Petzl has been producing headlamps since 1973, which means they have plenty of experience! Their design includes a lamp body, a battery, and an elastic headband—this classic setup remains effective today. However, as consumers’ preferences change, Petzl adapts its products to meet modern requirements across various settings and uses.
Today, we generally anticipate features like waterproofing, an adjustable and comfortable headband, multiple lighting modes, a lockable light, and a rechargeable battery. This model includes all these features and even more.
Specifications
LED Color: White and Red
Brightness (Lumens): 450 lumens
Runtime: 110 hours on low (7 lumens), 2 hours on high power
Weight: 2.96 oz/ 84g
Waterproof Rating: IPX4
Battery Type: 3 x AAA or included CORE battery
We reviewed the Petzl Aktik Core in 2022, and it remains one of our top picks in the best headlamps guide. Now, we’re examining the Petzl Tikka Core, which features some minor improvements that enhance its usability without adding unnecessary technology.
Petzl Tikka Core Headlamp Review
Petzl Tikka Core Headlamp: Design
★★★★★
- Compact and light
- Available in four colors
- One-button operation
The Petzl Tikka Core is a sleek headlamp with an angular design. It’s simple yet effective. You can select from four color options—yellow, blue, grey, and green. Our test model is green, which stands out in our gear collection. A new feature includes a phosphorescent reflector that lights up in the dark, making the headlamp easier to find among other dark items.
The streamlined housing is great, and the headband is comfy, suitable for activities like running, camping, and stargazing. It has an IPX4 water resistance rating, meaning it is splashproof.
The lamp operates with a single button for ease of use, allowing you to manage brightness, lighting modes, and lock the unit all from one control.
A notable aspect of the Petzl ‘Core’ series is the inclusion of a rechargeable ‘CORE’ battery, although it can also function with three AAA batteries if needed, such as during longer trips when charging isn’t possible.
Petzl Tikka Core Headlamp: Performance
★★★★
- Comfortable to wear
- Easy to use
- Reserve mode is useful
We’ve taken this headlamp on several evening hikes recently, and its performance meets our expectations based on the Petzl reputation.
It’s lightweight, and the adjustable headband makes it easy to wear; we even managed to place it over a bike helmet when our dedicated bike light failed us. It sits comfortably on the forehead, and you hardly notice it’s there.
The listed battery life for the Petzl Tikka Core is two hours on full power (450 lm), seven hours on medium power (100 lm), and an impressive 110 hours on low (7 lm).
On the two high settings, there’s a helpful reserve mode that provides an additional two hours of low light, perfect for walking but not for fast-paced activities. We felt secure knowing we wouldn’t be plunged into darkness if we inadvertently forgot to charge it before leaving home.
We found the transition from 7 lm to 100 lm quite noticeable, dazzling some fellow hikers occasionally (and the same with the highest setting when cycling back to low!). We’d prefer finer gradations between low and medium settings. All lighting is done by a single LED, with no separate spot (long-distance illumination) or flood (wide area coverage) lights. This wasn’t an issue for us, but those needing to identify distant landmarks (over 75 m) might want to explore other options.
A minor downside is that you must turn on the white light before switching to the red light. If you forget to set it to red before heading out for some stargazing, you might temporarily harm your night vision when turning on the headlamp.
Petzl Tikka Core Headlamp: Functionality
★★★★
- Charges via micro-USB
- Reflective band for visibility
- IPX4 Water-resistant rating
Despite a few minor issues previously noted, this headlamp is dependable and packed with practical features.
It includes a lock mechanism to prevent it from turning on unintentionally while in your gear bag or luggage. To engage the lock mode, turn off the headlamp and press and hold the button for approximately seven seconds; you’ll see the indicator light blink three times. If the button is pressed accidentally, it will blink three times without activating the main LED. Long-press again to deactivate the lock.
The 1250mAh battery isn’t the largest capacity available, but it charges quickly using a power bank or an outlet. The CORE battery can be removed, allowing you to buy an additional one for easy swaps; these are priced around $28. While this may seem pricey, it is significantly more economical (and environmentally friendly) than continuously buying three AAA batteries every time they run out. The CORE battery continues to charge via micro-USB rather than the newer USB-C, leading to slower charging and necessitating an extra cable.
There’s a charging indicator on the CORE battery, and a small indicator on the top right of the lamp itself (check the front of the unit after turning it off to avoid dazzling yourself when it’s on).
Petzl has thrown in a small translucent storage sack that can serve as a ‘lantern.’ It surprisingly provides a gentle glow in your tent, making it easier to locate your essentials as you settle in for the night. Use the headband or drawstrings on the sack to hang it up.
Another useful feature is the headlamp’s bracket design. You can physically tilt the lamp to direct the light where you want it. It can turn a full 360 degrees — this is also how to access the battery compartment.
In addition to the phosphorescent reflector at the front, there’s a reflective pattern on the wide band to enhance visibility to others.
Should I purchase the Petzl Tikka Core Headlamp?
Consider buying it if:
✅ You seek a dependable model from a well-known brand: Petzl has been manufacturing headlamps since 1973, establishing their expertise.
✅ You want the flexibility to use either the CORE battery or AAA batteries: This headlamp accommodates both options and allows for easy swapping of additional CORE batteries for extended power.
Don’t purchase it if:
❌ You need a specific spotlight or floodlight: All settings use a single LED, so you might want a different model for tasks requiring close proximity or far distance visibility.
❌ You require a fully waterproof device: The Tikka Core’s water-resistance rating is IPX4, making it splash-resistant but not submerged.
The Petzl Tikka Core stands out as a solid choice for your next headlamp, ideally suited unless you specifically need a flashlight with a spotlight or floodlight function. Based on past experiences with Petzl, this lamp will serve you well for years without fail.
Having the option to use regular batteries or the provided CORE battery is particularly appealing for those on multi-day hikes, especially if you buy an extra CORE for quick replacements.
With its IPX4 rating, the lamp is suitable for light rain and can handle sweat or humidity, but it shouldn’t be submerged and it’s best to avoid using it in heavy rain.
If a fully waterproof model is essential, consider the Knog Bilby 400, which boasts an IP67 waterproof rating. Another alternative is the Nitecore NU31, also rated IP67, but its rechargeable battery is non-removable.
The Silva Terra Scout XT features a better waterproof rating than the Tikka CORE and includes a hybrid power option (although it lacks a locking function). For reviews on these models and more, check out our best headlamps guide.
