Petzl Tikka Headlamp Review

Updated: March 22, 2023
petzl tikka review

The Petzl Tikka is a lower-end headlamp that still delivers on performance. Although it is not a standout in any categories, it is a well-rounded, functional lamp.

It is perfect for beginner hikers at the low price of just over 30$.

This earned it the Budget Friendly Award in our Best Headlamps for Hiking review.

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Petzl Tikka Headlamp

Manufacturer: Petzl

Pros

  • Great battery performance
  • Rechargeable or disposable batteries
  • Compatible with the Petzl Core battery
  • Simple operation and lightweight
  • Good quality at a low price
  • Phosphorescent reflector making it easy to locate in the dark

Cons

  • No battery power indicator
  • No lock function
  • Below average maximum beam length
  • Lacks a spotlight function

Conclusion

It is has the second lowest power rating of the headlamps we reviewed, producing only 200 lumens and a beam length of 60m. However, it has a maximum beam length of around 60m which is only 20m less than the Black Diamond Spot, our Editor’s Choice. We do not recommend it for more advanced trails but this 60m range should be more than enough for your average trail.

The Tikka can accommodate disposable and rechargeable batteries. It is also compatible with the CORE USB kit which is sold separately (this is discussed further in the battery section below). It is equipped with a white and red floodlight but unfortunately lacks the useful spotlight function making its trail finding capabilities subpar.

An additional feature of the Tikka is that it can be used in conjunction with Petzl’s NOCTILIGHT Lantern (bought separately). This attachment provides diffusive light in all directions and can be used by simply placing the headlamp inside it and activating it with an external button. The lantern can then be attached to your tent or around your campsite with its string.

Another useful add on is the built-in phosphorescent reflector which charges when the lamp is on and glows in the dark allowing you to easily locate it.

See Other Hiking Headlamps

Finding the correct headlamp for your needs and budget remains a tricky task and sifting through the troves of reviews can be time consuming and confusing. To make things easier, check out our expert review on the top hiking headlamps here.

Key Features

Lighting Modes

The Petzl Tikka comes with two different lights, a red and a white LED. The white light is a flood light that operates in three different modes. The max autonomy mode produces 5 lumens and reaches 10m, the standard mode produces 100 lumens and reaches 40m and the max power mode produces 200 lumens and reaches 60 m (all figures measured will fully-charged batteries).

The red light provides the perfect night vision option for around the camp because it protects the eyes of those around you and can be accessed without activating the white light. It also has a red strobe function that is visible for 700m. This is ideal for signaling if there is an emergency and Petzl claims it can last up to 400 hours.

Unlike most of the other Petzl headlamps, the Tikka does not employ constant lighting technology. This means that as the battery drains the light becomes dimmer so it will only provide the maximum 200 lumens when it is fully charged. With that said, it's still a great choice. Then there's the newer Petzl Tikka headlamp available on the market, providing 350 lumens to light even the darkest paths on your trek. 

Batteries

The Tikka comes with 3 AAA Duracell batteries, and it lasts around three hours on the max power mode, it can however also use rechargeable batteries. Like some of the other Petzl headlamps, the Tikka is compatible with the Petzl CORE battery, which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery.

This battery only lasts two hours on the max power mode but it can be recharged and used for equivalent of 900 regular Duracell battery lifetimes making it more economical at just over 30$. The battery can be recharged using a micro-USB and it has a useful charging indicator on the side, where red means charging and green means fully charged.

Comfort and Design

This headlamp is compact and lightweight at only 86g. Its elastic, adjustable headband secures the lamp well, minimizing slipping and bouncing around even when running.

The back cover of the headlamp itself is not covered or padded, so if you're wearing it for an extended period, you may need to add a sweatband underneath to cushion your forehead and prevent any impression marks. The strap includes a built-in emergency whistle to help you signal other hikers if you get lost or injured.

The casing is thinner than some of the other headlamps we tested but it can still withstand a good few knocks. It has a water resistance rating of IPX4 which means that it can withstand splashes of water so will be more than okay in rainy conditions but will not survive being submerged.

The lamp is activated using a single button which is easy to use owing to the limited number of settings available. The button is quite small but operates silently, unlike the older models that received criticism for the clicking sound the button made.

This model unfortunately doesn’t come with a lock function meaning that it can easily be activated in your bag and drain your battery. Therefore, it is essential that you take care when you pack your headlamp otherwise you might be left without a light in the dark.

About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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