I've reviewed the flashlights suggested in this forum for the past few months and didn't see any requests that match mine. Basically, I want an emergency-focused light for travel---particularly while hiking and visiting new cities. I'm a very novice hiker, though, so I basically have no idea what type of flashlight would be best. Possible uses would range from looking for an item dropped in weeds at night, to hiking a trail at night; obviously, those uses are disparate, and I don't plan on ever actually using the flashlight. I also want to be prepared to be in foreign cities with power outages; it should be appropriate for airline carry-on baggage.
My other major preference is for a flashlight made in the Western world. I've been burned by too many Asian products, even from reputable companies. But if Asian quality/value is head-and-shoulders above others, I'd consider it.
Thanks for your help!
==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
Online or in-person is fine.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
I'm not really sure yet...$50-$75 sounds reasonable, but I want quality, and I'm aware that quality costs extra.
3) Format:
I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
4) Size:
Probably 4-7 inches. I want to use it in a variety of settings; e.g. as needed while hiking or in urban environments, so nothing awkward or unwieldy. And TSA restrictions limit it to 7" maximum length.
5) Emitter/Light source:
Probably LED
6) Manufacturer:
Most likely a traditional manufacturer. I highly value quality, and greatly prefer a US or european made flashlight, unless it really can't compete with an asian product.
7) What power source do you want to use?
I'll probably use rechargeable cells of usual sizes, but I'm open to other suggestions.
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
I don't care how it recharges.
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).
I don't know---what amount of light is good for hiking basic usage/emergency usage? I don't intend to need it after dark while hiking, but need to be prepared.
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
Again, I don't know...what type would be good for hiking basic usage/emergency usage?
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
2-30 yards, I guess?
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).
Maybe 60-90 minutes---its impossible to predict situations when I'd use it.
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
I don't care. Should it really matter to me for irregular use?
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
I don't know. Maybe 2 levels would be good?
14)Material/Finish/Coating
I don't know---Probably Aluminum for durability and light weight?
15) Water resistance
Probably not needed, but splash resistant wouldn't be bad. (IPX4/IPX7)
16) Storage conditions
Mostly kept in house, but would travel with me on trips and hiking; hopefully I would only use it very very rarely.
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
None
My other major preference is for a flashlight made in the Western world. I've been burned by too many Asian products, even from reputable companies. But if Asian quality/value is head-and-shoulders above others, I'd consider it.
Thanks for your help!
==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
Online or in-person is fine.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
I'm not really sure yet...$50-$75 sounds reasonable, but I want quality, and I'm aware that quality costs extra.
3) Format:
I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
4) Size:
Probably 4-7 inches. I want to use it in a variety of settings; e.g. as needed while hiking or in urban environments, so nothing awkward or unwieldy. And TSA restrictions limit it to 7" maximum length.
5) Emitter/Light source:
Probably LED
6) Manufacturer:
Most likely a traditional manufacturer. I highly value quality, and greatly prefer a US or european made flashlight, unless it really can't compete with an asian product.
7) What power source do you want to use?
I'll probably use rechargeable cells of usual sizes, but I'm open to other suggestions.
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
I don't care how it recharges.
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).
I don't know---what amount of light is good for hiking basic usage/emergency usage? I don't intend to need it after dark while hiking, but need to be prepared.
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
Again, I don't know...what type would be good for hiking basic usage/emergency usage?
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
2-30 yards, I guess?
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).
Maybe 60-90 minutes---its impossible to predict situations when I'd use it.
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
I don't care. Should it really matter to me for irregular use?
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
I don't know. Maybe 2 levels would be good?
14)Material/Finish/Coating
I don't know---Probably Aluminum for durability and light weight?
15) Water resistance
Probably not needed, but splash resistant wouldn't be bad. (IPX4/IPX7)
16) Storage conditions
Mostly kept in house, but would travel with me on trips and hiking; hopefully I would only use it very very rarely.
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
None