Fenix HL45R Headlamp Review
There's no such thing as the perfect headla...oh!
Here's a Fenix HL45R headlamp. Why it's...dare I say it, nearly perfect?
OK those are pretty bold (if not just silly) statements. Let's find out why the HL45R is (nearly) the perfect headlamp.
My Headlamp Requirements
Ok so a headlamp needs to light up things in the dark. Shocker.
That's not particularly complicated to do, but there are some subtleties to it and some features that I require for any lamp to grace such a coveted position as my crown since I am so picky apparently.
Here's my list, a headlamp must:
- Be USB-C rechargeable
- Have flexible power options (recharge or alkaline battery)
- Contain a easy to enable red light
- Sport a comfortable head strap
- Have spot and area lights
- Be tough as nails against impacts and water intrusion
The Fenix HL45R does all of this and a little bit more in a well designed and easy to use design. I only have one tiny gripe about the light, but we'll discuss that in a little bit but it doesn't change the fact that this is currently my favorite headlamp right now.
Operating the HL45R
I'm going to start with the way the HL45R operates first since it does some things in a unique way and I think that's probably the most important and impressive parts about this lamp - and also because high-output lighting performance is a given with Fenix products anyway.
Instead of using a top mounded push button (or buttons) to turn the lamp(s) on and off or dim, Fenix put a rotary knob on the right hand side of the unit (sorry lefties) which cycles between OFF / WHITE LIGHT /RED LIGHT by twisting it.
On the knob is a button too, and a 2 second press turns the lamp off and on again in the mode you are in (White or Red) and quick taps adjust the brightness level.
I like this, because it means if I want to stay in red light mode I can, and its easy to turn it on and off or tweak the output without cycling through the white light and ruining my night vision.
The HL45R has another way to turn the light on and off, via a proximity sensor - so you can wave your hand in front of the light instead of touching the knob. I've found this feature to be unhelpful when camping as I was inadvertently triggering the light off when I didn't want to.
Thankfully you can disable/ enable it by holding down the button for 6 seconds when the light is off.
It's enabled by default when you purchase the light, and that's my tiny gripe. I didn't realize that until I turned the lamp off too times and finally gave up and looked up the shut-off protocol.
There is a good use case for this sensor though, and you might find it useful: perhaps you are field dressing an animal or working as a medic or EMT and your gloves are contaminated, this is a way to power the lamp on and off without getting fluids all over your headlamp.
This video walks you thorough it all. It's a quick watch and worth it:
The HL45R Lighting Profile
We should start of course with the lighting performance of the HL45R and what it can do.
The great thing about this headlamp is that is does it all: spot, area, and red light all in one. I find all of these modes very helpful when camping, and even when using this lamp around the house as we have become prone to doing.
The adjustable lens on the white light moves you between spot and flood focusing and it allows you to dial in the exact amount you want of either, and I find that it works well.
The red light it my default mode at night - it helps me keep my night vision in dark places. I love that it has different brightness settings. The highest setting is bright enough to read a book in the tent at night, while the dim settings is bright enough to see things directly in front of you, great for late night bathroom runs from the tent to the latrine.
If you want the wonky specs here they are.
HL45R Battery Performance and Usage
The HL45R is a superstar with its battery performance. With 1900 maAh I have yet to run out of power while using it. I do charge it when were out but I took it on a 2 week camping trip and charged it up once and it was only half-empty when I did.
What to me is also super important is the fact that if I needed to, I can pop out the rechargeable battery pack and throw 3 AAA batteries in there, whether they are also rechargeable or standard alkaline.
Durability
The HL45R was meant to be used outside in less than perfect environments. They made it tough and waterproof via:
- High-quality aluminum alloy constructed front case, rugged and reliable with great thermal performance.
- IP66-rated waterproof protection and 1 meter impact resistant.
So as long as you don't hit this thing with a sledgehammer, it should be able to deal with a pretty good amount of abuse and keep on ticking.
Final Thoughts
This is one of the best all around headlamps we own right now. It does everything well that it needs to do. It's not cheap but you get the performance from the extra dollars this costs vs. the headlamp you can pickup at the checkout counter of your local hardware store.
Its a little on the larger side, but not uncomfortable to wear for long periods, and it isn't heavy so if someone asked me what headlamp to buy the Fenix HL45R would be my recommendation for all.
Where To Get One
BTW If you buy anything with the links we provide on this page we might get a small percentage of the sale from the manufacturers end. For more info click here.
Fenix HL45R Rechargeable Headlamp
Engineered for outdoor pros and adventure seekers, the Fenix HL45R Rechargeable Headlamp is designed to tackle any challenge. Delivering up to 1000 lumens with a 722ft (220m) beam distance, it’s the perfect headlamp for everything!
The Fenix HL45R switches seamlessly between red and white light sources with the rotary dial and you can adjust the brightness level by simply tapping the side button. Additionally, the focus ring on this headlamp allows you to transition the white light from a wide flood to a concentrated spotlight.
Featuring a gesture-sensing control, you can turn the headlamp on or off with just a wave of your hand.
The Fenix HL45R Rechargeable Headlamp runs on a 1900mAh rechargeable battery but also accepts AAA batteries for flexibility.
Durable aluminum alloy construction, IP66 waterproofing, and impact resistance.
About the Author:
Mr. Bobb (aka Coach Bobb) is a nationally licensed EMT, avid camper and outdoorsman who has been studying preparedness for 15+ years. Member of his local CERT team and trained in Mass Casualty Events response as well as TCCC. Ham radio general class license holder. Inventor of the WUSH bag acronym (Wake Up! Stuffs Happening) and concept.
Up Next
