The Petzl Bindi is a lightweight, but powerful rechargeable headlamp that weighs 1.3 oz
with both white and red-light modes, and has a maximum light output of 200 lumens. This ultralight headlamp is perfect for trail running, urban adventures, hiking, backpacking, camping, and for every day carry. I evaluated this headlamp in five areas, Brightness, Controls, Battery Life, Comfort, and Weight.
Light Intensity
There are three white lighting modes. The “proximity” mode puts out just 5 lumens of light for up to 50 hours, the “movement” mode claims 100 lumens for three hours, and the “distance” mode shines the light’s maximum output of 200 lumens for a claimed two hours. Each of these modes will work according to Petzl until the Bindi’s internal circuitry triggers the “reserve” mode, which preserves 3 lumens of light for an extra 1 hour and 30 minutes. In addition, a 3-lumen red “proximity” mode that preserves night vision is rated for 33 hours. The Bindi also carries an emergency red strobe that Petzl claims is visible for 400 meters and will run for 200 hours. It has a built-in battery and a micro-USB recharging port with an easy-to-read battery meter to tell when the headlamp is running low on juice or fully charged. The Bindi has two different locks, one digital and one physical, which prevent accidental activation of the headlamp when it’s packed away.
Controls
I assess the simplicity of a device by not reading the directions. The Bindi light operates through a single button that was intuitive. A single press turned on the white light, and subsequent presses scrolled through its three modes. An extended button hold activates the red light; pressing it again fired the red emergency beacon. The Bindi doesn’t have a memory for light mode, but it does switch on to the last-used color mode. The red LED also functions as a battery-life indicator, with three different colors that illuminate after the unit is switched off to represent remaining battery life in thirds.
The red LED flashes every 30 seconds when the Bindi enters the reserve mode, giving you a good warning that the light is running low. The Bindi has two locks to prevent accidental activation. A long 4 second press on the control button will digitally lock the headlamp, while a subsequent 4 second press will unlock it. Alternatively, you can flip the headlamp upside down in its cradle blocking access to the control button and reducing the chance of accidentally pressing it.
Battery Life
When you start the Bindi, the battery meter will display a colored light for 4 seconds, indicating the headlamp’s charge level. There are three energy ranges indicated by red, orange, and green lights, that correspond to 0-33%, 33%-66%, 66%-100% level charges. Respectively, these levels are general guidance; you can mitigate the risk of running out of power by recharging the headlamp after each use and by carrying a portable battery, even a small one, to recharge it if necessary. One feature unique to the Bindi is the reserve mode. If you drain the battery unexpectedly fast, the white light reserve mode will continue to burn for 90 minutes at 3 lumens. While dim, this will give you enough light in an emergency and is very useful given the limited power capacity. The CE-certified headlamp also has an IPX4 rating for water resistance. This refers to resistance against water spray, so if water breaches the housing, the light will still work due to stainless steel contacts and a waterproof coating on sensitive electronics. A micro-USB connection recharges the built-in 680-mAh battery from dead to fully charged in 1 hour.
Comfort and Weight
The Bindi uses elastic cords and a cord lock instead of a traditional elastic headband. The light swivels vertically inside its cradle in the housing for beam adjustment. The cradle can also be use as separate stand to position the beam if you don’t want to use the head band. I assumed the Bindi’s elastic cords would not be as comfortable as standard headlamp straps, but the lamp’s light weight and the cord lock’s adjustability quickly produced a comfortable fit. The low mass also allowed the headlamp to remain stationary with very little elastic cord tension. The lamp remained firmly in place during runs. The Bindi easily fits over a climbing helmet or other head gear and weighs only 1.3oz.
Recommendation
The Petzl Bindi is an ultralight, micro-USB rechargeable headlamp well suited for in-camp use on backpacking trips where you don’t need a long burning, high intensity light, or for every day carry. While the Bindi does have plenty of light output at high power, if you need it, it doesn’t have a big enough battery for hiking all night or for long multi-hour trail runs. However, the light comes with an easy-to-remember control sequence and full range of premium features including white and red-light modes, a red strobe light, a battery meter, and 2 locks to prevent accidental activation. If you are looking for a high quality, ultralight USB-rechargeable head lamp you’ll have a hard time topping the Petzl Bindi. Highly recommended.
Ultra-compact rechargeable headlamp designed for everyday athletic activities. 200 lumens
Weighing barely 35 g, the BINDI headlamp is ultra-compact and fits in the palm of your hand. With 200 lumens of power, it is ideal for urban training runs. It is ideal for everyday athletic activities, thanks to the battery that charges via micro USB port. Its minimalist yet functional design combines style and convenience. The headband features a reflective thread that makes the user visible under any conditions.
Material Disclosure
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.