Bottom line
The Fenix HM50R V2.0 is a reliable, affordable headlamp that is durable and bright. Weighing just 2.75 ounces, it’s light enough for activities like backpacking, running, and climbing without compromising on strength. With a maximum output of 700 lumens and a beam distance of 377 feet, it provides plenty of light for technical tasks, though its limited features and lack of a flood function might leave some wanting more versatility.
While the HM50R V2.0 has a few drawbacks—such as a stiff tilt function, no flood lighting, and harsh light quality—these don’t overshadow its value. It’s a solid choice to keep on hand for emergencies, household tasks like working under the sink, or less intense activities like fishing, leisurely night hiking, or relaxing around camp. Overall, this headlamp is practical and affordable, great for low-key adventures and everyday uses.Check out our Best Headlamps of 2024 Gear Guide to see how it stacks up to the competitors.
Quick Specs
Fenix HM50R V2.0
Headlamp that Performs Well in the Cold
CleverHiker Rating:
76.5
Price:
$60
Measured Weight:
2.8 oz.
Max Lumens/Beam Distance:
700 lm./377 ft. (86 m.)
Burn Time Low/High:
42 hrs./3 hrs.
Pros
- Performs well in cold conditions
- Rechargeable option
- Bright
- Durable metal housing
- Waterproof (IP68)
- Battery meter
Cons
- Expensive
- Short burn time
- Uses uncommon batteries
- Slight learning curve for the different modes
- No locking feature
Illumination & Light Quality
In our testing, the HM50R V2.0’s illumination and light quality were somewhat mixed. On the positive side, this headlamp has an impressive throw, making it one of the brightest in our lineup. However, since the HM50R lacks an adjustable beam, it functions solely as a spotlight. It has limited peripheral lighting and no true flood. This makes it less ideal for close-range activities, where a flood option would be beneficial.
The light quality gets the job done, but it does have its drawbacks. It’s a bit harsh and doesn’t render colors super accurate, making things feel a little off, especially when working up close. Without a true flood mode, the beam can come across as a little too sharp at times, depending on where it’s aimed. It’s plenty powerful, but we’d love to see a softer, more versatile beam option for tasks like cooking at camp or reading a map without feeling like we’re blasting everything (and everyone—sorry, friends!) like a spotlight.
Burn Time
The HM50R V2.0 has a burn time of 45 hours on its lowest (30-lumen) setting and 1 hour on turbo mode. Overall, on paper, these burn times compare well with others in the headlamps price range. While we’d love more runtime on turbo mode, it’s so bright that it’s hard to imagine needing it for more than a minute or two at a time. Opting for the high setting over boost yields a burn time of three hours, which feels more practical.
We also appreciate the 45-hour burn time at 30 lumens –sufficient for most non-technical nighttime activities. We often took this headlamp on evening walks in Genesee Mountain Park or to have on hand while relaxing by the fire outside Rocky Mountain National Park.
However, these numbers don’t tell the whole story. Like many headlamps, the HM50R dims as the battery drains, but it felt especially noticeable on boost, high, and medium settings (low held up better). To their credit, Fenix is upfront about this and provides power-drop charts on their website.
The lower-setting burn times worked just fine for quick evening runs in the front range or short summit pushes. But on longer outings, we found ourselves wishing for a bit more juice on high and boost modes—especially during the last stretch of a pre-dawn summit of Tabeguache Peak when we really needed those extra lumens. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you rely heavily on the brighter settings.
Weight
The Fenix HM50R V2.0, weighing just 2.75 ounces, is impressively light for a headlamp. It has a durable aluminum body and competes with our top headlamps in weight. It also boasts the best lumen-to-weight ratio of any headlamp we’ve tested, making it ideal for activities where every ounce counts, like running, ultra-light backpacking, and rock climbing.
Despite its durable build, the HM50R’s is still easy to wear for a long night summit push or hours of big wall climbing. It feels remarkably light and comfortable, letting you focus on your pursuits without being weighed down by their gear.
