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 of the company, Fernand Petzl, was a professional extreme caver, and the equipment he began to design and improve for his own use evolved into one of the world's favourite outdoor equipment companies in the 1970s. I have used several different styles of Petzl head-torch, and have found them to be consistently comfortable, long-lasting and reliable.
The Petzl Tikka Plus ===============
For the last few years I have owned the Petzl Tikka Plus:
Bulbs - 4 LEDs
Settings - 4 (3 levels of brightness, 1 flashing)
Weight - 78g (including batteries)
Water resistant
Articulating beam direction systemStrap ====
The strap is made of strong elastic with a brown camo-type design, sporting the brand name in white and orange. The overall appearance is sporty outdoor chic, and it is certainly suitable for all ages and genders. The strap is looped through a plastic buckle design on the back of the lamp head. Therefore, the fabric of the strap is continuous and there are no joins which can wear and give way. The strap is highly elasticised, but as it is 25mm in width, its 'power' is evenly distributed over a reasonably large area of head, so there is no digging in or strap marks. The fabric has quite a felt-like spongy feel, so overall the torch is very comfortable to wear, and grips well to the head never shifting with movement. To compensate for all sizes of noggin, there is a plastic buckle system at the back with comb-grips, to tighten and loosen the strap. Once the size is set for your head there is no need to ever adjust it - the torch is just put on like a sweatband.
Bulbs ====
There are 4 LED bulbs, which according to Petzl will last a 'lifetime'. Apart from eliminating the need to carry any spare bulbs, the LEDs are also extremely bright. The torch is operated by a single large orange button located on the top - which is easy to see in the light, and which is textured for finger grip so it can be quickly located in the dark, or when wearing the torch. One click turns the torch on, initially to the brightest setting, and progressive clicks on the same button moves through the range of settings. To turn the torch off the same button is held down for a few seconds pause.
The Tikka Plus has four illumination settings -
'Maximum' is ultra-bright and throws light for 32m. I have used this torch when working for conservation services and found this level of light spot on for illuminating rough terrain in pitch darkness. The batteries provide light at maximum level for about 100 hours.
'Optimum' is bright and illuminates for a distance of 23m. This is good for general use, such as walking around familiar settings and studying maps in the dark. The batteries provide light at this level for 120 hours.
'Economy' is quite dim and illuminates for a distance of 15m, adequate for night-time reading - so easy to do with a headlamp. The batteries last for 150 hours on economy mode.
'Flashing' is a bright blinking light. I have never had to use this setting in practice, but it would be ideal for alerting a search party in an emergency. The batteries can blink the torch for 400 hours.
The lamp is mounted on to an articulating base, which pivots to 3 degrees of tilt to accurately focus light in particular directions. This is easy to adjust by simply clicking the lamp up or down, and can be achieved one handed. There is also a small lip directly below the LEDs which reduces glare for spectacle wearers.
The Tikka Plus is operated with 3 x AAA batteries (which are supplied with the torch). These are inserted by clicking the lamp down to the lowest tilt position and pushing in a plastic tab to open the battery compartment. However, this is quite difficult to do, and is the only negative feature I have found about this torch. No doubt this is to ensure water resistance, but I find it impossible to do using only fingers, but carefully using a coin or key it is quick and simple. The whole unit weighs only 78g including the batteries, so it is almost possible to forget you are wearing it at times, and it certainly does not impede any movements. As the batteries run down, each setting retains it distinct brightness, but the light is progressively thrown a shorter distance.
Overall =====
Over the years I have found the Tikka Plus indispensable. It is extremely robust and has stood up to many hours of service, been squashed into rucksacks, trodden on, dropped and still functions as good as new. It has endured conditions from extreme humidity and heat, to dust and torrential rain without faltering, the plastic cracking or the strap fraying. I have found it to be remarkably light, effortless to carry and comfortable to wear. As the torch is water resistant it is easy to sponge down the plastic and rinse the strap without causing any damage. When, and if, my headlamp reaches the end of its natural life, I will be sure to replace it with another from Petzl.Price Details =========
The Petzl Tikka Plus retails at £30 at the Coltswold Outdoor Company, or for a little less at online stores.
This product has not yet been reviewed. 
