I think some people will really enjoy this inexpensive headlamp for the following activities: This has quickly become our absolute favorite low-cost headlamp in our arsenal. The Actik Core has more advantages overall. For its price and functionality, this is a perfectly good choice for backpacking, hiking, emergencies, working around the house, keeping in your car, or pretty much whatever. Lumen (short: lm) is the unit for the luminous flux. Because the purchase of a CORE battery is also in this price range. The CORE 1250 mAh lasted 140 minutes. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Weve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living. HYBRID technology means the ACTIK CORE Can use either the supplied CORE lithium-ion battery or AAA batteries (store-bought or rechargeable). I have always loved the outdoors and I go hiking and rock climbing every chance I get. BURN TIME (BATTERY LIFE) - The amount of time the battery will be able to sustain the light without recharging or changing batteries. Ive found the standard battery charges fully in just over two hours (via the included USB cable) after extended use and much quicker when just topping it off in between trips where it didnt see too much use. My video below. The 4 means that the product is protected against splashing water from all sides. However, it is arguable whether the IPX4 protection class can be considered a quality feature for outdoor equipment. Check out this quick list of our favorites if youre in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full top 10 list with in-depth reviews. DURABILITY & WEATHER RESISTANCE - We look for headlamps that are made of quality materials that can stand some abuse. Theyre also great for saving money on batteries but, they tend to have shorter burn times. The plastic in the ACTIK CORE wont inspire much confidence, but if youre not dropping it often, you wont have to worry about it always working. The latter is thus a bit more handy. While its a little bulky and heavy, we still think the Snap is a fun hands-free light that can move with you from activity to activity. This is not the only headlamp youd want to rely on for summiting a mountain, but its a good all-around headlamp for camping, fishing, or other slow activities. The Actik Core measures 14 x 13 x 4.5 cm, the Actik 6.35 x 3.8 x 3.8 cm. the Black Diamond Spot is one of our go-tos for backpacking trips. For shorter backpacking trips or home use, the NU 25 is an excellent, budget-friendly, ultralight option. And now I want to share what I have learned with you. VERSATILE HEADLAMP THAT CAN ALSO BE USED AS A LANTERN OR BIKE LIGHT, MAX LUMENS/BEAM DISTANCE: 300 lm./ 164 ft. (50 m.), PROS: Versatile use options, long burn time, easy to use, multi-purpose mounts, CONS: Max output is dimmer than some others, not fully waterproof, no red mode, no locking feature, bulky on forehead. You'll find more information on cookies at, Exclusive offers sent right to your inbox, White LED shines with proximity and distance lighting modes, Red lighting lets you see at close range without blinding people nearby, Two beam patterns: flood or mixed lighting, Distance mode lets you see further down the path, Proximity mode offers a flood beam for close-range vision, Low power mode with reduced brightness for longer battery life, HYBRID CONCEPT uses CORE rechargeable battery (included)or 3 AAA batteries, Reflective details around the band improve visibility in low-light conditions, Locking option prevents light from accidentally turning on while stowed, Mounting kits for attaching to a helmet or bicycle. The BioLite HeadLamp 200 has a built-in rechargeable battery. These need to see both the near and far range well. A lock function ensures that the headlamp is not accidentally turned on in the backpack and so the batteries or the battery are stressed. Find the lowest price for the Petzl Actik Core here. Having all the standard headlamp features, a rechargeable battery, good mix of brightness, and an MSRP of $69.95 it should check most practical, convenience, and economical boxes for most backpackers. The charging time is about 3 hours. Weve been impressed with the Syncs relatively long burn time and consider it a good value for the money, but at the end of the day you could upgrade to one of our favorite headlamps for $10-20 more. We like the idea that the mounts can be left where they belong (on your bike, in your tent, in your pack), and the light can easily be popped into place when you need it. If you liked this list, youll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. MAX LUMENS/BEAM DISTANCE: 200 lm./ 210 ft. (64 m.), PROS: Ultralight, compact, affordable, comfortable, waterproof (IPX8), locking feature, CONS: Slight learning curve for the different modes, max output is dimmer than some others, short burn time. A push on the button at the top of the unit will cycle you through the various options. I should have bought this one to begin with, bright and can see everything. If you don't like it, return it for free! Up To 30% Off Backcountry MTB Apparel .css-1081t4c{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Shop Now, Basecamp Under The Stars Shop Coolers, Camp Furniture & More. Actual sales may not have occurred at this price. To be able to complete the tour safely, you need a powerful headlamp. By the way, with the Actik Core, its the other way around with the accessories: A CORE battery is included, but no batteries. The Tikkina