Lighting the Path to Victory

When Bend Racing set out to conquer the Eastern Mountain Wilderness Challenge (EMWC), they weren’t just chasing another podium finish. They were preparing for one of the most demanding, bare-bones adventure races on the East Coast—a race designed to push teams past the breaking point.

Eastern Mountain Wilderness Challenge Fenix

No aid stations. No outside help. Just you, your team, and everything you need strapped to your back. 

In that kind of environment, your gear doesn’t just support your performance—it can make or break your entire race.

This year, under heavy clouds and endless rain, Bend Racing relied on Fenix Lighting to see them through. And when visibility dropped to near zero and the trail disappeared into darkness, their Fenix headlamps cut through it all, lighting the way forward one soaked, slippery step at a time.

Race Overview: What Makes the EMWC So Brutal?

Think of it as the anti-obstacle race. No loud music. No cheering crowds. No marked paths. The Eastern Mountain Wilderness Challenge strips racing down to its core—wilderness navigation, grueling terrain, and full self-sufficiency.

Teams must trek, paddle, and portage over 70+ miles of rugged mountain wilderness with nothing but map and compass navigation, enduring 36 straight hours of racing with no outside assistance. That means carrying all food, shelter, paddling gear, and supplies from start to finish.

This year’s course upped the stakes even further. It rained almost the entire race. Rivers swelled. Trails turned into streams. Fog rolled in thick and low. And yet, Bend Racing powered through it all—thanks in part to their smart gear strategy, including high-performance headlamps that were up for the challenge.

Trekking, Packrafting, and Everything In Between

Every segment of the EMWC throws something different at you. One moment you’re bushwhacking up steep ridges, the next you’re navigating river crossings in inflatable packrafts, which you’ve been carrying on your back for hours.

Packs averaged 30+ pounds, loaded with rafts, paddles, food, water filtration, clothing, and emergency gear. And when night fell, so did the temperature and visibility. Navigating in the dark, exhausted and soaked, would’ve been impossible without reliable lighting.

HM60R HeadlampReal-World Lighting in Race Conditions

From dusk till dawn—and often back to dusk again—lighting became a crucial part of survival and success. Bend Racing ran Fenix headlamps for nighttime trekking, map reading, camp setup, and gear checks in the rain.

Here’s how each light stepped up:

Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 Headlamp: Built for the Long Haul

The Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 headlamp was the go-to for team members doing the brunt of the night trekking. It wasn’t just about brightness—it was about smart light control, runtime, and fit.

Key Features for Race Conditions:

  • SPORT Fit Headband stayed locked in through wet hair, sweaty climbs, and beanie layers
  • Dual-beam system allowed switching from focused spotting to wide flood for trail scanning
  • Warm light mode helped cut through fog without blowing out visibility
    300-hour max runtime gave peace of mind on the longest overnight legs
  • Built-in emergency whistle offered backup safety with zero added weight
  • USB-C rechargeability made quick top-offs easy with power banks

Fenix HM60R HeadlampFenix HM60R Headlamp: The Ultimate All-Rounder

For camp chores, late-night map reading, and mid-trek gear adjustments, the HM60R was indispensable. Lightweight, versatile, and intuitive, it served as a perfect second light and even primary for some legs.

What made it perfect for this race:

  • Three beam types available including spotlight, floodlight, and red light
  • Neutral white flood renders terrain features better when reading maps or searching for trail markers
  • Red light mode preserved night vision—especially useful during transitions and in tents
  • Stride frequency sensor gave a bonus pacing advantage during night movement
  • Big, glove-friendly switch worked even when soaked and cold
  • USB-C recharge with hidden port kept things dry and efficient

Eastern Mountain Wilderness Challenge medal

Why Lighting Strategy Matters in Adventure Racing

In a multi-sport race that runs day and night with no resupply, a solid lighting setup isn’t optional—it’s survival. It affects every aspect of performance:

  • Navigation: A missed trail split could cost hours. A reliable beam keeps you on course.
  • Efficiency: Low-light chores like cooking or filtering water go faster when your lighting is intuitive.
  • Safety: Knowing your light will work—rain or not—reduces risk during night paddles, climbs, and descents.
  • Energy: Lightweight and long runtime lights reduce fatigue and let you carry fewer batteries.
  • Fenix lights checked every box for Bend Racing: durability, runtime, versatility, and comfort.

Results and Takeaways

Despite the relentless rain, thick fog, and brutal terrain, Bend Racing completed the Eastern Mountain Wilderness Challenge with clarity and control. 

While other teams struggled with gear failure or navigation errors, their preparation—and their lighting—held strong. Fenix headlamps performed exactly as needed, from the first river crossing to the final climb. The team never had to second guess their gear, even in the darkest, wettest conditions. 

For anyone heading into remote territory—whether you’re racing, camping, or working in demanding environments—Fenix headlamps are built to go the distance and keep you moving forward when it matters most.