I hadn't used a headlamp in five years until this one caught my eye. Mostly because of configurability and the price ($9.99). (The price suddenly jumped to $24.99 after I bought mine. (Tariffs kicking in perhaps? It's Nov 2025)
BougeRV Headlamp
While exploring all the features of this unit it occurred to me that there was a simple solution to my headlamp concerns listed elsewhere… wear the headlamp around my neck! This was a real Duh! moment for me. So obvious and so much better than wearing it on my head. This is similar to how I wear my flashlights.
Headlamp Worn Around Neck
This is a USB-C rechargeable light that claims to be IPX5 water-resistant. The door covering the charging port feels solid, but I know from experience that this is the weakest point for water to get in. It appears to be well made, a bit on the heavy side but not excessively so. Note that the basic module is easily removed from the band.
Module Attachment, Hinge, & USB-C Port
It has two mechanical buttons that change function depending on context. I actually think this is well thought out. 🙂 The ridged button controls the white LEDs in a sequence: spotlight, floodlight, both. The round button controls the red LEDs: steady, or a simple one-per-second blink (NOT an SOS as it says on the website!). But there's more… The red light button also serves as a dimmer switch when any of the white lights is on.
Two Waterproof Buttons
An SOS blink mode (three dots / three dashes / three dots…) for small flashlights is one of the worst ideas to come along. Think about it. The number of times in your life where you might actually need to call for help by Morse Code? That would be only one or two if you were unlucky or unwise. It makes no sense to have the default blink mode of any small flashlight be SOS. Why call for help when you don't need it. The little boy is calling Wolf thousands of times!
The basic module has a hinged tab with a slot, a strong magnet, and a standard threaded tripod mount. The slot engages with the headband and belt clip shown in the next photo. The magnet holds it in place.
Module Showing Hinged TabBelt Clip Attached
The magnet alone attaches the light to the small tripod that comes with the light.
Attached to the Tripod
There are four blue LEDs on the back that indicate charging and battery life.
Four Charge Indicator Lights
The first time I used this light it was to help the electrician work on my panel. The light was on full brightness for about an hour and was showing one out-of four battery strength at that point.
Attached to a Steel Frame
Now this is the genius part and the reason I decided to buy it… By inverting the small white stuff sack over the light you now have a lantern that you can place on a table or hang from the peak of your tent! The tripod is useful but you don't really need it for this.
Lantern Mode!
This could be white or red of course.
Red Mode
Finally, the area around the lights is phosphorescent and will glow for a time after you turn it off.
Residual Glow in the DarkHeadlamp & AccessorisesHeadlamp Specifications
I have not been in the field with this headlamp, but I will share those experiences here.
