Australian Hiker

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Petzl Actik Core 600 Headlamp Review

Petzl is one of the dominant lighting brands and it produces a large range of lights ranging from the ultralight E+Lite through to models that have over 1000+ lumens capacity. Over the past couple of years there has been a trend towards higher power, lower weight lights. The Petzl Actik Core Headlamp sits in what is now a mid range capacity that just a few years ago would have been close to the top in lighting power.

For the sake of clarity this model is a 600 lumen unit that comes with the ‘Core’ rechargeable battery included. There is a standard Actik light that can be used with the core battery pack but if you plan on doing this it’s cheaper to buy the Actik Core upfront. Be aware that this model of Petzl light has been replaced by a newer model but as a result there has been a substantial price drop that makes this light well worth considering. The Actik range has now expanded so make sure that if you are considering this particular light you are looking at the Petzl Actik Core 600 Headlamp.

This headlamp has a standard configuration with battery housing and light combined in a single front unit and weighs 88 grams which is relatively light for such a powerful headlamp. The core battery that comes standard can be swapped out with a spare core battery or three AAA batteries as required which makes this a very versatile unit if you are into serious night hiking. It’s worth noting that if you do use AAA batteries then the maximum power drops to 450 lumens but the ability to swap between disposable and rechargeable batteries makes this a very versatile headlamp.

To charge the battery you need to open up the case which I find to be a bit of an old fashioned concept. The assumption here is that you swap out the battery to charge, replace it with another core battery or a disposable while your main battery is charging.

This headlamp has five separate lighting choices which are:

• Red continuous
• Red strobe
• White – low (maximum burn time)
• White – standard
• White – maximum power

While we are still on lighting and battery capacity, this lamp throws a maximum 600 lumen beam that is pretty impressive but in using full power you will only get two hours of life. At its lowest white light power setting it is quoted that you’ll get approximately 100 hours. In reality the power usage is likely to sit between these two figures as it will be rare you will use the full power for extended periods. Using the red light you will get some serious lifespan with the red light lasting for 60 hours and the red strobe lasting around 400 hours. The only time I ever tend to use the red light is when I’m sitting at camp and need just enough light to head to the bathroom or if I’m in the tent and want to minimise the impact on others just to find what I need.

Like most modern lights these days the change between the different beams is through the press of a single button which you can very quickly work out. I must admit to being a stereotypical male here and usually don’t read the headlamp instructions but its easy enough to work out the sequence if you are using it for any period of time. Each of these modes is easy to choose and after the initial requirement to hold the ‘on’ button for eight seconds to unlock it, the unit only requires a simple single button press to cycle through the beam choices.

The highest setting on this light is really serious at 600 lumens and throws about 115 metres. Keep in mind that the maximum beam strength is only going to benefit you if you are in open terrain. If you are walking through dense vegetation opt for a lower beam intensity unless you are walking across very unstable unfamiliar terrain in which case I want as much light as possible.

Those of you who haven’t used a Petzl headlamp before, the strap is a soft elastic material with a reflective strip that sits very comfortable on your head -just remember to adjust it so its firm but not too tight.

Price wise this light comes in at  UD $179.99 RRP but for the light that it throws and the versatility it has, it is pretty good value. This headlamp comes in four colours – red, grey, green and blue.

So is this a light worth considering? As someone who is into serious night hiking the versatility and lighting capacity this is definitely a light I would use, and do consider as my main light. In fact this is the light I take with me when I’m planning to do serious night hiking. If that doesn’t describe you then there are cheaper, less powerful options available.

We Like

• The light packs a real punch throwing 600 lumens of light in a lightweight 88 gram package
• Adjustable angle on light to focus the light where you want it
• Five lighting options including red night vision and red strobe
  • Maximum output 600 lumens
  • Up to 100 hours on low light setting
  • Two hours on maximum light setting
• Reflective headband for night visibility and reflective strip which enhances visibility from behind
• Comes with an easy to use rechargeable battery which can be swapped out for three standard AAA batteries making it very versatile
• Single button for quick and easy selection of brightness or light colour
• Lock function to avoid accidentally turning it on during transit or storage
• Compatible with mounting accessories that allow the lamp to be attached to any kind of helmet or to a bicycle
• Comes with a storage bag that also doubles as a lantern for use in the tent

We Don't Like

• Rechargeable battery valued at AUD $179.99 RRP so if you are buying a second battery this will boost the price by AUD $74.95 RRP
• To charge the battery you need to open up the headlamp

Best Uses

A powerful headlamp for hikers who who want versatility particularly if you are a serious night hiker

Buy One

You can purchase the Petzl Actik Core 600 Headlamp from Amazon Australia, Macpac, Snowys or from Wildfire Sports

Disclosure: We may earn a small commission, at no additional expense to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!

Investment

AUD $179.99 RRP

Petzl Actik Core 600 Headlamp in grey

Petzl Actik Core 600 Headlamp in red

Petzl Actik Core 600 Headlamp in blue

Actik Core 600 Rechargeable Headlamp in green

Petzl Actik Core – close up of lighting unit

Petzl Actik Core rechargeable battery showing charging port and battery meter

Actik Core 600 Rechargeable Headlamp storage light pouch. Apart from being storage you can use this as a lantern inside the tent

Disclaimer

This review was done with product provided by the Australian distributor of Petzl for testing

Last updated

25 November 2024

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