Black Diamond Distance LT1100 Headlamp Review

Bottom line

The Black Diamond LT1100 is a high-output headlamp built for activities that demand strong, focused lighting—think night hiking, ski touring, bike commuting, or fast-paced trail runs after dark.

Its 1100-lumen max output is impressive and throws a tight beam far down the trail, making it one of the brightest options in our lineup. Its 1100-lumen max output is impressive and throws a tight beam far down the trail, making it one of the brightest options in our lineup. It’s not the most compact or affordable option, but for users who need intense brightness, the LT1100 is an interesting option. 

We found the LT1100 to be surprisingly comfortable for such a powerful headlamp, though we wouldn’t go so far as to say you forget it’s there. It’s a bit bulkier than smaller models, but the well-balanced design and soft headband help distribute the weight well enough for extended wear.

It’s also packed with useful features and delivers solid battery life considering its brightness. That said, it does take its time recharging—up to four hours in our experience—so you’ll want to plan ahead if you’re heading out for back-to-back adventures.

How We Tested

We tested the Black Diamond LT1100 over several months in winter and spring, logging miles in the mountains of Colorado and along Florida’s Gulf Coast. This gave us the chance to see how it handled a wide range of temps, humidity levels, and terrain – from cold, dry mountain trails to warm, muggy beach runs.

Illumination & Light Quality

The Black Diamond Distance LT1100 is the brightest headlamp in our lineup – both on paper and in real-world use. Its main LED puts out a max of 1100 lumens via PowerTap mode, which gives you a 10-second burst of full brightness before reverting to your previous setting. It’s especially handy for quick glances down the trail, checking trail markers, or scanning your surroundings in open terrain. It’s seriously bright – almost shockingly so the first time you use it.

Beam quality is excellent, which we’d expect at this price point. The multifaceted optical lens blends spot and flood lighting, so you get both range and peripheral coverage. That balance is really helpful when you’re trying to avoid tunnel vision, especially on technical trails or uneven footing. We appreciated this most on rocky terrain after dark, where it gave us plenty of notice to navigate obstacles without needing to constantly adjust our aim or pace.

While it’s clearly built for high-output tasks, the LT1100 still offers solid low- and mid-brightness options. These dimmer modes worked well for hiking, camp chores, and preserving battery life. The color rendering is on par with most premium headlamps, though at full brightness, the beam can feel a little harsh for close-range tasks. Still, the range of lighting modes – including red, green, and blue LEDs for night vision, stealth, or tracking – makes this a versatile tool for everything from night hikes to early-morning hunts.

Burn Time

In our testing, the LT1100 lived up to Black Diamond’s advertised runtimes fairly well. On the highest setting (1100 lumens), we got just over 4 hours of solid performance before the light noticeably dimmed, which tracks with the listed 4.25-hour runtime. That’s decent for a headlamp this bright, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re heading out for longer night missions or ultramarathons without time to recharge.

On medium and low settings, the battery life improves significantly. Medium mode (which we used the most) consistently lasted around 12 to 14 hours in our testing—enough for full overnight efforts or multi-day use if you’re being conservative with your brightness. Low mode is where the LT1100 really stretches things out, with an advertised max runtime of 120 hours. While we didn’t push it that far, we did use it on low for several nights in a row without needing a recharge.

You’ll get a gradual dimming as the battery drains, rather than a sudden shutdown, which helps avoid surprises. That said, while it’s not the most efficient headlamp we’ve tested, the burn time feels reasonable given how much brightness you’re getting. For the output, it holds its own.

Weight

At 3.8 ounces, the Black Diamond Distance LT1100 is definitely on the heavier side compared to other headlamps we tested, but that’s understandable considering how powerful it is. We felt its weight on trail runs through the Colorado foothills and long hikes along sandy trails in Florida, but it wasn’t a major issue. The wide headband helps spread the weight pretty evenly, making it manageable for most adventures.

One thing we noticed is that because all the weight is up front, there’s a slight forward tilt and a bit of bounce when running or tackling rougher terrain. If you’re counting every ounce for ultralight adventures, this probably isn’t your ideal pick. But if brightness and extra features are your top priorities, the extra bit of weight is a fair trade-off.

Overall, the LT1100’s solid build and intense brightness make it worth the extra ounces, especially for night runners and hikers who value performance over saving every last gram.

Comfort

For such a powerful headlamp, the Black Diamond LT1100 is more comfortable than we expected, but it’s definitely bulkier than lighter models. We tested it on everything from early-morning beach runs on Florida’s Gulf Coast to late-night hikes in Colorado’s mountains. And while we never forgot it was there, the wide, adjustable headband helped keep things feeling relatively secure. The front-heavy design does have its drawbacks, though. All of the weight sits on the front light unit, and while the headband distributes it fairly well, we still noticed some bounce and slight front flop, especially during longer runs or on uneven terrain.

