Black Diamond Storm Headlamp

A headlamp earns its place in my pack if it’s easy to carry and gives me enough light to do what I need to do. The first things I liked about the Black Diamond Storm were its compact size and light weight. It slips into a small pocket in a fishing pack or hunting vest, and it’s light enough that I’d carry it even when I expect to be back before dark.

Black Diamond lists the Storm at 92 grams, or about 3.25 ounces, with a maximum output of 450 lumens. It has white spot and flood optics, red, green, and blue light modes, and two oversized buttons designed for use with gloves. The housing is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance. There’s also a digital lockout to keep the light from switching on in your pack and running down the battery.

The one drawback for me is that you can’t fine-tune the width of the beam. The Storm gives you spot and flood lighting and lets you adjust the brightness, but I’d like to be able to dial in the spread somewhere between those two patterns. A wide wash of light makes sense when you’re tying on a fly at the truck. A tighter beam is handy when you’re looking down a trail for the turn you’re supposed to take. Being able to set the beam width myself would make the Storm more versatile.

I will keep the Storm in my pack for early walks to the deer stand, evenings on the river, or any trip where I might come out after dark. I’d still like an adjustable beam, but the compact size and light weight are what make this a headlamp I’d carry regularly.