this is my go-to headlamp. for camping it's perfect, light and simple. i run ultras and do adventure races. the better your light the faster you will be through the night. i've done many adventure races with this as my sole head lamp and it's worked flawlessly even when my brain is far from working correctly... and that's because a 2 year old could work this thing. on buttom, three brightness modes, that's it. it's waterproof enough and tough. for ultramarathons i wear the petzl tikka plus on my head and the petzl myo xp around my waist with the light defused. that is more than enough light for me to see the trail and move fast as i can!

Great headlamp. This thing cranks out some light, is lightweight, and burns for days. It does take 3 batteries though, which if they could make it down to 2, would be probably the best small light available. The light that it throws off is great for the trail (high), the bivouac for the bathroom (med-low) and reading in the tent (low). The Tikka packs down pretty small too, so you have no real excuse not to be caught out without a light.

Great product, super light and batteries last nearly forever. Better construction and design than the original Tikka. Great for reading in the tent and camp use. Not quite bright enough for dedicated night hiking but it will work for that when needed.

Great light,but now I am confused between the three petzl lights I own.
I guess you choose between what activty you will be engaging in that day!

This is definetly not the brightest headlamp for the money but it is definetly the most indestructible and the batteries last wayyyy longer than any other headlamp. I haven't changed the batteries in who knows how long and my light is still going strong. Very very simple and very light!

Not as bright as my other 4 led headlamp but it lasts longer. If I'm running all night that's a lot more important. It has held up great in the rain and snow.

I've had this lamp for a couple years and have abused the heck out of it. Dropped in water, smacked into trees, dropped of a small cliff, you name it. It's still kicking. It's plenty bright for most things, simple to use, and light enough that I can always stuff it into a pocket. The fact that you can get replacement covers(red, green, or clear ) is a perk too, especially if you manage to break the original (oops!)

Last night I was taking a short walk on a trail behind my house to watch the sunset, and as I was walking home, I reached for my headlight, only to find it absent from my pocket. I searched back up the trail, but it got dark, so I figured I should head home. I searched my while route this morning too, but, alas, nothing. I didn't realize how much I loved this light till it went missing. You won't regret buying one, but you would definitely regret losing it.

Its extremely light weight, a good price, has multiple settings, is nice and bright. What more do you need?

This is a great head lamp. if your trying to cut down the weight but still get a head lamp that you can count on and that is really bright then get this one. I've gone on numerous night hikes and its perfect. I love this head lamp and have made all of my friends get one too. Its super light and bright and you can't beat the price.

This headlamp is great! It is light and bright. The flipdown red filter makes it so you can read while everyone else sleeps.

Ever since my first basic Petzl years ago, I kept upgrading to the next Best model. I just now purchased two more so that everywhere I go (work, travel, home, the lake) I have one there in the event I'll need it. Outstanding features & durability!

I've had my Tikka Plus for a few years now and it is still going strong. It's very lightweight but durable enough to continue to work after being dropped and banged around countless times. It's fairly bright - I won't say it's very bright like some other reviews - but it is definitely sufficient for the backcountry. I have used NiMH rechargeable batteries and they worked well enough to the point that I didn't see the difference between them and alkalines. Perhaps the only thing I wish it had was a battery meter. As it stands, the only way to find out your batteries are dying is the old fashioned way: the light gradually dims. While this is easy to notice most of the time, it's problematic in adverse (rainy, foggy, etc.) conditions and I've actually had my batteries die on my without really even noticing the light was getting dimmer.

One thing I'm impresseed with is that the elastic headband has not stretched out yet to the extent it is not useful anymore. I figured after endless usage, the head band would stretch out to the size of my waist but that hasn't been the case at all.

Not much else to say that hasnt been said these things are light and very bright. Best of all is the ease of use on this product. There is no half button pushing like on Black Diamond head lamps.

I have the old Tikka with 3 LEDs. It's lasted for years with changing the batteries only a couple times. Simple on/off, no colors or dimming necessary. The number of uses a small, robust headlamp like this can have is unimaginable. Enjoy Petzel, the best.

This is an excellent piece of equipment. Its simple, lightweight, easy to adjust and to say the least, it gets the job done. i have used it for many different activities and it works great every time. its great for running at night, backpacking/camping, and much more. And 3 AAA batteries are extremely easy to change. Buy this product, it wont let you down.

