Petzl Tikka Headlamp - 2006 BCS

I own this headlamp as well as the Black Diamond Zenix IQ. I find myself using this headlamp almost primarily because of its simplicity. The batteries last forever and it gets bright enough for task lighting around camp, which is what this was designed for.

Have used the Petzl Tikka for about a year on numerous trips and it is still working great on the original set of batteries. On the minus side, the switch is notchy and hard to use, especially with gloves on, and the brightness is marginal in low light situations. I would not try to climb or ski with this (it was barely adequate for a trip through total dark in the Ape Caves near St. Helen's this fall). Of headlamps in this class (LED with battery in the housing so you can sleep with the light on your head), the Princeton Tec Aurora might be a better choice with 3 brightness levels to choose from with battery run times between 50 and 150 hours. Its dimmest level is about equal to the Tikka's only level. The Aurora also has adjustable lamp angle. [For a comparable headlamp, BackcountryStore.com recommends the Black Diamond SuperNova headlamp, item no. BLD0264.] If you plan to climb or ski by headlamp and want to conserve batteries while in your tent, get one of the dual source lights like the Gemini [BLD0250] or Duo [PTZ0041 or PTZ002]. Weather sealing on the Tikka also looks a little suspect, although I have not had a problem using it in the rain and snow.

My nephew bought a Tikka light
in your store and sent it to me for a
Christmas present. I am an early morning
runner so the light has come in handy for me.
However, it got its best use a few weeks ago
when my wife and I went on a dental mission
supported by our church to the highlands of
Guatemala . I took the light with me thinking
it may come in useful for reading at night.
It turned out the room set up for the dental
clinic did not have adequate lighting. The
folks assisting the dentist had to hold
flashlights aimed at the patients' mouths so
the dentist could see to work. I gave one of
the dentists the Tikka to wear, and soon they
were all fighting for a turn to use it. The
high intensity light was just what they
needed, and it freed up a hand to help with
the procedures. Now everybody wants one for
next year's trip. Can you make us a deal on
six?

I have a couple original Tikkas from late 2001/early 2002. Can't remember, but it was right when they came out. I bought them for backup lights for caving as they are hardly adequate for a primary source, being not bright enough. The size was the big seller, as was the LED. I removed the straps and wire-tied it into small holes drilled in the helmet (for less weight). They perform beautifully, but 2 problems. First is the switch - sticks over time, but I think Petzl has improved it - so be aware. I always find a rock and jam it on. Second was it not being waterproof. This may not affect non-cavers, but if it gets wet, the batteries rust as do the contacts. It can be cleaned, but only 85%. Best use is around camp, backup light, occasional use, and light hiking/backpacking when saving weight. You can't go wrong there.

This is a very nice headlamp. It is lightweight and gives a good amount of light for its size. Others argue that it's switch is hard to turn on with gloves, but I disagree. I find it rather easy to do so. The headband is about 1½ inches wide and comfortable. You hardly notice you are wearing it. And at 3oz. you can take it just about anywhere. On the downside, it is hard to replace the batteries. But with the light lasting for up to 150hrs. you don't have to. The light begins to dim after about 50hrs. It also is good for climbing and clips on to the Petzl Ecrin Roc helmet easily. Overall a great headlamp for only $35.

Simply a great headlamp, I used it for the first time on my trip to Utah. The lamp was super bright and really light, I couldn't even feel I had it on.

I bought my twin brother this Tikka. He was at my house wearing mine and loved it. So I surprized him with one. He wears it all the time at night looking for nightcrawlers and fishing.

I haven't had any problems with this headlight, and as far as waterproof, I've never gotten any water in it-- even submersed. Petzl has come out with another option for LED: Duo with MODU'LED.

i have had one since it came out several years ago. The one I just bought was for my brother. Very light weight and batteries seem to last forever. Thanks

This item was just what I wanted, at the price I wanted to pay, with great shipping and service. I great experience!

The Tikka Headlamp is great! It's super light, and bright. I almost don't want to train during daylight anymore!

I strongly take issue with previous review. My dad bought the Princeton Tec LED light precisely because it had the tilting head and different light settings. Well, after a while of light use, it is nonfunctional. My Petzl Tikka, on the other hand, has worked flawlessly for 3 years on many, many camping trips. Simplicity is best. For any activity it is just perfect. The lack of a big battery box is very nice. It is reliable, cheap, and very bright (with fresh batteries). Highly recommend.

I have only had it for a few weeks now and found that I can't go anywhere without it. I would highly recommend this product to anyone.

This headlamp is a classic. It has a great battery life and shines super bright. The tikka plus has a few nice features, but everything you need is right here.

Quality product, excellent price, top-notch, professional shipping on time!

Great headlamp for the price! It is small, compact, and yet very efficient. I had the battery compartment door pop open in my pack, and it took some time to find those little AAA batteries. Other than a tricky battery compartment, the lamp is perfect! Highly recommended.

I looked at the Princeton EOS and was impressed by the throw. But Tikka's good reviews, it's long life, and the good price convinced me to buy the Tikka. What a waste. Bought two and both battery compartments pop open and lose the batteries. The on button also has broken. What's the point of long life if the batteries keep falling out, and it doesn't work. This happened to both in the first three weeks of use. Not to mention, the throw does not hold a candle to the EOS. Should have spent the extra money to get a really good product. Only plus is it's light and comfortable.

The headlamp was a gift for my 5-year-old son. He is so excited! He wears it everywhere! This is actually supposed to be for when we go camping and are trying to get to the restroom so we can be hands free, but obviously he has found many more uses for it! Thanks so much!!

The Tikka headlamp's best feature is the long battery life. Although the light output is not as bright as others I've owned (Xenon/Halogen bulbs), it is plenty for night hikes or stuff around the campsite. I also like that it is so light and small which helps when minimizing pack weight. Overall, I'd recommend it to friends as a no-frills, basic backpacking headlamp.

The Tika is OK in a world of excellent headlamps. Its main weakness is the lack of tiltability. Also, Petzl’s burn time ratings are, um, generous. The LED’s may glow for 150 hours per set of batteries, but I doubt you’ll be reading with that light.

I love this headlamp. It's in my car and it's in my pack. Whereever I go, the Tikka goes with me. Once you havve one it will be your best friend.

I agree with Greg, the Tikka is great for most situations but not all. I had a heck of a time using it skiing last winter. I wouldn't suggest it. It got a bit dodgy. But for night hikes and camp use, you can't beat it. It doesn't hurt your head to have it on for long amounts of time, doesn't weigh you down to have it on your helmet either. I also found that the on/off switch wasn't easy to use with gloves and it does get a bit testy. Still a great lamp though!

I got a Tikka a few years ago and have used it on many occasions. It works best for situations that require low light. If you need a light for distance or a big area, this is not the light for you. Overall, a very useful, lightweight, hands-free tool. But it is a little difficult to change the batteries.

We bought a couple of these to take on a family reunion camping trip with us. They were the hit of the camp. The kids couldn't wait for dark. This lamp is great for night games.

This is a great headlamp. It emits a curious blueish-white light (as do all LED headlamps I suppose) and it lasts forever. My Tikka is so lightweight, I almost always throw it in my pack. You hardly even realize you have it on your head. Excellent for setting up a tent or just rummaging around in the garage at night.