Rechargeable headlamps: light where you look, hands free
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Quick answer
A rechargeable headlamp frees both hands for chores, repairs or walking in the dark, and charges by USB-C instead of using AAA cells. Weight matters on your head: Fenix lists its HM55R at 3.70 oz with a red light and 1,200 lumens, its HM65R V2.0 at 5.08 oz with 2,200 lumens, and its HM71R at 7.32 oz with 2,700 lumens and up to 400 hours. Use the low and red modes for camp and outages; save the high modes for searching.
Three Fenix headlamps compared
| Spec | HM55R RENEGADE | HM65R V2.0 | HM71R |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max output | 1,200 lm | 2,200 lm | 2,700 lm |
| Beam distance | 175 m | 230 m (spec table) | 230 m |
| Max runtime | 120 h | 296 h | 400 h |
| Light types | Spot, flood, red | Spot, flood, red, red flash | Spot, neutral flood, 5 lm reading |
| Battery | ARB-L18-1600 | ARB-L18-3400 (3,400 mAh) | 21700 (ARB-L21-5000) |
| Weight with band | 3.70 oz | 5.08 oz | 7.32 oz |
| Water rating | IP68 | IP68 | Not in spec list |
Fenix's HM65R V2.0 description says 226 m while its spec table says 230 m; the table above uses the spec table.
Spot, flood and red light
- Spot: a focused beam for seeing down a trail or across a yard.
- Flood: a wide beam for close work; Fenix lists the HM71R's floodlight as neutral white with high color rendering for seeing true colors.
- Red light: Fenix says the HM65R V2.0's red light, reached by a double-tap, helps protect night vision; the HM55R also has three red levels.
- Combined: the HM65R V2.0 can run spot and flood together for its 2,200 lumen maximum.
Weight and fit
- Lightest: the HM55R at 3.70 oz suits long walks and running errands in an outage.
- Middle: the HM65R V2.0 uses a magnesium alloy body that Fenix says is lighter than a comparable aluminum one.
- Work headlamp: the HM71R is heavier at 7.32 oz, but the light lifts off its base and works as a right-angle flashlight, and the magnetic base sticks to steel surfaces.
- Comfort: weight sits on your forehead all night, so try the fit and strap adjustment before you rely on it.
Charging and batteries
- USB-C: all three charge by USB-C; Fenix lists 2 A charging on the HM71R and inner-waterproofed ports on the HM55R and HM65R V2.0.
- Removable cells: each uses a replaceable Fenix battery, so a charged spare restores full runtime.
- Compatibility: Fenix says ARB-L21-6000 cells are not compatible with the HM71R; use the listed battery.
- Lockout: the HM65R V2.0 has an electronic lockout so it will not turn on in a pack.
- Heat: the HM55R steps down brightness automatically to avoid overheating, Fenix says.
Rechargeable or AAA?
- Rechargeable cells: the Fenix models here use replaceable lithium-ion batteries charged by USB-C, so a power bank keeps them going.
- Dual fuel: Black Diamond's Spot 400 runs on three AAA cells or its own rechargeable battery and lists 400 lumens and IPX8, a useful choice when you want store-bought batteries as a backup.
- For a kit that sits for months: a dual-fuel lamp with sealed AAA spares, plus a rechargeable lamp for daily use, covers both cases.
- Runtime claims: the long figures, such as 400 hours, are for the lowest setting; high modes last far less.
Night use outdoors
- Red first: start in red on the HM55R or HM65R V2.0 to keep your eyes adjusted to the dark, then switch to white when you need detail.
- Reach when it counts: the HM65R V2.0 and HM71R both list 230 m of throw for spotting a path or a landmark.
- Lockout in the pack: use the HM65R V2.0's electronic lockout so it does not switch on and drain while carried.
- Spare battery: carry a charged spare in a case so contacts cannot short.
Using a headlamp in an outage
- Keep one per person near the bed or in the go-bag.
- Start on low or red to save battery and avoid dazzling others.
- Recharge daily from a power bank or power station; see our laptop power bank guide.
- Charge before storms, along with flashlights and lanterns.
- Pair with area light: a lantern lights the room, a headlamp lights the task; see our camping lantern guide.
What to look for when you buy
Lightest: Fenix HM55R RENEGADE
Best for: Walking, chores and long wear
Fenix lists 3.70 oz with band and battery, 1,200 lumens, spot, flood and three red levels, up to 120 hours, USB-C charging and IP68.
Watch out: Less reach than the larger models: 175 m.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)All-around: Fenix HM65R V2.0
Best for: Camping, home emergencies and backcountry use
Fenix lists 2,200 lumens from combined spot and flood, red light and red flash, a 3,400 mAh battery, up to 296 hours, IP68, 2 m impact resistance and electronic lockout.
Watch out: Fenix's page lists both 226 m and 230 m of throw.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Work and long runtime: Fenix HM71R
Best for: Repairs, job sites and long outages
Fenix lists 2,700 lumens, up to 400 hours, a neutral high-CRI floodlight, a 5 lumen reading light, a 21700 battery and a removable head that works as a right-angle flashlight with a magnetic base.
Watch out: Heaviest at 7.32 oz and no red light.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Questions people ask
- What is the best rechargeable headlamp?
- It depends on the job: the 3.70 oz HM55R for wearing all day, the HM65R V2.0 for all-around use, or the 400 hour HM71R for work.
- Why do headlamps have a red light?
- Fenix says red light helps preserve night vision; it is also less dazzling to others.
- How long does a rechargeable headlamp last?
- On low, Fenix lists up to 120 hours for the HM55R, 296 for the HM65R V2.0 and 400 for the HM71R.
- Can I use any battery in a Fenix headlamp?
- Use the Fenix battery listed for the model; Fenix says ARB-L21-6000 cells do not fit the HM71R.
Sources
- Fenix HM55R RENEGADE Headlamp, Fenix Lighting
- Fenix HM65R V2.0 Rechargeable Headlamp, Fenix Lighting
- Fenix HM71R Rechargeable Headlamp, Fenix Lighting
- Spot 400 Headlamp, Black Diamond