I love the headlamp. Used it on the night section of the 2007 Wasatch 100 and on many dawn-patrol training runs leading up to the race and it never failed me. This is a great headlamp that is small enough to forget your are carrying it and bright enough to show you the way

This thing weights nothing at all, its super bright, and lasts forever. Its a must for any backpacker.

This light is great to have when out camping or moving at night. Its pretty bright for its size and lasts a good while. Starts to dim once the batteries are getting low. Used it caving and it worked great. Its small and lightweight so there is no excuse for bringing it on every excursion.

Light and bright. What else matters? Oh yeah, lasts a long time and is really easy to use. You won't need the bright settings late at night as your eyes adjust to the dark, the low setting is plenty.

This is a great headlamp, simple controls, lightweight and a lot of functionality. Well worth the money.

Not much to add. Easy to adjust, size-wise, angle and brightness. Bright and light enough! Can't miss!

Cannot say enough about this headlamp! Its bright, has 4 different modes, and durable! Great for caving or rummaging through your pack in the backcountry. Highly recommended.

Very bright with a good swath of light. The tilt adjustment provides a good range of angles. The three different brightness settings are perfect for providing just the right amount of light for whatever you are doing, without having to sacrifice battery life needlessly. Stayed put on my head and didn't slide up or down, even while I was adjusting it. Small enough to pocket. This is a really great little headlamp!

This headlamp has been great. It is very bright and takes forever to run the battery out. It also has some neat little features, all with just 1 button. I highly recommend this headlamp. I do not leave without mine, even on day hikes!

I can't say much, but what I can say is that it's an awesome headlamp. Kept a much better battery life than my last BD light.

This headlamp is super bright, lightweight, and I have not replaced a battery since I got it. This thig is 10 times better that its closest rival.It is super comfortable because it doesn't have the added battery pack in the back! Petzl has always made excelent gear, and this is no exception. Trust me, unless your climbing Everest or on an extyreme trekking trip, this is the only headlamp u will ever need!

Good headlamp, did the job, no complaints on functionality. 4 stars vs. 5 because a few buddies on the trip had lamps w/ a red light option which I wish this had. Made hanging out in the dark more soothing.

I have owned one of these since 2004, and still today it performs like I just brought it home from the store. It has been through 3 tours in Iraq, all over South America, Europe, and SW Asia.....it has taken one hell of a beating and it still wants nothing more than new AAA's to keep running. I will soon have to replace it just for the fact that the headband is wore out from all the hard use it has seen. I would highly recommend this headlamp to anyone that wants to use it for anything from walking your dog to mountaineering. Nothing compares

June 2009
I would like to make an edition to my last review. I recently did 2 things to this headlamp, and both I though would end it forever.
1- I was in Sicily last month, and while swimming in the Medeterranian I dropped in between 2 rocks and into the saltwater, took it back to the hotel, flushed it out, let it dry.....back in service.
2- full cycle through the wash, full cycle through the dryer. Didn't even need batteries, works perfect, used it the entire next night.

I love these things

I have only used my head lamp for some night bouldering and worked great. It was way bright and lit up the whole boulder. It was also a huge help when we got turned around in the forest. Do not worry it lead me to a trail which got me outa that enchanted place.

If one is not looking for a specialized application, but a general good performance choice and carefully considers all the necessary factors, such as price, weight, size, light output, intensity selections, battery life, general quality etc., than this product is unbeatable.

I've used this headlamp for over a year now and I have not yet had to change the batteries. I love the different light levels! It is a great upgrade to the old standard, Tikka.

Four light settings to conserve energy. Four LED's to control brightness. Very durable & lightweight which can even be made lighter by changing to lithium batteries & extending battery life. Light beam effectively projects fifteen to twenty feet. Great little headlamp.

Love the headlamp - use it for running at night on the trail and camping - have had it for a few years and have never had to replace anything but batteries :)

I tend to lose at least two headlamps per year - don't ask me where they go, I have no idea - so this headlamp is perfect for me. Its lightweight, never seems to burn through batteries, and comfy. It fits around beanies and caps well. Its not the brightest lamp, but it does the job for cheap.

This lamp works great! Nothing too fancy, just a few useful settings, great for hiking and climbing. Lightweight, durable, and water resistant. For that price, nothing is better!

It's so small, light, and useful - everyone will want one! I've had mine stolen twice, each time I've looked to find something better, but this is the perfect headlamp.

I like this because you save weight because it lacks the seemingly unnecessary top strap.

Purchased this light for a trip to Hana, Maui. It worked great at the grill, and finding the way around camp. Light, very easy to change brightness and performed better than I expected. I now have it in my truck instead of the old maglite. Definitely a great addition to the outdoor gear collection!

