Petzl Nao
Petzl Nao
The Petzl Nao is Petzl's offering in the high end segment of the headlamp world and has the usual high build quality that you would expect from Petzl. It is crammed full of high tech features, has a number of configuration options and is one of the brightest LED headlamps suitable for running/adventure sports around. If you would like to see the full Petzl range see our review Petzl headlamp
Design
The Petzl Nao's strap is in a half cord half elastic configuration which gives really great support and comes with the added bonus of an optional top strap for over the head if needed. When worn directly on the head without the padding of a hat or helmet the strap remains comfortable even for an extended time. The headband can be adjusted via a simple draw cord system that the battery pack clips over and is super simple to adjust even with gloves on. If needed the rechargeable battery pack can be attached to a belt using the Petzl Nao belt kit, see here.
The Nao headlamp is controlled by a very easy to use rotating switch that is located on the side of the lighting unit, the switch can be locked so as to avoid accidental usage when the headlamp is stowed in a bag or pocket.
Features
- 575 Lumens
- Reactive lighting technology
- Rechargeable lithium battery(included) via USB
- Water resistant
- Optional top strap included
- Battery release a little awkward
- Battery life on full power could be better
The Petzl Nao implements Petzl's Reactive Lighting technology which adapts to the current lighting environment by analysing the amount of ambient light that a sensor on the top of the headlamp reads. The Nao headlamp will then adjust the current light beam accordingly to one of three possible modes: Proximity lighting, Movement and Distance. Proximity for focusing on objects close up, Movement is a mix of beams suitable for during an activity and Distance is a more focused beam for long range sight.
The Petzl Nao comes with a 2600mAh rechargeable lithium ion battery which is rechargeable(5 hours) via USB, the Nao can also use two AAA batteries if no charging point is available. It has two modes of lighting Reactive Lighting as explained above and Constant Lighting which has a low and high power setting. The battery level is represented as three red lights at the back of the battery pack which is a nice addition as the majority of headlamps do not have this feature however you must remove the headlamp to view it.
In terms of brightness at 575 lumens the Nao has enough to cover pretty much any scenario with the reactive lighting working so great that you barely even notice it adjusting, however its not perfect ad we wouldn't expect it to be either but for the majority of cases it's great.
Verdict
The Petzl Nao although at the pricey end of the spectrum packs a big punch in terms of features and performance. It's perfect for both trail running and around a camp. Combined with Petzl's legendary build quality it is a great investment worth making.
Petzl Nao Plus
The Petzl Nao plus steps things up a notch in terms of both power and features over the standard Nao. Power has been upped to 750 lumens and the standard modes are customizable via Petzl App.
Design
You get the same great build quality and comfort of the base model described above. The Nap plus can also be paired with the Nap belt kit as before.
Features
- 750 lumens
- Bluetooth integration for customization
- Battery indicator
- Can only take rechargeable battery pack
The first change over the standard model is upping the power to 750 lumens(on max setting). This should really be more than enough for even the darkest trails out there. The main feature change is the ability to fully customize the four standard settings, this done by pairing the Nao plus over bluetooth with the Petzl "MyPetzl" App which is available for free download from both the App store and Google play, and should pair to most modern cell/mobile phones and tablets.
Verdict
The Nao plus should satisfy the most enthusiastic gadget freaks out there with the mode customization. If you are looking for a real high end headlamp for running then the Petzl Nao plus is a solid contender.
Petzl Nao Belt Kit
The Petzl Nao belt kit/extension cable gives the ability to move the weight of the battery pack from the back of the head to the waist or onto a backpack. The chord is 106.5cm in length and comes with a clip that can attach to a belt easily and securely or to a backpack/camel pack. This means the weight on your head can be reduced by 131g which on excessively long night runs can mean a big difference in neck stiffness and general freshness. Moving the battery pack out of the elements to somewhere warm a may also result in a slight increase in efficiency.
Petzl Nao plus battery pack
The Nao plus has the option of a separate rechargeable battery pack. So if you are planning on extended night trail runs or hikes it might be a good thing to consider. For the average runner who is doing night training it shouldn't really be necessary.
Petzl Headlamp Reviews(Ultimate Buyers Guide)
Welcome to our review of the Petzl headlamp range. Petzl has been synonymous with headlamps for over forty years. It prides itself on reliable, rugged and performant headlamps. Petzl headlamps are used the world over by outdoor enthusiasts and sportspeople. When purchasing a Petzl headlamp you can trust the build quality and materials used are of the highest quality and with some of the best lighting options around you can be sure that there is a Petzl headlamp available for pretty much any scenario.
