At MoveNation we've carefully selected three Fenix headlamps because each fills a different role. Rather than stocking dozens of similar models, we've chosen three that together cover everything from recreational adventures to serious mountain missions.
The range includes:
- Fenix HL18R-T V2 – a lightweight, affordable headlamp that's perfect for runners, walkers, campers and anyone wanting a dependable everyday light.
- Fenix HM55R – an incredibly versatile all-rounder that balances brightness, runtime and ruggedness for almost any outdoor adventure.
- Fenix HM65R-T V2 – Fenix's premium trail running and endurance headlamp, built for people who spend long hours moving through the mountains after dark.
All three are USB-C rechargeable, built to Fenix's renowned quality standards and designed to thrive in New Zealand's unpredictable conditions. They all produce more than enough light for safe travel after dark, but each one has its own strengths depending on your priorities.
This guide compares their features, explains where each model shines, and helps you decide which headlamp offers the best value for the adventures you enjoy most.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | HM65R-T V2 (Black or Nebula) |
HM55R (Black or Nebula) |
HL18R-T V2 (Black) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RRP | NZ$199.95 | NZ$179.95 | NZ$119.95 |
| Max Brightness | 1,600 lumens | 1,200 lumens | 800 lumens |
| Max Beam Distance | 170m | 175m | 125m |
| Max Runtime | 300 hrs | 141 hrs | 100 hrs |
| Weight (incl. battery) | 140g | 105g | 103g |
| Battery | 3400mAh 18650 Li-ion (replaceable) | ARB-L18-1600 rechargeable Li-ion (replaceable) | Rechargeable battery pack or 3 × AAA batteries |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Waterproof Rating | IP68 | IP68 | IP66 |
| Best For | Ultra running, mountain adventures, overnight events | Tramping, hiking, hunting, camping, all-round outdoor use | Running, walking, camping and recreational adventures |
*Prices may change over time.
Side-by-Side Feature Comparison
All three Fenix headlamps are built to an exceptionally high standard, so there isn't a "bad" choice here. Instead, each model has been designed with a different type of outdoor adventure in mind.
The HL18R-T V2 is the lightest on your wallet and one of the lightest on your head. It offers impressive performance for runners, walkers and campers who want a dependable rechargeable headlamp without paying for features they may never use.
The HM55R sits squarely in the middle of the range and is arguably the most versatile. It combines high brightness, excellent battery life, multiple lighting modes and a compact, rugged design, making it suitable for everything from overnight hikes and hunting trips to working around the property.
The HM65R-T V2 is Fenix's premium performance headlamp. Designed specifically for endurance athletes and mountain adventures, it delivers the highest output, the longest runtime and a purpose-built SPORT Fit headband that remains comfortable and secure during long hours on the move.
Rather than asking which headlamp is "best", the better question is which one best suits the adventures you enjoy most.
Brightness Explained: What Do Lumens Actually Mean?
If you've been comparing headlamps, you've almost certainly noticed the word lumens. It's often the biggest number on the box—but it isn't the whole story.
A lumen is simply a measure of how much visible light a headlamp produces. Generally speaking, more lumens means a brighter light. However, brightness alone doesn't determine how well a headlamp performs on the trail.
The quality of the reflector, the beam pattern, the colour of the light and how long the headlamp can maintain that brightness all play an equally important role.
How many lumens do you actually need?
The truth is, probably less than you think.
Around 200–400 lumens is enough for walking, camping, reading maps and moving safely around most tracks.
Around 400–800 lumens is ideal for the majority of runners, hikers and trampers. It provides excellent visibility without unnecessary battery drain.
1,000 lumens and above becomes particularly valuable when you're moving quickly through technical terrain, descending steep trails, navigating off-track or spending extended periods in the mountains after dark.
That's why all three Fenix headlamps in this guide are more than capable of lighting your way—they simply offer different levels of performance depending on how demanding your adventures are.
