Picking a headlamp can be tough –
Lots of options, lots of different specs, does anyone actually know what a lumen is? and worst of all, lots of unrealistic claims about battery life!
I’m hoping this review can fill in the gaps and let you decide for yourself if this is the right head lamp for you.
The Petzl Actik, a new 2017 offering, is one of the nicer headlamps we’ve seen this year. The Actik offers all of your standard modern headlamp features you would expect: red light, multiple beam strengths, and a USB rechargeable option as well as 3xAAA compatibility.
Compared to some of the newer smart phone enabled headlamps you might feel like its a bit too basic but personally I feel like a headlamp really shouldn’t have anything to do with my phone in the first place!
Petzl Actik
Pros
- Simple operation
- lightweight
- USB rechargable and AAA compatible
- Adjustable beam angle (hinged)
- Easily Removable headband for affixing to a helmet
- Splash and rain proof
Cons
- Lacks constant brightness regulation
- Rechargeable battery is sold separately (or with the CORE version)
- Listed burn time on max brightness is wildly incorrect
- No lock function
Feature Summary
- Independent wide and narrow beams for optimal lighting in all situations
- Night vision preserving red light mode
- USB Rechargeable (battery sold separately)
- Compatible with the Petzl Noctilight which dual purposes between a carry case and a light diffuser.
Brightness & Battery Life
The Brightness of the Petzl Actik is on par with all good headlamps available today, however, it doesn’t have output regulation, meaning, as the batteries drain, the light gets weaker. This is seen as a positive to some as it lets you know your batteries are almost out instead of them going dead all of a sudden leaving you lost in the darkness. Most people generally feel this is just a modern feature all headlamps should have.
Regarding battery life, I believe there was a mix up in the marketing department at Petzl because the burn time on high for this headlamp is far closer to 90 minutes than 60 hours.
Comfort & Fit
I found the Actik to be a comfortable headlamp even after an hours walking. The headband elasticity holds up well and didn’t need adjusting for the duration. There was a little bit of slippage after jogging for 5 minutes.
Durablity
While plastic the Actik feels a bit like a rock, and for any defects petzl has you covered with a five-year warranty.
Petzl Actik vs Actik Core
The Actik Core is exactly the same as the Actik, only it comes with the rechargeable battery.
Petzl Noctilight
The compatible Noctilight headlamp case doubles as a light diffuser – essentially a peice of plastic that jumbles a focused headlamp beam into a nice lantern effect – perfect for adding a little light to your tent at night.
The Verdict
Specification errors aside, the Petzl Actik is a great entry level headlamp with standard modern features like rechargable batteries and red light modes.
Some how Petzl manages to do this without destroying my wallet too, which is nice.
If you’re looking for a headlamp with constant beam strength regulation, check out my review on the petzl reactik.
Specs
| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Bulb Detail | 2 white LED + 1 red LED |
| Red Light Mode | Yes |
| Beam Type | Adjustable / Flood |
| Max Light Output (Lumens) | 350 |
| Light Output | High: 350 lumens Low: 5 lumens |
| Max Beam Distance (m) | 90 |
| Beam Distance | High: 90; low 10 meters |
| Brightness Levels | 4 |
| Strobes | 1 |
| Average Run Time | High: real: 2, listed: 60 Low: 260 hours |
| Regulated Output | Yes |
| Rechargeable | With Core battery it is USB rechargable |
| Batteries | 3xAAA |
| Water-Resistance Rating | IPX4 – splash / rain proof |
| Weight With Batteries | 3.17 ounces |