Weighing 97g at a relatively affordable £59.99, the Silva Discover Hybrid will be an attractive option for wide range of people.

The Silva Discover Hybrid is a great all-round head torch that is ideal for general use in the outdoors. Operation is very straightforward, with three fixed brightness modes that you cycle through by pushing the single button. There is also a red and orange mode for maintaining your night vision for map navigation. Unlike many head torches, the lamp can be tilted fully 90° downwards.

James Roddie’s Best in Test

This is a versatile head torch that strikes a great balance between price and functionality.
Pros
  • excellent headband
  • ease of operation
  • bright and wide beam
Cons
  • No burst mode
Quick Specs
Price: $69.99 | £59.99 (available from SportsShoes.com)
Weight: 97g
Output: Up to 500 Lumens
Power source: 1250mAh Li-ion 3.7v rechargeable battery, or 3x AAA battery
Features: Helmet mount, sticky silicone headband inlay, orange and red modes
silvasweden.uk

I really like the beam spread from this head torch. It provides a wide angle on all three settings, evenly lighting the ground ahead, but with a brighter area towards the centre on the highest setting. The brightest setting of 500 lumens gives you a beam of approximately 80 metres length. This is more than sufficient for the majority of situations, but a high output ‘burst’ would be useful for those moments when you need just a bit more reach.

It can be powered by either a rechargeable 1250mAh Li-ion battery or by 3 AAA cells. You get around 5 hours of battery life on the medium setting of 100 lumens, and 2 hours at the top setting of 500 lumens. Whilst this isn’t as good as more expensive options, the ability to swap to AAAs without having to recharge means you need worry less about running out of power on the trail.

There are some handy features. A sticky silicone inlay inside the headband helps stop the bulb unit from slipping. There is a helmet mount, paired with a Silva bracket on any helmet using adhesive tape, making this head torch well-suited for cycling and mountaineering. Rubber ‘bumpers’ reinforce the top edges of the lamp to reduce wear and tear.



Weighing 97g at a relatively affordable £59.99, this will be an attractive option for wide range of people. It is a versatile head torch that strikes a great balance between price and functionality.

How we tested

James tested these headtorches in a variety of conditions during winter, spring and summer in the Scottish Highlands, mostly on short backpacking trips and night-time ascents of Munros, with occasional testing whilst running and cycling.