Light It Up: How to Mount a Headlamp on Your CERT SAR Helmet

You’ve got the helmet. You’ve got the mission. Now you need light — because stumbling around in the dark isn’t part of the plan. The good news? Your CERT SAR Helmet is basically the Swiss Army knife of headlamp mounting. It plays nice with almost any setup, so you can rig it your way.

We’ve seen every trick in the book (and tried most of them ourselves). Here are four solid ways to mount your light, plus some headlamp models that fit each method. No sales pitch here — just real-world options so you can pick what works for your budget and your style.

Heads up: We’re always cooking up new ideas (and stealing the best ones from our customers). Check back for updates — or better yet, send us a pic of your setup.

1. Strap Anchors: The Old Reliable

Those black anchors on your helmet? They’re not just for looks. They’re built to keep elastic headlamp straps locked in place.
Why you’ll love it: Fast, simple, and works with almost any headlamp.

Note: If you’ve got one of our helmet visors installed, this method may block the visor from rotating up and out of the way.

Lights that fit (from frugal to fancy):
- Energizer Vision HD+ – Cheap, cheerful, and gets the job done.
- Coast HL7 – Mid-range with a nice adjustable beam.
- Petzl TACTIKKA – Tactical favorite for a reason.
- Princeton Tec Vizz Tactical – Waterproof and rugged.
- Black Diamond Spot 400 – Bright and compact for serious work.

Pro tip: Add helmet clips or anti-slip pads if you’re planning to move like you mean it.

2. Stick It Like You Mean It (VHB Tape)

Got a headlamp with a flat base and a removable strap? Lose the strap, grab some 3M VHB tape, and stick that light right on the front of your helmet.
Why you’ll love it: Clean, low-profile, and semi-permanent.

Note: This method may interfere with visor movement if your helmet has one installed. Consider placement carefully.

Lights that fit:
- Petzl TACTIKKA
- Fenix HL60R
- Ledlenser H5R Work
- GoPro Light Mod

Pro tip: Give the tape time to cure (24–72 hours). If you rush it, you’ll be chasing your light across the rubble.

3. Velcro: Because Options Matter

Want flexibility? Velcro’s your friend. Stick the loop side on your helmet, the hook side on your light, and swap as needed.
Why you’ll love it: Quick changes, modular setups, and backup lights.

Bonus: This method plays nice with our helmet visors — just pop the light off and retract the visor when needed.

Lights that fit:
- Nitecore NU05 LE
- Guardian Angel Elite Series
- Core Survival HEL-STAR 6

Pro tips:
1. Buy quality Velcro — the cheap stuff peels faster than duct tape in a hurricane.
2. Cover the loop side when not in use so it doesn’t turn into a lint magnet.
3. Remove lights gently so you don’t rip the backing off your helmet.

4. Side-Mount Swagger

Clamp it, bolt it, or rail-mount it. Side-mounted lights keep your helmet front clear and balance the weight.
Why you’ll love it: Perfect for directional lighting or pairing with a helmet cam.

Lights that fit:
- Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II
- Nightstick Helmet-Mounted Lights
- Olight PL-MINI 2 Valkyrie

Pro tip: Pick mounts that let you pop the light off fast for battery swaps or charging.

Bottom Line: Your Helmet, Your Rules

The CERT SAR Helmet isn’t just gear — it’s a platform for your mission. Whether you're rolling with a $20 headlamp or a tactical powerhouse, this helmet adapts to you.

We’re always learning. New ideas — from our team and our customers — continue to shape how we think about lighting. We’ll keep updating this guide as we discover new setups, so stay tuned and share your own innovations with us!