I started my running career using a Petzl Tikka+ headlamp that got the job done, but after a year I decided to up to a Black Diamond Spot. Both of these headlamps were solid choices and they helped me through a lot of late night and early morning runs. Yet, as the calendar keeps moving forward, and birthday after birthday passes… my aging eyes needed something more.

Over the past year I did some browsing of different options, starting with the familiar choices from Black Diamond, Petzl, and Biolite. However, I found them all lacking in overall brightness and in battery duration. Then I spotted a Fenix headlamp at a group run, and got to experience how bright it can get. I knew that this was an option I wanted to explore.

After a few weeks of research I opted for the Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 which is a single headband light (the straight HM65R has a band over the top of the head as well), and comes powered by a standard 18650 rechargeable battery. I’ve encountered this battery in the past in waist lights, so I knew it wasn’t something that would not be hard to find extras of. But what really impressed me was the light output options.

I’ve included the full chart from their website, but being able to hit 1600 lumens for up to 3 hours is incredibly impressive. That level of light is overkill for most of what I need, but the ability to drop that down to 400 lumens for half a day means that I don’t need to worry about conserving battery power on long overnight efforts. I can just adjust the power up and down as needed, and get the light that I want.

I’ve had the light for a few weeks now, and with the winter darkness setting in I’ve put it through its paces. It’s a solid lamp that does exactly what it advertises. Bright consistent light, with a decent spread in front of me. The headband is nice and wide and has a BOA-style system for tightening it. Even though the lamp is heavier (just under 5oz) than my Black Diamond it has never felt burdensome. Overall, it’s a comfortable fitting headlamp that comes right up to the edge of needing an over-the-head strap, but never goes over that line.

Now that snow has fallen on the ground I’ve discovered my favorite feature, the warm-light mode. When doing long snow runs in the dark, the harsh white light can often tire the eyes tremendously, due to reflecting off the white snow. However, when I switch over to the warm light mode, with its yellow tint, it relieves a lot of stress on your vision. Additionally, the warm light at 800 lumens can last for 6 hours, which is plenty bright when running on snow.

At around $100USD the Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 light is a great deal for any trail runners that want a light that feels solidly built, is comfortable, and can really pump out the lumens. I highly recommend this light and I am looking forward to many solid years of adventures with it.