BioLite Dash 450 Rechargeable Headlamp Review

Bottom line

The BioLite Dash 450 is a lightweight, low-profile headlamp built with runners in mind, but it works just as well for hikers and backpackers who want reliable brightness without the bulk. It puts out a crisp, even beam that works well for everything from evening jogs to setting up camp after dark.

The rear battery pack – with its integrated red safety light – helps balance the weight front to back and adds a bit of visibility for road use, while the slim, moisture-wicking headband stays comfortable even on longer outings. We found it easy to wear for hours without noticing it much, which isn’t always the case with headlamps in this range.

That said, it’s not the most intuitive to operate at first. The button controls can take some getting used to, especially when cycling between modes. And while the runtime is decent, it’s not as long as some bulkier models with larger battery capacities. The beam also isn’t quite as powerful or focused as some higher-end options in our headlamp lineup, which might matter for technical nighttime navigation.

Still, the Dash 450 stands out for its blend of comfort, brightness, and portability. It hits a nice middle ground for folks who don’t need a super high-powered lamp but still want something reliable and rechargeable. For more of our top-performing headlamps across different activities and budgets, check out our guide to the best headlamps.

How We Tested

We tested the BioLite Dash 450 through winter and spring, using it across a wide range of environments – from snowy trails in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains to early morning beach runs along Florida’s Gulf Coast. We wore it for pre-dawn hikes, casual walks, and longer training runs to get a feel for its comfort, brightness, battery life, and how it handled shifting light and weather conditions.

Illumination & Light Quality

The Dash 450 delivers a solid mix of brightness and beam quality that works well, especially for its intended purpose: running. Its max output of 450 lumens is more than enough for trail runs, hikes, and general camp tasks, and it never felt underpowered during our testing, even in complete darkness on remote trails.

In spot mode, the beam is relatively focused compared to other headlamps in its class, with a punchy center spot that throws light down the trail, plus just enough peripheral spill to help keep confident footing. The flood function offers an even spill of light that we really enjoyed while moving fast on the trail. We consistently found ourselves keeping this headlamp in the flood function during testing. 

We found the light quality to be clean and consistent, with no distracting artifacts or overly harsh hotspots. It’s not the widest beam on the market, so it’s best suited for users who prefer a tighter field of view—great for moving quickly or scanning ahead. That said, if you’re doing a lot of close-up tasks around camp, the medium and low modes offer a softer, more diffuse light that’s easier on the eyes.

Burn Time

Throughout testing, we found the burn time on the Dash 450 to be solid and pretty close to what BioLite advertises. We consistently got around 2.5 to 3 hours of high-output use on the max 450-lumen setting before the light started to dim. That’s right in line with what we’d expect from a headlamp in this brightness range with a compact battery.

On medium and low settings, the Dash lasted significantly longer. We used those modes regularly for evening walks, cooking at camp, and early morning hikes, and the headlamp held up for multiple outings before needing a recharge. BioLite claims up to 40 hours on the lowest setting, and based on our use, that seems accurate for casual use over several nights.

One nice feature is that the Dash gradually dims as the battery depletes, rather than cutting off suddenly, giving you time to finish your task or switch modes. The rear light doesn’t seem to impact battery life much either, so we often left it on for added visibility during road runs or pre-dawn walks.

For most users, the Dash 450’s battery life is more than sufficient. If you need extra longevity, it also supports pass-through charging, so you can power it from a battery bank while in use.

Weight

The BioLite Dash 450 is one of the lighter headlamps in its class, and that low weight really helps with all-day (or all-night) comfort. It came in at 2.9 ounces on our scale (slightly above the advertised 2.75 ounces), which is still lighter than many headlamps with similar brightness, especially those with rear battery packs. By splitting the weight between the front light unit and a rear battery/running light, BioLite not only balances the headlamp well but also helps reduce bounce during high-output activities like running or hiking at a quick pace.

During testing, we wore the Dash 450 for long pre-dawn hikes and early morning jogs, often forgetting it was even there. The slim headband and low-profile design help the headlamp sit close to your head without feeling bulky or top-heavy. Compared to chunkier designs we’ve used in the past, especially models with all components up front, the Dash 450 felt noticeably more secure and comfortable over longer sessions.

While ultralight purists may still prefer single-strap models without rear battery packs, the weight distribution and comfort of the Dash 450 hit a sweet spot for users who want solid brightness without sacrificing packability or comfort. It’s one of the more balanced headlamps we’ve tested for active use.

Comfort

The Dash 450 ended up being one of the most comfortable headlamps we tested, which honestly surprised us a bit after unboxing it, thanks to its slim profile and balanced design. With the light up front and the battery/rear light in the back, the weight is evenly distributed across the head. This helps eliminate the front-heavy sag that’s common with many high-output headlamps, making it feel more secure and less bouncy during active use.

