Hands-free Headlamp

Submitted by Dana Pearman

I purchased one of these before I went to OIF in 2003, and it was the best $40 I ever spent! This headlamp has a very forgiving, adjustable elastic band (large enough to fit around a helmet), an adjustable LED light source that lasts forever on AAA batteries, and (for a small additional fee) a kit that comes with additional lenses (red, blue, and clear). This thing was great for reading maps, writing letters home, taking notes at the BUB, and just walking around the AO at night. And when you get home, you can use it for camping or other nighttime activities. I wouldn't deploy without it!

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Comments

[2nd Lt, USMC]

Although this headlamp looks excellent, readers might also take a look at other available Petzel products with integrated red lens filters. There is at least one lamp with a filter that slides down from the body of the device to cover the white LED.

In a turbulent combat environment, it is very easy to lose filters if they detach from the headlamp itself.

[buxx]

Headlamps, best invention since sliced bread.
It is the full 40,- worth it, even after just one night use.

I have the XP version of the Tikka serie and i will never buy an Meglight again, what an power, wauw!

[Magicmanwon]

I bought two of these head-lites at Big 5 a sporting goods store. They were on sale for under $10. I keep one in my truck and one in my car. Sure makes putting on chains this winter easy. (Lots of lite and very Light weight.)

[tiz]

This is one of the best pieces of equipment I've ever bought. I had a Tikka plus for when I went caving and such, and when I saw the TacTikka plus, I purchased it before going to Iraq. It was especially useful working out at LZ's with the integrated red lens. My goggles fell off my helmet long before this. Headband was perfect. Definite buy for military or outdoor enthusiast. I've used it anywhere from caving, to working on my POV, to fixing the HMMWV @ night, to ARFF missions outside the wire.

[Tamp]

Petzl lights rock. I drove UH-60's in OIF-1 and OEF-6 (going back in Jan) and we all got the Petzl "Tactika Plus". It had 4 LED's and a flip-up red filter for preserving night vision. If you wanted white light, you could flip it down. White light is important for pre-flight because hydraulic fluid is red and won't show up under red light!

[ChristopherEndeavor]

Check out the Petzl ADAPT. I haven't used it, but I was at the SHOT show and check it out. It comes with the headband, a belt clip helmet mount. They were shoing the belt clip on a MOLLE vest. Neat. If you get the TACTIKKA XP ADAPTI it's got a built in filter (you pick the color). The ADAPT and a e+lite are going on my deployment. I'll let you all know how they do...

[Scott]

I absolutely agree about the headlamp being an essential piece of gear. I also would let you know that LL Bean is a great place to get any piece of gear you need. I went to Fallujah for seven months, came back with a broken headlamp, and LL Bean exchanged it for me for free... Great customer service. They definitely earned my business.