My family has been using Petzl's for backpacking and hiking ever since they looked like coal miners lamps.
That being said, if you are looking for a very good alternative, check out Energizers headlamp. I know, I know..."
ENERGIZER?"
Seriously, the illumination, strobe, 6 LED, plus red LED functions are really good.
My dad picked one up from Sam's Club for 13.00 dollars and it worked great for night kayaking/fishing. It has all the necessities of a headlamp including the down-swivel for aiming at the ground. The swivel has not started to wear down (after about 40 hours of use) like my Petzl's had a bad habit of doing.
I guess the fact that it isnt made by a big name trail company could imply faulty manufacturing, but so far it has worked well for me and my family.
http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CDsQ8wIwAg#