The Nitecore HC65 UHE is the most powerful head torch in this test, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the best choice for hillwalkers.
If you want the brightest light and longest reach, the Nitecore HC65 UHE is the headlamp to choose from this review. In the Turbo mode it has 2000 lumens and throws a beam 222 metres. Unsurprisingly the battery then only lasts 2 hours.
Chris Townsend recommends
This lamp offers more power than most users are likely to need – but there are benefits- Powerful
- Battery life
- Waterproof
- Quite heavy
- Small button
| Quick Specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £94 | $120.57 (also available from FlashlightGo) Weight: 156g Power Source: 4000 mAh li-ion rechargeable battery Battery Life: 2 – 82 hours Brightness: 8 – 2000 lumens / 6 – 222 metres Features: 6 light levels, lock mode, waterproof (IP68), red light, storage case www.nitecore.co.uk |
There are three other primary modes – Mid, High, and Higher – of which the first, which has a runtime of 31 hours, is okay for walking on good paths, and the second, with a runtime of 14 hours, good for difficult terrain. There is also an auxiliary light with Ultralow and Low settings that is fine around camp or in a tent.
In the primary modes the beam is a mix of flood and spot that works well. I didn’t miss having them separately. The HC65 UHE is one of the heavier headlamps tested and all the weight is at the front. A top strap for the headband is supplied and I fitted this after using the headlamp without it so that I didn’t have to have the headband uncomfortably tight to stop the lamp slipping down. With the top strap it feels secure and comfortable.
The headlamp has two buttons, a small one to switch between modes, and a bigger one to turn the lamp on and off and cycle between brightness levels. The latter button is a reasonable size but the first is tiny and quite hard to use with gloves.
This headlamp offers more power than most users are likely to ever need but on lower settings it does have good battery life.
Testing Notes
Chris tested the Nitecore HC65 UHE on night walks and when camping in the Scottish Highlands, mainly the Cairngorms, throughout 2024. This comparative review was first published in the November 2024 issue of The Great Outdoors. His other reviews in this comparative test can be found in our guide to the best head torches.
