This is hands down the best headlamp I’ve ever used for running. It comes mot bounce. It sits on your head just right and disappears. It’s frankly a little spooky after years running with other headlamps. Not sure if it is bright enough for on piste touring, but for running it is hands down a must buy. I highly recommend the one with a rechargeable battery as well (you can still use standard triple As if you want) but it’s brighter and will always output max mower if you charge it between runs. You’ll give away all your other running headlamps if you buy this. NOTE FOR SKIERS: If you are looking for a headlamp for skiing the Swift RL is a good option. Almost twice as bright, easier to clip to a helmet, and the adaptive light will dim so you don’t blind someone ... MoreThis is hands down the best headlamp I’ve ever used for running. It comes mot bounce. It sits on your head just right and disappears. It’s frankly a little spooky after years running with other headlamps. Not sure if it is bright enough for on piste touring, but for running it is hands down a must buy. I highly recommend the one with a rechargeable battery as well (you can still use standard triple As if you want) but it’s brighter and will always output max mower if you charge it between runs. You’ll give away all your other running headlamps if you buy this. NOTE FOR SKIERS: If you are looking for a headlamp for skiing the Swift RL is a good option. Almost twice as bright, easier to clip to a helmet, and the adaptive light will dim so you don’t blind someone coming downhill.

A great technology and great quality head lamp

I have been using this lamp when camping and for a 3 day hike. In both situation, it performed great. While the modern head straps may feel intimidating at first, you will quickly learn to put it confortably. It fits better on the head that most lamps and does not move when moving. The light produced is a cold white (more white, less yellow). The high level won't probably be needed unless you run with it. When the 2 other levels, your battery will last a long time.Like :- Lamp fit on the head- Great battery with clear charge lights- Great range of light intensity- Pouch (can be used with light inside to create a lantern effect)Dislike :- None really. May be I could say that in lantern mode, the cold light color a bit less enjoyable that a more yellow light. ... MoreI have been using this lamp when camping and for a 3 day hike. In both situation, it performed great. While the modern head straps may feel intimidating at first, you will quickly learn to put it confortably. It fits better on the head that most lamps and does not move when moving. The light produced is a cold white (more white, less yellow). The high level won't probably be needed unless you run with it. When the 2 other levels, your battery will last a long time.Like :- Lamp fit on the head- Great battery with clear charge lights- Great range of light intensity- Pouch (can be used with light inside to create a lantern effect)Dislike :- None really. May be I could say that in lantern mode, the cold light color a bit less enjoyable that a more yellow light. But when you are looking at something, most of the time, white color is best.Overal, a great lamp for both fixed site camping and for trekking or running into the wild.

Excellent but not for me

Giving this three stars because it probably works for other folks, but it didn't work for me. I was using it for dark-hour road and trail running.I bought this because I wanted a new lightweight, rechargeable headlamp to replace my old one that was not durable but worked great (Nitecore NU20 UL). I liked that this one had a swappable battery and was compatible with standard cell batteries for emergencies. I used it a few times before deciding to return it, so here are my two cents:PROS:- Lightweight. It is like it isn't even there when you're wearing it. The band is surprisingly secure, which I didn't expect when I first looked at pictures and took it out of the packaging.- Bright. The lumen rating is higher than my old headlamp and lasts for far longer, due ... MoreGiving this three stars because it probably works for other folks, but it didn't work for me. I was using it for dark-hour road and trail running.I bought this because I wanted a new lightweight, rechargeable headlamp to replace my old one that was not durable but worked great (Nitecore NU20 UL). I liked that this one had a swappable battery and was compatible with standard cell batteries for emergencies. I used it a few times before deciding to return it, so here are my two cents:PROS:- Lightweight. It is like it isn't even there when you're wearing it. The band is surprisingly secure, which I didn't expect when I first looked at pictures and took it out of the packaging.- Bright. The lumen rating is higher than my old headlamp and lasts for far longer, due mostly to a larger battery and more lamps in the housing. You do get a brighter light when you use the Petzl Core batteries than with standard AAAs. I'm not sure if using rechargeable AAAs would alter this.- Minimal bounce: The light beam is very steady if you strap it down properly. I really liked that. It felt secure and stable even while running on uneven terrain.CONS:- Button issues: I ultimately returned this headlamp because the button for the lamp was not easy to press, especially when moving. I would have to press the button multiple times to get the switch inside the lamp housing to trigger properly, which also presented an issue when trying to turn it off. I didn't see other reviews mention this, so it may have been a faulty button.- No red light: I didn't think that having a red light would be important for me, so I bought this anyways. However, after assessing my needs further, I realized that I did want the red light option.- Slightly uncomfortable: I had some discomfort with the plastic bracket for the lamp housing digging into my forehead. It wasn't anything terrible, but I could see it becoming an issue during a longer adventure.Overall, this is a solid headlamp. It has a use case for certain folks, though it didn't fit my needs. I ended up getting the Petzl Actik Core instead and that has been great.

Fundamental flaw - but so much potential!

I loved this headlamp, which I purchased from REI and is just what I need, until it started glitching. There is a fundamental design flaw that you should all be aware of before making this purchase. After using this a dozen times or so, I have discovered that the rechargeable battery provided by Petzl now slightly pops out of place within the case when I put it on, just enough that it disconnects the battery from the terminal. The headlamp goes dark when I put it on my head. As a result, I can't wear it - I can only use it like a flashlight (in my hand).

I loved it…until I didn’t!

I used it (almost nightly)to run or walk my dog. Very bright, rechargeable, and long lasting!Took it on a few trips in the backcountry. Bragged it up to my friends. Bought extra batteries. You get it. On Friday night I was ten miles into the backcountry. I tried to turn it on. Nothing. Changed batteries, nothing. Turns out there’s a short in the wiring… now it’s pitch black. I tried everything. Thankfully, I had a Luci Lantern. I would have been setting up camp by Bic lighter. I think I’ll go back to carrying to Petzl Bindi headlamps. I wouldn’t depend on this lamp again.

