Petzl Actik Core 25/26

The Petzl Actik Core is a rechargeable headlamp that puts out 600 lumens (ANSI/PLATO FL 1) with a wide or mixed beam. It runs on the included 1250 mAh CORE rechargeable battery, which charges in 3.5 hours, and Petzl's hybrid design also accepts alkaline, lithium, or Ni-MH batteries. It weighs 88 g, is IPX4 weather resistant, and adds red lighting plus a phosphorescent reflector that is easy to find in the dark.

The trade-off is weather resistance rather than full waterproofing. The IPX4 rating covers rain and snow on the move, so treat it as a weather-ready lamp rather than a submersible one, and plan on keeping the CORE battery charged between outings.

It is built for running, trekking, and mountaineering, which makes it a natural fit for dawn patrol skins, after-work trail runs, and early alpine starts.

The Actik Core is light at 88 g, so it rides comfortably on the head, and the red light mode keeps you from blinding partners at the trailhead or in the hut.

We think the Actik Core is one of the most versatile headlamps around. Bright, light, and rechargeable with a battery backup plan, it is ready for any early start.