Decathlon Forclaz HL100 USB Review
Decathlon's Forclaz HL100 USB is a 70 g, 120-lumen rechargeable headlamp with red, eco and power modes. It suits budget trail use better than fast night hiking.
Overview
The Forclaz HL100 USB is Decathlon’s entry-level rechargeable headlamp. It’s a 70 g, one-button, three-mode light that charges over Micro-USB and is aimed at easy trails, bivouacs and mountain-hut mornings. It gives up beam throw and fine-tuned brightness control, and in return it costs very little.
Key Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 70 g |
| Max output | 120 lumens |
| Beam range | 25 m (82 ft) |
| Modes | Red / Eco White / Power White |
| Battery | 1,150 mAh lithium-ion, built-in, rechargeable |
| Charging | Micro-USB (cable supplied), about 2.5–3 hours |
| Claimed runtime | About 17 hours in eco, about 4 hours in power |
| Water resistance | IPX4 (splash-resistant) |
| Dimensions | 55 x 39 x 31 mm, excluding headband |
| Headband | Removable and washable, 70% polyester / 30% natural rubber |
| Controls | Single button |
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Performance
Light output. Decathlon positions the HL100 as the step up from its older Onnight 100, with about 50% more output. At 120 lumens and a 25 m range, it’s built for camp chores, hut corridors and walking well-defined paths, not for picking a line through talus at speed. The optic is a wide, even flood. That’s pleasant for close work and for seeing to either side, but it doesn’t throw a tight spot far down the trail.
Modes and runtime. Three modes cover the basics: red for preserving night vision or staying discreet in a shared bivouac, an economy white for walking and camp, and a power white for brisk trail sections. Decathlon quotes about 17 hours on eco and about 4 hours on power. The light uses standard LED technology, and output fades gradually as the battery drains instead of holding steady and then dropping off. That stretches runtime, but it means the last stretch of a charge is dimmer than the first. Hikers planning a pre-dawn start should top it off beforehand.
Charging. The 1,150 mAh cell charges through the supplied Micro-USB cable in roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. Decathlon says it also works with external power banks and Forclaz solar panels. That makes it easy to top up from the same battery bank that runs a phone. The Micro-USB port is the dated part. A trip carrying only USB-C cables will need a separate cable or adapter for this light alone.
Handling and durability. One button runs everything, and Decathlon designed it to work with gloves and to resist switching on inside a pack. The soft SEBS casing is meant to absorb knocks, and the IPX4 rating covers rain and splashes. It isn’t rated for immersion. The band is washable and removable, and Decathlon says the lamp fits adult and child heads and mountain helmets. At 70 g with the battery built in, it’s light for a rechargeable but isn’t in the sub-40 g class that gram-counters favor.
Owner reception. Decathlon’s listing shows a 4.7 out of 5 average across more than 6,000 customer reviews. That’s a strong score for a budget light, and it reflects how simple and inexpensive the lamp is.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 70 g including a built-in 1,150 mAh battery
- Red mode plus two white levels cover the essentials
- About 17 hours of claimed runtime on eco
- Charges from a power bank or solar panel, and the cable is included
- Single glove-friendly button, with an anti-accidental-activation design
- Removable, washable headband that also fits helmets
- 4.7/5 average across more than 6,000 Decathlon reviews
Cons
- 120 lumens and a 25 m range are limiting for fast night hiking or off-trail navigation
- Output declines as the battery drains
- Micro-USB instead of USB-C
- Sealed battery can’t be swapped for a spare on a long trip
- IPX4 handles rain but not submersion
- Only three modes, with no dimming control
Who Should Buy This
This light suits weekend backpackers, hut-to-hut trekkers, campers and anyone who wants a dependable backup lamp at a low price. It’s also a sensible light for kids and for a car or emergency kit. It’s a poor match for thru-hikers who regularly hike in the dark, trail runners, or anyone navigating rough terrain at night. Those users need more output, a longer beam and, ideally, a regulated light or a swappable battery. Gram-counters who carry a sub-40 g light will find this one noticeably heavier.
Verdict
The HL100 USB does the unglamorous jobs of a headlamp well: it’s light enough, simple to use and cheap to charge. It’s a good camp-and-trail light and a smart backup, but it isn’t a primary light for serious night hiking. Buy it for modest needs and a modest budget.