Have you ever opened a box expecting something to be small, but it turns out that the thing is SO SMALL you can't believe it? This was the case for me when my Black Diamond Deploy 325 Headlamp arrived in the mail many moons ago.

I wanted to check out this ultralight, very bright headlamp from Black Diamond because it seemed simply perfect for backpacking, and I am partial to Black Diamond. They make very reliable gear! And so far the Deploy 325 Headlamp seems to be a very dependable piece of gear.

Quick Rundown of the Deploy 325 Headlamp By Black Diamond

• 325 lumens of white light on high
• Weight: 1.6 ounces
• 750 mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery via USB-c
• Water resistant (IPX4)
• 360° reflective headband
• Small enough to fit under the brim of a hat
• Max burntime is 2.5 hours on high

My Experience with the Deploy 325 Headlamp By Black Diamond

This has become a staple item in whatever backpack I'm using, for every single adventure I embark on. It's lightweight, bright and the battery has a good amount of juice for if you'd need it in the circumstance of an unexpected emergency. I love that it has a digital lock so that it can't turn on by accident in a backpack.

I have used the Deploy 325 Headlamp about 200 times since getting it. It's well suited for alpine starts and summit pushes, along with early mornings packing up camp before hitting the trail. During my most recent thru-hike in the Sonoran Desert, it was a crucial part of my kit because I spent a lot of time hiking in the dark in order to avoid the heat of day.

During my months-long thru-hike, I was able to spot lots of desert critters with this powerful 325 lumen headlamp. From javelinas to rattlessnakes, I felt really lucky to see them before they surprised me in the dark!

Since wrapping up my thru-hike and moving back to the San Juans, I have used the Black Diamond Deploy 325 Headlamp on many alpine start mornings, and on a handful of backpacking trips during shoulder season.

One of my favorite things about the Deploy 325 is how comfortable it is on my forehead. It doesn't weigh much, and it's not bulky at all. So you don't get that headlamp rubbing and pressure that most headlamps end up giving. I find the buttons on this headlamp to be intuitive and so beyond simple to use. You aren't going to accidentally start SOS flashing someone, and you have the settings you'd need for most circumstances.

The battery life on the Deploy 325 Headlamp is a solid 2.5 hours on high- I believe that could be stretched to 3 hours. On medium it lasts around 4.5 hours. I have very rarely found myself in a situation where this headlamp runs out of battery. And when it needs to be charged up, it can go to very low to fully charged in about an hour with a nice power bank.

Now that it's winter, I find myself pulling the Black Diamond Deploy 325 Headlamp out of my backpack when I'm at home, in order to toss it on when I need to haul wood for my stove inside during the dark of early morning or early night. It's simply the most comfortable headlamp I have, so I am inclined to use it.

If you plan to grab a new headlamp for your adventures, this is an excellent lightweight option. It's not full of fancy features, but it is high quality and reliable, with plenty of features that make it a phenomenal little light!

Deploy 325 Headlamp by Black Diamond: Pros and Cons

The Deploy 325 Headlamp by Black Diamond is a compact and reliable choice for ultralight enthusiasts. Check out the pros and cons below:

Click here to learn more and purchase the Deploy 325 Headlamp by Black Diamond at REI

Updated December 2025. Originally published December 2024.

My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.