Best Caving Headlamps: Fenix Headlamps Compared by Beam, Runtime and Waterproofing
Key takeaways
- Caving headlamps need both a floodlight for moving through tight passages and a spotlight for reading the route ahead.
- Runtime and backup power matter more underground than anywhere else. Caving organizations advise carrying three independent sources of light.
- Choose IP68 (submersible) if a route has water crawls or deep wading. IP66 headlamps like the HP35R handle drips, mud and heavy splashing, but they aren't rated for submersion.
- A lockout keeps a headlamp from switching on in your pack and draining the battery you'll need later.
- Our picks: the HM65R V2 for most caving, the HM75R Pro or HM71R V2.0 for maximum output in a single unit, and the HP35R for the most light and the longest runtime.
Caving asks more of a headlamp than hiking or camping does. There's no ambient light to fall back on if a battery dies, routes often need both hands for climbing and squeezing through tight sections, and water, mud and rock impacts are a given. This guide explains what matters in a caving headlamp and compares five current Fenix headlamps on beam type, runtime, backup power and durability.
What Makes a Good Caving Headlamp
Flood and spot beams
A wide floodlight lights the space right around you for scrambling over rock, checking holds and reading a map. A focused spotlight reaches far enough to size up a passage, a drop or a chamber before you commit to it. A headlamp with both covers nearly every situation underground without switching lights.
Runtime and backup power
A dead light underground is a safety problem, not an inconvenience. Look at the runtime of the low modes you'll use most, and plan your backup. A removable battery lets you carry a charged spare, and a headlamp with a power bank function can top up your phone or a backup light. The Southeastern Regional Association of the National Speleological Society advises carrying three sources of light, so a second headlamp and a small handheld light belong in your pack too.
Waterproofing and impact resistance
IP68 means a headlamp is dustproof and rated for submersion, which matters on routes with water crawls or deep wading. IP66 protects against heavy rain and powerful water jets, which covers dripping passages and mud, but not going under. All five headlamps below are drop-tested to 2 meters. Our guide to IP ratings explains each level.
Lockout and controls
A lockout keeps the headlamp from turning on in your pack. The four HM-series headlamps below have one, and the HP35R uses a rotary switch with a clear off position. Switches you can work with muddy or gloved hands matter too.
Red light
A red light preserves night vision and is easier on the cavers around you during rest stops. Every headlamp below has one; on the HP35R it's on the battery case.
Fenix Caving Headlamps Compared
All figures come from Fenix's official reference manuals, tested to the ANSI/PLATO FL1 standard.
| Headlamp | Max output | Beam distance | Longest runtime | Power and backup | Water / impact | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HM65R V2 | 2,200 lumens | 230 m | 296 h (Floodlight 5 lm) | Removable 18650 (3400mAh, included) | IP68 / 2 m | 5.1 oz |
| HM70R | 1,600 lumens | 186 m | 100 h (Low, white); 400 h (red) | Removable 21700 (5000mAh, included); 18650 with ALF-18 adapter | IP68 / 2 m | 7.3 oz |
| HM75R Pro | 3,500 lumens | 398 m | 516 h (Floodlight 5 lm) | Removable 21700 (5500mAh, included) | IP68 / 2 m | 7.6 oz |
| HM71R V2.0 | 3,500 lumens | 275 m | 337 h (Floodlight Low) | Removable 21700 (5500mAh, included) | IP68 / 2 m | 7.8 oz |
| HP35R | 4,000 lumens | 450 m | 500 h (Floodlight Low) | Rear battery case, two built-in 5000mAh; power bank | IP66 / 2 m | 15.3 oz |
Weights include the battery and headband.
Which Fenix Headlamp for Which Kind of Caving
Best all-around caving headlamp: HM65R V2
For most caving, the HM65R V2 is the one to start with. Its spotlight and floodlight combine for 2,200 lumens with a 230-meter beam, the floodlight runs up to 296 hours on its lowest setting, and it adds a red light. It's IP68 rated for wet caves, weighs 5.1 ounces in a magnesium alloy body, and has a lockout. Carry a spare 18650 and you've doubled your runtime.
Most output for big chambers: HM75R Pro or HM71R V2.0
The HM75R Pro reaches 3,500 lumens and 398 meters, enough to light up a large chamber, yet its floodlight runs up to 516 hours on its lowest setting. It's IP68 rated and dims automatically when something comes close to the lens. The HM71R V2.0 also reaches 3,500 lumens and adds a quick-release clip, so you can pull the light off the headband and use it as a handheld to look into a crack or around a corner. Its toggle switch has a dedicated lock position.
Most light and longest runtime: HP35R
The HP35R is Fenix's most powerful headlamp: 4,000 lumens and a 450-meter beam from combined spot and flood light, enough to light the far wall of a big chamber. Its floodlight runs up to 500 hours on the lowest setting, and the quick-release rear battery case has its own red light and works as a power bank. It recharges in about 2 hours. At 15.3 ounces it's the heaviest light here, and it's rated IP66, so it's best for long trips through caves without water crawls.
Long runtime in a single unit: HM70R
The HM70R runs 100 hours on Low and 400 hours on its red light from a 5000mAh 21700 battery, and accepts an 18650 with the ALF-18 adapter. It's IP68 rated and a good second headlamp for any caver's pack.
Mounting a Headlamp on a Caving Helmet
Most cavers wear a helmet, and a headband alone can slip over one. The HP30R V2.0 comes with a helmet attachment, and Fenix also makes helmet clips for its headlamps. Check the clip's product page for the models it fits before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lumens do I need for caving?
For most recreational caving, 1,000 to 2,000 lumens on the highest setting is plenty to light a passage and read the route ahead. Runtime on the lower settings matters more, since that's where you'll spend most of a trip.
Should I carry a backup light?
Yes. Caving organizations advise carrying three sources of light. A spare battery, a second headlamp and a small handheld light are a common setup.
Is IP66 enough for caving?
For dry caves and caves with drips and mud, yes, which is where the IP66 HP35R fits. If a route involves water crawls, sumps or deep wading, choose an IP68 headlamp like the HM65R V2, HM70R, HM71R V2.0 or HM75R Pro, which are rated for submersion.
How do I keep a headlamp running on a multi-day trip?
Plan your backup power. Carry a spare charged battery for headlamps with removable cells (HM65R V2, HM70R, HM71R V2.0, HM75R Pro), and a small power bank for longer trips.
What is the best Fenix headlamp for caving?
For most cavers, the HM65R V2: spot and flood beams, red light, IP68 waterproofing and a removable battery at 5.1 ounces.
Not sure which headlamp fits the way you cave? See our guide to choosing a headlamp, or browse the full Fenix headlamp collection.
