Nitecore NU20 Classic Headlight

The Nitecore NU20 Classic Headlight is a compact, high-performance lighting solution designed for outdoor enthusiasts who value simplicity, reliability, and efficiency. Weighing just 38 grams, it’s one of the lightest headlamps on the market, making it ideal for hiking, backpacking, trail running, camping, or emergency preparedness. Despite its small size, the NU20 Classic delivers impressive illumination with a maximum output of 360 lumens, ensuring clear visibility in low-light conditions.

What sets this headlamp apart is its intelligent three-light system. It features a primary white light with a cool 6,000K color temperature for maximum brightness and clarity, perfect for navigating trails or setting up camp at night. Complementing this is an auxiliary white light with a warmer 4,500K color temperature and a high CRI (≥90), which provides more natural-looking light—ideal for reading, cooking, or detailed tasks where color accuracy matters. The third light source is a dedicated red light, essential for preserving night vision during stargazing, wildlife observation, or when sharing a tent with others without disrupting sleep.

The NU20 Classic uses a unibody optical lens system with precision-faceted surfaces to deliver a focused, even beam with minimal glare. This design ensures efficient light distribution, reducing eye strain and improving visibility over long distances. The light can be adjusted via the headband mount to point forward for long-range visibility or downward for close-up work—perfect for gear management or reading maps.

Power management is handled elegantly with four built-in LED indicators that display remaining battery life at a glance. This feature helps users plan their trips without surprise power loss. The 500mAh Li-ion battery supports USB-C charging, allowing fast, modern recharging from any standard USB power source, including power banks and laptop ports. The charging port is functional while charging, so you can monitor battery levels in real time.

Built with durability in mind, the NU20 Classic is made from high-impact-resistant polycarbonate (PC) material, capable of surviving drops from up to 1 meter. It also meets IP66 waterproof and dustproof standards, making it suitable for use in rain, snow, or dusty environments without performance degradation. The reflective cord headband enhances visibility during night activities, adding an extra layer of safety.

While the cord-based headband may not be as comfortable as a fabric alternative, its lightweight design and adjustability ensure a secure, comfortable fit—especially when combined with the lamp’s minimal weight. 

Max Output: 360 lumens

Light Sources:

Primary White Light (6,000K color temperature)

Auxiliary White Light (4,500K, CRI ≥90)

Auxiliary Red Light

Battery: 500mAh Li-ion

Charging: USB-C (supports charging while in use)

Runtime (White Light):

360 lumens – 2 hours

200 lumens – 5 hours

38 lumens – 7 hours

1 lumen – 97 hours

Red Light Runtime: Up to 100 hours (low setting)

Weight: 38 grams 

Dimensions: 62mm (L) × 45mm (W) × 40mm (H)

Water & Dust Resistance: IP66 rated

Drop Resistance: 1 meter impact tested