Fenix HM70R

Rugged, long run time, waterproof headlamp

When doing anything, especially when I will be away from civilization where potential help if is far away if needed, I like to be as prepared as possible.  You will notice that this headlamp is not light by any means at almost half a pound. Then again, its not marketed as a backpacking light. What you get for this weight though is serious ruggedness, waterproofness, various choices in light output along with run time.  You also get something where if you use it mindfully, you shouldn’t have to charge it again while out even on your longer trips.

The floodlight on this works amazing.  It produces evenly distributed clean light in your field of view.  The spotlight I hardly ever use but it is there if you need to have a better look at something and that’s true even when its far away. All light profiles are free from artifacts or unevenness. The red light perfect for late night activities like heeding the call of the wild or if needed, reading anything while maintaining your night vision afterward. There are a few things I consider to be absolute musts when being in situation where you just need to have piece of mind that if something does happen, you have the equipment on you that has the best chance of getting you through it.  That’s what this light is to me.  I also carry a minimalist headlamp as backup because of this mindset just in case this one gets lost or something out of the ordinary happens. Having access to light in my mind is potentially the difference between life and death for myself or even others I may be with and, I don’t want to take any chances related to that.  This is why I am willing to carry the out of the ordinary backpacking weight of this.

Besides the weight one con could be the button press that's needed to turn this on.  The lamp has a needed lock on it so that it does not unexpectedly turn on and melt or set fire to whatever it happens to be in.  It has a max output of 1600 lumens and gets hot at that output.  You'll probably never use it but, it does allow you to clearly see anything that is 50 yards at least away if there are no obstructions.  That gives you more time  to decide on options depending on what you see.  (Seeing a bear further away first is better than closer first) It also really  helps in finding things.  Anything prone to glint will in fact glint spectacularly  off 1600 lumens.  If you are unfamiliar with the lamp though, you wouldnt guess how to turn it on. Anyone else who may need to use it if you are not able may not be able to figure it out.

Max Runtime: 100 hours (lowest setting of 30 lumens)

Lighting Modes: 4 brightness levels on spotlight, 2 neutral brightness levels on floodlight, red, and SOS

Color Temperature: Spotlight 6000K

Weight: 7.27 oz. (206g) including battery and headband

IP68 dustproof/waterproof rating

Background

Decades of backpacking, hiking and mountain biking where portable light is needed.