Headlamps

How to Choose a Fenix Headlamp

Four things decide which headlamp fits: what you'll use it for, how much light and what kind of beam you need, how you want to power it, and how much weight you'll wear. Every spec below comes from the individual product pages, where you'll find full mode-by-mode charts.

Start with what you'll use it for

• Running: light weight and a stable fit matter most. The HM65R-T V2 puts up to 1,600 lumens in a magnesium body that weighs 4.94 oz with battery and headband. The HL32R-T (800 lumens, 3.77 oz) adjusts its brightness to your running stride. See all trail running headlamps.
• Camping and hiking: a light, simple lamp with a red mode covers most nights. The HL12R V2 gives 500 lumens at just 2.56 oz and recharges by USB-C in about 2.5 hours; the HL16 runs on three AAA batteries. Browse camping and hiking lights.
• Work and the trades: look for glove-friendly controls and features that fit how you work. The HM61R V3 detaches from its headband to become an 1,800-lumen handheld light with a magnetic tail cap. The WH23R adds wave-to-switch gesture sensing, oil resistance and helmet compatibility. The new HM71R V2.0 brings 3,500 lumens to an aluminum-alloy, IP68 headlamp that also clips off to work as a handheld light. See lights for mechanics and construction.
• Search and rescue: you need reach, runtime and a beam for close work. The HP35R reaches 4,000 lumens and a 450 m beam with spot and flood combined, and its battery case can ride in a pocket on a long cord. The HP25R V2.0 pairs a 1,600-lumen, 290 m spotlight with a 400-lumen floodlight. Shop search and rescue lights.

Lumens, beam distance and beam type

Lumens measure how much light a headlamp puts out; candela and beam distance tell you how far that light reaches. A few hundred lumens handles camp chores and reading, runners and hikers usually want 800 or more, and search or large worksites call for 1,500 and up. Beam type matters as much as the number: a spotlight throws far down a trail, while a floodlight spreads even light across your hands and feet. Many Fenix headlamps give you both. The HM65R V2 runs its spotlight and floodlight independently or together for up to 2,200 lumens, and the HP25R V2.0, HL32R-T and HM75R Pro offer the same flexibility, while the HL45R switches between them with a focus ring. A red light mode protects your night vision and doesn't blind the people around you. Most high-output models step down from Turbo to manage heat, so compare runtimes on High and Medium, not just the headline number. For a deeper explanation, read our guide to lumens, candela and real-world use.

Battery and charging

• Built-in battery: models like the HL12R V2, WH23R and HP35R charge by USB-C with nothing to swap. Simple, but you can't change batteries mid-trip.
• Removable lithium-ion (18650 or 21700): the most output and runtime, and you can carry a charged spare. The HM70R and HP25R V2.0 include a 5000mAh 21700 battery; the HM65R-T V2 includes a 3400mAh 18650. Some models charge onboard only with Fenix batteries, so check the product page before using another brand.
• Rechargeable pack or AAA: the HL32R-T and HL45R ship with a rechargeable pack and also run on three AAA batteries, a handy backup when you can't charge.
• Standard AA or AAA: the HL16 (three AAA) and HM23 V2.0 (one AA) run on batteries you can buy almost anywhere, which makes them good emergency-kit lights.

Shop spare batteries and chargers, and read our lithium-ion battery safety, charging and care guide before you charge or store spares.

Weight and comfort

Every ounce counts on your forehead. With battery and headband, the HL12R V2 weighs 2.56 oz, the HM65R-T V2 4.94 oz and the HM70R 7.27 oz. Heavier, high-output lamps balance the load: the HP25R V2.0 uses a separate battery case, and the HP35R's case can come off your head entirely. A tilting head (60° on the HL16, 180° on the HM70R) lets you aim the beam without moving the headband.

Fenix headlamp series

• Lightweight (HL) Series: compact, minimal-bulk headlamps for running, hiking and everyday outdoor use.
• Medium-weight (HM) Series: the most versatile line, balancing output, runtime and comfort for camping, hunting and work.
• Professional (HP) Series: higher-output headlamps for search and rescue and demanding professional work.
• Work (WH) Series: industrial headlamps built for the jobsite.

Need a spare headband, helmet mount or storage bag? See headlamp accessories.

More headlamp guides

For a model-by-model walkthrough, read The Complete Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Fenix Headlamp. Activity picks: night trail running, camping and thru-hiking, bowhunting and rifle hunting, and caving. Still deciding? Compare a headlamp vs. a handheld flashlight for camping.