Petzl Zipka Review

"I just completed my first year of backpacking using the Petzl Zipka. I backpack about every other week for 3-4 days in the spring, summer, and fall. I got the Zipka as a gift. It weighs 2.2 ounces and is powered by 3 AAA batteries. At the time I was using the Zipka micro (3.5 ounces)and a small single LED for a backup. When I first got the Zipka, my initial thought was that sure it's lighter but it won't last. I was especially concerned about the retractable string headband. I also wondered how much I would miss the Zoom's focused beam and tiltable head. I decided that I would use the Zipka on my trips, but that the Zoom would still be in my pack as my back-up. I fully expected that Zipka wouldn't be there for more than a few weeks.

After a half dozen trips, I realized that the the Zoom was getting no use. The Zipka was handling all of my needs. It was plenty bright for camp use and the small amount of night hiking I do. The lack of a tilting head proved not to be a problem because the lamp is so small I just shove it up a bit and it stays. The headband continues to work as well as it did when it was new. The bottom line is that the Zoom is now retired. What's more, the Zipka has proven so comfortable that I have begun to use it for my runs during the winter months when it gets dark early. "

"Nice piece of gear for those who are looking for cutting down the weight in their rucksacks. Very light and extremely compact. The light output is good enough for trekking in the dark and excellent around the camping site and inside the tent. I was concerned about its lack of tilting, but after having used it I concede that it is not a problem. The Zipka spreads enough uniform light around the central point that tilting is not necessary. The cord works perfectly, the tension on the cord is enough to keep the torch in place, even during running, at the time that it is extremely comfortable. I have my reservations about the lasting of this torch. I would not like to see this wee torch landing on a rock (as my Petzl Zoom has done dozens of times in 17 years of hard use) or some of my pals stepping on it. The design that keep the transparent plastic screen in place is not designed for lasting, I bet that if you remove the screen 5 times then it will not hold in place (better do it only once and you will know what I am talking about). For the same reason I dislike the design of the hatch that closes the batteries compartment. The spring that reels the cord works fine but for how long? The central point of light is too harsh for reading maps or books, better if you divert it a little bit from where you are reading. All in all, for its size does the job beautifully and if this torch manages to survive half of the years of my Peztl Zoom, then I will have to say that it is tip-top, we will see."