Breathability is also something to consider. On warmer, more humid nights, we found ourselves adjusting the fit occasionally to prevent heat buildup. It’s not the most ventilated headlamp out there, but it’s manageable for most activities. Overall, the LT1100 wouldn’t be our top pick for ultralight backpacking or long-distance trail running—but for situations where brightness and stability take priority, it strikes a decent balance between comfort and performance.

Ease of Use

If you’ve used other Black Diamond headlamps before, the Distance LT1100 will feel pretty familiar – it uses the same two-button interface found on many of their models.

There are two buttons on top: a larger power button and a smaller mode button. To turn on the light, press the power button; to cycle through the lighting modes, press the mode button. When you reach the red light setting, you can switch between red, blue, and green LEDs by holding down the mode button for about three seconds. To dim the light on any setting, just hold down the power button.

There’s also a PowerTap feature on the side of the unit: tap it once and the headlamp temporarily boosts to max brightness for 10 seconds before reverting to your previous setting. There are other features too – like an SOS blink mode and a travel lock – but most folks will likely just use the basics.

Charging is easy via USB-C, but swapping out the battery is a bit more involved than expected. Still, neither of those issues is a dealbreaker.

Features

The Black Diamond Distance LT1100 comes packed with thoughtful features aimed at high-output activities like trail running, fast hiking, or night navigation—but with a little more complexity than your average headlamp.

One of the most useful features is the PowerTap™ function, which lets you temporarily boost the beam to a blazing 1100 lumens with just a quick tap—great for scanning ahead without locking into max brightness. After 10 seconds, it automatically drops back down to conserve battery.

The pivoting light unit also helps with aim and comfort, letting you adjust the beam angle without messing with the strap. And while the light is front-heavy, Black Diamond’s design keeps the battery flush with the head, helping reduce bounce more than we expected.

You also get a multi-color LED (red, green, and blue), each designed with a specific use in mind. The red light helps preserve night vision in the dark, ideal for map reading or moving around camp without blinding your companions. The green light is useful for remaining less noticeable to wildlife while hunting, and the blue light can assist with tracking game blood.

Once you get the hang of the interface, switching between these modes is pretty straightforward. The LT1100 also carries an IP67 waterproof rating, so it holds up well in bad weather. Charging is handled via USB-C, and the removable battery can be swapped out in the field if you carry a spare.

Should You Buy the Black Diamond Distance LT1100?

The Black Diamond Distance LT1100 is best suited for those who prioritize high brightness and performance over weight and minimalism. If you’re doing long trail runs, fast hikes before sunrise, or need strong illumination for any activity, this headlamp delivers serious output in a well-balanced package. It’s more comfortable than expected for its size, and features like the PowerTap boost and RGB color modes give it versatility for a range of nighttime activities.

That said, the LT1100 isn’t for everyone. If you mainly need a lightweight headlamp for casual camping or everyday use, this one will likely feel like overkill. And while the battery life is solid for the brightness it offers, it’s not the most efficient. 

Still, for runners, hikers, and adventurers who demand a powerful beam and don’t mind a bit of bulk and a high price tag, the LT1100 offers good value and dependable performance.

What Other Headlamps Should You Consider?

If you’re looking at the Black Diamond Distance LT1100 but aren’t totally sold, here are a few other headlamps that offer similar performance with slightly different strengths. Each is worth a look depending on your specific needs. For a full breakdown of the best options out there, don’t miss our complete headlamp gear guide.

Ledlenser HF6R Signature Review: If you like the idea of high brightness but want something less expensive, the HF6R Signature is a strong alternative. It has excellent beam customization, impressive throw distance, and solid battery life in a rock-solid package. However, it’s heavier and just as bulky as the LT1100.

Fenix HM50R V2.0 Review: The Fenix HM50R V2.0 is a lightweight powerhouse that packs up to 700 lumens in a durable aluminum body. It’s not quite as bright as the LT1100, but it’s far more compact and better suited for backpacking or minimalist trail use. USB-C charging and a removable 16340 battery make it versatile and reliable.

BioLite Dash 450 Review: For runners or hikers who want a lighter, more minimalist headlamp, the Dash 450 is a great fit. It weighs less than 3 ounces, has a balanced front/rear design, and still offers solid brightness for most activities. While it can’t match the LT1100’s intensity, it’s a more comfortable option for long-duration wear.