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Long-term Report:
During the long-term testing phase of this test I have used the
Petzl Tikka XP on three nights. The first night was on geocaching trip on
December 7 - 8, 2005 on the Darling escarpment which included a walk along a
section of the Munda Biddi Trail and an overnight camp at the Trail's
Dardanup campsite. I used the Tikka XP to get around camp, cook by and read
by whilst hanging out in the shelter.
The second night's usage was a bushwalking and geocaching
overnight walk in the Wandoo National Park to the east of Perth. I wild
(stealth) camped the night on Mt Billy. As I didn't get to set-up camp until
after 7:00 PM, I used the Tikka whilst pitching my tent, cooking and general
camp activities. Also I used it to read whilst lying in my tent.
My final night's usage was on an overnight camp at Ridges
campsite on the Coastal Plains Walk Trail on January 30, 2006. Again I
arrived later in the evening so used the headlamp for cooking and general
camp activities.
During all of these trips I carried the Petzl Tikka XP
stored inside a cut-down two litre plastic milk bottle along with my stove,
matches, cutlery, knife and other odds and ends in my pack. I find the milk
bottles are a good protective storage container. I had no problems with
carrying the Tikka this way.
In my Field Report, I indicated that "overall I am very impressed with the Tikka XP, having noted no significant
issues and finding its light more than satisfactory for my needs. It is
really outperforming my older three-LED headlamp, albeit of early
technological design. I am particularly impressed with its light diffusion
for reading. I wear glasses and find reading at night quite a strain for me
and have tended to avoid it with my older LED headlamp. With the Tikka XP, I
find I can read quite comfortably in camp with the lamp on its lowest
setting." That sentiment still holds today as this test comes to
a close.
Referring to my
Initial report and my Field Report indicated a number of aspects of the headlamp which I
planned on testing. My comments on those specific aspects are covered fully
in my Field Report. A brief summary response/update is provided here.
 Ease of use of the buttons:
I indicated in my field report that I had a small issue with the
order of the switches and I still do. Not a big issue and something I can
live with. It sure is not going to turn me off this headlamp!
Functionality
of the button protection lip: The button protection lip is there
to protect the headlamp from being accidentally turned on. I have had no
issue with the headlamp coming on in my pack or accidentally at any
other time. It works in my view.
Ease
of use of the wide-angle lens: I have had no trouble at all with this feature
and have found it really great around the camp. I like being able to switch
between wide angle and spot light mode.
Functionality
of the lip below the LED light: As I indicated in my Field
Report, it does seem to work effectively.
Functionality of the battery charge light:
Overall I like this feature and also use it check the battery status before
packing the headlamp in my pack before a trip. A the end of this test I am
still only get the flashing green light when the headlamp is first turned
on, which indicates less than 30% usage. So I have not found out if it
actually goes into the other light colours. I also find myself actually
relying on this feature now. With my other headlamps I tend to swap in new
batteries before a walk, as cautionary measure. With the Petzl Tikka XP I
have not felt the need to do that.
Comfort
and adjustability of the headband: I easily adjusted the
headlamp's headband for size and comfort when first received. I have not had
to adjust the headband since. A big tick for comfort, I like this
headlamp's fit.
Durability
of batteries: Assuming the accuracy of the
battery condition indicator my battery discharge for the test period has
been less than 30% of capacity. I am still using the same batteries.
Function
of the light in the field: As I indicated in the opening of this
report, "overall I am very impressed with the Tikka XP, having had no significant
issues and finding its light more than satisfactory for my needs. It is
really outperforming my older three LED headlamp, albeit of early
technological design. I was particularly impressed with its light diffusion
for reading. I wear glasses and find reading at night quite a strain for me
and have tended to avoid it with my older LED headlamp. With the Tikka XP, I
find I can read quite comfortably in camp with the lamp on its lowest
setting." The headlamp has worked well for me in the field during this
test. It has
met my lighting needs without drama.
Durability of the light through normal use:
Given my usage during the test I have not noted any durability issues. The
headband is not showing signs of wear, the switches are functioning okay,
the tilt feature is working fine and the lens cover slides back and forth
without difficulty. All up the Tikka XP has survived my usage without
a hiccup.
In conclusion I am very happy with the Tikka XP and
will continue to use it as my primary headlamp now that the test is
completed.
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