Adventures of the Yellow Circus in Mongolia: Fenix flashlights on the road

 5.1.2025

Dan Przybáň and his Yellow Circus have become a legend among adventurers. After their expeditions with Trabants that conquered Africa, the Silk Road and South America, they decided to change the concept. This time they got behind the wheel of the LuAZ amphibious vehicles, which became known as the "yellow frogs". The fleet was completed by a floating Honda ATC200 tricycle. Their 129-day journey, on which they experienced unforgettable adventures, led from Europe through Central Asia and Russia to Mongolia. We had the privilege of equipping the expedition with Fenix headlamps and flashlights, which became indispensable helpers on their journey.

A parade of Fenix headlamps - from left HM51R Ruby V2.0, HM61R Amber V2.0, HM65R and HM75R

Beginning the journey: technical challenges and nightly repairs

The expedition started with high expectations, but soon encountered its first obstacles. In Turkmenistan, one of the LuAZs suffered engine seizure, which meant hours spent on repairs. In such situations, the Fenixes proved their worth, providing enough light to work even at night and in the most challenging conditions.

"We couldn't have done it without good lighting. Fenix literally lit the way for us, whether we were repairing a car at night or finding a route in unfamiliar terrain."

Fenix HM60R headlamp

Fenix HM60R and HM75R

Russia: Tensions and Cultural Differences

One of the most interesting stages was the journey through Russia. Although the landscape offered breathtaking scenery, the atmosphere was often tense. Dan Przyban recalls several encounters with the Russian secret service FSB and being detained by the police while their mobile phones, computers and cameras were searched. Despite this, they were met with the hospitality of ordinary people who invited them for tea or helped them find their way.

Mongolia: Plains, yurts and storms in the Gobi

Arriving in Mongolia brought a whole different world. The vast, roadless steppes, where the only landmarks were yurts and the occasional yak, tested both the team's technique and navigational skills.
One of the most notable moments was the rain in the Gobi Desert, which created huge lagoons under the sand dunes. Here, the yellow frogs showed their amphibious potential for the first time when they had to wade through the water.
It was like a dream to see vast areas without a single road and to experience the silence broken only by the sound of the wind and predators overhead, an experience you won't find anywhere else.

 
And this beautiful scenery is illuminated by "Fenixes"

Fenix for every situation

Throughout the expedition, Fenix flashlights were an indispensable tool. From the smallest models for personal illumination, to more powerful flashlights that helped with orientation in the wilderness or illuminated scenes for documentary filming.
"We have become convinced that quality equipment is key," assesses the team members. "With Fenix, we were confident that the light would last us through the worst conditions."

Or just for fun

Final kilometres and impressions

After 4 months and 17,765 kilometres, the Yellow Circus team reached Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. The journey was full of challenges but also unforgettable experiences. The expedition proved that even with minimalist equipment, great things can be experienced if the team is determined enough.
If you too are going on an adventurous journey, don't forget about quality equipment. Fenix flashlights and headlamps are the perfect partner that won't let you down even in the most challenging conditions.

And what models did we equip Dan's team with for the trip?

The Fenix HM51R Ruby V2.0 headlamp is Fenix's lightest model with high light output of up to 700 lumens, supplemental red light. Powered by the RCR123A rechargeable battery or disposable CR123A battery. A great ultralight headlamp, which you will appreciate especially its light weight and compact size.

The Fenix HM61R Amber V2.0 headlamp is the bigger sister to the Ruby. It has virtually the same features and controls and with almost five times the battery capacity, it especially provides much longer battery life and thus the ability to use the higher modes for longer. Both headlamps can also be used as handheld flashlights without a holder and straps, and the magnetic end allows attachment to anything metal, which is quite handy when repairing vehicles (and not only that)!

Even in relaxing moments it is good to have some "Fenix" :D
From left 2x HM61R Amber V2.0, HM75R and HM60R.

The headlamps Fenix HM60R and Fenix HM65R have a long and wide reflector. So you can choose the light cone that suits you for different situations. For work, maintenance, getting ready for bed, and eating scattered light. For navigation, driving and route finding a spot light with long range. The HM60R also features a red wide reflector. The HM65R does not, but again you can independently control the wide and long range reflector and run them at different intensities at the same time, adjusting the light cone even better for specific situations. Both headlamps are powered by an 18650 battery with a 3400 mAh capacity.

From left Fenix HM75R and Fenix HM60R headlamps.

The Fenix HM75R headlamp is one of the most practical and versatile models in today. It shines with a long and wide reflector as well as a strong red light with up to 120 lumens. It can be powered by the 18650 battery inside the headlamp as well as the 21700 in the external battery case, which also functions as a power bank for other electronics. The output of up to 1600 lumens is sufficient for most situations you can get into, and the 1000 lumens of the wide reflector is the strongest diffused light you can have on a headlamp at present. You can now also purchase this model in a HM75R Topaz version modified for our dealership with some great enhancements.

Also included was a Fenix CL26R PRO lantern with both an omnidirectional diffuser and spotlight, plus a red light and emergency flasher. The lantern can be used as a work light or as a lamp when bivouacking and camping. The power bank function can also come in handy for recharging other electronics.

Thanks to the magnet on the iron it holds - Fenix CL26R PRO.

And last but not least, a work light Fenix CL28R, which, like other Fenix CL series flashlights, is also great for outdoor activities and, as Dan Przyban and his team proved, it's also useful for photographers and videographers. Thanks to the tripod thread and strong magnets in the swivel handle, it can be attached almost anywhere. It shines with a pleasant diffused light whose intensity can be infinitely controlled and the light's chromaticity temperature can be infinitely changed in the range of 2700 K to 6500 K. A nice bonus is the red light and the flashing light and especially the power bank, which thanks to the 10 000 mAh battery recharges other electronics and still has „juice“ left for further lighting.

Tunning Photographic and Cinematic Fenix CL28R
Here the gentlemen have tuned it perfectly for their needs.

The kit was further complemented by headlamp cases and replacement batteries, so that there was plenty of power after all and everything was nicely together ready for use.

Are you interested in more details of the Yellow Circus's journey?" Check out the list of lectures and talks to see firsthand accounts directly from Dan and his co-tutors.

Want help with choosing flashlights for your own adventure? The easiest thing you can do is to contact us. We'll be happy to advise you by phone or answer your questions in email.