Comparing the three models
The HL18R-T V2 produces up to 800 lumens, making it an excellent choice for evening runs, local walks, camping trips and recreational outdoor use. For many people, this is all the brightness they'll ever need.
The HM55R increases maximum output to 1,200 lumens, providing additional reach and flexibility for more technical terrain, overnight hikes and demanding outdoor conditions.
The flagship HM65R-T V2 delivers up to 1,600 lumens. While the increase may not sound dramatic on paper, the extra output is most noticeable when moving quickly through rough terrain or searching further down the trail. Combined with its larger battery and premium headband, it's designed for people who regularly spend long hours outdoors after dark.
Brighter isn't always better
Running a headlamp at maximum brightness also uses the most battery power, and in many situations it simply isn't necessary.
Most experienced outdoor users regularly switch between brightness levels depending on the conditions. A lower setting is often perfect for climbing, walking or setting up camp, while higher outputs are useful for technical descents, route finding or spotting trail markers further ahead.
Rather than asking "Which headlamp is the brightest?", it's often better to ask "Which headlamp has the right amount of brightness for the way I use it?"
For most outdoor enthusiasts, all three of these Fenix headlamps provide more than enough light. The decision comes down to whether you want an affordable everyday headlamp, a versatile all-round performer or a premium model built for endurance and technical mountain adventures.
Battery & Runtime Comparison
Battery performance is about much more than how many hours a headlamp can stay switched on. The type of battery, how easily it can be replaced and how the headlamp performs on higher brightness settings can make just as much difference in the real world.
The HM65R-T V2 offers the greatest endurance of the three. Powered by a large rechargeable 3400mAh 18650 lithium-ion battery, it provides up to 300 hours of runtime on its lowest setting. More importantly for trail runners and mountain users, its larger battery allows you to spend longer using the brighter output modes before needing to recharge. The battery is removable, making it easy to carry a fully charged spare for overnight or multi-day adventures.
The HM55R uses Fenix's rechargeable ARB-L18-1600 battery and provides up to 141 hours of runtime. While it doesn't match the HM65R-T V2 for outright endurance, it still offers more than enough battery life for most hikes, camping trips and evenings on the trail. Like the HM65R-T V2, the battery can be swapped in seconds if you're carrying a spare.
The HL18R-T V2 takes a slightly different approach. Alongside its rechargeable battery pack, it can also run on three standard AAA batteries. This gives it a level of flexibility the other two models don't have. If you're travelling, away from power or simply forget to recharge before heading out, replacement batteries are easy to find almost anywhere. It also delivers an impressive 100 hours of runtime on its lowest setting.
For occasional evening adventures, all three provide more than enough battery life. If you're regularly spending entire nights in the mountains or tackling multi-day trips, the larger batteries in the HM55R and HM65R-T V2 become a worthwhile investment.
Weight & Comfort Comparison
A headlamp can have all the brightness in the world, but if it feels uncomfortable after an hour you'll quickly stop enjoying wearing it.
Fortunately, all three Fenix models are lightweight, with only 37 grams separating the lightest and heaviest.
The HL18R-T V2 weighs just 103g, making it the lightest option in the range. Its compact design makes it easy to wear on evening runs, walks and camping trips, and many users will barely notice it's there.
The HM55R comes in at 105g, only two grams heavier than the HL18R-T V2. In reality, most people wouldn't notice the difference. It strikes an excellent balance between lightweight comfort and the more rugged construction expected from a higher-performance outdoor headlamp.
At 140g, the HM65R-T V2 is the heaviest model, but that extra weight comes from its larger battery and more advanced construction. Fenix has paired it with their excellent SPORT Fit headband, which uses a rear adjustment dial to quickly tighten or loosen the fit. The wider headband distributes weight evenly and keeps the light exceptionally stable while running, making it the most comfortable choice for long-distance trail runners despite weighing slightly more.
For shorter adventures, all three are comfortable to wear. If you're regularly spending four, six or even ten hours moving through the hills after dark, the HM65R-T V2's premium headband starts to show its advantages.