Comfort
The HM50R V2.0 is quite comfortable, thanks mainly to its lightweight and balanced design. The strap is breathable, with holes for airflow, keeping your sweaty head from even more discomfort. We found it stayed in place while running trails on North Table Mountain in Golden, Colorado, even when wearing a hat.
We did notice two issues affecting comfort. First, a rubber band on the inside of the strap, intended to grip the skin and hold the headlamp in place, can get sweaty during intense activity. Second, our biggest gripe is that the headlamp’s body gets hot, particularly on the higher settings. This heat buildup can make the headlamp uncomfortable enough that you want to take it off after ten minutes on high., If Don’t plan to use this headlamp continuously at high brightness. It’s not hot enough to burn you, but it gets noticeable and uncomfortable.
Despite these quirks, this headlamp earned a spot in our packs for its convenience and performance. It’s a go-to for shorter, high-intensity activities, and its lightweight design made us forget it was even there—until we needed it most. Trail running on cool evenings or early morning climbs? Perfect. Long, sweaty endeavors in warmer weather? Maybe keep an eye on the heat buildup.
Ease of Use
This headlamp is exceptionally easy to use. It features a responsive single-button design that works even when wearing medium to heavy gloves. Unwanted functions are rarely activated, partly due to its straightforward features. There’s not much of a learning curve, and the instructions are clear.
To turn the headlamp on, hold the button for one second; a quick press won’t activate the light but will show the battery life indicator. The headlamp starts in low mode, with subsequent presses cycling through medium, high, and turbo brightness levels. Press and hold the button again for one second to turn it off.
The red light function is only accessible from the off position: double-click the button to turn on the red light, and a single press activates the red-light strobe. To turn it off, hold the button for one second. The HM50R V2.0 also has a memory function, so it powers on in the last used mode.
The headlamp body is also easy to remove if you’d like to use it as a pocket-ready flashlight. Lastly, the strap is straightforward to adjust, though it typically requires both hands, so you may need to pause your activity to make strap adjustments. We found the ease of use and adjustment especially helpful when climbing the final evening pitches in Clear Creek when our brains were foggy, but we still needed to pack everything back up to get to our cars.
Features
The HM50R V2.0 has relatively basic features but a good value for its price. For lighting modes, it includes a white light with various brightness levels, a red light, and a red strobe. The headlamp has a tilt function, though it’s less user-friendly than most; adjusting it requires more force and isn’t easy to do on the go.
The headlamp is fully rechargeable using a USB-C port (a welcome upgrade from micro-USB). Additional batteries are available from Fenix, which is great for backcountry scenarios. We appreciate not relying on single-use batteries.
A reflective strap increases visibility and helps locate the headlamp in a dark tent. A locking feature prevents accidental battery drain during storage. One standout feature is the easily removable body, which makes it a convenient pocket flashlight for household projects where the strap isn’t necessary.
Should You Buy the Fenix HM50R V2.0 Headlamp?
The Fenix HM50R V2.0 is an impressive headlamp for its price. While its design and features are less technical than some in our lineup, it stands out for its solid build quality, exceptional brightness, light weight, and practical features.
This headlamp is ideal for general household tasks and nighttime walks, and its durable design makes it well-suited for less intense activities like night hiking, backpacking, hunting, and fishing.
If you’re looking for a versatile headlamp that covers a range of activities without unnecessary features at a great price, the HM50R V2.0 is worth considering.
What Other Headlamps Should You Consider?
If you like the Fenix HM50R V2.0 but want other options as well, check out these models or the rest of our lineup on the list of our favorite headlamps:
Ledlenser HF6R Signature Review: If budget isn’t a concern, you can opt for the Ledlenser HF6R Signature. It’s brighter, has an aluminum body, and allows you to easily switch between spot and flood lighting with an intuitive focus wheel.
Petzl Actik CORE Review: The Actik CORE is one of our favorite headlamps. It provides similar illumination, superior light quality, and is better suited for backcountry adventures.
