Petzl Zipka Headlamp - 2007 BCS

Coolest, simplest, and most compaq of all the lights. This design is not made for running or strenuous activity as the strap is only spring loaded, but for around camp, in the car, on the trail, or any other light necessary activity this little guy is ready. I have had mine for three years now, and have never chaged the batteries either. It is durable, and bright too.

The Petzl Zipka is a solid headlamp that I have many of. I keep them in my car, drawers in the kitchen, in the garage and in my backpack. My wife carries one around in her purse. I also use one around my wrist when riding my bike at night. If I don't have my rear light, I hold it towards the back so drivers coming up on me can see me. The attachment is brilliant, simple and totally functional. The folks at Petzl obviously put a lot of time and energy into all of their products and it shows through the way the product functions as well as how it looks. Never cheap parts made in China like most of the other headlamps. This light passes the "flop" test...when it is on my head it doesn't flop around. It also works on helmets. The coolest thing about this light is the ease it switches from one size to another...just pull the back! It works well, is simple and easy to use. Turn it on, light comes on, turn it off, light goes off. It shines fairly brightly...plenty enough for hiking at night without moonlight, changing a tire on a dirt road or for finding your car keyhole in a dark parkinglot (where the lamppost inevitably is shining on the other side of the car). One thing about these, and all headlamps, is that they lose power gradually and it is sometimes difficult to realize it until it is too late. Take spare batteries and check power (in dark room to really see how much output you are getting) before heading out.

Bottom line: Easy to use, strong and functional lamp that comes with batteries and lasts a long time.

Nice product out of the package, very light and compact. It actually has basically no weight so if you hold 3 AAA batteries in your hand, that is what the strapped on weight will be. My wife went running with it on her forehead last nite with no issues of slippage or discomfort. We are ordering 4 more as spares.

This is a nice headlamp. Very light and useful, but for just a little extra I would recommend getting the Zipka Plus mainly because you can save battery power by switching between three different dim modes and a flash mode (the regular Zipka has only one on/off switch). The dimmest mode on the Plus is usually enough and significantly extends battery life. I have even used the flash mode to hike at night when my batteries were almost dead. The strobe light effect is annoying but it helped me finish hiking.

This is one of the best pieces of gear I've purchased in recent memory. I've had the Zipka for about 5 years and have used it nearly daily for something. At first I had doubts about the zip cord, but it has held up fine and shows minimal wear. Neither rain nor -30 degree weather affect it much, and I can wear it while running without any bounce. If this durable little light ever dies, I'll replace it with the Zipka Plus, which is probably the better purchase these days (the Plus didn't exist when I got the original) but I'll do so with a certain degree of sadness. Next to my knife and water bottle, this is one of the most dependable and utilitarian tools I carry.

I love the functionality of this thing. I can wear in on my dome without having to adjust a strap. I can also put in on my wrist and use it for an arm piece. This is a great purchase. I would recommend it for anyone.

these are tiny, and put out great light. i have had one of these, but find that i want it for my car, one for my flyfishing vest, and mtb biking pack. so buy a few.

i like the zipka plus better - it has a push button, with a bright and dim, and will not easily turn on your pack. this on off button, can accidentally turn on.

This is a great headlamp. Versatile, as you can wear it almost anywhere. The retracting cord is surprisingly strong as I have had mine for years and have had no problems. Barely fits around a helmet (I have the Petzl Elios). No band so it eliminates bulk, and it fits easily in a pocket. I would recommend spending a couple extra bucks and getting the Zipka Plus however as it has more features.