My Favorite Headlamp

What an awesome, innovative design. I've used many headlamps over the years, and this is my favorite so far. Its construction is totally different from other ones I've used, and that's a good thing! I love how securely (but fairly comfortably) I can adjust it to fit on my head--and how I can attach it to a helmet. The ability to use it as a lantern with the included stuff sack is also pretty cool. I appreciate the multiple brightness options (the maximum setting is really bright!), as well as the red light option. The versatility of being able to recharge the included battery pack or use regular AAA batteries is great.

OK head lamp

First off, the directions were hard to understand - and I have a graduate degree. The print and pictures were too small and I had to strain to read them. Petzl should revisit the pictograms and come up with some that are easier to follow. I also had trouble understanding how to install the battery. There were multiple, ambiguous pluses and minuses of different sizes on the battery itself and the area where it is installed.The only charger the headlamp comes with is a USB charger with a very short cord. I would prefer, for a headlamp, a regular wall plug and/or a car charger, as I'm not likely to have my laptop with me when I'm out and about using my headlamp and charging it on my computer would take up a lot of space on my desk. However, the green and red light ... MoreFirst off, the directions were hard to understand - and I have a graduate degree. The print and pictures were too small and I had to strain to read them. Petzl should revisit the pictograms and come up with some that are easier to follow. I also had trouble understanding how to install the battery. There were multiple, ambiguous pluses and minuses of different sizes on the battery itself and the area where it is installed.The only charger the headlamp comes with is a USB charger with a very short cord. I would prefer, for a headlamp, a regular wall plug and/or a car charger, as I'm not likely to have my laptop with me when I'm out and about using my headlamp and charging it on my computer would take up a lot of space on my desk. However, the green and red light that indicates charging status is very convenient and it charged very quickly.The headband was a little uncomfortable and could be improved, but I have yet to have a headlamp that was really comfortable or that you weren't conscious of wearing while you had it on; so this one isn't any worse than others I've had. Having the battery on the back of the head, separate from the light is nice, as it distributes the weight which is more comfortable than having it in one piece. I would have preferred to have a strap that goes over the top of your head also though so the weight isn't only pulling down around the sides of your head and pushing down on your ears as much. Also, it would be better with some sort of foam pad on the back of the light where it touches the forehead to make it more comfortable. The light itself is very good and the three different intensity settings are nice. It would be even better if it had a fourth option that flashed for use at night on the street with traffic. It would also be better if it had some reflectors on the back maybe for added visibility.So overall, this is a good headlamp. It could be better, but it works well, is easy to use (once you figure out how to get the battery in) and is lightweight and unobtrusive.

Simple and Bright.

I liked how small the light looked, and liked that it was not an elastic band. This did not disappoint. I have my mid life crisis longer hair and this worked great for helping manage that. The light is simple, but has enough power ans spread for me. Mainly I have used it on groomed trails or on low walking the neighborhood. It is light, but seems solid. It did come with a bag you can put it in to make a lamp, I have not done that, as I fear I will fold it wrong and break it. It does take up more room, if you like me don't fold it over, but still worth it for my purpose. I have the core battery. Makes it easy. I would not be a great judge as to how long it lasts, because I charge after every use. I really like this light. (

Super uncomfortable.

I find this headlamp to be really uncomfortable. It has to be so tight so as not to slide that it gives me a headache. The surface of the light that rests against your skin is really hard and uncomfortable. The performance of the light is good - brightness and so on. But, sweet flip, I can't wear it for more than about 30 minutes. For context, I run ultras - 50k to 100m - so I wear headlamps for *hours* on the really long runs. No go, unfortunately. I'll wear it for winter dog walks and that's about it.

Versatile and lightweight

My wife got this for me for Christmas, after listening to me go over every headlamp in our local REI store with an expert staff. I had always disliked the elastic headbands, as they never stay in place unless severely cranked down, and permanently stretch out when they get old. Not to mention the bouncing that the battery/light combo lamps get into.I was jazzed on this for two big reasons: 1) I can use the rechargeable Core or AAAs. Easy enough to keep extra batteries on hand for instant switch-out. 2) The strapping mechanism is such that I can wear it over my shoulders, with the lamp shining from my chest. Keeps the light shining in the direction I am going, and I can tilt it down and move my head independently. It is also cool that it sets up like a lamp, or ... MoreMy wife got this for me for Christmas, after listening to me go over every headlamp in our local REI store with an expert staff. I had always disliked the elastic headbands, as they never stay in place unless severely cranked down, and permanently stretch out when they get old. Not to mention the bouncing that the battery/light combo lamps get into.I was jazzed on this for two big reasons: 1) I can use the rechargeable Core or AAAs. Easy enough to keep extra batteries on hand for instant switch-out. 2) The strapping mechanism is such that I can wear it over my shoulders, with the lamp shining from my chest. Keeps the light shining in the direction I am going, and I can tilt it down and move my head independently. It is also cool that it sets up like a lamp, or folds up neatly into its pouch.I have been using it on our pre-dawn walks with the dog this winter in our local park. The lowest setting easily spots the icy patches without ruining my night vision, while higher settings help with locating anything specific in the dark.I would like the strap to be a bit bigger, as it barely fits on my winter cap. And the downward tilt doesn’t work too well if you have a bill on your cap (another reason to wear it on my chest). Figuring out the on/off/brightness button operation takes a bit of practice (hold it down vs. quick push; how to increase brightness), but these are minor quirks. I just hope the plastic headband holds up over time.