Petzl Tikka Headlamp – Owner Review

 

Reviewer’s Information:

Matt Smith

32 years old

Male

5 ft 9 ½ in (1.77 m)

190 lb (86.2 kg)

semperanger@yahoo.com

Eastern Washington – United States

December 28, 2004

 

Backpacking Background:

Most of my backpacking trips in the past 6 years have been in the Western United States and of one or two nights’ duration.  They tend to be heavy (with a pack weight of about 40-50 lb (18-23 kg)) and comfortable (tent, mattress, and liquid fuel stove).  I’ve done mostly three-season backpacking and hiking trips, but am looking forward to extending my outings into winter and for longer durations.   

 

Product Information:

Manufacturer:  Petzl (France)

Year of Manufacture:  c. 2001

URL:  http://www.petzl.com

Listed weight with batteries: 2.4 oz (68 g)

Actual weight with batteries: 2.6 oz (74 g)

Actual dimensions of lamp casing (excludes head strap; width x height x depth):  2.25 x 1.70 x 1.25 in (5.7 x 4.3 x 3.2 cm)

MSRP:  $ 29 US

Battery Type:  Three AAA (mounted in lamp casing)

Listed Battery Life (alkaline at 70 degrees F (21 C)): approximately 44 hours 20 minutes

Actual Battery Life:  not sure of actual hours, but it is still going strong on original batteries after about ten overnight trips

Bulb Type:  Three white LEDs

Bulb Life:  Almost indefinite

Head Strap:  Single 1.0 in (2.5 cm) wide horizontal elastic strap, adjustable from unstretched circumferences of 12.5 to 22.25 in (32 to 56.5cm)

Listed & Actual Illumination Distance (new alkaline battery):  approximately 33 ft (10 m)

Guarantee:  3 years against faults in materials or manufacture

 

Description:

The Tikka is sold in a plastic blister pack that includes the headlamp unit, head strap, and three AAA batteries.  The lamp case is blue plastic and contains the battery compartment and two slots through which the head strap is threaded.  The case is not tiltable but the three LEDs are arranged in a horizontal row, which is angled at about a 45-degree downward angle.  This seems to be a good working position for both trail & around camp; I’ve never felt the urge to adjust the angle of the lamp as I do with my other headlamp.  The beam is not adjustable, but has a pretty well focused beam as is.  Coupled with the short-range design of the Tikka, this hasn’t been an issue. 

 

Because of its simplicity, the Tikka has about a five second learning curve.  The batteries were easy to install; simply depress a small (maybe too small) button on top of the unit with a fingernail, coin, or similar object.  Once released, the case “hinges” open at the bottom with two small plastic tabs.  The three AAA compartments are embossed with + and – signs, though they are difficult to see in dim light.  The batteries go in sideways and the cover snaps back on.  There is no gasket around the opening (nor is it advertised as being water-resistant), so I haven’t dared immersing the lamp in water.  It has been out in light rain, however, and hasn’t suffered any from the exposure. 

 

The on/off switch is the unit’s biggest downfall.  It is conveniently located on top of the unit, but is so low-profile that I found it difficult to operate while wearing gloves.  Its stiffness helps keep the light from coming on accidentally in my pack, but this same feature also complicates the already poor gloved manipulation.

 

The LEDs throw a soft but sufficient (for finding your way or identifying noises in the night) beam about 33 ft (10 m) with new batteries.  The light is plenty bright for close work such a cooking, reading, etc.  There is also a dimmer cone of light that extends to about the edge of my peripheral vision (almost 180 degrees).  This helps lessen the feeling of tunnel-vision I get with some lights.  The light is mostly white, but I did notice a slight blue tint at the center of the beam.  As the batteries get older the strength of the light dims somewhat, but I haven’t yet hit any obvious fade-off.

 

Field Information:

I have taken the Tikka on several trips since I got it about two years ago.  It has been used in basically two areas:  Northern Idaho and the Grand Canyon.

 

Most of my northern Idaho experience has entailed car camping at National Forest campgrounds during the summer and fall.  Temperatures ranged from the 50s to 90s Fahrenheit (10 to 32 C) at elevations of around 3000 – 4000 feet (900 to 1200 m).  This was usually in thick evergreen forests, which got very dark at night, even when there was a bright moon.  It drizzled on me a few times, but was mostly dry during my trips.

 

Backpacking in the Grand Canyon was during April.  Temperatures were around 100 F (38 C) during the day and dropped to about 60 F (15 C) at nights.  This was mostly open, rocky desert, with some brush and, along the Colorado River, canopies of cottonwood trees. 

 

Findings:

In both scenarios, I was very pleased with the Tikka’s performance.  It is very small (not much larger than its three batteries) and lightweight which is always a plus when you have to carry lots of other weight; e.g. water.  It is also very comfortable to wear for long durations.  I found it more than adequate for finding the outhouse (and subsequently checking for spiders) or night hiking on well-marked trails.  The Tikka is perfect for use around camp where a stronger incandescent bulb or lantern would be overkill – not to mention annoying to the neighbors.  From setting up the tent, to cooking, to reading in my bag, the Tikka was perfect.  It almost never left my head.

 

There were only two shortcomings that I noticed.  First, the on/off switch is too low-profile and stiff; this makes it difficult to use with gloves.  Secondly, the lens is made of plastic and, in the short time I’ve used it, has become scratched despite being carried wrapped in a soft bandana.  Replacement lenses are available in clear, green and red (good for stargazing).

 

I haven’t had an opportunity to test the Tikka in cold weather situations, but look forward to doing so this coming winter. 

 

Summary:

Overall, the Tikka excels at the job for which it was designed.  It is my primary light for three-season camping and backpacking.  I also carry it with me as an emergency light on day-hikes and keep it handy around the house.

 

Things I like:

1. Small & lightweight
2. Long battery and “bulb” life
3. Ample light for close-up tasks

 

Things I don’t like:

1. Small on/off switch
2. Lack of gasket makes me concerned about heavy rain or accidental immersion
3. Plastic lens is easily scratched