User Review: Petzl Tikka XP

Petzl Tikka XP
Above: The current Tikka XP, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed September 20, 2006 by e_l_green

Rating:
Price Paid: $49.95

Small. Bright. Movable shutter for throwing lots of light on the trail or for looking far ahead. Runs on rechargable batteries due to the voltage regulator circuit, meaning that for overnighters you don't end up throwing away half-used batteries, you just recharge the ones that you used.

I have had three generations of the Tikka now -- the original 3-LED one with the clunky non-waterproof sliding switch and fixed lamp orientation, the newer 4-LED one with the waterproof push-button switch and movable lamp orientation (to point close to feet, or far away), and now this one. Each new generation is very slightly larger and heavier but oh so much better for it.

Don't worry, the Tikka XP is still light and compact enough that you'll forget it's up there, but now gives big-time light -- especially when you flash the 'overdrive' button!