Editor's Personal Pick — Our editor owns this and likes it.
Matt's headlamp: a small, simple Petzl for the walk in before light.
Why we picked this
Matt Gehrmann has a Petzl Tikka and likes it. Upland days often start in the dark at the truck, and a small headlamp is the easiest light to carry.
Quick specs
| Category | Knives & Field Kit |
| Brand | Petzl |
| Output | 350 lumens, plus a red light (Petzl) |
| Battery | Three AAA (included) or Petzl's CORE rechargeable (sold separately) |
| Burn time | 2 hours at 350 lm, 12 hours at 100 lm, 110 hours at 7 lm |
| Water | IPX4 |
| Weight | 3.3 oz (94 g), per GOHUNT |
| Price | $34.95 at GOHUNT (checked Oct. 22, 2026) |
| Carried by | Matt Gehrmann |
| Editor's verdict | A simple light for the walk in. |
The full review
Petzl describes the Tikka as a "compact, easy-to-use headlamp with red lighting" at 350 lumens (Petzl). Petzl's spec tables didn't load for us, so the battery, burn-time, water and weight figures here come from GOHUNT's listing: three AAAs or a CORE rechargeable, 2 hours at full power, 12 at 100 lumens, and an IPX4 rating.
Use the red light at the truck before dawn: it's easier on your night vision and on the people you're hunting with. Petzl has updated the Tikka over the years, so check the lumen figure on the box.
What we love
- Matt's verdict: he likes it.
- A red light for the truck before dawn.
- AAA or rechargeable, your choice.
What to know before you buy
- IPX4 means it handles rain and splashes; don't dunk it.
- Weight: 94 g per GOHUNT; Petzl's own figure didn't load for us.
- Check the version: older Tikkas put out less light.
Where to buy
- Petzl Tikka (brand-direct)
- Petzl Tikka at GOHUNT
California Upland doesn't earn a commission on these links.
See also
- All knives and field kit
- Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X — Matt's multitool
- Final Rise Summit XT Strap Vest — Matt's vest