Bottom line
The Petzl Tikkina is about as basic as headlamps get. It offers three white light brightness settings, all controlled by a single button to cycle through them or turn the headlamp off. You won’t find other common features like a red light function or a lock mode on the Tikkina. However, the price point more than justifies the lack of extras. This is a stripped-down headlamp, but for those on a budget or who simply don’t need many features, the Tikkina is an excellent buy. Three disposable AAA batteries power it, or you can purchase Petzl’s CORE rechargeable battery pack. While that more than doubles the cost of the headlamp itself, it’s nice to have the option for another power source.
This headlamp may not provide enough illumination or features for many outdoor enthusiasts. Still, for car camping, working around the house, or casual night hiking, the Tikkina fits the bill for many.
Still searching for the best headlamp for your needs? Head to our headlamp gear guide for more tested and reviewed options.
Quick Specs
Petzl Tikkina
Best Budget Headlamp
Price:
$25
Measured Weight:
3.2 oz.
Max Lumens/Beam Distance:
300 lm./213 ft. (65 m.)
Burn Time Low/High:
100 hrs./2 hrs.
Pros
- Affordable
- Long burn time
- Easy to use
- Rechargeable battery option
Cons
- Lacks features
- Not fully waterproof
Illumination & Light Quality
The Tikkina provides 300 lumens of maximum output, which falls on the lower end compared to other headlamps we’ve tested. It has a flood-style beam but no focused spot feature that comes with more premium models. While lumen ratings don’t always tell the whole story, we found the beam distance and light quality somewhat lacking, limiting its use to low-consequence tasks like basic illumination around camp and short night hikes. It’s also well-suited for household chores like walking the dog or taking out the trash. The light isn’t harsh, but it does have a slight yellow tint, similar to an LED garage bulb. Though noticeable at first, our eyes adjusted quickly, and ultimately, it wasn’t a major concern. For the price, the brightness and light quality are more than adequate. However, this could be a limiting factor if you need a more powerful light for technical pursuits.
Burn Time
The claimed burn time of the Tikkina is 100 hours on low and 2 hours on high. This data matched ours in the field. In most everyday situations, we typically use the headlamp on low or medium and reserve the maximum power setting to when absolutely necessary. This burn time is quite respectable because most people won’t be using this headlamp for mountaineering. In fact, it matches the burn time of the significantly more expensive Petzl Actik Core.
Weight
The Tikkina adds 3.2 ounces to your kit, which is quite reasonable given its affordable price. That’s only half an ounce more than models like the Black Diamond Spot series. However, due to its larger profile, it wears heavier than its weight suggests. The difference between perceived weight and actual weight is noticeable with the Tikkina. While that half-ounce is barely detectable in hand, you can feel the weight difference when it’s on your head during use. This added weight might cause some fatigue while running or hiking, but the extra heft is less of an issue in camp. Compared to more modern, low-profile headlamps, the Tikkina’s bulkier design makes the weight feel more prominent, especially during prolonged use. That said, for casual use and at this price point, we find the weight quite manageable and a fair trade-off for its affordability.
Comfort
The Tikkina isn’t uncomfortable, but it does rank near the bottom for comfort compared to the other headlamps we tested this year. The elastic strap is suitable for long-term use, but our main concern is the plastic frame. After extended wear, the bottom of the frame began to irritate our foreheads when worn without a hat. This only became noticeable after about two hours of use, so it may not be an issue for most users. We prefer less plastic in contact with the skin and feel the Tikkina would benefit from additional padding. However, unless you plan to wear your headlamp for over two hours at a time, this likely won’t be a problem. We found the Tikkina less comfortable during high-output activities like running but more tolerable for casual use around camp.
Ease of Use
It’s no exaggeration to say that this is the easiest and most intuitive headlamp we tested, except for the Petzl Tikkid, which is designed for children. This simplicity is largely because there aren’t many features to cycle through. You have one button that turns the light on, adjusts the brightness from low to medium to high, and then turns it off. That’s it. It’s extremely user-friendly and works perfectly for its target demographic, who might not want or need to deal with a more complex piece of gear. Additionally, the headband is easy to adjust on the fly without needing to remove the headlamp.
Features
We’ve mentioned it several times, but yes, the Tikkina doesn’t offer many features. It turns on and offers three brightness settings, and that’s about it in terms of the light’s functionality. However, there are a few other aspects worth noting. Like most headlamps, the Tikkina can be tilted up or down, adding versatility when wearing it on your head or around your neck. It is also compatible with Petzl’s Helmet Adapt and Bike Adapt 2, allowing the head strap to be removed and the headlamp to be affixed to various helmet types or a bicycle. Petzl also designed the Tikkina to be compatible with their CORE rechargeable battery pack, the same one used in the more high-end Actik Core. The downside is that the CORE battery will set you back an additional $30, which is $5 more than the MSRP of the headlamp itself. If you opt for the rechargeable battery, you’ll find yourself in the price range of more premium headlamps that not only come rechargeable but also offer more features and better light quality. Lastly, we were puzzled to see REI’s product page claim that the Tikkina has a battery life indicator, which it does not.
Should You Buy the Petzl Tikkina?
The Petzl Tikkina is an ideal headlamp for those looking for a reliable product from a company known for making some of the best gear in the industry. It’s great not only for outdoor enthusiasts planning to use it for car camping, fair-weather hiking, or hanging around camp but also for everyday use. It’s handy for tasks like working on the car, walking the dog, or having on hand during power outages.
Its compatibility with Petzl’s Helmet Adapt and Bike Adapt 2 platforms makes it a good option for those who bike to work and need a backup light or for climbers who need a little extra illumination on sunset climbs. It’s perfect for those who don’t have the time or patience to learn the ins and outs of a more complex headlamp. However, we wouldn’t recommend it for technical pursuits requiring a brighter light or for activities in harsh weather due to its lower waterproof rating.
What Other Headlamps Should You Consider?
If you like the Tikkina but want to explore other options, check out these models or the rest of our lineup on the list of our favorite headlamps:
Nitecore NU25 UL Review: We highly recommend the NU25 UL. It’s another of our favorite budget-friendly headlamps and offers more features than the Tikkina. For the just a little more, you get a genuine ultralight headlamp with all the features the Tikkina lacks.
Black Diamond Spot 400 Review: If you can stretch your budget by an extra $25, the Spot 400 is worth considering. It’s one of our longtime favorite headlamps and continues to impress. With the Spot 400, you get a more comfortable and brighter headlamp, along with some of the top features among all the headlamps we’ve tested.
