[at-l] Tikka, Zipka or Zoom

[daveh@xxxxxxxxxx (Dave Hicks)]

This is another YMMV issue driven primarily by hiking styles, comfort
levels, night vision, etc.  As I've gotten older, I hike shorter day and use
less light at night, in camp.

I am now using an LED head lamp -- the Petzl Tikka LED Headlamp.  For three
seasons it is fine around camp and on well marked trails.  However, in the
winter the cold does a number on the AAA batteries.  I am going to buy a
light for cold weather that has the batteries located where you can wear a
hat over them (such as Black Diamond Gemini Headlamp) or on a wire that will
allow you to put them inside your coat.  Also, I would not want to rely on
my Tikka on a dark night where the treadway is not very clear.  I know of a
number of balds, rockfeilds, open pasture crossings, etc, which I doubt I
could find the trail across w/o a much srtonger, much more spotlight focused
light than the Tikka.

The Black Diamond Gemini Headlamp also has the advantage of two lights.  I
suspect that two lights are better than one. It combines a bright,
route-finding Halogen spot-light with a power-conserving LED light. The down
side is that it weighs a tad over seven ounces -- albeit other duals go over
a pound.

If anyone has any experience w/ the Gemini Headlamp, I love to hear about
it.

Chainsaw


----- Original Message -----
From: "Russ A Drake" <russ_a_drake@icpmech.navy.mil>
To: <at-l@backcountry.net>; <at-l-admin@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Monday, February 03, 2003 10:52 AM
Subject: [at-l] Tikka, Zipka or Zoom


I am looking at the Tikka/Zipka head lamps.   I currently have a Zoom which
weighs in at 8+ ounces but I like the way it lights up the trail, the
strength of the beam, the distance it illuminates and my tent when I need
it.   What I don't like about it is the battery life of 10 hours and the
weight....  So I am looking at the Tikka/Zipka as an alternate.  I saw a
lot of people wit the Zipka at the Ruck this year so I am wondering how do
you all like the Zipka?   What is the difference between the Tikka and the
Zipka... I just see the band and a half an ounce difference...

  Your thoughts?

Sparky!

_______________________________________________
>From the AT-L mailing list         est. 1995
Need help?  http://www.at-l.org
Archives: http://www.backcountry.net/arch/at/
Change your options or unsubscribe:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/at-l

Stay on topic!