PETZL Tikka² Headlamp

Comments about PETZL Tikka Headlamp:

This is my favorite headlamp, after owning various brands/styles. It covers the most bases and needs of mine, while being perfectly lightweight, plenty bright, and long lasting. I use mine nearly everyday, whether it's to fill the wood burner outside at night, to track a blood trail, set up my tent, change a tire, navigate the portaledge, cook during a power outage, or investigate the creeks at night. I've got over 400 nights-a-field, both professionally and personally and this headlamp has been on a majority and will continue to do so.

On the bright setting (especially with new batteries) it's more than enough light to hike a trail with, or cross-country ski with (as long as you're not flying). As a bike commuter, it's the easiest forward facing light and on high it's a great help to light the road. In well light sections, I'll rotate it around, on flashing mode, and be 100% sure I'm being seen. In the tent, or using around the house the low setting is great, and seems to go for over. I do notice a drop off in terms of distance on the high setting after a while, but the usable light lasts for ever. Fresh batteries and a change will last you a month in the woods if you're not night hiking.

It's the most comfortable headlamp I've used, and it light enough that running is no problem and your head/neck doesn't get tired of the weight. The button works great with most gloves, but my ultra thick expedition mitts sometimes aren't flexible enough for me to operate the light. I've never had a problem with water, and the light seems very resistant. I've never submerged it and typically have it under a hood or brim when possible, but it gets rained/snowed on plenty and it's never been an issue.

The only 2 drawbacks of the light are a) it's not the furthest throwing light source out there. When doing SAR work I typically add my xenon light so I can cast the far beam, but that's the only real application I've felt the Tikka fall short. For high speed activities where I needed to see around the fast approaching bend it's not quite enough either. Also, for cold cold winter camping I do notice a little drop with the batteries getting cold. In temperatures consistently below 15 C I'd recommend a headlight with a battery pack you can store in your coat.

Overall, the best light I've owned and am responsible for giving it to others as gifts and/or encouraging it as the choice when gearing others up for trips. Highly recommended.

Comments about PETZL Tikka Headlamp:

a super all around light. perfect for night hikes, camp choirs, and reading before turning in while in the tent. the multi level power option conserves battery life and allows just the right amount of light for any sitiations.

Comments about PETZL Tikka Headlamp:

I have been using this headlamp for a few weeks now and am very happy with its performance. At the price point this light is great. With EMS sales I got this light for less than $20 shipped to my door.

I have taken it out on a few night hikes, one in the rain, and it has done exactly what I need. Strong, focused illumination with little fuss. With winter gloves on, the button is easy to access and the adjustable band is comfortable and easy to operate.

I plan on buying a second one for my backup hiking/home kit.

Comments about PETZL Tikka Headlamp:

I own one of these and bought this one as a gift. It seemed indispensable during the power outage after the super storm Sandy. It was the right light for working/starting my generator.

I also have used mine at night for snowshoe hikes in the mountains of Vermont.

Comments about PETZL Tikka Headlamp:

Not only used for hiking, used for walking my dog, when fixing something where I need direct light and both hands are not free to hold a flashlight, when power goes out in the house and reading in bed, especially at a hotel when the lighting is not good.

Comments about PETZL Tikka Headlamp:

very pleased with the product

Comments about PETZL Tikka Headlamp:

Bought this headlamp for my girlfriend despite her insistence that she doesn't need one. Well, hiking out of the Adirondacks one evening, we did some extra hiking and decided to hike out at night. Boy was I glad I got her this model! I had a more expensive model which didn't provide nearly the light the Tikka2 did. This lamp ended up lighting the way for both of us. Without it, I would be in a cast now. Would definitely recommend for night hiking.

Comments about PETZL Tikka Headlamp:

This is a nice bright headlamp, with high, medium, blink settings. It's great for outside at night.

It's good for reading, but not great--the light is a focused narrowly and has a bluish tint. Of course, it's better than nothing if the power is out or you're camping.

I also noted a high-pitched flicker--that is it's very rapid. You won't notice it if you're engaged in activities but if you're watching snow fall you might notice a bit of a strobe-like effect.