Petzl Bindi Headlamp Overview | CleverHiker

Backside line

The Petzl Bindi is a high-quality, minimalist, ultralight headlamp that’s very best for light-duty coaching, primarily in front-country environments the place lengthy battery life isn’t a significant concern. Weighing in at simply 1.2 ounces, the Bindi is extremely light-weight. It options an easy-to-use single-button design that we discovered very intuitive. We at all times favor rechargeable headlamps, so we’re happy with the Bindi’s rechargeable platform. The shock wire design of the top strap, whereas not essentially the most comfy for prolonged use, works effectively, given the Bindi’s restricted battery life. The 360-degree swivel design provides versatility. We just like the Petzl Bindi, nevertheless it has a number of notable downsides price contemplating.

The underside line is that the Petzl Bindi is a superb alternative for individuals who prioritize ultralight gear and want a dependable headlamp for shorter actions. Its compact design and ease of use make it a stable possibility for fast runs, quick hikes, and even as a backup mild in your pack. Not sure if the Bindi is best for you? Head to CleverHiker’s headlamp gear information for extra examined and reviewed choices.

Fast Specs

Illumination & Mild High quality

At simply 200 lumens on max energy, the Bindi has the bottom lumen output of any headlamp in our check pool, except for the Petzl Tikkid. This low energy limits the Bindi’s vary of makes use of. The Bindi is finest fitted to athletic pursuits in city environments the place ambient mild may also assist illuminate the way in which. We wouldn’t advocate the Bindi for shifting shortly over technical or tough terrain the place excessive illumination is required. It’s sufficient to be used at camp, however for extra demanding actions like path operating, mountain climbing, or snowboarding, you’ll undoubtedly want a extra highly effective mild.

Burn Time

The Bindi has a shorter burn time than different headlamps we examined. You’ll be able to anticipate about two hours of burn time on max energy, which is sort of low. In normal energy, you’ll get round three hours of sunshine. Within the ultra-low 6-lumen mode, you’ll be able to burn about 50 hours of illumination. Nevertheless, the low-power mode is simply too dim for many actions, making it much less sensible for something past fundamental duties like studying in your tent or sorting gear.

An extended burn time would make the Bindi extra versatile, notably for these trying to apply it to prolonged journeys or throughout actions requiring constant mild output over time. This shorter battery life may very well be a limiting issue for customers who plan on extra intense or prolonged outside adventures. That stated, for fast outings or city runs, the Bindi’s burn time is mostly ample.

Weight

The Petzl Bindi is ultralight in each sense of the phrase. It’s the lightest headlamp we examined, coming in at 1.2 ounces—0.4 ounces lighter than its closest competitor. Gone are the times of cumbersome headlamps that weigh you down and continually slide down your brow. The Bindi’s ultralight design is a significant motive it’s a fan favourite. It’s so light-weight that it’s usually used as a backup mild on severe backcountry expeditions the place having a dependable headlamp is non-negotiable. In conditions the place carrying an additional mild may very well be a problem, the Bindi offers an easy-to-pack, minimalist resolution, making it an excellent alternative for these prioritizing weight financial savings with out compromising reliability.

Consolation

Most trendy headlamp straps loop behind the headlamp’s physique, creating some cushion between the plastic and your pores and skin. The Bindi is designed in another way. On this mannequin, the one factor touching your brow is the plastic physique of the headlamp. Initially, we thought this may trigger some discomfort, however we had been pleasantly shocked that wasn’t the case. We discovered the Bindi to be fairly comfy. The headlamp is so light-weight that you just don’t have to overtighten the strap to maintain it in place. Nevertheless, in the event you overtighten the strap, the skinny, shock-cord fashion strap may cause discomfort. It’s vital to take your time and discover a steadiness between long-term consolation and stability. We wore the Bindi lengthy sufficient to empty all the battery throughout our night time runs, and as soon as we dialed within the strap’s tightness to our liking, we didn’t expertise any notable discomfort or fatigue.

Ease of Use

With only a single button, the Petzl Bindi is straightforward to make use of, and its cycles are intuitive to determine. Ranging from the off place, one contact of the button turns the sunshine on. As you proceed to press the button, the sunshine cycles via its three brightness modes: low, medium, and excessive. Holding down the button whereas the headlamp is on any brightness degree switches it to crimson mild mode. A brief press in crimson mild mode modifications it to a crimson strobe. Holding the button down once more switches it again to white mild. It’s so simple as that. The button itself is small however protrudes simply sufficient from the headlamp to make it simple to seek out and press. It even works effectively with gloves on, so long as they aren’t too thick.

Options

The Petzl Bindi isn’t filled with options however affords some good parts in a small, light-weight package deal. We admire the shift in the direction of rechargeable headlamps, and the Bindi is a superb instance of this development with its absolutely rechargeable design. Nevertheless, we’d like Petzl to undertake a quicker and extra common USB-C charging platform from its present micro USB. One distinctive function is its 360-degree rotating head. In contrast to most headlamps that click on into mounted angles, the Bindi’s head adjusts freely and stays in place with out clicking. Initially, we had been involved that this may require frequent changes throughout high-output actions like operating, however we had been pleasantly shocked to seek out it remained safe even with vigorous use. The 360-degree rotating head additionally permits the Bindi to be worn round your neck. It additionally features a lock function, a crimson mild possibility, a battery life indicator, and IPX4 water resistance. General, the Bindi affords a commendable lineup of options in a compact and light-weight design.

Ought to You Purchase the Petzl Bindi?

The Bindi is a superb alternative for city environments the place a useless battery isn’t a matter of security. It’s additionally appropriate for brief, low-consequence outings in nature. Nevertheless, its battery life is a limiting issue; you wouldn’t wish to depend on it for backpacking until you propose to make use of it minimally. It’s additionally good for night hikes or runs beneath two hours. Moreover, it serves effectively as a backup headlamp for high-consequence or technical pursuits. We wouldn’t advocate it for prolonged backpacking or long-distance operating until you apply it to decrease settings to increase battery life. The Bindi isn’t waterproof, and its charging port is uncovered to the weather, so it’s finest fitted to truthful climate circumstances.

What Different Headlamps Ought to You Think about?

Should you just like the Bindi however need different choices as effectively, try these fashions or the remainder of our lineup on the record of our favourite headlamps:

Nitecore NU25 UL Overview: Should you like the thought of the Bindi however wish to discover different ultralight headlamp choices, the NU25 UL is price contemplating. Whereas not fairly as light-weight, the Nitecore is extra inexpensive, affords extra options, and stays comfy to put on.

BioLite Headlamp 325: Should you’re considering an ultralight headlamp however aren’t a fan of the shock wire fashion straps, you may wish to try the BioLite Headlamp 325. It has a extra conventional and comfy strap whereas nonetheless weighing beneath two ounces.