We wore the Dash 450 on everything from early morning runs to multi-hour night hikes and rarely felt the need to adjust it. The band is soft and low-profile, and the integrated sweat-wicking material did a good job of keeping things in place, even when things got a little sweaty. It also doesn’t have the bulky center strap that some performance-oriented headlamps use, which we appreciated for its simplicity and cleaner fit under hoods or hats.

For activities where bouncing or chafing becomes a problem, like running, the Dash 450 stands out as one of the most comfortable options in the lineup.

Ease of Use

We found the BioLite Dash 450 to be just about as user-friendly as any headlamp in our lineup. Like with most headlamps, there’s a bit of a learning curve, so we recommend taking a few minutes to get familiar with the button sequences before heading out. Once you’ve got it down, it’s pretty straightforward.

The Dash 450 has a single button on both the front light and the rear light. A quick press on the front toggles through all the lighting modes, and holding it down on any setting will adjust brightness up or down. Hold it for 8 seconds to activate or deactivate the travel lock—a handy feature if you’re tossing it in a pack.

The rear light is equally simple. A single press switches between a solid red light and a red strobe, while holding the button lets you dim either mode. The buttons are responsive and easy to find, though they can be a little tricky to operate with thick gloves.

The strap is intuitive to adjust, but like most headlamps, you’ll probably need two hands to get it dialed in just right. Overall, the Dash 450 keeps things simple, which we appreciate, especially during early morning starts or late-night missions.

Features

The Dash 450 packs in a nice set of features without overcomplicating things, which made it one of the more enjoyable headlamps we tested. From the simple one-button interface to the balanced design and built-in safety light, BioLite clearly prioritized usability and practicality for active users.

One of the standout features is the rear red light, which boosts visibility for road running or group hiking. It’s subtle but effective, and it can be toggled between solid and strobe modes with a single button press. The main light is equally intuitive – pressing the front button cycles through all the modes (white spot, flood, and red), and holding the button down allows you to adjust the brightness on the fly. The eight-second press-and-hold to lock/unlock the headlamp for travel is a small but useful touch that helps avoid accidental battery drain in your pack.

We also appreciated the slim, reflective, and moisture-wicking headband, along with the low-profile design, which feels well-suited for high-movement activities like running or fast-paced hiking. The Dash doesn’t try to be everything to everyone, but what it does offer feels intentional and well-executed.

There’s no Bluetooth or fancy app connectivity here—just a lightweight, straightforward headlamp that covers all the essential bases. For most outdoor users, especially those who value simplicity and comfort, the Dash 450 delivers exactly what they need.

Should You Buy the BioLite Dash 450 Rechargeable?

The BioLite Dash 450 is a great fit for runners, fast hikers, and active outdoor enthusiasts who want a lightweight headlamp that balances comfort and performance. Its slim, low-profile design and rear battery pack make it especially appealing for activities where bouncing and bulk can be a distraction. We found it to be one of the most comfortable headlamps we tested, with intuitive controls and a solid mix of features, including a rear visibility light and pass-through charging.

That said, it’s not the best choice for those needing extended high-output runtime or more rugged, all-weather durability. While the burn time is totally adequate for most users, folks heading out for long overnight trips without the ability to recharge may want something with a bigger battery or swappable cells.

For everyday training, early morning hikes, and active use in mild to moderate conditions, the Dash 450 offers great value and thoughtful design.

What Other Headlamps Should You Consider?

If you’re considering the BioLite Dash 450, there are a few other top-performing options in our guide to the best headlamps that might be a better fit depending on your needs.

Petzl Bindi Review: If you love the Dash 450’s low-profile feel but want to go even lighter, the Petzl Bindi is worth a look. At just 1.2 ounces, it’s our go-to for ultralight travel and urban running. It’s not as bright or feature-rich as the Dash, but it’s hard to beat when space and weight are your top priorities.

Nitecore NU25 UL Review: The NU25 UL offers an unbeatable balance of brightness, weight, and price. It’s a great alternative for runners or backpackers looking to shave ounces without sacrificing key features. It doesn’t have the Dash’s rear light or as much runtime on high, but it’s a crowd favorite for gram-counters and thru-hikers.

Black Diamond Spot 400-R Review: For those who want more rugged durability or plan to do a mix of activities beyond running, the Spot 400-R is a solid pick. It’s a bit bulkier than the Dash 450, but offers excellent brightness, easy controls, and a rechargeable battery in a water-resistant build that’s great for all-around outdoor use.