Asking what's the best headlamp for hiking is a lot like asking what's the best backpack for hiking. there is no one right answer. Only variations based on how much weight/volume you are going to carry. For headlamps, how long between resupplies, and how much night-time hiking you intend to do are primarily what matter. Also how well defined the trail is will affect how bright you need. I section-hike on both the PCT (in WA) and AZT. Over the past 5 years I finally completed the AZT (800 miles). My hiking gear evolved greatly during that time. When I started out, my pack was an embarrassing 85 lbs! Back then I used a Nitecore HC50. It was great. And we often hiked for an hour each evening before getting to camp. So battery life and brightness were very important. By the time I finished it last year, My pack was sub 40 lbs; and I use a Nitecore NU25. I just bought a Fenix HM60R. But at 5.6 oz, it will never replace my sub 2oz NU25.
Nowadays most section and thru hikers carry a battery tank for their phone and tracker. So as long as you can recharge your headlamp in the field from the tank, you can go with less battery in the headlamp.
Another surprising thing I learned is that when hiking with a group, it's important to know what the rest of the group is using for light intensity. My sister is big on using her headlamp as sparingly as possible; and at the minimum brightness to do the job. She was REALLY not pleased that I was using my HC50, at medium brightness, in a fill beam angle. It would ruin her visibility, with her low intensity headlamp.
