The Petzl Tikka is a standby when it comes to headlamps. It is a basic model with none of the fancy features being used in many of today’s other lamps. The Tikka (not to be confused with its pricier siblings the Tikka +, Tikka XP, or Tikka R+) has just one button and two light settings.
This headlamp is designed mainly for proximity lighting, and it provides plenty of light around the campsite. The beam has a wide pattern so you don’t have to constantly swivel your head side to side. On the low setting, the LED outputs 20 lumens which provides light for about 20 meters. The high setting outputs 80 lumens for light up to 40 meters. The three AAA batteries (which are included) will last up to 120 hours on low and 60 hours on high.
Performance of the Petzl Tikka
The Petzl Tikka is easy to use, stays tight on your head, and the main casing locks in place when adjusting downward.
As would be expected for a no-frills headlamp, the best part about this is the price. At a budget friendly, you get a Petzl quality headlamp for the price of a lower quality brand. If you are in the market for something to keep around the campsite or for brief trips into the woods, I would recommend the Petzl Tikka. It would also work as a good first lamp for the kids, given its 3 year warranty. However, if you are looking for a performance headlamp to use for night climbing, spelunking, or even night running, this is probably not the smartest choice.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this headlamp dutifully serves the purpose it was made for: proximity lighting with limited movement. You get the benefit of a Petzl product with a cheap price tag, which is perfect when you have just basic needs. For more info or to purchase, visit www.rei.com or www.amazon.com/petzl.
