The two likely candidates for external battery pack headlamps I’ve been able to find are Fenix HP30R and the Nitecore HC70. Are there other contenders I should consider? I like the Fenix’s multiple LED (flood + throw). But it seems to have heat dissipation problems. The Nitecore has just one emitter, so not much for closeup work, but better heat dissipation. Both their banks use a pair of 18650 batteries. Unfortunately, both of these are pretty old models. Neither has USB-C charging. But the battery pack on both lights have USB-A plug to be used as a USB power source for other things. I couldn’t tell if these lights draw current from both 18650’s at the same time, but charge the batteries individually?
Would really like a USB-C charge option. But what are your thoughts?
I’m mostly looking for use in the winter (keeping the external battery pack in my coat).
Take a look at the Olight headlamps. They have the H1R, H2R, Perun Mini, and the Perun.
All of them have a magnetic charging cable that can be connected to any USB battery pack, and power the light while it is being used. That way you are not locked into a proprietary battery pack. And with a magnetic connection, there won’t be any way to damage the charge connector/port, like a micro USB/C port could.
You also can connect the battery pack, via the magnetic charging cable, without having to remove the light from your head. Just hold the magnetic end of the charging cable near the light, and it will attach properly, all by itself. That way you only need to be connected when the light is low on internal battery power.
If the included magnetic charging cable of those Olight headlamps is too short for your needs, Olight does sell the L-Dock charging mount, that includes a much longer USB magnetic charging cable.
Olight does make a light with a separate battery pack. But the battery pack is still attached at the back of the head strap, and is mostly just a runners light, due the battery pack also having red LED’s on it, so people can see the back of you at night. It’s called the Array.
I just looked up the H2R. I’ve been avoiding Olight because they were pretty expensive and I thought I’d read that they use proprietary batteries, but now that I’ve looked closer, it’s just that the battery that is included may be proprietary, but it regular 18650’s work in their lights. Huh.
I do have a Skilhunt headlamp with similar magnetic charger, so I could kind of do the same thing you suggested with the H2R. I was hesitant because I’m most likely using this in snowy conditions and wasn’t sure water infiltration between contacts would be OK. I do like how the Olight has the charging in the tailcap. If I wanted to wrap the magnetic charger to the light, it’s easier to do on the tailcap then the top of the light. Less concern with heat dissipation.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Edit: more reading. The olight will work with any 18650, but the magnetic charger only works with the proprietary battery. I think?
Yes, a button top 30Q will provide the required current needed for the H2R turbo mode. But it won’t charge in the light. Which also means it won’t work using the external battery pack, as I described. It only works in that manner, if you use the proprietary Olight battery.
I have tried the button top 30Q in my H2R, and they work fine, just not with an external battery pack.
Like you, I also think Olights are over-priced. That is why all of my Olights have been purchased during their Flash Sales.
I also probably won’t be buying many more Olights, since most of their new products won’t even function without their proprietary batteries.
I was willing to over look that aspect, since most would still function, but not charge, using a non-proprietary battery.
1. Why do you bother of heat dissipation if you are looking to use it in winter.?
2. I think there is no need for external battery pack since the heat from the LED will keep the lithium cells hot, as long as you keep it in your pocket while off.
3. For most models it is pretty easy to convert internal battery to external pack using a dummy cell, especially the L shape models with an e-switch
If you are looking for headlights that can use different battery source I would recommend the Klarus HR1 Plus/Pro (2 models basically the same except battery pack, does have USBA-C charging option). Output not too crazy (400lm) but does have flood and spot light. I’ve been using it for morning run and biking. Very comfortable
Yeah, heat dissapation isn’t a big issue for winter use. But if I was going to make the battery pack mod more permanent, in also effecting non-winter usage.
I’ve not seen any converters or adapters to turn a right angle headlamp into an externally powered light.
I really like the TK series from Fenix, they’re great for all purpose but if you really want USB charging, I’d suggest “FENIX PD36R RECHARGEABLE FLASHLIGHT” I don’t have one but a buddy does and the weight feels great in your hand.
Here is an example for zebralight by Scott Linn. if you get an extra battery cover it isnt permanent. obviously you can make it look better using a cable gland and a nice pack as a bonus you can add a USBC charging circuit to the pack.
I guess I’m trying to cover my basis. I mostly use it for a couple hours clearing snow when it’s cold. And then just throughout the year stuff, working outside at night for a few hours. The snow work was what made me initially want to do the external battery so I can keep it warm in my jacket.
