[An honest review] The PETZL Swift RL is a masterpiece headlamp that combines cutting-edge technology and expert design, offering both power and practicality

A headlamp is an essential item for hikers and runners who are active at night

For safety reasons, it is also an essential item for daytime activities in mountainous areas

Swift RL , a headlamp equipped with the latest technology . I had the opportunity to try out the Swift RL in the Northern Alps and Okuchichibu, so I would like to share my review.

The Swift RL is a headlamp recommended for hikers, runners, and anyone who participates in outdoor activities.

When it comes to headlamps, brightness is key. Generally, when we talk about "brightness," we tend to judge it by the amount of light output, such as lumens (lm) or lux (lx), but we'll be talking about more than just the numbers; the Swift RL .

Main features of PETZL Swift RL

The Swift RL headlamps are equipped with reactive lighting technology, which uses light sensors to automatically adjust the light intensity and beam pattern according to the situation, providing optimal illumination for each moment. This not only reduces battery consumption, but also provides long-lasting illumination and comfortable visibility

In reactive lighting mode, it can emit up to 1100 lumens of light up to 155m away, while in standard lighting mode, it has 700 lumens of light output, ensuring reliable illumination even when you're active in dark places

The mixed beam provides a balanced illumination for both short and long distances, delivering the high level of illumination required during outdoor activities

The 2350 mAh lithium-ion battery can be recharged via USB Type-C, and the indicator lets you check the remaining battery power, eliminating any worries about battery life. If you have a portable battery with you, you can charge it even while hiking

The patented, ergonomically designed adjustable headband features two separate sections for a secure fit, ensuring an optimal fit for hikers and runners alike, and is removable for easy cleaning

The angle can be adjusted both up and down, so you can wear it around your neck or attach it to your helmet and tilt it in the direction you want, providing the right amount of illumination, making it easy to use not only while on the move or climbing, but also when camping or belaying

Favorite points

• Powerful light output of up to 1100lm
• Reactive lighting technology automatically adjusts light intensity and beam pattern based on the lighting conditions
• Mixed beam provides a good balance of short and long distance illumination
• Can be charged via USB-Type C
• Highly adjustable strap for a snug fit
• Battery level indicator lets you see the remaining battery level at a glance
• Included pouch that doubles as a lantern

Points of concern

• Expensive for a headlamp
• It's multifunctional, but it takes some getting used to operating it with just one button
• Cannot be used in conjunction with batteries

Main specifications and evaluation

Lighting mode details

Brightness decay graph measured 5 hours after full charge

*Brightness (unit: lux) measured every 10 seconds using an illuminance meter placed on a wall approximately 1m away from the light source. The mode was standard lighting mode, high output

Detailed Review

I will share with you the results of my actual testing in the mountains of the Northern Alps and Okuchichibu

Powerful light output of up to 1100lm

The Swift RL offers a maximum brightness of 1100 lumens

For someone like me who usually uses a headlamp with around 300 lumens, the illumination was so strong that it felt like daytime! (I don't think that's an exaggeration!)

The high light output can only be maintained for a short period of time, with the official illumination time being around two hours, but in unstable areas such as rocky ridges or chain sections, turning the light to maximum output will increase visibility and allow you to move more safely

When I actually tested it on Mt. Tsurugi, there were no difficult spots, but by setting the light output to maximum when passing through narrow areas near the summit, I was able to reach the summit safely

The brightness can be adjusted in three levels, so you can use weak mode when camping, medium mode when in relatively safe areas such as forests, and strong mode in severe situations such as rocky ridges

Reactive lighting technology automatically adjusts light intensity and beam pattern based on the lighting conditions

The arrow indicates the light sensor

However, there are other headlamps that have more light output, and even higher power headlamps exist

A great feature of the Swift RL is its reactive lighting mode

The light sensor determines the brightness and automatically adjusts the light intensity and beam pattern according to the situation, ensuring visibility, providing optimal illumination, and saving battery power

This means that the reactive lighting mode has a range of illumination times from 2 to 35 hours in "strong mode," ensuring long-lasting illumination and optimal visibility, making it suitable for use during long outdoor activities

In addition to the reactive lighting mode, which automatically adjusts the light intensity using a light sensor, there is also a standard lighting mode with a fixed brightness.If you want a consistent level of brightness, you can switch to standard lighting mode to always emit the same amount of light

Experiment: What happens when you cover a light sensor with your hand?

On the right, the light sensor is covered, instantly increasing the amount of light

I did an experiment to check how the light sensor automatically adjusts the light intensity in reactive lighting mode. When the light is on and I cover the sensor with my hand to darken it, the light intensity immediately increases

When I actually used it in the Northern Alps, I took photos in reactive lighting mode and walked on mountain trails before it got light. The light sensor is highly sensitive, and when I checked the time on my phone, it reacted to the smartphone backlight and immediately reduced the light level, and when I started walking again, the light level increased, ensuring visibility

The light intensity adjusts with your movements, so it's so smooth that you won't notice the change unless you're paying attention. I was able to feel the change by shaking my head around (don't try this at home)

It takes some getting used to operating with just one button

The Swift RL offers reactive lighting, standard lighting, red light, and a lock function to prevent accidental activation with the touch of a button

Therefore, you can switch modes and lock them by changing the time you press the button, but this will take some getting used to, so be sure to practice thoroughly before taking it out into the mountains

Before leaving, I locked the light (by holding down the button for 6 seconds) to prevent it from turning on accidentally, but when I tried to use it, I forgot to unlock it, so I had a hard time turning it on. (To unlock it, you either hold down the button for 4 seconds or press the button 4 times.)

