Coast FL1R

Incredibly lightweight rechargeable headlamp for backpacking and trail running. Has several features only found only in more expensive and heavier lights, but in a smaller package.

I got the FL1R for the purpose of backpacking where weight and durability are two key features.

First off, the headlamp is incredibly light and when I first took it out of the packaging I was surprised that it wasn't missing a battery or any other heavier components. On my kitchen scale, it came in at 1.6 ounces as you can see in the included photo.

I have also gotten a chance to test out the brightness doing some night work around my house and in the garden. Wow, for something so lightweight and small it sure packs a punch and provided more than enough light for all my needs. I actually used it on the lower setting for most situations. I haven't had a chance to test the battery to its limits but from using it for a couple of weeks now I haven't had to charge it yet so that makes me optimistic.

Additionally, I am a fan of the built-in rechargeable batteries since it means fewer moving parts and things that can get damaged. The only downside to this though is that if you run out of battery on a camping trip you would need an external battery pack with a USB port to recharge.

Finally, a feature I am a big fan of is that red light for night use. 

This entry level light has few frills, but counts where it matters. The FL1R is a rechargeable headlamp with hat attachment and reflective head strap.

We all know productivity slows down when lighting isn't ideal. With this headlamp, you'll be sure to stay in business. I've had this headlight for about a month now and wanted to test it out before writing the review.

The FL1R came in incredible looking packaging showing all the specs and features, something you don't get when you buy a knockoff from china on amazon. In the package includes a micro usb charging cable, a hat attachment feature, and the FL1R unit itself.

After opening up the package and charging the unit, we set out to camp for the weekend. We arrived to a wet and dark campsite because it was a rainy evening so I fired up the light so I could see in the back of the jeep to get camp set up as fast as possible. This light is very bright, well built, and lasted the entire weekend without the need to recharge. I did however have a spare micro USB in the jeep with a battery pack just in case. When you are charging the unit, there's a giant green light on the top to let you know when it's charged.

The FL1R is IPX4 rated so I wasn't worried about the rainy evening. I had no troubles with the light. When we walked up to the main office in pitch black, the light spread from one side of the road to the next with no trouble with visibility. Back at the campsite, there's plenty of light to adequately see to make s'mores and a fresh pot of pour over camp coffee.

I used the headlamp all weekend and never had to recharge, so I’m not sure how long the battery lasts. An added bonus to the light is the reflective strap so your visibility is increased in a dark situation. This feature was not needed but welcomed.

I'm very impressed with this headset and really the only complaint I could think of was micro USB is on its way out and most of my charging ports are changing to USBC. I"m sure switching to USBC may raise the cost of the unit and make the connection slightly bigger, which I really appreciate the size of the FL1R compared to the light output. This entry level no frills headlamp is a great buy!

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In my experience, I would absolutely suggest this headlamp to any of my friends. This light is easily worth the small space and weight it takes up and is a useful tool to anyone who needs to see on the trail.

This is the perfect headlamp to throw in your bag for day hikes, quick overnights, or a campground stay. It's comfortable, lightweight, and gives a great range of vision for nighttime activities!

My old trusty headlamp has been through a lot with me, so I love it dearly, but I was immediately attracted to the compact and sleek design of Coast’s micro headlamp. Sorry old headlamp, but I’m going to go with the FL1R on my next camping adventure.

I got to test this out for the first time on the beach, so that I could really test the depths of the light, and was impressed by the evenly lit flood beam and wide spotlight. The brightest setting is very bright, and I love having the 3 setting option for red or dim as well. I actually haven't had a headlamp with the red light setting, and I really appreciate it! Helps for those nights when I just need to get from point A to point B and then look back up at the stars, without losing my night vision.

Most importantly, the strap is comfortable and soft. As someone who is prone to headaches, I was pleasantly surprised that I could wear this for a length of time without feeling that familiar and unwelcome pressure. I am curious how it will hold up over time, as it feels like it could easily stretch out, but it's adjustable, so I'm not too worried.

On a nighttime hike, I felt this headlamp had good control of vision as I scampered over rocks and roots, even on the dimmer setting. I love the lock-out feature with the battery, so I don’t have to worry about accidentally turning it on as things adjust in my backpack. And the USB charge is a nice touch, especially since I usually have a portable charger with me on trips.

Overall, I am very happy with this headlamp!

Background

I have been using this headlamp for the past month. I used it on a walk on the beach, on a few nighttime hikes in rocky and dirt terrain, and outside walking my dog through a field, all in fair weather conditions. I haven't had the chance to try it out in the rain. Previously, I used the Petzl brand headlamp, which I loved as well, but it is bulkier in comparison, and doesn't have the red light feature.

