We looked for a headlamp that was ideal for children and parents alike but could not really find any.  Some were great for parents, but not so great for children and visa versa.  When you are car camping you can bring along a whole bunch of gear and you can carry headlamps for everyone. However, it would be nice to try to backpack light and only bring one headlamp. Unfortunately, we were unable to find that one lamp to fit everyone’s needs. Following are the headlamps that we tried:

Coghlan’s LED clip-on headlight:  A basic headlamp that is very easy to turn on and off for small fingers. The light size is perfect for kids but adults can’t read a book with it since the light beam is so narrow.  We really liked the adjustable headband because it was hard for our daughter to play with and to change sizes. Unfortunately, it is hard to adjust and can’t be changed from user to user quickly. (Uses two 3v lithium batteries (25 hours) which are included. You would need to bring an extra set with you. Offers a red light and flashing option)

Black Diamond Gizmo:  We went through three of these headlamps and the wiring always failed. We changed batteries, taped it together, pressed it together with our fingers while reading but it always flickered out.  It is easy to turn on and off and the headband is easily adjustable for different users.  Offers a flashing option. (We returned three of these after they malfunctioned to Black Diamond. To their credit they sent new ones each time, but then each of the new ones failed as well. We’ve stopped sending them back.)

Petzl  Tikkina:  2 LED headlamp with single lighting level, 78G including batteries ( 140 hours). Overall good beam and comfortable headband that is easy to adjust but really fun for small children to play with.  Easy to turn on and off for small hands. Good basic headlamp, but unfortunately the light flickers.

Petzl  ZIPKA PLUS:   Has a retractable headband which makes the light compact and easy to store but impossible to place on a child’s head.  Children pull it off and get it knotted in their hair.  Also, if the band gets used by different people it kind of loses its shape and it does not stay in place for the person with the smallest head (me).   65g including batteries.  Has 4 LED lights with different modes for different activities.  Offers the best light quality and is very durable. Is the most  compact and ultra-lightweight. Can be worn on wrist or strapped to a backpack or bike.