Petzl Tikka XP 2

Small lightweight headlamp great for backpacking. Unfortunately, longevity is not good and after a year the LEDs are get dimmer much more quickly after replacing batteries.

I received this headlamp as a Christmas gift two years ago and when I first got it, it was the perfect headlamp.  The LEDs were super bright and you could illuminate a large area in front of you. I was also excited that it offered a red filter option since not all headlamps do.

The 3 AAA batteries would last 5-6 multi-day trips before needing replacing. The on button was not difficult to locate. The same button was also used to change brightness and activate blinking or held down for the red filter. There was also a flood light filter that could be flipped up which was nice when cooking so you didn't blind fellow campers. I mainly used the brightest light, flood light or the red light for what I needed.

I used the headlamp in very cold weather and the temperature did not seem to affect it much. While it never fully got wet, I did use it in muggy, rainy, damp weather and it held up well. It was also in a wet pack for 6 days and was unaffected.  

Two years later, the headlamp is on its way out unfortunately. I have used it dozens of times though. Now the elastic band seems to be permanently stretched out so that even on the tightest setting it is loose on my head. The batteries only seem to last 10-20 hours now and I feel like I'm replacing them every 3rd trip.  

Overall, I would rate this headlamp as very good with the realistic view that they aren't made to last forever. I do really like the Petzl brand headlamps over some other brands I have tried and will continue to purchase them. Even though they do seem to be at the higher price-end for headlamps, you get what you pay for.

I bought this lamp from a local outdoor store for $58.95 and I have to say it was well worth the money. I use it mainly for Ground Search and Rescue call outs and when we're out in the dense bush or deep woods this thing is great to have.

The spot lamp is very bright and extends a long way out. The quick diffuser slide up is a really neat idea especially for saving the eye sight of others travelling with you or reading maps etc. The red LED's are pretty much perfect, not to bright and not to dim. I also really like the whistle on the side of the headband.

So far battery life is good and the unit has been water proof.  I have had it out in a few really heavy rains and a day that was just light rain all day and it has not had any issues.

I highly recommend this unit over anything else I have seen in this price range.

It is relatively light, waterproof, and small.

I was thinking about a "myo rxp" first, then due to fact that the price was relatively high compared to this, I changed my mind and wanted to give "tikka xp2" a try.

After getting the headlamp, I was amazed to feel how light it was compared to my old "myo 3". Even with the three AAA size batteries installed, it is still like a breeze. It is Bulgarian made, however the craftsmanship is up to the code, perfect, no worries.

It boasts a powerful beam, the manufacturer says it is 80 lumens; I do not know about the lumen power, but the single powerful led is capable of producing more light than comparable size xenon bulb. The intensity of the light is regulated with push button switch on the top of the light's casing. Apart from the white light, there is also a red emergency kind of led right next to the main led bulb. Both white and red bulbs blinks if need arises.

There is also a wide angle lens sliding up and down in front of the bulbs. When it is slides up, the light beam scatters, illuminating a wider area in front of you, it is a handy fixture if one is working in his/her close proximity.

Overall, it is again another good headlamp from Petzl; good enough in every aspect, performance, minimalistic, budget-wise, etc.

I have used this excellent headlamp for two seasons of New England AT section hikes in winter. I often find myself walking into the night. I can not imagine ever upgrading.

Petzl is an excellent company, the XP 2 is all you need, extremely bright as promised and light weight. The sliding diffuser is a nice touch in lieu of using another lantern when in the tent. The red light is good for night vision and the blinking feature and integral whistle are good for emergencys.

IMO this is the do all, must have lamp that I would turn around for if I forgot it. Battery life is good as promised.

It is well worth the price. Highly recommended.

Puts out great light, wide and narrow beams, plus a discreet red light that is good for getting around without attracting insects. Best used for backpacking, camping, hiking in low light conditions.

This lamp has a diffuser that can be retracted to create a narrow beam, or lifted for a broad beam. I have used this lamp for six nights in a row and did not have to change the (stock) batteries yet.

There is a single button that cycles through all the modes. Single quick press turns on/off the current selected mode. Quick double press sets a flash/strobe mode. Long press switches between the white and red LED's.

One of the reasons I chose this lamp was because of other reviewers commending it on its ability to handle getting wet. Fortunately, I haven't been caught in a downpour with it yet, but from what I have read, it should hold up well.

The elastic band is quite comfortable and easy to adjust. The buckle also has an integrated emergency whistle.

This thing is amazing, I have no idea how I was ever a guide. My friends say it's like turning the sun on. battery life is decent and it's super light.

Awesome headlamp. Excellent battery life, light, comfortable.

The beam diffuser is really handy as you can switch from spot light beam to area lighting. The red LED is great for saving your night vision, and letting your tent mates sleep through your late night nature calls. It also has a handy "low battery" light so you always know when to change batteries.

It has never turned on in my pack which is huge in my books. Works great in any weather so far, but keep in mind it's water resistant, not water proof. In this price range I believe it would be hard to beat.

best I have ever had, would definitely buy again!!!!!!!