Small, light and comfortable with good light. Would like to see a couple of tweaks in design. I used this for car camping.

I love that this is small, light and comfortable. I love how you adjust the angle of the light and have it on as a high beam, low beam, or red beam.

What I would like to see added? One, a different "feel" to the on button. I keep forgetting if it's the top or bottom and the rubber thing over the recharger feels the same. So I find myself fumbling around with it in the dark.

I'd also love if there was a more sleep-friendly light option, in a yellow or orange hue, similar to the screen color changers. I try to avoid blue light at night. So if I want to read with the headlamp while camping, blue light is the only option. So I'd love it if there were just one more color option that wasn't blue. (I tried reading with the red light, but that's just too hard.)

Minimal complaints though! Those are just tweaks I'd love to see!

Background

I was able to take it on a multi-state camping trip over several days, plus using it around home, to go get things out of the car in the dark, etc... I have one other headlamp that is a different brand and heavier. This was used in good conditions in the summer. No bad weather aside from wind. Used for camping. Threw in pack on hikes, just in case I needed it.

I hike a lot and at times I end up on the trail at dusk or at night. I'm a little depth-perception challenged, so I need a good headlamp to keep my feet safely under me. This one does the trick!

I would highly recommend it!

I'm so impressed with this headlamp.

I love that it is USB rechargeable. I've had headlamps die before and not had extra batteries with me. Having it charge via USB is a great thing for me.
I hike a lot and at times I end up on the trail at dusk or at night. I'm a little depth-perception challenged, so I need a good headlamp to keep my feet safely under me. This one does the trick! It has a great wide angle flood beam and three different light settings.

I love how lightweight it is, that the strap is reflective, that it's weatherproof, and has a power lockout. I would highly recommend it!

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I have tried a variety of different headlamps. Small battery powered ones, solar powered, and even the bulky battery pack ones. This is my first time using a Coast Portland product, but certainly not my last.

This headlamp is lightweight, durable, and easy to use! Nice bright light.

I've been using this for about two weeks at work and it been great! It is so lightweight yet durable! When I put it on over my hardhat it doesn't flop around like some heavier headlamps do. It's been dropped and used around a construction site and has held up nicely.

Compared to some other headlamps at the same price point it has more features and higher quality. It's awesome that it is rechargeable and don't have to mess with batteries. I find if I charge it on my way home from work, it never runs out of charge during the day. Overall, it seems to last about 2-3 days of using it off and on throughout the day without charging.

The only thing I don't like is that you have to cycle through all the light phases to get to red phase. That would only be an issue using it camping/disturbing other campers in the middle of the night. But other than that I really enjoy using it daily for work!

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Use headlamps daily for work and frequently for camping.

This is one of my most essential pieces of camping gear! Hands-free light is essential! I love how compact this headlamp is. It’s comfortable, bright, rechargeable and overall well designed. Great value at this price point as well.

Additional features: reflective head band, emergency light, high and low light setting.

This headlamp doesn’t turn on unless you turn it on too—my old lamp constantly turns on with the slightest touch in luggage etc. This was a big improvement for me.

I love that it’s a Portland, OR, company with such a long history of quality products too. 

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One camping trip and some use working on my van at night.

Light headlamp for backpacking and all other outdoor activities. Rechargeable and reliable!

This is a quality headlamp with multiple settings. You can easily adjust the angle of the beam. The red beam allows you to move around a campsite at night without disturbing others. The headlamp recharges really easily.

This headlamp is great for hiking, jogging, camping, or walking your dog at night. It is light and comfortable. I highly recommend it!  

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Solid to use this product at night!

Nice headlamp! Very happy with it.

Very lightweight, about an ounce, and I liked that they had a hat clip in addition to the strap. Powerful light, and the battery lasted all weekend. Red light was my favorite—I could do a lot of tasks without attracting the bugs! The splash proof was nice for on the water and in the rain.

Very happy with this product. 

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Used it on a river camping trip.

Solid option for most situations.

Overall: I think this definitely has a solid spot in the marketplace. It's not for everyone, but it covers a lot of bases. I would highly recommend it!

Great light with a sleek compact design. Clear bright light path and comfortable.

This light has replaced several I keep in my kayak and on the campsite. Its simple and lightweight design are exactly why I purchased another. 

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Avid camper and kayaker. Work in a field where light sources are frequently utilized.