Nitecore NU20 Classic Headlamp Review | Tested and Rated

The Nitecore NU20 Classic (left, above) is an upgraded version of the original NU20 (right, above), a 360 lumen headlamp which I’ve carried on all of my hiking and backpacking trips ever since 2017. While the original NU20 is still fully functional, it lacks the new features of the NU Classic, like a red light mode and USB-C charging. My original NU20 was recommended by my backpacking friend Martin Rye from the UK. Martin’s recommendations are usually spot on when it comes to backpacking gear, cameras, and electronics.

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• Product: Nitecore NU20 Classic
• White light, Auxiliary white light, and Auxiliary red light
• Battery: 500 mAh
• USB-C Recharging Connector (functional while charging)
• Weight: 1.34 oz / 38g
• Max Brightness: 360 lumens
• White Runtimes: 360 lumens – 2h; 200 lumens – 5h; 38 lumens – 7h; 1 lumen – 97h
• Headband: Reflective cord
• Pros: Ultralight, intuitive control sequence, inexpensive, lock, power meter
• Cons: Cord-based headband is less comfortable than a cloth one

The original NU20 is a very simple USB rechargeable headlamp with a white LED, a power indicator, and a mechanical lock built into the plastic headband mount to prevent the headlamp from turning on and accidentally draining in your pack. But the best thing (in my opinion) about the original NU20 was its simple control sequence with a single control button that rotated between the low-medium-high beam settings so you could use it without having to memorize an elaborate multi-button or multi-gesture sequence to adjust the light’s intensity. Simple is good. I still use that original NU20 today.

The new Nitecore NU20 Classic is a much more sophisticated headlamp with two buttons, an electronic lock, and power-indicator, and USB-C recharging. However, the same simple control logic found on the original NU20 is retained, where a single button press, cycles you through the white or red-mode intensities. That is good. The control logic for the SOS and Beacon modes is  more nuanced and easy to forget, but I rarely, if ever, need those modes. While the lock mode – pressing both buttons for 3 sec. is reasonably memorable, and a common idiom across headlamps from multiple manufacturers.

The NU20 Classic is attached to a plastic mount that lets you change the light angle, either down for close up, or pointing more forward to throw a beam some distance ahead. That mount is then connected to a reflective cord that has an adjuster to tighten it around your head or over a hat. While that cord is not as comfortable as a cloth headband, the headlamp is so lightweight that you hardly notice that it’s there at all. The reflective elements in the cord are also a great safety feature if you’re outside at night and you want to be visible.

Recommendation

If you’re looking for a lightweight headlamp, the Nitecore NU20 Classic is an inexpensive and ultralight headlamp packed with features that hikers, backpackers, and trail runners will appreciate. Weighing slightly more than one once, it has white and red modes with a simple-enough control sequence that you can quickly figure it out, even if you don’t use the headlamp frequently. That plus a battery meter, electronic locking, and USB-C charging make it a great value if you want an inexpensive headlamp for hiking camping, or backpacking. For just $25, the Nitecore NU20 Classic gives you a lot of bang for your buck, especially compared with more expensive headlamps from  Black Diamond or Petzl.