Beam Pattern Comparison
Brightness is only one part of what makes a great headlamp. The way that light is delivered often has a bigger impact on how well you can see the trail.
All three models combine spot and flood lighting, allowing you to see both further down the track and immediately around your feet. The difference lies in how those beams are configured and the additional lighting options available.
A spot beam projects light over a longer distance. It's ideal for faster trail running, navigation and scanning ahead on technical terrain.
A flood beam spreads light over a wider area, making it easier to see the ground immediately in front of you, navigate uneven tracks, set up camp or work around the hut. Many people naturally use flood lighting for slower-paced activities and switch to a stronger spot beam when moving faster.
Both the HM65R-T V2 and HL18R-T V2 include warm white LEDs. Warm light performs particularly well in rain, fog, mist and snow because it reflects less glare back towards your eyes. It also tends to produce more natural-looking colours, helping you better distinguish rocks, roots and changes in the terrain.
The HM55R and HL18R-T V2 also feature red light modes, which are ideal for preserving your night vision, reading maps, moving around huts or tents, or avoiding dazzling others around camp. The HM55R also includes a red flashing mode for emergency signalling.
In everyday use, all three headlamps provide excellent lighting performance. The difference isn't whether one can light the trail—they all can. It's about choosing the combination of beam types, lighting modes and features that best suits the adventures you enjoy most.
Weather Protection
Headlamps don't just need to survive bad weather—they need to keep performing in it.
Whether you're trail running in Fiordland, tramping through the Tararuas or simply walking the dog on a wet winter evening, rain is often part of the adventure. Fortunately, all three Fenix headlamps are designed to handle New Zealand's challenging conditions.
The HM65R-T V2 and HM55R both carry an IP68 rating. This is the highest level of weather protection in this comparison, meaning they're completely protected against dust and can withstand accidental submersion in water. If you're regularly tackling alpine environments, river crossings or prolonged periods of heavy rain, these models provide an extra level of confidence.
The HL18R-T V2 is rated IP66, making it highly resistant to heavy rain, wind and water spray. For most runners, walkers and campers, this is more than enough protection for everyday outdoor use. Unless you expect your headlamp to be submerged, you're unlikely to notice any practical difference.
All three headlamps are also built with durable aluminium and high-strength polymer construction, making them well suited to the knocks and bumps that come with life outdoors.
What do IP66 and IP68 actually mean?
If you've ever wondered what these numbers represent, here's a simple explanation:
-
IP66 – Completely protected from dust and designed to withstand powerful jets of water and heavy rain from any direction.
-
IP68 – Completely protected from dust and capable of being submerged in water beyond one metre for extended periods, as specified by the manufacturer.
For most outdoor adventures around New Zealand, IP66 is already excellent protection. The additional waterproofing of IP68 simply provides greater peace of mind if you're regularly venturing into harsher alpine conditions or spending long hours exposed to the elements.
Which should you choose?
If your adventures regularly involve mountain weather, river crossings or all-night missions where conditions can change quickly, the HM55R and HM65R-T V2 offer the highest level of protection.
If your adventures are more likely to include evening runs, weekend camping trips, local hikes or walking the dog, the HL18R-T V2 still provides excellent weather resistance and will comfortably handle the conditions most outdoor enthusiasts experience.
Running vs Hiking vs Camping vs Hunting vs Work. Which headlamp is best for your adventure?
Now you've seen the specifications, compared the features and hopefully have a better understanding of what makes each headlamp different.
But if you're still wondering "Which one should I buy?", the answer usually comes down to what you spend most of your time doing outdoors.
Trail Running & Ultramarathons
Our recommendation: Fenix HM65R-T V2
If you're regularly running after dark, tackling technical trails or competing in ultramarathons, the HM65R-T V2 is the standout choice.
Its 1,600-lumen output, large rechargeable battery and premium SPORT Fit headband have all been designed with endurance in mind. The secure fit remains comfortable over many hours, while the combination of spot and warm flood lighting provides excellent visibility on technical terrain and in poor weather.
