will lessen the time you can get out of a charge.

The Icon 700 also features a few notable safety features. First of all, the built in SOS is key for emergency situations. I love that it’s programmed in so you don’t need to remember the actual code. In addition to the SOS, there’s also a strobe setting. The night vision color options are unlike any other options I’ve seen offered in a headlamp. You can choose from 3 different colors – red, blue, and green. To have all three means you’ll be covered no matter the situation.

I really dig the PowerTap feature which will, in an instant, take you from the highest power setting to the lowest. It’s easy and quick and it’s not your typical push button. The Icon 700 also has battery level lights on the side. I really like having these because it means that at the beginning of an adventure I can always ensure that my headlamp is fully charged.

If you’re looking for a feature-packed and extremely bright headlamp for UNDER $100, look no further than the Icon 700 by Black Diamond. While you’re packing a little bit extra in weight and size, you are making up for it with the incomparable 700 Lumens max output. Rated to IP67, the Icon 700 is waterproof and dust proof (able to operate up to 1 meter underwater for 30 minutes) and ready for any adventure no matter how rugged it may be. If you’re interested in purchasing the Icon 700 Headlamp, doing so using our provided link supports us as we get a small kickback from your purchase. We appreciate the support!

*We received the Icon 700 for free in exchange for a review, however, it’s important to know that all thoughts are our own.