Clothing
Gear
Accessories
Petzl Zipka Headlamp
Item #PTZ0198 | 126 in Stock
– Ships Wicked Fast
close Unconditional 100% Guarantee
We guarantee complete satisfaction and an unlimited lifetime warranty. If at any time - now, next month, in 30 years - you're not 100% satisfied, send your gear back for a full refund. No questions asked.
Need help returning an item? - Click Here
close
Due to contracts with the following brands, we are unable to ship any of their products outside the US.
more...
Int'l Shipping
Backcountry.com uses UPS Worldwide Express or Worldwide Expedited
for all shipping outside the United States. We have found this method to be quick,
secure, and cost effective.
close
Pass It On
Petzl Zipka Headlamp
The Petzl Zipka Headlamp provides 120-hours of hands-free lighting, easily fits in a pocket, and should be with you on any trip in case your hike goes into overtime. Petzl gave the Zipka Headlamp a retractable cord instead of a standard elastic strap, drastically reducing bulk. The three LED bulbs provide enough lighting to get you back to the trailhead at night or to set up the tent when you get to camp. Stash a Zipka in your car for late night breakdowns, and keep one in your house to help you when the power goes out.
Bottom Line: The Petzl Zipka Headlamp—full-power LED lighting in a tiny package.
Ask Questions. Write Reviews. Give Answers.
Other Gear Freaks are looking at this product, too. So ask 'em questions. Give your insight. Get street cred.
Hi, throw your review on the Product Wall to show your Gear-telligence.
Hi, got a question? Ask on the Product Wall.
By: Readying for Peru (1) October 3, 2007
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.
Was this helpful?
(2)
(0)
By: Dj Nebula (190) July 26, 2007
These are nice to have without having to wear a full head band for your lighting, But the one I had the zip pull line on the headlamp broke, and I had to use it like a flash light for the rest of my trip. I sent it in and they replaced it, but still be careful, if you are rough on lighting in the woods, this may not be for you.
Was this helpful?
(0)
(0)
By: Daryl/ Aspen (2) May 30, 2007
I've had older Petzl headlamps in the past and my new purchase of the Zipka was and excellent choice.
I went backpacking over the weekend and I used it with no complaints. I could hardly tell it was on my head! It's super light and really bright for the size.
Thanks for a great price and awesome service; as always:)
Was this helpful?
(0)
(0)
By: backpackdj (1) February 14, 2007
My backpacking/camping gear selection has been an evolutionary process since I started hiking in earnest in 1993. First, it was 'whatever I can get my hands on/afford' ... followed by upgrade what I needed to. As I got older and became more financially stable, I began to upgrade everything. One of the last things to be replaced was my mini mag flashlight, in favor of a headlamp. The Zipka was the second of my headlamps, and at first I LOVED it because of its size and brightness and battery life. But after a few years of use, the flicker (seems to be a recurring theme here) has become too pronounced and annoying for me to tolerate. I don't know if the flicker is because of the switch or the construction of the battery compartment, but either way, I'm ditching it in favor of a new LED lamp that doesn't flicker.
Was this helpful?
(0)
(0)
By: Black Bear Explorers.com (1) January 21, 2007
This is my second Zipka headlamp and I love the clever design, super lightweight, small size and long battery life. The zipka plus is a better headlamp because it is easier to turn on and off, and has three brightness settings. All together- this headlamp is the best one I've ever seen.
Was this helpful?
(0)
(0)
By: grich (14) December 15, 2006
This is a great back-up headlamp. It's super light and fits anywhere. The LEDs aren't great for running at night, because I thought they made my depth perception a little weird, but over-all I loved it. Don't be over zealous with the zip thing though - my brother was playing around and it broke, but for the most part they're pretty sturdy.
Was this helpful?
(0)
(0)
By: AB 8541 (1) October 2, 2006
Hey, this site offered such a great price on a great product that I had to buy 2. the first went into my wife's purse and the 2nd into my truck. With 2 young children and many outdoor activities, these head lamps are go-anywhere great-pieces-of-kit. They are so small, and yet so bright. The retractable cord allows placement anywhere. Well worth it if you need to see...
Was this helpful?
(0)
(0)
By: hy (3) February 17, 2006
I took this on a jungle walk and it was so small I just put it on my Camelbak. Super bright when I needed it.