I panicked when it wouldn't light up, but I was able to turn it off by holding down the button, so it was fine, but it was an embarrassing failure

Mixed beam provides a good balance of short and long distance illumination

The Swift RL is not a bright headlamp that can emit a strong light and automatically adjust the light intensity (although this alone is quite impressive)

The mixed beam provides excellent illumination for long distances while also providing a balanced illumination for close distances, giving you a much higher level of peace of mind

When trail running or speed hiking, emphasis is placed on illuminating the distance, but when you actually try it, if the light doesn't properly illuminate the area under your feet, you'll feel uneasy about taking the next step. If you're unsure about the area under your feet, you'll move your head more frequently to gauge what's close and far away, which will consume extra energy

The Swift RL provides a good balance of long and short distance illumination, making it easy to grasp the situation at both long and short distances at night, allowing you to act with peace of mind. When you're out alone in the dark, you can't help but feel anxious, but the Swift RL gave me a sense of security that went beyond its actual illumination power

The Swift RL is equipped with the latest technology that makes it extremely reliable when you're active at night, but the price is a drawback

Although it offers features that are worth the price, it is still a fairly high initial investment

Can be charged via USB-Type C

You might be thinking, "It's normal to be able to charge via USB-Type C," but let me explain a bit

With the widespread use of smartphones, carrying a mobile battery is now a must when hiking. This allows you to charge your phone while on the move. However, if the charging terminal is a special type, you will need to carry a dedicated cable, which will increase the amount of equipment you need. To organize your equipment as smartly as possible, it is better to use a standard charging terminal so that you can reuse cables

The Swift RL can be charged via USB-Type C, so you can share the cable with devices that can be charged via USB-Type C, such as the Insta360, reducing the number of cables you need to carry (this is quite important for people who carry cameras and other photography equipment)

There will be individual differences depending on the equipment used, but in my case, the shape of the charging terminal is one of the criteria I consider when choosing tools

Highly adjustable strap for a snug fit

The headband splits into two at the back of the head, providing a much better fit than it looks

I had been using a headlamp with a simple single headband until now, but when I tried using the Swift RL, I was surprised at how well it fit. Don't underestimate the fact that it's just a two-pronged headlamp. The two-pronged design at the back of the head allows it to fit securely without slipping off, even during strenuous activities

The part that touches the forehead has a cushioned band, making it less stressful to wear for long periods of time, and the headband can be removed and washed if it becomes soaked with sweat, making it hygienic as well

Battery level indicator lets you see the remaining battery level at a glance

Anyone who has used a battery-powered headlamp has experienced the "battery life problem."

Disposable batteries don't have a charge level, so once you use one, you don't know how much light they will provide. So, I change to new batteries before going into the mountains, but I end up with a pile of unused batteries at home

The Swift RL's five-level battery indicator allows you to get a more accurate picture of the remaining battery level

If you charge it after use, you can go out on your next mountain trip with a full battery, and you won't have to go through the trouble of buying batteries

Cannot be used with batteries

One thing that bothered me a little was that it couldn't be used in conjunction with a battery. With hybrid headlamps that can be used in conjunction with a battery, you can troubleshoot by switching to the battery if there is a problem with the battery, but the Swift RL only comes with a dedicated battery. You can add a battery separately, but buying one involves an initial investment cost

I tested connecting it to a mobile battery and seeing that it can be lit while charging, but since it cannot be lit while charging, it is important to make sure to charge it properly before use and to have a backup in case of any problems

Included pouch that doubles as a lantern

The included pouch can also be used as a stand-alone lantern by placing the light inside the pouch while it is illuminated

When going on a long hike, I usually bring a separate lantern and use it together with the lantern to reduce battery consumption, but if I'm going for a short stay, such as one night, I can use the Swift RL as a lantern inside the tent, which eliminates the need to bring a lantern and reduces the amount of equipment I need to carry

I thought it was just a bonus feature, but it's more useful than I expected. It's enough for a one-night mountain trip. If you bring a mobile battery, you can even go for two or three nights

Summary: This headlamp equipped with the latest technology is not just for show! This highly recommended headlamp boasts unbeatable ease of use in all activities where speed is important

For hikers and runners who are active at night, a headlamp is a lifeline, and it's no exaggeration to say that it's a piece of gear that can make or break your life in an emergency

A headlamp that provides a balanced illumination of both long and short distances is especially useful when speed is of the essence

Equipped with the latest technology, headlamps like the Swift RL are the ultimate versatile headlamp for a wide range of outdoor activities

Head out on your mountain adventure with a headlamp that is not only bright but also gives you peace of mind!

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Yosuke

A person who travels around with just one backpack, with the motto of "as light as possible" without causing inconvenience

From spring to autumn, I go fishing in mountain streams in pursuit of char deep in the mountains. I hike the mountains in search of spectacular views that cannot be seen from the ground. I camp to relax by a bonfire. I snowboard to experience the feeling of floating in the silvery white mountains

A freelance writer who enjoys the outdoors all year round, he shares his experiences and the best gear he has used

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