It works as well as it states. Really lightweight, doesn't add weight/bulk to your pack. Quality amount of light for walking. It would be decent for running, but would recommend a stronger light for biking at night. Great for pitching tent at night. Adjustable enough to see things close and move beam out farther. Lack of top strap doesn’t seem to be an issue at all. Stays on the head w/o problem, even with lots of movement. Cheaper headlamp than most. The only downside is when it comes time to change the batteries. Pain to put housing back together and keep batteries in there, but design keeps lamp lightweight. Also, AA batteries more commonly used than AAA. 4.5/5 for battery housing issue.

This is a superior light. I highly recommend this product to anyone interested in the outdoors and recreation. The price and quality of this product is far above the competitors. I am satisfied with my purchase and would encourage others to buy the Tikka Plus headlamp.

Like any headlamp, the Tikka Plus provides the hands free aspect, where it excels is in its battery longevity and in its pulse, blink or solid settings. The light fits well on my Petzel helmet and adjusts easily to fit without a helmet.
The adjustable pitch to the light can be shifted easily up an down, this is good for changes when moving but necessitates an adjustment after having it packed. The light can also be turned on in a pack if packed snug.
Despite being on in my pack, the batteries still lasted.

Very light weight and bright. One of mine had a problem, sent it back to petzl and they replaced it. I use it in the woods for sar, and it's great.

I've had to explain to every untrained friend who came camping with me why a headlamp made so much more sense than loose flashlights. More specifically I've enlightened them about the Tikka Plus which stands out amongst the herd of headlamps as the perfect balance of battery performance, necessary features and price.

If you want bright, kick the lamp on high. If you want to head to the pit toilet in a crowded camp without the neighbors thinking the aliens have come to take them away, then drop it to low. If you want to disorient your friends put on the flasher (I'm not as sure about the strobe function!) I've had mine for a year and with intermittent use I am still on the original 3 AAA batteries.

Camping, car repair, hunting elusive objects in the dark recesses of your basement--all easier with the Tikka Plus.

I've had a lot of headlamps, and this is by far the best choice for me. It is super bright and also very light. I've used it countless times and its never been uncomfortable and you hardly even know its there. Great piece of gear.

This headlamp is fantastic! It offers 4 different light settings: High, medium, economy (to save battery life in those critical situations where battery life is key) and flash. It is small and lightweight, but it is really bright. I have used it from backpacking, to mountaineering, to even light caving! The battery life is great too, even on the high setting!

Pretty much it is perfect even though recommended use doesn't include cycling I used it on a 13hour ride that went late into the night. Its throw distance was a little frightening to be using it while going to so fast but light never dimmed or anything even after being on for 4+hrs. Never used in adverse conditions so can't comment on that, but it is bare by design not much could really get jacked up.

I love these headlamps. I think they are bright, comfortable and convenient. This lamp makes my very short list of things I don't know how I ever lived without. Excellent deal, highly recommended.

This is a great purchase for anyone who wants hands free lighting. It's different levels of lighting are great to have batteries when. I really only needed the lowest setting on my recent trip it was nice to have the others just in case.

This baby's got enough light to find junctions to unfamiliar, seldom traveled trails, but is "light" enough to have no excuse for leaving it behind on an overnighter. The 06 model came out even brighter (30-some % ?) than the 04 model, so I upgraded, and it made a huge difference. Since most wear a hood when it's raining, the water resistance comes in handy if your pack gets wet in the daytime, or if using during intense wet snow. I wouldn't drop it in a creek, or use it for night scubadiving though.

I have taken this on 2 weekend trips so far and it has been great for getting things done after the sun goes down.

I agree with the other reviews.

I love this light. I especially appreciate how easy it is to turn on and off. It is small and the thicker band is more comfortable and does not add much weight over the zipka.

This Tikka Plus is a great little headlight. Granted it is not the brightest one on the market, but I think it is one of the best all-around headlights there is. It has an amazing battery lifespan and does not weigh as much as most other headlamps. Its light output is sufficient in all conditions, and I have never felt like it really needed to be brighter; really a great little light.

this headlamp has held up great under some pretty extreme conditions. the batteries last a long time, especially on the dim setting, and the strap is comfortable and stays in place really well. the button is easy to push, even with thick gloves or mittens on, so you don't have to shed your heavy gloves to adjust the settings. petzel headlamps are definately the best for your money, and this model performs very well.