Headlamps light up Mont Blanc, August 26–28, 2011
A look at the Petzl Ultra Wide headlamp ahead of the 2011 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, including its beam pattern, battery life and specifications.
The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc is an ultramarathon around Mont Blanc covering roughly 166 kilometers and more than 9,500 meters of elevation gain. The 2011 event announcement described a field of more than 6,000 runners and the first finishers arriving around 21 hours after the start. Through the hours of darkness, small, powerful headlamps help runners find their way. The Petzl Ultra Wide was one of the lamps accompanying participants toward the finish.
Light for the hours of darkness
The challenge is immense and the views spectacular. Starting in Chamonix, the route circles Mont Blanc on trails across mountainsides and high passes in France, Italy and Switzerland. As an official partner, Petzl supplied bright, dependable headlamps to help runners navigate safely after dark. The Ultra Wide was among them.
A broad beam for demanding activities
The Ultra Wide produces a wide, intense beam designed to maintain its output throughout its runtime. It provides visibility to either side and ample light on the ground, helping runners see their footing and follow trails through exposed terrain. The field of illumination extends across 180 degrees.
Four lighting modes
Adjustable output lets runners balance brightness and battery life as conditions change from dusk through the darkest hours to dawn. A small control on the side makes it quick and easy to select one of four modes. The adjustable lamp head and elastic headband allow the light and fit to be tailored for comfort.
Designed for activities that need a broad beam, the Ultra Wide suits running, orienteering and skiing. Its rechargeable battery sits at the back of the head. Petzl described it as reliable in all weather, with an IP66 rating for stormy conditions.
Petzl’s Swedish distributor was C2 Vertical Safety.
Petzl Ultra Wide specifications
- Maximum output: 300 lumens in mode 4.
- Light source: six white super LEDs.
- Mode 1: 17-meter range and 25-hour runtime.
- Mode 2: 32-meter range and nine-hour runtime.
- Mode 3: 41-meter range and four hours 45 minutes of runtime.
- Mode 4: 59-meter range and one hour 30 minutes of runtime.
- Mounts and accessories for helmets, bicycle handlebars and other uses.
- Weather protection: IP66.
- Battery: rechargeable ACCU2.
- Weight including battery: 370 g.
- Warranty: three years.
