The Trek calls the Nitecore NU25 the all-around finest headlamp for thru-hikers, prized for its low weight, shiny beam and long-lasting battery. The third-gen NU25 MCT UL, launched in March 2025, builds on that status, including options like three shade temperatures and a battery that Nitecore claims lasts 25 p.c longer on its 6-lumen ultralow setting. The NU25 MCT has the identical options, however weighs barely greater than the UL mannequin because of its thicker headband.
Nitecore NU25 MCT UL At a Look
The wire strap holds the NU25 MCT UL comfortably on my head.
- MSRP: $36.95
- Weight: 1.66 ounces (47 grams)
- Most Brightness: 400 lumens
- Most Runtime: 45 hours at 6 lumens
- MCT (A number of Coloration Temperatures):
- 3,000K heat gentle
- 4,500K impartial white gentle
- 6,500K cool white gentle
- Water Resistance: IP66 (good in rain however not submersible)
- Pink Mild: Sure
Circumstance of Overview
I take advantage of my first-gen NU25 for backpacking, night time mountaineering, and nearly anytime I would like a lightweight at nighttime. It’s been a stable companion and has held up in all types of climate. So, I used to be excited to check the third-gen Nitecore’s three shade temperatures (heat, impartial, and funky), together with its battery for length and charging.
Right here’s what I discovered.
The 400-lumen, or night time grasp beam, casts a broad, shiny gentle at nighttime.
What’s New within the Nitecore NU25 MCT UL
It’s all in regards to the gentle beams. The NU25 MCT and MCT UL, launched in March 2025, are the third Nitecore headlamp line to make use of multi-color lighting. What does that imply?
(The opposite MCT headlamps are the HA23 UHE and the NU27. Learn The Trek’s NU27 overview right here.)
Every shade targets a specific use for the headlamp.
- The three,000K heat gentle is for rain, fog, or snow, and reduces glare and reflection.
- The 4,500K impartial white gentle is meant for all-around use.
- The 6,500 cool white gentle supplies the best stage of visibility.
The third-gen NU25 additionally has a diffusing stuff sack for storing the headlamp and hanging it lantern-style at night time. On prime of this, Nitecore says the third-gen NU25 battery lasts 25 p.c longer than the second-gen.
The NU25 turns into a lantern when positioned within the diffusing sack and hung inside a shelter or tent.
So Many Choices
Controls: It’s necessary to learn the consumer guide that comes with the NU25 to totally perceive the totally different gentle choices. It’s additionally enjoyable to check all of the totally different capabilities earlier than heading into the backcountry. I like that the 2 management buttons are totally different sufficient in dimension to determine which one to press after I’m carrying the headlamp. The controls on my first-gen NU25 are small and the identical dimension, and after I put on it, I’ve hassle selecting the best button to press.
Important Beams: Lengthy-pressing the big management button turns the primary beams on and off. A fast press of the button cycles the sunshine by means of its three predominant brightness ranges: low (60 lumens), mid (200 lumens), and excessive (400 lumens, additionally referred to as the night time grasp beam). At every brightness stage, a fast press of the small mode button cycles the beam by means of the three shade temperatures.
When the headlamp is turned off, shortly double-pressing the primary button activates the beams to ultralow (6 lumens), including a fourth brightness stage. The night time grasp beam casts 400 lumens of sunshine over a distance of 143 ft (132 meters), nevertheless it’s additionally the shortest-lasting beam at 2 hours and 40 minutes. The ultralow beam casts 6 lumens of sunshine and lasts as much as 45 hours.
Pink Beams: Lengthy-pressing the mode button whereas the sunshine is off activates the purple beams, and fast urgent the primary button cycles by means of the high and low purple beams.
Battery Stage: Shortly urgent the mode button prompts 4 blue battery stage indicators, and the battery lights flash when charging till the headlamp is absolutely charged.
SOS: Shortly double-pressing the mode button in any gentle standing prompts the flashing SOS beacon. Shortly urgent the primary management button cycles the beam by means of SOS, beacon, and sluggish flashing. Double-pressing the mode button returns the sunshine to its earlier operate.
Lock and Unlock: Lengthy-pressing each buttons locks the lights from turning on, and the beams will flash thrice to point the headlamp has been locked. The headlamp will flash as soon as to point lockout standing if any single button is pressed throughout lockout. Double-pressing each controls takes the headlamp out of lockout and into the whereas ultralow beam.
Battery Ranges Are Indicated by the Variety of Illuminated Lights
4 lights: 75% to 100%
Three lights: 50% to 75%
Two Lights: 25% to 50%
One gentle: 0% to 25%
Good to Know
The NU25 I examined got here with a wire strap, an ultralight function that retains the headlamp’s weight low. The wire strap is comfy and simple to regulate. Although the cords can twist simply, they’re simply as easy to untwist. The third-gen NU25 MCT weighs 1.76 ounces with an ordinary headband and is 10.7% lighter than the second-gen NU25. The ultralight model, with a wire strap headband, weighs 1.66 ounces.
The headlamp additionally comes with a diffusing stuff sack, an fascinating function that doubles as a storage sack and a dangling lantern sack with the headlamp turned on and stuffed contained in the sack. And, in step with rechargeable gear shifting towards USB-C ports, the NU25 comes with a totally USB-C charging wire. My first-gen NU25 makes use of a USB-A wire to recharge.
The primary physique of the headlamp can detach from the headlamp’s adjustable bracket as wanted, and the IP66 ranking for the NU25 signifies that it may stand as much as rain and mud, nevertheless it gained’t take being absolutely submersed in water.
Execs
Ultralight: At 1.6 ounces, I barely know the NU25 is on my head.
Coloration Modes: That is an modern method that adjusts the sunshine beam to climate circumstances, studying within the tent, and night time mountaineering.
Improved Battery: Longer run instances than earlier fashions.
Value: At $36.95, it’s the similar worth because the first-gen NU25.
Cons
Value: The Nitecore NU25 MCT UL is made in China, so tariffs might increase the fee.
Total Worth
The NU25 MCT UL packs numerous lighting choices in an ultralight 1.6-ounce package deal. The 4 beam ranges and three shade choices present gentle for circumstances starting from foggy days to nighttime mountaineering. The NU25 rides comfortably on my brow due to its wire strap, which is straightforward to regulate to forestall slippage.
I’ve used the first-gen NU25 for years and have been impressed by its weight and sturdiness, and I anticipate the third-gen will proceed that monitor report. And at $36.95 (the identical worth I paid for my first gen NU25), the NU25 MCT UL shines brightly for weight and worth. (Word: The value might enhance primarily based on tariffs on Chinese language-made merchandise.)
Store the Nitecore NU25 UL MCT Headlamp
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The Nitecore NU25 MCT UL was donated for goal of overview.
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