The Petzl headlamp range
1. Petzl Tikkina
The Petzl Tikkina is the introductory model in the Petzl headlamp range. Although it may be low cost it still comes with the same Petzl build quality and durability of the materials used.
- Description
- Features
- 80 Lumens on max brightness
- Dual lighting mode: either high intensity or longer battery life
- One push button system for ease of use
- Runs on three AAA/LR03 batteries
2. Petzl Zipka
The Petzl Zipka comes with a zip retractable cord that means it can not only be worn comfortably on the head but it can also be mounted around the wrist or backpack or any other suitable location in a convenient manner. It's a great lightweight Petzl head torch.
- Description
- Features
- 100 Lumens on max brightness
- Battery life extended by auto reserve mode
- Runs on three AAA/LR03 batteries
- Compatible with both lithium and rechargeable Ni-MH batteries
3. Petzl Tikka
The Petzl Tikka is the base model in the Tikka range. It's a simple yet effect workhorse and nicely compact to fit away easily in any pocket or rucksack.
- Description
- Features
- 100 Lumens at max power
- Two lighting modes allow for power conservation
- Phosphorescent reflector
- Runs on three AAA/LR03 batteries
4. Petzl Tikka +
The Petzl Tikka + ups the power to 160 Lumens over the base model tikka and features several different lighting modes for differing usage scenarios. Proximity mode for close range, movement mode for focused point with wide angle and mixed beam mode.
- Description
- Features
- More powerful than the standard Tikka
- Mixed lighting modes
- Multi color beams
- Super comfortable head strap
5. Petzl Tikka XP
The Petzl Tikka XP is at the higher end of the Tikka range in terms of power and added features. The extra features include a boost mode for more power and a strobe mode for high visibility/safety.
- Description
- Features
- Ups the power from the previous Tikka model
- Strobe mode for added visibility
- Long range vision
6. Petzl Tikka RXP
The Petzl Tikka RXP is the performance model of the Tikka range. It is rechargeable by USB cable and has an individual switch for it's power mode and it's choice of beam. The addition of a lock mode reduces the risk of mistakenly turning on whilst in your pocket or bag. The burn time is also customizable by downloading Petzl OS software.
- Description
- Features
- 215 Lumens at max brightness
- Dual switches, one for lighting mode and the other for power level
- Reactive lighting technology
- Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery via USB cable
- Lock function that avoids accidentally switching it on
7. Petzl Reactik +
The Petzl REACTIV + is a rechargeable Petzl headlamp the features Reactive Lighting Technology which can auto adjust the beam intensity for the user up to 300 lumens.
- Description
- Features
- USB rechargeable
- Two part strap for the most demanding dynamic activities
- Reactive technology that adjusts light to the environment
8. Petzl Nao
The Petzl Nao is a rechargeable headlamp giving out 575 lumens. It has roughly a five hour charge time and features reactive lighting allowing for less manual intervention as the ambient lighting environment changes. There is also an optional belt kit available so that the battery pack can be moved to the waist allowing for a much lighter load on the head.
- Description
- Features
- 575 Lumens on full power
- Reactive lighting technology
- Can be used with two AAA/LR03 batteries if needed
- Optional belt strap
For a more thorough review of the Petzl Nao and Nao plus see our post here.
9. Petzl Nao +
The Petzl Nao plus has smartphone integration via bluetooth and Petzl's MyPetzl-Light app which allows the headlamp to be controlled from your phone. The app can be used to monitor battery performance and adjust the intensity according to your needs. One of the best Petzl headlamps available.
- Description
- Features
- Flagship of the Petzl headlamp range
- Includes smartphone integration over bluetooth
- Rear red light for added visibility/safety
- Water resistant
10. Petzl Myo
The Petzl Myo has an easily flippable lens that allows the user to go from a wide beam to a long range one in an instant.
- Description
- Features
- Flippable lens
- Multi-beam functionality
- Perfect for long runs
11. Petzl Myo RXP
The Petzl Myo RXP is the first programmable headlamp in the Petzl range. It can be can be boosted all the way up to 205 Lumens. There are three lighting modes each of which can be have it's brightness selected from 13 up to 141 lumens.
- Description
- Features
- 205 Lumens on max brightness
- Runs on three AAA/LR03 batteries
- Compatible with alkaline or lithium batteries
- Emergency flash mode