Fenix CL27R Rechargeable Lantern Review

Active Gear Review is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Fenix CL27R Rechargeable Lantern is a versatile and powerful lighting solution for anyone who needs reliable illumination, whether it’s for outdoor adventures, work projects, or emergency situations. After testing this lantern during a week-long camping trip at Hartwick Pines State Park—a spot that’s been on my bucket list for a while—I’m thoroughly impressed by its performance. Here’s a breakdown of how it held up and why it’s now a go-to piece of gear.

Fenix CL27R: Build Quality and Design

The Fenix CL27R stands out with its solid construction and thoughtful design. It feels robust in hand and is made from durable polycarbonate, along with an aluminum alloy front case that’s both lightweight and tough. The IP66 water resistance rating ensures that it can handle heavy rain or dusty environments without any issues, while its 1-meter impact resistance adds to its reliability.

During my time at Hartwick Pines, we experienced several rainy nights and even a day of consistent showers. The lantern never skipped a beat and remained fully functional, even in the damp conditions. The 360° handle makes it easy to hang or position the lantern at any angle, though I did have to snug the side bolts down to make the handle a little tighter since it wouldn’t stay in place at first. The magnetic base adds extra convenience by allowing you to attach it to metal surfaces for hands-free use, but the magnet isn’t very strong and can struggle to hold the lantern securely in certain positions. Additionally, there’s a threaded tripod mount if you need more stability or directional lighting.

Fenix CL27R: Lighting Performance

This lantern delivers up to 1600 lumens, reaching a maximum beam distance of 591 feet. The dual rotary switches make it simple to adjust brightness levels and color temperature, giving you control over the lighting environment. The knobs were very easy to use and stood out as one of the features that I liked most about the lantern. You can easily switch between floodlight, spotlight, or a combination of both depending on your needs.

While camping, I found the adjustable color temperature particularly useful. The floodlight’s range from 2700K to 6500K allowed me to create the perfect ambiance for different settings—from warm, cozy lighting around the campsite to cool, bright light for evening tasks. The spotlight is fixed at 5700K, offering bright, clear light suitable for long-distance visibility, which came in handy during late-night walks at the campground.

Fenix CL27R: Red Light Mode and Additional Features

For those who need low-profile lighting at night, the CL27R includes a red light mode that can be activated by holding the top button. The red light’s low brightness preserved our night vision while still providing enough illumination to navigate around camp. It also has a flashing mode for emergencies.

The battery level indicator is another handy addition. It gave me peace of mind, as I always knew when it was time to recharge the 5000mAh battery, which can be done via the USB-C port. The lantern even supports extended runtimes if you plug in a power bank while using it, which was great for those long, rainy evenings under the canopy.

Fenix CL27R: Battery Life and Charging

The included 5000mAh 21700 battery offers exceptional runtimes, lasting up to 285 hours on the lowest setting. Even after 7 days of camping and using the lantern extensively each night, I only had to recharge it once at the beginning of the trip. The quick charging via USB-C was a relief, and it’s great to see more devices moving away from outdated micro-USB ports.

The battery is removable, so you can carry spares if you’re going on an extended trip. It’s also compatible with other Fenix batteries, adding to the overall versatility.

Fenix CL27R: Specifications

• Max Lumens: 1600
• Max Beam Distance: 591 feet (180 meters)
• Max Runtime: 285 hours
• Lighting Modes: Five lighting modes including stepless brightness levels for floodlight, spotlight, and both combined; plus a red light and red flash
• Bulb Type: One tricolor COB and one high-quality Luminus SST20 LED
• Lens Material: Polycarbonate
• Color Temperature: The Spotlight is 5700K. Only the color temperature of the Floodlight is adjustable, with a range from 2700K to 6500K
• Size: Height: 4.32” (109.8mm) Width: 3.61” (91.7mm) Depth: 1.56” (39.6mm)
• Weight: 10.58 oz. (300g) including battery
• Battery: One included 5000mAh rechargeable 21700 battery
• Included: ARB-L21-5000 V2.0 battery, USB Type-C charging cable, battery cover key, spare O-ring
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Guarantee from Fenix Lighting USA

Fenix CL27R: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Smooth and intuitive controls with rotary dials
• Adjustable color temperature on flood mode
• Strong magnets for hands-free mounting
• Impressive brightness with up to 1600 lumens
• Multiple lighting modes, including red light for night vision
• Durable enough for rainy weather and rough conditions

Cons:

• The magnetic base, though functional, could be stronger
• Red light could be brighter with more functions
• Color temperature adjustment does not apply to spotlight mode

Conclusion

My first time camping at Hartwick Pines State Park was a memorable experience, and the Fenix CL27R played a key role in making the trip smooth and enjoyable. Whether it was cooking dinner in the rain, setting up gear in the dark, or creating a comfortable atmosphere around the fire, this lantern was up for every task. If you need a reliable, multifunctional lantern that can handle tough conditions, this model is definitely worth considering. Priced at $112 (seen on sale for $84.95), it offers excellent value for its range of features, solid build, and long battery life. You can choose between two color options, Wild Green and Glacier Blue, both of which look sleek and modern. For more information or to check out one of the Fenix CL27Rs for yourself, visit www.fenixlighting.com.