Was this helpful?
(0)
(0)
By: jondrums (1) January 25, 2006
Excellent headlamp but it lacks multiple brightness settings. The stretch-out headband works great for me, but might be a problem for people with long hair (I have seen people get their hair stuck in it). Also, the switch gets kind of hard to switch after a few years. On the new version Petzl changed the switch and included multiple brightness settings, but they raised the price too.
Was this helpful?
(0)
(0)
By: Ed in Clinton NJ (1) January 20, 2006
I had two of these, bought two more for gifts, and then bought another for myself. No bulky head straps to mess with, just zip out the elastic band (in 4+ years I've never broken one) that's built in. I use them for backpacking, camping, bicycling, winter barbecuing, and working in dark places.
Was this helpful?
(0)
(0)
By: Camper1 (2) October 18, 2005
First introduced on camping trip in 2004. Having purchased my own, I find that this is a very compact and versatile light. Battery life has been excellent and light illumination is very good. Would recommend for multiple uses from camping to making it through power outages.
Was this helpful?
(0)
(0)
By: T&P (3) March 19, 2005
We love this headlamp for its size, lightness, and it is very effective. I have used it quite a bit for camping and hiking. Already owned one and purchased a second so both of us would have our own.
Was this helpful?
(0)
(0)
By: wayback (2) February 14, 2005
Well, what can I say about the zipka? I used one on the appalachian trail in 2001,and it did work great. I loved the small size (I was able to put it anywhere in my pack or in my pocket), it always worked, and it was always bright enough for me to walk at night or do whatever I had to do on the trail. My only complaint was that the little strap started to cut into my forehead when I wore it for long periods of time. This is not a problem during cold weather if you wear a warm cap on your head and the lamp over top of it(the cap will keep it from cutting into your head), but when it's warm outside, you don't want to wear a warm hat on your head while you're walking at night. If it wasnt for that, I would have kept it. I traded mine in for an "aurora" headlamp.
Was this helpful?
(1)
(0)
By: PK (1) April 5, 2004
Light,Bright and Ultra packable.I keep it with me at all times!! I actually had to use it at work when our magnifying lamp light burned out! I've replaced my booklight with my Zipka!! My camping mates are jealous! This year, birthday presents will be the Petzl Zipka headlamp! Zipka Fan, PK
Was this helpful?
(8)
(1)
By: DougB (1) January 5, 2004
Got one from a climbing buddy for my 50th birthday and have used it in the crawl space, under sinks and barbequing after dark. Gave 9 for Xmas - 80 year olds for finding that book on the top shelf, 40s for running at night, kids for night time tag and reading after lights out. Very comfortable and versatile. It now lives in my backpack.
Was this helpful?
(7)
(0)
By: The Beav (1) September 24, 2003
I can't believe how much light you can get out of such a tiny weightless package. I was wearing it in the tent and the person I was with did not need a light of his own. The same can probably be said for all LED headlamps but the unique strap on this one makes it extremely compact for when it's not on your head. As well, you can easily attach it to your pack's shoulder straps for immediately accessible light at all times. Great purchase!!!
Was this helpful?
(11)
(0)
By: Jim (3) September 16, 2003
I have two of these - given as gifts to my children, but far too good for them.
I'm holding them both until they are old enough to appreciate them.
Small enough to carry with you always, battery life so good they work when you need them.
I am so sold on LED's, and this light in particular.
Buy several - you need them more then you know.
Was this helpful?
(0)
(0)
By: Jonathan Shefftz (69) July 15, 2003
So small and light you’ll never have an excuse not to bring it along in case of emergencies. Yet works well too even if you’re planning to need a light. Also takes standard batteries. Minimalist headband works surprisingly well, and easy to position on your head to get the optimal angle. Only downside is the occasionally flickering switch.
Was this helpful?
(0)
(0)
By: JPT (1) June 18, 2003
I first found out about this light when I went to Costa Rica and a friend had one. It was so bright in the dark and shined so far I knew I had to have one. What a great item. The retractable strap is great for mounting it to anything and it’s small enough and light enough to take anywhere. Battery life is great and the light it produces is good for around camp, hiking at night and even bike riding in the dark (on made trails). It does flicker now and then but probably because I dropped it on concrete. Adjusting the switch usually fixes the problem. All in all, a must-have for any sports enthusiast.