has the ability to use three AAAs or you can buy a rechargeable CORE battery for about $30. If you think weve missed a product or got something wrong, wed love to hear your feedback. Top 6 Best Rock Climbing Shoes for Beginners, Petzl Actik vs. Actik Core | Complete Comparison Guide, 3 light modes, red light and signal light, slightly heavier than the Actik Core (86 g), slightly less luminous range than the Actik Core (80 m). The battery pack makes it a powerful choice for activities like caving or winter sports where beam distance matters. It makes them possible. SIMPLICITY - Choose a headlamp that matches your style. Red beam on/off. The 3 modes include Max Burn Time (6 lm at 8 m light range), Standard (100 lm and 45 m light range on both models), and Max Power (350 lm and 450 lm at 80 and 90 m light range, respectively). HEADLAMP THAT PERFORMS WELL IN EXTREME COLD, MAX LUMENS/BEAM DISTANCE: 700 lm./ 377 ft. (86 m.), PROS: Performs well in cold conditions, rechargeable option, bright, durable metal housing, waterproof (IP68), battery life reader, CONS: Expensive, short burn time, uses uncommon batteries, slight learning curve for the different modes, no locking feature. The burn time of this rechargeable headlamp is relatively short, so its best suited for evening walks or shorter outings close to home. Youd buy a more expensive and better-built light for that like the Petzl Nao+ Plus. This is also compatible with other headlamp models from Petzl. Otherwise, the performance can decrease in the long term. Rechargeable battery and batteries have their advantages and disadvantages. MAX Lumens/ Beam Distance: 200 lm./ 164 ft. (50 m.), PROS: Ultralight, compact, rechargeable, comfortable, locking feature, CONS: Short burn time, not fully waterproof, small on/off button. We suggest reading the manufacturer instructions for battery recommendations for your specific headlamp to see if you can take advantage of the benefits of lithium. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us: Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience. The Color Balance seems perfect as I find with all Petzl headlamps. Otherwise, they are almost the same in terms of workmanship and handling. Shop the ACTIK CORE 350 here, or, the Upgrade ACTIK CORE RL 450 was just released! Although not fully waterproof, the Actik is listed as weather resistant by Petzl (IPX4). Low; medium; high white beam includes a blending of wide and spot beams. So you want to expect that the lamps offer a secure hold with high wearing comfort and sufficiently illuminate both the near and far range. This means they are weatherproof and can withstand rain or splashing water on all sides, snow and humid environments. According to the manufacturer, the Actik* and the Actik Core* are both suitable for mountaineering, jogging, trekking and bivouacking. The rechargeable Eneloops lasted 90 minutes. The Ledlenser is great for spelunking, but its not our go-to for typical backpacking trips because its too heavy, bulky, and expensive. To denote this, manufacturers use an IPX rating system to identify how weather resistant something is. For headlamps that take standard batteries, we usually go with long-lasting Lithium batteries, which are more efficient than Alkalines. MAX LUMENS/ BEAM DISTANCE: 400 lm./ 328 ft. (100 m.). Availability: For thru hikes, its a good idea to choose a headlamp that uses batteries that are easily accessible. The most notable feature of this headlamp is its energy source(s). This model is better for those who plan to go the non-rechargeable route in order to get longer burn times. The Actik model is supplied with batteries (3 AAA/LR03 batteries). Both models are sleek, comfortable, and stay bright for a long time. The last mode is saved when switching off. It's easy! The red is more like reddish-orange. Black Diamond headlamps do take a bit more time to learn than many other models, but thats to be expected for a light with so many features and modes. If you want to go on a tour lasting several days, you should have a headlamp in your luggage anyway. In general, the ACTIK CORE headlamp is not built to take falls, so be careful with it. Need a brighter light for more hours?The NAO+ Plus > is one possibility. Everyone should own a headlamp. turbo mode only runs for 30 seconds before stepping down to prevent overheating, but the high mode (190 lm.) With all the technical data to sift through and seemingly endless choices on the market, it can be a real challenge to figure out what to buy. This headlamp has a large side-button thats easy to press while wearing gloves, making it a great choice for chilly trips. The rechargeable battery can be charged and provides a constant luminosity. The following headlamps didnt make our final list, but theyve still got a lot of good things going for them. If you just need a headlamp for walking the dog or to keep in your car, a lower lumen count is typically more affordable and will likely work. We like that its functions are simple and straightforward (like a ring adjustment that narrows & widens the beam), the beam is one of the brightest we tested, and among rechargeable headlamps it has a long burn time. Same result. While its primary function is providing light when you need it, this headlamp also has a few safety features worth noting. HAVE BACKUP - Always top up your charge or replace your batteries before you leave home. You never know when your day hike will extend past sunset, so be sure