The band on the Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 running headlamp adjusts with the twist of a dial. Photo: Fenix
Whether it’s an early morning jog or dusk-lit training sesh, headlamps can light the way on all types of runs. They also remove all excuses for not getting in a training run when the dark days of winter roll in.
With lighting technology continuing to advance, today’s headlamps are much brighter, lighter, and boast longer battery life than just a few years ago. And one of the players that shines brightest in the category of running headlamps is Fenix. The brand also makes flashlights, bike lights, and lanterns — but we’re focused on two of its running headlamps here.
The Fenix HM62-T Lightweight Headlamp and the HM65R-T V2.0 Rechargeable Headlamp both do a great job of lighting up our runs. But with some nuanced design differences, it’s worth getting to know each model and how Fenix crafts its headlamps for different uses.
Aside from running, a headlamp is also a smart, essential packing item for just-in-case scenarios on hikes or to keep in the car. Around the house, they make a nice hands-free alternative to holding a flashlight while doing all of your chores.
Fenix HM62-T Lightweight Headlamp
The Fenix HM62-T Lightweight Headlamp is an all-purpose rechargeable headlamp with a compact design that lets you switch between four brightness levels of warm white light, a red lamp, or a red flash via its glove-friendly side switch.
This is a runner’s headlamp, so you’ll find the brand’s patented SPORT headband, which can be adjusted with a rotary dial for a fine-tuned fit that loosens or tightens on the go.
Fenix reports that the HM62-T will run for 280 hours on its lowest white-light setting, which is bright enough to cook dinner at your campsite or rummage through a duffel bag in the trunk of your car. Switch it to high to cast a 400-lumen beam a claimed 262 feet for up to 12 hours, a great amount of light for most trail running conditions. The headlamp has a turbo 1,200-lumen setting, which is helpful for trail runners to briefly turn on for super technical sections of trail or spotting a trail marker far ahead.
A magnesium alloy body holds the lamp in a durable, lightweight frame that can withstand drops of two meters and is weather-protected to be submerged in water at depths of two meters.
The lamp and battery are mounted on the front of the headband and a battery-level indicator lets you know when it’s time for a charge. The removable battery connects via USB-C cable. Note that this USB-C charging is an update from previous models that used a micro USB for charging.
Claimed Weight: 4.41 oz (125 grams) | Maximum Light Output: 1,200 lumens | Battery Source(s): 3,400-milliampere-hour 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery (included) or two CR123A batteries (not included) | Price: $76
Shop the Fenix HM62-T Lightweight HeadlampFenix HM65R-T V2.0 Rechargeable Headlamp
The Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 Rechargeable Headlamp is an updated version of the brand’s popular comfort-minded, and feature-filled headlamp — but with more lumens, a longer run time, and less weight. The original was named a runner-up in our “best headlamp for ultrarunning” category, so this update likely deserves similar regard.
A revamped SPORT fit headband is larger and has a new rotary adjustment for literally dialing in the fit. When you’re wearing a headlamp for all-night running, being able to make micro-adjustments to the band’s fit is a luxury.
The HM65R-T V2.0 has one cool white light and a warm light that together offers high performance in a variety of conditions, and with a variety of brightness levels in each light. The warm light has four brightness settings, and the cool light three settings. There’s also an emergency light.
Why is this model good for both trail running and ultrarunning? With more features than the HM62-T discussed above, the HM65R-T V2.0 is ready for more diverse conditions. First, having both warm and cool lights is perfect for all-night running in any weather.
Some ultrarunners find warm lights to be easier on the eyes for all-night running, while the cool light will throw light well through fog and rain, and may offer the sharpness you want for running at good speed through a technical section of trail.
Next, with multiple settings on each light, including a 1,600-lumen high setting with the cool light, to dim settings that’ll allow you to work around your trailhead campsite while saving the battery for the main event — the running.
Other features include a battery-level indicator, an inner waterproof USB Type-C charging port, IP68-rated weather protection, two-meter impact resistance, and a lockout function.
Claimed Weight: 4.94 oz (140 grams) | Maximum Light Output: 1,600 lumens | Battery Source(s): 3,400-milliampere-hour 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery (included) or two CR123A batteries (not included) | Price: $105
The Deciding Differences
So, which one’s best for you? Both headlamps are highly weather-resistant and use the Fenix SPORT headband, which is easily adjusted on the fly.
HM62-T: Light Your Everyday
The HM62-T headlamp is roughly a half-ounce (15 grams) lighter, offers several lighting modes, and a battery that will last several training runs before it needs a recharge. Its multiple light modes, including a red light, make it a solid everyday headlamp for around the home, hiking, and camping, too.
The main light of the HM62-T headlamp performs similarly to the cool lamp of the HM65R-T V2.0. The first casts its 400-lumen beam 262 feet for 12 hours, while the latter does that on medium, but a tad farther at 272 feet. Most trail runners and ultrarunners find 400 lumens to be plenty of light for regular trail conditions.
HM65R-T V2.0: Literally Go For Days
Trail runners and ultrarunners who want an equally dependable light with a fuller feature set can surely take on the extra 15 grams of the HM65R-T V2.0, to gain access to more lighting settings and both warm and cool lights for different running conditions. An additional $30 is arguably a small hurdle, too.
In short, the choice between these two headlamps may come down to how many miles you intend to run and what features you want in your headlamp.
These headlamps illustrate how Fenix makes its headlamps for folks at home, all the way to endurance athletes. Of course, Fenix makes several other headlamps that may better suit your needs, so be sure to explore those other options as well.
[Editor’s Note: This article is sponsored by Fenix. Thank you to Fenix for its sponsorship of iRunFar, which helps to make iRunFar happen and free for all to enjoy. Learn more about our sponsored articles.]
A runner wearing a Fenix HM62-T headlamp. Photo: Fenix
