Updated 09/30/2025

Lightweight, bright, and versatile, the Flextail Tiny Helio 600Z offers multiple light modes, easy operation, and rechargeable convenience for camping and backpacking.

I’ve been using the new Flextail Tiny Helio 600Z on recent camping and backpacking trips, and I’ve found it to be a consistently reliable and affordable option. At just 2.2 ounces, it’s lightweight and comfortable to wear, yet powerful enough for everything I need on the trail or around camp.

Specs

• max output: 600 lumens
• modes: mixed light, spotlight, floodlight, red light, SOS, beacon
• beam distance: 328 feet / 100 meters
• burn time low/high: 100 hrs / 4 hrs
• battery capacity: 700 mAh
• battery type: rechargeable (and replaceable)
• weight: 2.2 oz
• price: $34.99 (use code PNW15 for 15% off at Flextail)

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Design & Comfort

The Tiny Helio has a simple two-button design that makes it easy to find the setting I want. A double-click powers it on, a single-click switches between modes, and a long-press enters special modes. One downside is that you have to cycle through all of the light modes to turn off the headlamp.

The soft foam panel on the back of the headlamp adds comfort when wearing it for long periods. The lamp also tilts easily, making it easy to point the light exactly where you need it.

The bungee cord headband is lightweight and easy to adjust while wearing, which may be an important consideration for anyone trying to keep weight to a minimum. Personally, I would have preferred a wider elastic fabric headband. The bungee cord can get a bit tangled, and it takes me a few extra seconds to get it situated correctly. Since the headband isn’t interchangeable, this is simply a matter of personal preference rather than something that can be changed.

Brightness & Light Modes

With a maximum of 600 lumens, this headlamp is very bright for camping and backpacking. I usually use the mid setting instead of high since it provides plenty of light without draining the battery as quickly.

While it offers several light modes, I find myself using the mixed light – which uses both the spotlight and floodlight together – and the red light the most. The red light is especially useful for preserving night vision and not blinding campmates.

The beam distance on high reaches 328 feet, which is a much farther reach than most headlamps I’ve used. There’s also a 1-lumen beacon mode that can run up to 100 hours, which would be good as a night light without using much battery.

Battery & Charging

Instead of using electronics that require disposable batteries, I prefer rechargeable electronics. The Tiny Helio charges quickly via USB-C, and the battery indicator makes it easy to track power so I never run out of light.

A unique feature of this headlamp is the ability to swap out the rechargeable battery — either replacing it with a higher capacity option for longer runtimes, or with a new one if the original no longer holds a charge.

Pros

• Lightweight and bright
• Multiple useful light modes
• Rechargeable battery can be replaced when it reaches the end of its charging life

Cons

• Bungee cord headband can be a little fiddly to get situated
• Have to cycle through the light modes to turn it off

Final Thoughts

The Flextail Tiny Helio 600Z is a lightweight, versatile headlamp that offers plenty of brightness and useful light modes for both camping and backpacking. While my preference is for a wider elastic fabric headband, the lightweight bungee cord design may be a plus for others who prioritize keeping weight down. Overall, the Tiny Helio 600Z is a solid option if you’re looking for a lightweight rechargeable headlamp with a good range of features.

Disclosure: this item was donated for the purpose of a review.

Gear Reviews: My goal is to share clear, unbiased information about outdoor gear. I am not sponsored by any gear companies and I don’t accept paid posts or links. I regularly receive products from brands for review, with no expectation of a positive review and no compensation for my opinions. As an independent gear reviewer, I only review items I’ve personally used on multiple trips and that I believe are high-quality and worth recommending.

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