Best Headlamp EVER!
No bulky headband. The size of a chicken egg, this light is SO SMALL, you will never leave it at home, or in your tent or approach pack, because it takes up too much room or is too heavy. Perfect for your technical climbing waterpack. Also ideal as a second/backup headlamp, if you are the type to carry one.
I've owned this for maybe 8 or 10 years, and at first was afraid that the tiny retractable string headband would break, or wear out...but it hasn't shown any wear at all. Still works perfectly - even goes on a helmet.
I change the batteries once a year, so I'm not really sure how long they last, but longer than that.
The beam is broad and bright enough (20 - 30 ft.), but by no means a 100 searchlight type beam - but you can't expect that from this kind of light. Can rock climb in the dark in pinch, but best suited for alpine descents, hiking, taking down the last sport climb of the day, etc.
One of my 2 or 3 most favorite pieces of gear.
Just bought 3 more as gifts for friends.
bottomfish at
REI on
01/01/2012
buy one
If you are looking for a small headlamp for various purposes and don't need it to fit on a helmet, this is the light to buy (though if you want to spend a few dollars more, get the zipka plus with red led).As a professional guide, I have found that if gear is small, light, and durable I take it with me. If not, it oftens stays in my gear closet. This light and it big brother the Zipka plus and Zipka XP are often all that you ever need. The size means that it can always be in your bag or even your pocket. Be careful if you have lont hair as the "zipping" effect when removing is prone to wrapping hair in the mechanism which may need to be cut out. Take this if you are traveling and you will always have a light with you. Bottom line: great product, great customer service from petzl if for some reason you have a problem. If you have a few more dollars, buy the plus or XP models for the red led function.
g-mac at
REI on
01/01/2011
My favorite flashlight
I love this headlamp! The retractable cord works surprisingly well (I had my doubts). It sits on my head snugly and does not move...even when running. I often forget I have it on, since I can barely feel it. It is super comfortable and is great for packing. The chord is always tucked into its housing and does not snag. I have had it for about three years now and I love it!
I have never had the need to for the red light, but I can see how someone would. I am sure they can slap that in without changing the overall design. For now that is my only complaint if you can call it that.
achurin at
REI on
05/05/2012
Great Headlamp!
Have been waiting for this item to be restocked and I am not disappointed. This headlamp is great. It is lightweight, compact and bright. I also have the Petzl Tactikka headlamp to compare it to. The two things I miss about the Tactikka is that the retractable headband is not as comfortable and the lamp does not tilt (it does not have a base to tilt on). These are two very minor gripes; what you get overall with the Zipka 2 is worth it. I highly recommend this headlamp.
Rick in Hawaii at
REI on
02/02/2012
My favorite device ever.
I use this practically every day and own multiple ones none broken. Its compact size insure that you will not leave it behind, honestly it made me hate the ones with a cumbersome strap. Its design will also strap to things like a wrist or a pole which is convenient when you head does not make sense. Uhm I love it more than any other gadget I own saved my butt many times and I use it around the house a bunch.
Tom the fig at
REI on
04/04/2010
Good but not very secure
Very good product, it does not feel very secure when worn though. It is very easy to put on and remove. But if you brush up against something it will move out of position. Don't buy this if you want something that has to be fastened real tight. For example rock climbing.
The product does what is expected and looks very durable so 5/5.
longhornhiker at
REI on
01/01/2013
Best Headlamp
I love that this headlamp doesn't have a bulky headband making it so compact that I don't mind carrying it in my pant pocket during this dark time of year, just in case I need it.
The retractable string headband is durable.
Own several of these for each family member. Like the upgrade on this one to 4 LEDs.
bcgnome at
REI on
02/02/2013
This is a great little light
This is a great little light. It is extreamly light weight, it is pretty bright and the batteries last along time. you can buy color filters and a case. the only thing i didn.t like is you had two buy the case seperatly. I use this licht for camping, backpacking and riding my road bike at night.
criticalrandy at
REI on
08/08/2010
Great piece of gear
I love this headlamp, I literally carry it with me all the time. I've had mine for 4 or 5 years now and it's survived a lot. I still have the factory bulbs in even. If I could change one thing though, it's not waterproof (or at least my older model isn't)other than that it's great.
Gcollin at
REI on
10/10/2012
My best headlamp yet!
This is a great little headlamp. So compact that you have to be careful not to lose it inside the tent or backpack. I like the way it compacts and it is quite bright too. The zip line is also very comfortable, much better than the regular straps. This is my favorite headlamp so far.
kitten_70 at
REI on
10/10/2012