If running is your main passion, this is the headlamp we'd recommend.
Hiking & Tramping
Our recommendation: Fenix HM55R
The HM55R hits the sweet spot for most trampers.
It's compact, lightweight and exceptionally versatile, with plenty of brightness for night hiking, early alpine starts and multi-day adventures. The removable rechargeable battery means you can easily carry a spare, while the red light mode is useful around huts and campsites.
Unless you're regularly running through the mountains at speed, the HM55R offers everything most trampers are likely to need.
Camping
Our recommendation: Fenix HM55R
Camping often involves a mix of activities—walking around camp, cooking, reading, setting up tents and the occasional night walk.
The HM55R's combination of spot and flood lighting, red light mode and comfortable fit make it an excellent all-round camping companion.
If you're after the most affordable option, the HL18R-T V2 is also a great choice and offers more than enough brightness for weekend camping trips.
Hunting & Fishing
Our recommendation: Fenix HM55R
Hunters and anglers often spend extended periods outdoors in unpredictable weather, making reliability every bit as important as brightness.
The HM55R combines excellent battery life, rugged IP68 weather protection, powerful spot and flood beams, plus a dedicated red light mode that helps preserve your night vision when checking gear or moving around camp.
It's a dependable choice for long mornings, late evenings and everything in between.
Working Outdoors & Around the Property
Our recommendation: Fenix HM55R
Whether you're feeding stock before sunrise, checking fences, working around the shed or tackling jobs after dark, the HM55R is hard to beat.
It's compact enough to wear comfortably for extended periods, powerful enough to illuminate large work areas and rugged enough to cope with dust, rain and everyday knocks.
For people wanting one headlamp that can handle almost anything, this is our pick.
Running, Walking & Everyday Adventures
Our recommendation: Fenix HL18R-T V2
If your adventures mostly involve evening walks, local trails, camping weekends and occasional night runs, you probably don't need the extra performance of the premium models.
The HL18R-T V2 offers excellent comfort, impressive brightness and the added flexibility of being able to run on either its rechargeable battery or standard AAA batteries.
For many people, it's the perfect balance of performance and price.
Travel & Emergency Kits
Our recommendation: Fenix HL18R-T V2
The HL18R-T V2 is the only model in this comparison that can also run on three standard AAA batteries.
That makes it particularly appealing for travel, caravanning, emergency preparedness or situations where charging opportunities may be limited. If the rechargeable battery runs flat, you can simply swap in fresh AAAs and keep going.
It's a small feature that can make a big difference when you're away from home.
If You're Still Unsure...
If you're buying your first quality headlamp, the HL18R-T V2 is an excellent place to start.
If you want one headlamp that can comfortably handle almost every outdoor activity, we'd recommend the HM55R.
If you regularly spend long hours trail running or exploring the mountains after dark, the HM65R-T V2 is the premium choice and well worth the investment.
Our Pick
If we could only recommend one headlamp to most MoveNation adventurers, it would be the Fenix HM55R.
It sits right in the sweet spot between performance, comfort and value. It's bright enough for serious adventures, compact enough to wear for hours, rugged enough for New Zealand conditions and versatile enough to handle everything from camping weekends and tramping trips to hunting, fishing and jobs around the property.
Whichever model you choose, you're investing in a quality headlamp that's built to perform in New Zealand's conditions. The best headlamp isn't necessarily the brightest or the most expensive—it's the one you'll enjoy using every time you head outdoors.
The right choice simply comes down to where your next adventure takes you.
Ready to Choose Your Fenix Headlamp?
We hope this guide has made choosing the right headlamp a little easier.
Whether you're training for your next ultramarathon, planning a multi-day tramp, heading away for a camping weekend or simply looking for a reliable headlamp for everyday adventures, there's a Fenix model designed for the job.
If you're still unsure which model best suits your adventures, get in touch—we're always happy to help point you in the right direction.
Browse our Fenix Headlamp collection and get ready for your next adventure.