Petzl Tikka XP
Long Term Report-January 31, 2006
Tester Information:
Name: Jason Boyle
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 6"/ 1.68 m
Weight: 170 lb/ 77 kg
Email address: c4jc@hotmail.com
City, State, Country: Snoqualmie, Washington, U.S.
Backpacking Background:
I have been camping and backpacking for about 17 years. My introduction to the outdoors started with the BSA and has continued as an adult. I have hiked mostly in the Southeastern and Northeastern United States. I am generally a lightweight hiker, but will carry extras to keep me comfortable. Most of my hiking and backpacking takes place in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, but I can be found exploring the other wild areas of Washington! In addition to backpacking, I am also an ultra runner and make use of a headlamp during early morning or late evening runs.
|
 |
Product Information:
Manufacturer: Petzl
Model: Tikka XP
Year of Manufacture: 2005
URL: www.petzl.com
Listed weight:
Headlamp: 59 g (2.1 oz)
Batteries: 36 g (1.3 oz) (3 AAA batteries provided)
Total: 95 g (3.4 oz)
Measured weight:
Headlamp: 57 g (2 oz)
Batteries: 28 g (1 oz)
Total: 85 g (3 oz)
**Disclaimer: the closest my scale will measure is in whole ounces**
Measured Dimensions: 2 ¼" wide by 1 ¼" deep by 1 3/8" tall (5.72 cm x 3.2 cm x 3.2 cm)
MSRP: Not available
Country of Manufacture: France
Product Description:
The Petzl Tikka looks like an ordinary single strap, single LED headlamp.
This is the third of three reports. For a more detailed product review please see my initial and field reports.
Long Term Report Conditions:
Since the field report I have used the headlamp on an overnight and a two night weekend trip. The overnight took place on the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie in the Mt. Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest and the weekend trip took place in the Buckhorn Wilderness in the Olympic National Forest. Elevation has ranged from sea level to 4950’ (1509 m) while in the Buckhorn Wilderness. Temperatures ranged from 45 F to 24 F (7 C to -4 C). The headlamp was used in rain, snow, fog, and the occasional clear night. I have used the light for approximately 20 hours over the past four months. I am still on the first set of batteries though they are beginning to fade.
Summary:
After four months of use this headlamp has earned a permanent place in my backpack. It provides great lighting options and is easy to use. Petzl hit the nail on the head with this headlamp.
Long Term Results:
The light has performed well in all conditions. I used it for a night hike into the Buckhorn Wilderness where it provided all the light needed to follow the trail on an inky black night. I found that the wide angle function is best used when following someone while hiking at night as it lights up the surrounding area while the lead person lights up the trail in front.
The durability of the headlamp has been great. I have not done anything to baby the headlamp and there are no scratches or damages to the main body. In addition there have been no problems with the head strap.
The headlamp is even smart. It has a small battery indicator light that gives the user an idea of how much battery life is left. From full power to 30% left the light is green. When the battery life reaches 30% the battery indicator light switches to orange. In addition to that the headlamp light will flicker three times quickly to let the user know that they are at 30% of battery life. This is a cool feature, but not foolproof. Battery life is temperature sensitive. For example, lately when I have used the headlamp outside the battery indicator light is green. Then after a few minutes it will indicate via the quick flashes that the battery life is at 30% or less. If I turn the light off for a few minutes then turn it back on the indicator light will be back to green. It did this on both of the trips over the past two months. That being said I am still on the original batteries and will post an addendum once I actually drain them completely.
There has been some noticeable drop off in the light’s brightness as the batteries have drained but not enough that I feel it is a huge negative.
On a final note it is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Well my trail running partner liked the light so much that he has went out and purchased one of his own.
Improvements:
None at the moment.
Testing Plan:
I examined the Petzl Tikka XP for the following characteristics over the past four months. My answers are in italics and parenthesis.
Durability:
- How durable is the “optic system” that changes the lamp from a wide angle lamp to a focused lamp? (Good over the length of the test. I have not experienced any issues.)
- If this piece breaks the lamp will only be able to be used in the focused position? (Yes, until a replacement lens is purchased)
- Petzl lists an alternate wide angle lens kit, is the system easy to change?(Yes the outer housing easily pops off through a pull tab on the bottom)
- How durable is the tilt screw that allows the lamp to be adjusted?(This has been a great feature. Once I set the headlamp at the angle I want on the headlamp it stays there even when running.)
- Are the on/off/boost buttons made of hard plastic or soft rubber?(Soft rubber)
- Are the buttons able to take multiple thousands of uses before wearing out? (I am not sure about thousands of uses, but I they have stood up to my constant switching of light levels and turning the headlamp on and off.)
- Petzl lists multiple burn times at 20 C (68 F), what are the burn times for the lamp in real world conditions? (I am currently at 20 hours of burn time on the initial set of batteries.)
Fit:
- Is the single headband easy to adjust and comfortable when worn for an extended time frame? (Yes. The headband has been easy to adjust and I have not experienced any comfort issues.)
- Can I wear a ball cap over the headlamp? (I have only worn a ball cap backwards with the lamp, the bill gets in the way if worn the “normal” way.)
Lighting:
- Does the light prove its usefulness when night hiking? (Yes, this is the best headlamp that I have used for night hiking and nighttime trail runs. I especially like the boost function and its ability to light up a larger area.)
- Will it actually light up 35 m (115 ft) in high power mode / 50 m (164 ft) in boost mode?(I don’t have exact measured distances but as stated but have used it to spot bull’s-eyes along the Olympic Coast and to light up areas while night hiking and setting up camp. I would estimate that I have used it to light up areas around 100 feet (32m) away.)
- Is the economy mode useful around camp or will I have to use the optimum setting?
(I have found that economy mode is fairly useful. I have used it mostly for reading in the tent. I prefer to use the optimum mode for camp chores.)
- How useful is the battery indicator light? (It is useful; it definitely told me when the batteries were getting low.)
- Does the Tikka maintain consistent light output until it is dead or does it drop off like most other lights? (There has been some drop off, similar to other headlamps.)
Ease of Use:
- Can the batteries be easily changed in the dark? (Yes, the batteries are easily changed. The back panel of the headlamp has two small tabs, 1 per side. All that is required is to pop off one tab, and the case comes off. After batteries are changed the cover will only fit one way because of the shape of the tabs.)
- Petzl does not make any claims on the lamps waterproofness, if I use it in a rainstorm will the lamp continue to function normally? (I have not had any problems running with the headlamp in the rain, or with use in the snow.)
- Are the buttons easy to find while wearing the lamp? Does the optic system lens slide smoothly? (Yes, to both questions.)
Thanks to BackpackGearTest and Petzl for the opportunity to participate in this test.
Read more reviews of Petzl gear
Read more gear reviews by Jason Boyle
| 