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Head-to-head · Best Rechargeable Headlamps

Knog Bandicoot 250 vs Nitecore UT27 MCT 800

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Knog Bandicoot 250 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 3.7). The gap is mostly about ultralight backpackers — read the strengths below before deciding.

Knog Bandicoot 250
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Rechargeable Headlamps
Knog Bandicoot 250
2 sourcesall derived$54.99as of Aug 1

The Knog Bandicoot 250 is an ultralight headlamp that manages power, comfort, and affordability all at once. Michael Lanza of The Big Outside called it a 'great all-around value' for backpacking, hiking, climbing, and trail running, citing 250 lumens of brightness at 2.1 oz. It recharges, operates simply, and uses a silicone housing that stretches to fit most head sizes. The reading lights angle too far downward for comfortable reading while lying down, according to some users. Outdoor types who want a light, reliable source will be happy; anyone needing maximum waterproofing should keep looking.

Strengths
  • — 250 lumens of brightness with 100+ foot range suitable for hiking and trail running
  • — Ultra-lightweight at 2.1 oz./59.5g, comfortable for extended wear
  • — Rechargeable with USB plug-in charging, no cords needed
Watch-outs
  • — Reading lights are angled too far downward for comfortable reading
  • — IP67 rating offers limited waterproofing (1 meter for 30 minutes)
$54.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Nitecore UT27 MCT 800
Ranked #8 in Best Rechargeable Headlamps
Nitecore UT27 MCT 800
2 sources$54.95as of Aug 1

The Nitecore UT27 MCT is a light, rechargeable headlamp for outdoor use, with 800-lumen output and a Multi Color Temperature (MCT) LED system covering three color temperatures. Reviewers noted the IP66 rating and 1-meter impact resistance, which hold up to rugged treatment. Build quality on previous versions came up as a concern. Hikers, climbers, and campers who want a reliable, multi-function light are the audience, though its 14.5-hour capacity may fall short for anyone needing long runtime at maximum brightness.

Strengths
  • — 800 lumens maximum output with 168-meter beam distance
  • — Multi Color Temperature (MCT) system with three color temperatures (3000K, 4500K, 6500K) and varying CRI values
  • — IP66 rating for waterproof and dustproof performance with 1-meter impact resistance
Watch-outs
  • — Build quality issues noted in previous model version
  • — Limited battery life at maximum output (up to 14.5 hours with stable output)
$54.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Knog Bandicoot 250

The Knog Bandicoot 250 is significantly lighter than the BioLite Range 500, which weighs 2.6 oz versus 2.1 oz, and offers better adjustability with a silicone housing. However, it lacks the 500 lumens output of the BioLite and doesn't feature the gesture control of the Sofirn HS21.

Nitecore UT27 MCT 800

The Nitecore UT27 MCT 800 surpasses the Nitecore NU27 600 in brightness with 800 lumens versus 600, and offers a more advanced multi-color temperature system. However, it's less user-friendly than the Petzl SWIFT LT, which has a simpler one-button operation, and lacks the ultra-lightweight design of the Knog Bandicoot 250.

Specs side-by-side

SpecKnog Bandicoot 250Nitecore UT27 MCT 800
Weight2.1 oz./59.5g74 g (including battery)
Lumens250800 lumens
Beam Distanceover 100 feet168 meters
Waterproof RatingIP67IP66
BatteryRechargeable USBHLB1500 1500mAh lithium-ion
ChargingUSB-A, 4 hours to full chargeUSB-C (5V/0.5A)
Modes5 default modes (Spot, Ambient, Red, Reading, Combo)Turbo, High, Mid, Low, Red Constant-On, Red Flashing
MaterialPolycarbonate, SiliconePolycarbonate
LED Type—UHE MCT (Multi Color Temperature)
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