How to Choose Headlamps

With a compact, waterproof aluminum body, the easy-to-operate Fenix HM50R V2.0 rechargeable headlamp pierces the night with 4 brightness levels and a 700-lumen maximum beam that reaches up to 115 m.
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Imported.
View all Fenix LED HeadlampsBest Use | Camping |
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Bulb Type | LED |
Bulb Detail | 1 LED/1 red LED |
Red Light Mode | Yes |
Beam Type | Spot |
Max Light Output (Lumens) | 700 lumens |
Light Output | Turbo: 700; high: 400; medium: 130; low: 30; red: 5 lumens |
Max Beam Distance (m) | 115 meters |
Beam Distance | Turbo: 115; high: 86 meters; medium: 49 meters; low 23 meters |
Brightness Levels | LED: 4; red: 2 |
Strobes | 0 |
Average Run Time | Turbo: 1 hour; high: 3 hours; medium: 8 hours; low: 42 hours |
Regulated Output | Yes |
Rechargeability | Rechargeable |
Batteries | 700 mAh rechargeable 16340 lithium ion |
Dimensions | 2.5 x 1.4 x 1.3 inches |
Ultralight | Yes |
Water-Resistance Rating | IP68 |
Weight With Batteries | 2.75 ounces |
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The functionality of this flashlight is terrific. I have the original HM50R and I LOVE it. Unfortunately V2 has made some changes that make it significantly less comfortable to wear. V1 had a soft bracket that allows it to swivel easily and is very comfortable against the head. Since the V2 is removable, the bracket is now hard, uncomfortable to wear and doesn't swivel easily. Since I never expect to remove the light (I can just take off the whole headband to use it as a flashlight), I hope they return to the softer bracket in the future.
Took this new headlamp on my trek to Salkantay Mtn and Machu Picchu, Peru this September. I fully charged it and needed it 5 days later at 15,000’. Im guessing the temperature was a little below freezing. It didn’t work at all. It never worked during the rest of my 7 day trek, even at warmer temperatures. My friend had an older version of this lamp. The same thing happened and hers would only work if it was plugged into her portable charger. It seems to work well under normal conditions. I wish I had thought to bring a backup headlamp! (Dumb on my part). Trying to decide if I’m going to return it. I’d recommend for normal conditions, just not for very cold/winter conditions
I took a gamble on this because I'd never heard of the company and historically have been happy with BD, but rechargeable (usb-c), waterproof options were limited. Everything else I own uses usb-c and I don't want to carry an extra cord for one item. So far after multiple backpacking trips, a few night runs, and many hours working on home projects I'm very happy with the Fenix. Also the red light is more functional than my BD spot, so it's usually all I need around camp. Brighter and lighter than BD Spot 350 and rechargeable, waterproof unlike the Biolite 330 and uses usb-c and only .4oz heavier. BD Spot might be a little more comfy though because it doesn't have the grip material on the forehead of the band.
This is a solid little headlamp. I bought it for caving, but use it for anytime I'm camping or hiking while it's dark. With caving in mind, I appreciate how durable this thing is. It has a metal body with an O ring to seal off the battery from the damp around me. Never had water work it's way inside, and even with the rough nature of caving, the body has held up very well. The battery life is nothing to write home about, but for my purposes, medium is plenty bright, low is often acceptable, too. But to be fair, in caving, a little light goes a long way. It is nice having the option to turn on turbo on occasion to get a better look at some features. I've been underground for 5+ hours without the battery dying, but have purchased 2 additional batteries in case one does go out. I got spare batteries for about $8 each. All that to say, I also keep one or two cheaper backup lights in case things go wrong. My one gripe is I wish I could buy a replacement holder, as I could see that being the part that breaks first, and it would be nice to attach one to my helmet, but the strap still works fine.
My last headlamp died on this winter while I was trying to snag some golden hour landscape photos from a appalachian peak. Needless to say after two hours of thinking every rhododendron was a black bear finding my way with my phone battery running low I was convinced to splurge on a high power light. I've been very pleased and even purchased a hand held Fenix flashlight (because a backup also seems nice now). Only improvement to me would be the clip design. The metal clasp seems to bend a bit.
The Fenix HM50R V2.0 is a super versatile headlamp that gives you multiple output levels of light. I recently used this headlamp on a Wildfire deployment and I can attest to The Turbo White Light’s claim of lighting a distance of 115 meters (more than a football field). The ability to detach it and clip to your pack or wildland web gear makes this more than a just head lamp. It’s light in weight and I often forgot that it was in my pocket. The ability to charge as you drive via USB Type-C charging cables is a game changer when you are on long deployments with little time to charge from conventional wall outlets. It’s IP67 rating makes it dust-tight (dust proof) and it can be submerged in fresh water up to 30 minutes at a depth around 4 feet. Hands down the best headlamp that Ive used!
The quality is amazing, it’s metal, not plastic. It’s rechargeable and comes with an extra battery. In the two years or so that I’ve owned it, I’m still using the first battery. I live in the mountains (no streetlights out here) and I use it all of the time. I’m buying another now because I’ve misplaced mine.
Very bright light like I wanted. It is small and light-weight, therefore easy to carry. When attached to headband it is a great headlamp. Could start it up right out of the box, after only one step. Best flashlight and headlamp I ever had, especially for camping and hiking.
I love this little headlamp. It also turns into a handheld flashlight, which is pretty cool. The band on the head also feels really comfortable on trail. The only downside is when you’re on turbo mode/700lumens for more than five minutes the device starts overheating. And I’ve noticed that it has killed the battery pretty fast. if you were to use the first light mode/ red light all trip you can make those last for hours other than that great headlamp totally would recommend
Best headlamp I've ever owned! I run with this clipped to my shorts so I don't have a hot sweaty headband. Rarely needs recharging for anything under 6 miles. Bright enough that I almost exclusively use the lowest setting. If you use the brightest setting (haven't ever needed it, but have tried it just to see), use care because the lamp will get hot.