BackpackGearTest.org Review - /reviews/Lighting/Headlamps - LED/Petzl Zipka Plus/Owner Review by Shaheen Patel

PETZL Zipka PLUS HEADLAMP - OWNER REVIEW

Personal biographical information

                    o        Name                :            Shaheen Patel
                    o        Age                   :            39 yrs
                                        o        Gender              :            Female
                                        o        Height              :           5’1” (1.5m)
                                        o        Weight               :           110 lbs (50 kg)
                                        o        Email address     :           shaheen_patel@yahoo.com
                                        o       Location           :           shaheen_patel@yahoo.com
                    o        Date                   :           28^th August, 2004

                    o        Backpacking background:

Ever since I was introduced to camping as a Girl Guide in India, it has been the ultimate
stress-buster for me. Car and tent camping is what I am most familiar with, and love to
head out atevery given opportunity.

My initiation to backpacking was also in India, hiking in the valleys of Kulu-Manali.
Unfortunately being a newbie, I was carrying way too much stuff (mostly clothes!!) and
the backpack itself weighted a ton!! Fortunately the local guides helped me carry the load,
as without their help, my first trip would have ended on Day 2 itself… but it was a lesson
well learned.

Here in the US, I started slow, with overnight trips and have progressed from there. I aim
to travel ‘lightweight’ and thus am carefully researching for the lightest gear available, trying
to strike a balance between cost and comfort.

                                 Product information

                                    · Manufacturer                :         Petzl
                                    · Product                        :         Zipka Plus
                                    · Year of manufacture     :         2004
                                    · Manufacturer's web site:         www.petzl.com
                                    · Listed Weight               :         65 g with batteries (2.2 oz)
                                    · MSRP:                                  $37.95 (USD)

                                Technical specifications

                                    · Requires 3 AAA batteries (included)
                                    · 3 levels of brightness and a blinking mode

4 LED	Battery Life	Distance of illumination
Maximum mode	80 h	15 m
Optimum mode	120 h	10 m
Economic mode	150 h	5 m
Blinking mode	400 h	-

· a push on/off button
· retractable cord

                                Field information 1

                     o        Locations where the test was conducted: Mission Peak Trial, Fremont, CA
                     o        Description of location: Mountain - Summit elevation of 2500 ft (763 m)
                     o        Weather conditions: Cold and foggy
                                                (about 45 F/7 C)

                                Field information 2

                     o        Locations where the test was conducted: Yosemite Valley
                                        o        Description of location: Yosemite National Park covers a huge area of the western Sierra
                                                Nevada mountains in central California and has innumerable lakes, meadows, forests and
                                                rocky summits with endless unspoiled scenery.
                     o        Weather conditions: Warm (about 65 F/18 C)

General information about the content of review text

Petzl Zipka Plus was one of the first items in my collection of lightweight hiking/backpacking
gear. The headlamp is truly very light compared to my Coleman Headlamp, and the LED
lamp illuminated the trail path even in pitch darkness.

I had gone for a moonlit hike, and at times the visibility was pretty poor, with the Bay Area
fog rolling in. The Zipka Plus was put to the test and I have to say it came out with flying colors.
Even at the lowest setting of Economic mode, the trail path was very well lit. The illumination
at the Optimum Mode was enough not only for me, but also my two co-hikers to see the trial
very clearly.

The headlamp itself is so light that I do not feel the weight on your head, and the retractable cord
enables a perfect personalized and comfortable fit. As opposed to carrying a torch, this
‘hands-free’ option made the hike down from the summit a joyful experience.

I have also used this headlamp on my various camping trips, including to Yosemite in the Summer
of 2004. Besides using the headlamp for illuminating the trails, I found it extremely handy around
the campsite, just held in my palm and within the tent too. Since I found the light too bright for
reading, even at the lowest setting, I had to place it a little away to reduce the bright glare.

Thereafter, I have used the Zipka Plus headlamp strapped to my bike seat, with the strobe,
blinking light option on for my evening rides. The blinker mode is extremely effective and is so
irritating to the eyes, that it would be very hard for the cars behind me to miss it. That sure makes
me feel safer!!

I know for sure, that this headlamp will now be a mandatory item for any hike or camp trip. In
fact I leave it my car, as I never know when I might need it!! The multiple light settings make this
a very handy, small but powerful light.

The headlamp is supposed to be waterproof, but I have not yet had a chance to test out this feature.

Summary

                                       This ultra-lightweight yet powerful Zipka Plus headlamp by Petzl has 4 LEDs to light my way, a
                                         push on/off button instead of a slider switch, and 3 brightness settings with strobe function.

                                         The retractable band gave me a personalized fit. The band is very thin and did not hurt my
                                         forehead, nor did it snag my hair. I have worn this headlamp over a cap also, and the retractable
                                         wire band adjusted the fit accordingly.

                                       The ‘blinker’ option allows me to use this as a safety feature for my evening bike ride, as I attach
                                         the light to my backpack. On other occasions have attached it to my bike handle to illuminate the
                                         path ahead.

                                       I find this the handiest of tools and love it due to its immense functionality and ease of use. This is
                                        a very versatile piece of equipment for any hiker or camper, be it a beginner or an experienced
                                        one.

                                        At the List Price of $37.95, I think this piece is definitely great value for money.

Reviews > Lighting > Headlamps - LED > Petzl Zipka Plus > Owner Review by Shaheen Patel

Summary

Reviews > Lighting > Headlamps - LED > Petzl Zipka Plus > Owner Review by Shaheen Patel