Petzl IKO Headlamp

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.

When looking for an everyday trail running headlamp I want a light that is bright, light, comfortable, and compact. With that said, Petzl did an excellent job incorporating both the IKO and IKO CORE into the already great headlamp lineup. 500 lumens is a nice sweet spot for those few hours of darkness I typically encounter with my typical runs where I require a headlamp. The IKO CORE shrinks down quite tiny so throwing it in the running belt or the vest is hardly noticeable. For runs where I need 3 plus hours of light and on trails of a more technical nature (scrambling), I might reach for a headlamp like the Swift with more battery life and higher lumen output. I think the AIRFIT® headband is what really sets the IKO CORE apart, and the comfort compared to a ... MoreWhen looking for an everyday trail running headlamp I want a light that is bright, light, comfortable, and compact. With that said, Petzl did an excellent job incorporating both the IKO and IKO CORE into the already great headlamp lineup. 500 lumens is a nice sweet spot for those few hours of darkness I typically encounter with my typical runs where I require a headlamp. The IKO CORE shrinks down quite tiny so throwing it in the running belt or the vest is hardly noticeable. For runs where I need 3 plus hours of light and on trails of a more technical nature (scrambling), I might reach for a headlamp like the Swift with more battery life and higher lumen output. I think the AIRFIT® headband is what really sets the IKO CORE apart, and the comfort compared to a traditional stretchy headband is noticeable, and quite easy to adjust for quick on-the-go changes. The wide uniform beam makes for a nice addition and the thin lamp profile on the front is also what sets the IKO CORE apart from not feeling like there is this bulky thing rattling on the front of your forehead. For everyday trail runs, I wouldn't hesitate to grab the IKO CORE as a light and comfortable headlamp option.

A Dream come true

The most comfortable headlamp I have ever worn! It feels like nothing is on your head and doesn't flop around when you are in motion. This is my go to headlamp for night climbing and for everyday use. If you are psyched on climbing or running at night I would certainly grab an IKO from Petzl!!!!!! GAME CHANGER!

Best for Predawn/evening trail runs

I do not have the smoothest of gates, so slipping headlamp straps seem to always lower the lamp at my brow on my runs. Not this one; it easily adjusts securely to my head, and stays there despite my jarring stride. Also, this headlamp hits the sweet spot of casting enough light, for enough time. without a huge weight penalty. I also appreciated the rechargeable battery pack.

Excellent Light, but no batteries

It's a great light, bright, super lite. Feels like nothing on your head. There are brighter lights but this is as bright as I practically need. Sadly, it does not come with rechargeable battery, that is sold separately. It does takes regular AAA batteries however.

Great torch for technical trails

I used this torch for a technical overnight tramp/run in the mountains - I bought a spare Petzyl Core battery plus carried a set of AAAs as secondary backup. We were travelling in the dark for 10 hours. I swapped between my Petzyl Core batteries at the half way point and used the medium headlamp setting throughout - which provided quite adequate trail visibility. It was great to know I still had the AAAs in reserve, but I didn't need them. My trail buddy was using two cheaper torches and they both essentially failed, so my light assisted him for in the final hours. I also found the torch super comfortable during an otherwise long and tough trek! The full strength setting is brilliant for shorter night jogs in technical terrain. I now use the torch daily and swap ... MoreI used this torch for a technical overnight tramp/run in the mountains - I bought a spare Petzyl Core battery plus carried a set of AAAs as secondary backup. We were travelling in the dark for 10 hours. I swapped between my Petzyl Core batteries at the half way point and used the medium headlamp setting throughout - which provided quite adequate trail visibility. It was great to know I still had the AAAs in reserve, but I didn't need them. My trail buddy was using two cheaper torches and they both essentially failed, so my light assisted him for in the final hours. I also found the torch super comfortable during an otherwise long and tough trek! The full strength setting is brilliant for shorter night jogs in technical terrain. I now use the torch daily and swap between my batteries to keep them fully charged - definitely worth the extra investment. Great to know for multi-day hikes I can have spare batteries if my charger fails

Lightweight, and flexible

This is an awesome headlight. So light in weight and easy to use. I forget that it is on my head as I don't feel it much. Easy to adjust with the elastic pull in the back. I also like the function that it can be used as a little lantern hanging on the lamp hook in my tent.

My new favourite headlamp!

I've run with almost every headlamp on the market - it's a long dark winter here in Yellowknife. Most of them are designed first and foremost to be flashlights, and then fitted with a strap that's somehow supposed to keep it on your head as an afterthought. They always felt like flashlight strapped to your head, and were often bulky, bouncy or both. This headlamp clearly took a different approach - it is built around a unique strap that actually fits the contours of your head, and distributes the weight between the battery pack and the lamp element so that it just fits. It's also bright enough to use on a trail run. 2.5h burn at the high setting is plenty, and batteries can be swapped between AAA or Petzl's lithium USB rechargable. Highly recommend!

My new favourite headlamp, hands down

I've been using a Black Diamond [BD] Storm 400 headlamp for a few years now, and no matter how much I adjusted the strap or changed where I let the headlamp sit on my forehead, I always ended up with the start of a headache after about 30 minutes of wear. When I saw the Petzl IKO Lightweight headlamp on sale (and after careful scouring of the internet for reviews), I knew I had to have it to replace my old Storm. This headlamp is seriously lightweight and comfortable, and can be operated with either the Petzl Core USB-rechargeable battery pack (sold separately) or any Ni-MH rechargeable batteries you may already have on hand, thanks to it's hybrid technology. The only downside I would say is that it meets IPX4 waterproofing standards, compared to the IPX7 ... MoreI've been using a Black Diamond [BD] Storm 400 headlamp for a few years now, and no matter how much I adjusted the strap or changed where I let the headlamp sit on my forehead, I always ended up with the start of a headache after about 30 minutes of wear. When I saw the Petzl IKO Lightweight headlamp on sale (and after careful scouring of the internet for reviews), I knew I had to have it to replace my old Storm. This headlamp is seriously lightweight and comfortable, and can be operated with either the Petzl Core USB-rechargeable battery pack (sold separately) or any Ni-MH rechargeable batteries you may already have on hand, thanks to it's hybrid technology. The only downside I would say is that it meets IPX4 waterproofing standards, compared to the IPX7 waterproofing standards of the BD Storm 400 headlamp. I honestly can't wait to take it out on the trail this summer and test out how well it functions as a light to read inside my backpacking shelter!

Petzl Iko w/ Core battery pack

Excellent service, Altitude Sports is a communicative seller offering fast shipping. My aging eyes and northern climates with shorten daylight hours in our Canadian winters makes a high quality headlamp essential kit for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors. I put my Iko on whenever I walk the dog (usually early AM and late PM), when preparing meals on our BBQ, taking out the trash, recycling, compost or yardwaste (early AM) and when I go on my runs. Highly recommend the Core battery pack. The Iko's fit is amazing and stays in place even when running. Adjustments ensure it stays put whether you're bald (like me) or are wearing a thick woolly, knit toque.