FENIX HL32R-T High performance Trail Running Headlamp Assessed here for Trekking and Trail Running Headlamp Review

 FENIX HL32R-T Trekking and Trail Running Headlamp Review

The FENIX HL32R-T is a (near*) perfect headlamp for trekkers. Here's why:

The Fenix HL32R-T can take two different battery sources: a proprietary  ARB-LP1900 Lithium ion battery or 3 AAA batteries either Alkaline or Ni-MH batteries.

Proprietary Lion battery pack

Capacity to use AAA batteries (only Alkaline and NiMH), the use of Lithium Ion AAA is Prohibited by Fenix!

So why is this good? Well, using the proprietary Lithium ion cell, one can use the headlamp trekking in sub zero temperatures (it is rated down to -35C!) and up to 45C! 

If it's not possible while away from civilisation to charge the lithium ion cell then very commonly available AAA alkaline cells can be used or even Ni-MH AAA cells can be substituted, these latter 2 battery types will of course not provide the low temperature performance as the LP1900 battery (supplied).

The LOCK OUT Function

The next specification is a definite must for trekkers and that is the capacity to lock out the headlamp. This is a must so that when a headlamp is carried in a rucksack or other travel luggage it can not be accidentally switched on, only to find the headlamp when you need it most has a flat battery! The lock out function is easy to initiate and even instructions are indicated on the lamp body itself for those with a short memory :)!

Light weight magnesium Alloy Construction

For trekking a lightweight headlamp is a must. 40 years ago whilst trekking in the Nepal Himalaya region I took a Petzl Zoom. This was a great light for the time and those chunky 4.5V alkaline cells could be easily obtained in Nepal (believe it or not) but these light's although very durable and weather resistant were also very heavy. 

The Fenix HL32R-T is made from a lightweight but strong Magnesium alloy case and some (not stated) engineering plastic (maybe polycarbonate?).

4 Blue LEDs on indicate a charge state from 100%-80% 3 Blue 80%-60% 2 Blue 60%-40% One Blue 40%-20% One Blue LED flashing 20%-1%

The 2 lights are independently controlled via 2 separate switches and the entire body is resistant to: heavy rain, dust and high pressure water ingress; in other words absolutely terrible sh%t faced weather conditions which once can def encounter whilst high altitude trekking.

Ergonomics

The Fenix HL 32R-T headlamp can also be tilted to provide a ergonomic stance whilst running or walking or indeed any activity where this light is worn.

The elasticized band can be adjusted either conventionally via the friction buckle or by adjusting very rapidly via the "twist lock" wheel, with one hand operation.

The headband is wide and comfortable with 2 ways to adjust it and sports some highly reflective text along it's length. This can be of big benefit to see other party members whilst travelling at night.

Charging

The USB port is a C port and this means longer life than Type A mini USB ports which are prone to failure due to their asymmetric shape.

A trekking headlamp or running headlamp

Must be weather resistant and that is resistant to THE worst weather conditions possible, so that it doesn't let you down when you need it.

The Fenix HL32R-T is weather proofed via a O-ring seal on the battery compartment lid. It is rated by Fenix as IP66 (resists ingress from high pressure water and dust).

(There is no spare O-ring supplied with this unit unlike many of their products- this is probably due to the fact that the wear against the O-ring will be minimal if not constantly changing out batteries-especially if only using the supplied Lithium ion battery pack.

O-ring seal

Finally the business end and that's the LEDs in use.

The main LED is made by LUMINUS and anyone who purports to know about LEDs will know that Luminus were the first to bring out the PHAT LED concept and hence the most guts busting LEDs you could get- yes it wasn't CREE! I was experimenting with the Luminus SST90 LEDs years ago when they were working with National Semi cinductor who were making test drivers foir these high power LEDs. Now whilst this headlamp doesn't incorporate a SST90, it does use a Luminus SST20 cold white 

and a Redslight neutral white light. Lifespan 50K hours.

Light output

Trust me it's more than adequate! But if you want to see specifications then I won't rehash them here, I will simply show you the page from their user instructions which come with the Fenix HL32R-T

* I say near perfect as I would like to see a water resistant rating of IP68 ie to 2m submersion up to 30 minutes- then this model would be perfect but assuming during trail running and trekking one would not be going swimming with this headlamp!

The Fenix HL32R-T is available in Funky Red (my words), Blue and (Boring but stealthy) Black!

No Fenix did not pay me to write this article. Please help me out to keep the blog going by reading and at least making some comments, even if you hate the reviews and think they suck. i have kept this long term blog totally advertisement free for the ease of reading the articles (I hate the ads which normally pop up all over blogs when i'm reading them).