to keep Petzl's Actic Core Headlamp in you backpack. The minimal five lumens (enough to read in the tent or other tasks not requiring a large field of illumination) will last 160 hours. We put Eneloop rechargeables and Li-ion AAAs head-to-head and tested them in two Petzl Actik headlamps. The burn time for the Actik is 120 hours, and 130 hours for the Actik Core. However, this may reduce the overall burn time significantly. Petzl designed the no-frills Tikkina to be easy to use, with very little learning curve or special features. The headband fits comfortably and is easily adjustable. Red light is particularly practical when you have to cover long distances through the dark (dark adaptation) or when you are traveling in groups and do not want to blind anyone. Petzl attempted to make some real effort with styling, and its pretty cool to look at. Note: Most headlamps that take regular batteries can be made rechargeable by using rechargeable batteries like the Eneloop AAAs. Non-rechargeable batteries last longer for extended backcountry trips, but cost more and create more waste. The 360 lm. Have a look at our comprehensive ACTIK CORE Review below. You'll be turned on to new videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring outdoor stories and much more. Best ultralight headlamps: BioLite HeadLamp 200, NITECORE NU 25 & Black Diamond Spot Lite 200, Best lightweight headlamps: Petzl Actik CORE, Black Diamond Spot 400, Petzl Tikkina & Petzl Actik, MAX LUMENS/BEAM DISTANCE: 450 lm./ 295 ft. (90 m.), PROS: Rechargeable, bright, comfortable, performance lighting (doesnt dim as battery depletes), easy to use, locking feature, CONS: Expensive, shorter burn time, not fully waterproof. But for those who dislike having to remember patterns to cycle through functions, the simple Petzl Tikkina or Actik might be best. Sign up for a new account in our community. Links marked with * are affiliate links. Other headlamps have higher protection classes and are partly completely waterproof. December 2nd 2019. For extended backcountry trips, you may have to carry a charger/cords, power bank, or solar charger. COMFORT - A well-designed lamp should have the strap adjustments necessary to secure the light snuggly without putting too much pressure on your forehead. Less irritating for groups or couples. All in all, we can recommend buying both headlamps. Its bright and eye-catching. Contact us for details. Its excellent for hiking or running. Best value headlamps: Black Diamond Spot 400, Petzl Actik CORE & Princeton Tec SNAP, Best budget headlamps: Black Diamond Spot Lite 200 & Petzl Tikkina, Best high-end headlamps: Fenix HM50R V2.0 & Ledlenser MH10, The Petzl Tikkina is our favorite budget headlamp. Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Headlamps, Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like, {"modules":["unloadOptimization","bandwidthDetection"],"unloadOptimization":{"browsers":{"Firefox":true,"Chrome":true}},"bandwidthDetection":{"url":"https://ir.ebaystatic.com/cr/v/c1/thirtysevens.jpg","maxViews":4,"imgSize":37,"expiry":300000,"timeout":250}}. The information on climbtheearth.com only helps you to learn. Among them is the ACTIVE series for outdoor activities such as mountaineering, which includes the two models ACTIK* and its upgrade ACTIK CORE*. It should be noted that a supposed weakness in this comparison, such as the higher weight, would not result in a deduction in the individual rating. CleverHiker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. But if you dont, consider carrying a small, ultralight backup like the Photon Micro Light or Petzl e+Lite. The model Actik reaches a luminosity of 350 lumens at a range of 80 m, Actik Core 450 lumens at 90 m. Both models use two cones of light, wide or combined, allowing three different modes, plus additional red light for night (2 lm at 5 m) and flashing light for emergency (visible at 700 m for 400 hours). Good for night hiking, looking for trail signs, spotting climbing anchors, or using as a bike headlight. She now lives on a farm in Oregon where she works as a full-time gear tester, writer, and photographer. Backcountry Advocate ProgramBreaking Trail, Rechargeable, compact, multi-beam headlamp made versatile, Petzl's Core battery recharges via included USB cable, Wide or mixed beams can be adjusted for maximum visibility. It is useful for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking or when traveling. For winter sports where gloves are required, choose a headlamp with a large, single button. IPX7 will be waterproof in one meter of water for 30 minutes, while the IPX8 can be submerged longer. I buy petzl products for many years. However, a rechargeable battery is generally only worthwhile if you use it regularly. This can also be easily pulled over a helmet. Ive had limited use in extended downpours, but light drizzles have had no effect on performance. It puts out plenty of light for tasks around camp. As the video test shows, the CORE batteries are well worth the money and if youre going to be needing more than 2 hours of light on high power, youll need to pick up a couple of them. Whether youre going on a backpacking trip, walking the dog in the evening, or car camping with friends, a hands-free light is an essential tool and is sure to become one of your favorite gadgets. The Actik Core in black and red. Red light can support vision in the dark better than bright light, which has a disruptive effect on adaptation.