I gave the Petzl Iko Core head torch the TGO Best in Test accolade. Find out why.
The Petzl Iko Core is my favourite of the headlamps tested – not because of the actual lamp, though that is fine, but because of the innovative semi-rigid headband which is far more comfortable than any other headlamp headband I’ve used. Once adjusted it’s barely noticeable. It’s very thin and so less sweaty than standard headbands too.
Chris Townsend’s Best in Test
The Iko Core is my favourite of the headlamps tested, offering a great deal of comfort for little weight.- Lightweight
- Very comfortable
- Can use AAA batteries
- Battery cover awkward to remove
- No red light
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £76.49 | $89.95 Weight: 105g Power Source: 2400mAh Li-ion rechargeable Battery Life: 7 – 350 hours Brightness: 6 – 500 lumens / 12 – 120 metres Features: 3 light levels, dimming, proximity and distance modes, red, green, and blue lights, lock mode, waterproof (IPX67), recycled headband www.petzl.com |
The Petzl Iko core has the lamp, which is very thin, at the front, and the battery pack at the back, which helps the unit balance well on the head. The cable connecting the lamp to the battery runs inside the headband.
The battery is a rechargeable one but it is removable so you can swap it with a spare or use three AAA batteries rather than have to wait while it recharges. Getting the battery case cover off is a little awkward though.
The light is simple and easy to use. There’s a single button underneath the array of eight LEDs. Single presses cycle through the three light levels. However a single press switches the light off in any mode after the lamp has been on for only 1.6 seconds or more, which is slightly annoying if you just want to change the level.
Demonstrating the Petzl Iko Core and its innovative headband. Credit: Chris Townsend
Petzl describes the beam as wide or mixed. The Max Burn Time light level, which just uses three LEDs, is wide, but also weak. It’s really only suitable for close-up use, such as in a tent. The other levels use all the LEDs and have a mixed beam that spreads widely but has a spot in the middle. Max Power is very bright but only lasts 2.5 hours. The Standard level lasts nine hours and is fine for walking.
The Iko Core folds flat for packing but needs to be kept in its carrying bag to stop it unfolding. This bag weighs 5g and can be used as a lamp with the Iko inside it in camp, which I find useful in camp.
Testing Notes
Chris tested the Petzl Iko Core on night walks and when camping in the Scottish Highlands, mainly the Cairngorms, throughout 2024. This comparative review was first published in the November 2024 issue of The Great Outdoors. His other reviews in this comparative test can be found in our guide to the best head torches.
