How to Choose Headlamps

Don't let the night slow you down. The Petzl Actik Core headlamp is the ideal companion to extend your outdoor activities after sunset whether you're running, trekking or in the mountains.
Imported.
View the Petzl Actik Product LineView all Petzl LED HeadlampsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Bulb Type | LED |
Bulb Detail | 2 LED / 1 red LED |
Red Light Mode | Yes |
Beam Type | Flood / Spot |
Max Light Output (Lumens) | 600 lumens |
Light Output | High: 600 lumens / Medium: 100 lumens / Low: 7 lumens |
Max Beam Distance (m) | 115 meters |
Beam Distance | High: 115 meters; medium: 60 meters ; low: 10 meters |
Brightness Levels | 3 |
Strobes | 1 |
Average Run Time | High: 2 hrs.; medium: 7 hrs.; low: 100 hrs. |
Rechargeability | Rechargeable |
Batteries | 1250 mAh CORE rechargeable battery (included); also compatible with 3 standard AAA batteries (not included) |
Dimensions | 2.6 x 2.2 x 1.4 inches |
Ultralight | Yes |
Water-Resistance Rating | IPX4 |
Weight With Batteries | 3.1 ounces |
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I have two different models of this headlamp, both purchased through REI. Older model from about 6/2021 and this version from Oct of 2023. Main use is trail running. Good- Light/ Lumens/ Battery Run Time. Bad- Case function (pivot points, battery door,...) is poorly executed. When pivoting it comes off its track, potentially having the head light falling off the head strap completely. Open the battery door to charge battery is nice but no where near the positive feel and comfort level as the old one. Sometimes updating is overrated.
This headlamp is my new favorite “traditional design” light. I’ve had numerous lights by a few different brands over the years, and over the last decade I’ve usually found myself gravitating towards to the slim form factor designed with runners and active sports in mind (all the weight of the battery in the back, just the light itself in the front). The technology also shifted away from alkaline batteries with the adoption of usb-rechargeable models. This is great, except for when you’re in the backcountry for multiple nights and don’t want to carry around heavy charging bricks. Enter the Petzl Actik Core with its hybrid concept. It’s one of the most powerful headlamps I’ve owned, and it gives the user the choice between alkaline (3x AAA) or a removeable/rechargeable (micro USB input) “CORE” battery. I’ve found the battery life to be very close to what Petzl claims, although I found the alkaline batteries to last longer than the rechargeable battery. That is a fine tradeoff for me because charging is very fast (~1-1.5 hrs maybe?), you save money on extra batteries, and it’s obviously much less wasteful. As I mentioned, the light is very strong on the brightest of the three white light settings (there are also red and flashing settings). I’m not an expert on every available choice on the market in regards to lumens, but the brightest setting is more than enough for all of my use cases and guessing the majority of people. I’ve used it many times in rain and snowy/wet mixed precip and so far, I’ve been really impressed with the build quality. I’m really enjoying this headlamp and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a new lamp with this form factor, strength, and the utility to switch between a rechargeable lipo and alkaline batteries.
I can't even use this light because of how poorly designed the headband is. The little plastic adjustment piece keeps unlatching and falling off. This makes the headband unusable.
I like this headlamp. Great for chores in the dark but It really shines :) on the trails at night. Mtn biking with an hbar light and a headlamp is the way-to-go. The Actik Core has 2 white light settings and the high setting is plenty bright for fast riding, while the low setting is functional for chores, etc. I guess folks have trouble opening the battery compartment but it seems pretty simple/easy to me. The headband is comfortable and easy to adjust. I think it's an excellent product overall.
Great headlamp, horrible strap. I absolutely love these headlamps. I have the first generation and have gotten the second generation for friends and family. I was stoked when I saw Petzl was releasing a new model with more power. However, the strap has come undone multiple times and one of the little pieces on the strap will just fall to the ground. Luckily, I have found the little piece each time and am able to put it back. Very annoying! If you lose the piece then the strap won't work properly and you will have to buy a replacement. I recommend saving some money and getting an older generation with less power. The older models are still my go to headlamp. I'm pretty bummed.
Light works good and is plenty bright on the highest setting, but it won’t pivot down far enough as I’d like. I have only used it for hiking and around camp but not sure if it would work for night time trail running where you need the light closer to your feet. Didn’t have a problem removing the battery and I like that it can use AAA’s but wish you could charge without having to remove the battery (trade off I guess). My old Reactik was a much better all around light. Runtime was great, adjusted everywhere I needed it to and seemed to fit my jug head better. Its battery finally wouldn’t charge anymore. Why oh Why do manufacturers discontinue tried and true gear???
I've had 5 or 6 headlamps for nighttime running on roads and trails. This is the BEST: lightweight, bright, comfortable, easy to adjust the band while running, and EASY to operate. The battery compartment cover IS stiff at first but by the third time opening it was fine. To those having difficulty accessing its modes I would say sit down for 5 minutes with the instructions and think it through. Once you get it, it is dead simple. Like any new tool you get out of it what you put into it.
I'm a happy Petzl headlamp user for almost 20 years - camping, hiking, hostelling, traveling, etc. In most of those 20 years, I had two - only because I lost the first one. I recently 'upgraded' to get a USB rechargeable Actik Core. The light features are amazing. I find them useful and intuitive. I did not have any issues opening the battery compartment; a little weird, but I got it. I also really liked the strap situation; I see it as a step-up from previous models. However, I found the tilting mechanism a little too complex for its own good. It's a kinda-weird slide mechanism that doesn't always move or doesn't always hold like I'd like it to. Most most problematic is its relative delicacy; one of the little pieces of plastic that holds the swiveling head in place snapped off, and now it doesn't really hold a position, at all. GRANTED, this was my fault. I tend to toss my headlamps around - perhaps on the ground, perhaps on the floor, perhaps on a rock or a bedframe. This was indeed my fault, but I'm not used to Petzl products breaking from a little toss; All this to say, this headlamp is simply built differently, quite a bit more intricately (fancily?) than previous models, and I didn't see it advertised that way. If you're a bit hard / clumsy with your stuff like me, this might not be the headlamp for you. I'll probably replace this with another model (hopefully) that uses the same battery system.
4/5 Stars. Great Product. This is my second Petzl headlamp. The first one lasted me ~7 years before I wanted to use a battery pack rather than tracking and recharging 3 AAA Batteries. This headlamp is great for folks that are doing a lot of different things. I use it for house work in my crawl space, running, mountain biking, night walks, and camping. The battery can last a while and its nice to quickly swap a pack for longer night rides. This headlamp seems to have less range of angle than my previous Petzl, this is important for walks/runs when you want to have the lamp angled lower to see what's happening closer to your feet.
Was super excited to try this updated model with more power, but it’s pretty awful. The battery is really difficult to access, especially when your hands are cold and you need to recharge on trail. Battery life also does not last long. The swivel of the lamp is also weird - it’s hard to explain, but it almost feels like it’s off track and it’s hard to get it pointed in the right direction. I have honestly never seen a headlamp with this problem so no clue how they even managed to screw that up. The strap is also uncomfortable and not easy to work with. I have a previous model of this lamp and it has no issues with the swivel or battery access. I am returning this lamp. Get the older model if you can.