Was this helpful?
(0)
(0)
By: kayakpatty (1) June 17, 2003
I bought one of these a couple of years ago and have used it more than I ever thought I would. In addition to being small and easy to take along on canoe camping trips (kayak camping in my case) it is a great reading light. I use it every night. My husband usually goes to sleep before I do and used to complain because I kept the light on. Now he can't even tell I am awake and reading. But that 150 hours of burn time is a little optimistic. I change the batteries after about 40 hours - yes there is still some light available but it is not very good to read by. The only reason I don't give it a 5 is that the rubber backing came off the part that goes against your forehead and sometimes I have to jiggle the switch because the light flickers a bit.
Was this helpful?
(1)
(0)
By: Backcountry Reviewer - Cheatwood (67) April 2, 2003
No, really, I mean it, for life. The batteries seemingly never get low, the light is bright and white, the LED's never need to be replaced, and I dare you to find a way that you can't use this light. The headband is great for anchoring this light to anything you can think of from bike handlebars to hand's to the top of your shoe(really does work). You'll be astonished! Keep kicking out gear that is this resilient, comfortable, useful, and versatile and you'll have the whole market!
Was this helpful?
(0)
(0)
By: Daniel (2) February 26, 2003
This is a preliminary review of the Zipka Headlamp. The design is very compact and the retractable strap design is ingenious. Light output is sufficient for doing tasks around the campsite and for non-technical hiking. We have yet to find out its performance as the batteries run down. We will be keeping an ongoing review of this headlamp at our world cycling tour website at http://wainwrightschool.com/worldtour
Was this helpful?
(0)
(0)
By: rcweber (1) January 20, 2003
In comparing my first headlamp--REI,w/4AA batteries--with my new Petzl Zipka, the difference is astounding...the REI lamp was unreliable, heavy, light would go on in the pack due to poor positioning of the switch...I feel really confident about this lamp....keep that spaceage stuff coming!
Was this helpful?
(0)
(0)
By: none (0) September 16, 2002
What I like about the Zipka -
Small - I can fit it in a coat pocket
Battery life - lasts forever - I've had 3 of them for a year and have not replaced a single battery!
Convenient - The headlamp strap also works to secure the light to your hand for when you are working on a car or other tight spots.
This is, hands down, the best flashlight I've ever owned. I like to have 3 of them around the house - one in my car, one by the front door and one next to my bed.
Highly recommended.
Was this helpful?
(0)
(0)
<textarea name="question_content" onkeyup="BCNTRY.wall.PDP.question_content_onkeyup(this.form)">${content}</textarea>
Impart your wisdom.
<textarea name="answer_content" onkeyup="BCNTRY.wall.PDP.answer_content_onkeyup(this.form)" onfocus="BCNTRY.wall.PDP.answer_content_onfocus(this)">${content}</textarea>
{if display == 'flagged'}
{if messaging.question}
${messaging.question}
{/if}
{if messaging.answer}
${messaging.answer}
{/if}
{else}
{if user.id == curr_user.id}Tweak This {/if}
{if flagged}
Un-Flag
{else}
Flag
{/if}
{if messaging.question}
${messaging.question}
{/if}
{if answer != null}
{if answer.display == 'flagged'}
{else}
By: ${answer.display_users} ${answer.date}
Tweak This
{if answer.flagged}
Un-Flag
{else}
Flag
{/if}
{/if}
{if messaging.answer}
${messaging.answer}
{/if}
{/if}
{/if}
Thanks for the review, ${review_display_name}
${review_rating}
${review_rank_img}
${review_title}
${rank_image}
By: ${user.display_name} (${user.post_count}) ${date}
Was this helpful? (${helpful_count}) (${unhelpful_count})
Tech Specs:
Bulb Type:
3 LED
Power Source:
3 AAA batteries
Headband Type:
Kevlar cord
Battery Location:
Front
Burn Time:
120hrs
Voltage Regulator:
No
Dimming Switch:
No
Backup Power Source:
No
Waterproof:
Water resistant
Tiltable Housing:
No
Recommended Use:
Backpacking, hiking, climbing
Weight:
[With batteries] 2.3oz (65g)
Manufacturer Warranty:
3 Years