Petzl Zipka Head Torch

Advantages: extremely bright, battery warning light, relatively light
Disadvantages: rather expesive, does have a larger battery pack than other models

...I bought this head torch for a round the world tour this year and it held up wonderfully. At first it seems a very expensive product and in many respects it is - you are lucky to get it for less than $100 or 50 quid. However within a few weeks of using it you realise its worth. Unlike previous head - torches i have owned this one came with a separate battery back, containing 3 AA batteries, which is connected to the strap and sits at the back of your head. At first i thought that this would be cumbersome and annoying but in fact, when wearing it, you don't even realise it is there. Apart from the the 2 possible negative aspects of price and the battery pack , listed above, i really cannot think of any other downsides, however the advantages are numerous as i will detial below: 1. It has a useful little LED which flashes... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: bright for its size, stands up to the elements
Disadvantages: not as bright as other models

...I have had this headtorch for several years now and it has been used on many expeditions. It has been vital on mnay ocassions and for its size it has prooved to be extremely bright. It has withstanded many a nights driving rain and snow. I also think that the torch is remarkably good value, and it remains so as the batteries do not need replacing all that often, (usually after several weekends worth of use). Of course i have also found difficulties with this torch. For example, in found that in comparison to some other torches it can be rather dull, but that is a small comprimise to pay for its size. Another difficulty i encountered was it rarely operates at full capacity, because as soon as the batteries loose a portion of the power the brightness starts to dwindle. However it has been brilliant on over 20 weekends away when it has... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Light weight, high performance, robust
Disadvantages: Difficult to open battery compartment

...Why A Headlamp? The wearer of a head-torch is never going to win any style awards - in fact you end up looking like a ridiculous cross between Rambo and a Dalek. Yet, the benefits headlamps provide far outweigh any self-consciousness or ridicule they attract. The most obvious plus is that, unlike with a normal torch, you are left with both hands free, and there is no need to sandwich it between your knees or under your chin when dexterity is required. Headlamps also follow your head movements, so wherever your eyes fall is automatically illuminated. The best aspect for the outdoor adventurer or traveller is that head-torches are light, compact and remarkably simple to pack. Why Petzl? Petzl are widely believed to make the best outdoor torches at a price available to the average consumer. The founder... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful