Tested and Lit: A Real Look at the Nitecore NU25 MCT Headlamp

If you camp, hike, or run trails early in the morning or late at night, you know one thing: your headlamp matters. The Nitecore NU25 MCT isn’t here to dazzle you with fluff. It’s built for people who just want light that works—smart, bright, and reliable.

Small but Not a Toy

This thing weighs only 1.98 oz with the headband. That’s lighter than your average protein bar. Toss it in your pocket or clip it to your pack, and you’ll forget it’s there—until you need it. I’ve worn it for 6-mile night hikes and didn’t feel it bounce or slide once.

Why does that matter? Less weight means less neck strain. If you’ve ever done long hikes with a heavy light, you’ll know that small design choices add up.

USB-C Charging = No Extra Cords

Yes, finally. A USB-C port. No digging for micro-USBs or proprietary chargers. Just plug in the same cord you use for your phone. It charges in about 1.5 hours from empty. That’s about as fast as my power bank allows.

Ever been out and realized your light is dead right before sunset? Me too. A fast top-up changes the game.

Bright Where You Need It

This headlamp pumps out 400 lumens on turbo. That's enough to light up the trail, your tent, or your entire cooking setup. It also has a red light mode, which saves your night vision and keeps you from blinding your tent buddies.

The best part? The dual beam system. One spotlight, one floodlight. Use them separately or together. I used the flood while setting up camp and flipped to the spot when hiking in pitch-black woods. Simple, effective.

Buttons You Can Actually Use with Gloves

Two buttons. One for flood, one for spot. Hold to unlock. Tap to switch. Easy. You won’t accidentally turn it on in your bag, and you don’t need a PhD in Morse code to change modes.

Wouldn't it be nice if all gear just worked like this?

Long Battery Life for Real Trips

On low, it runs up to 45 hours. Medium gives you around 10 hours—enough for overnight hikes or multi-day basecamps. It’s not a “charge me every night” kind of light.

I ran this on medium for two nights in a row while reading, cooking, and wandering around a dark campsite. Still had juice left.

Snug and Non-Slip Headband

The strap comes with silicone grip strips. No sliding on sweaty foreheads or beanies. Bonus: the adjustable band is reflective—more visibility if you're walking near roads or with a group.

Ever tried adjusting a headlamp mid-run because it’s slipping? Not fun. This one stays put.

What Kind of Camper Is This For?

If you value:

• Lightweight gear

• Fast charging

• No-fuss operation

• Realistic battery life

You’ll probably like this headlamp. It’s not the cheapest, but you’re paying for smart design.

Would you trust your night hike to a flimsy knockoff? Probably not. So why risk it?

Want to see how this compares to your current headlamp? Or curious if it’s bright enough for cold, foggy mornings? Hit me up—I’ve tested it in the rain, too.