Can you see in the dark? Our eyes were not created to see well in the dark. If you live in an area with unreliable electric power, you should keep a flashlight nearby at all times. My basic rule is to always have a small flashlight in my pocket and have a larger one nearby, in my briefcase or backpack. I also have flashlights that live in my vehicle, house, and at my bedside. Each family member should have their own flashlight. So what kind of flashlight should you have? The market is full of options for a variety of uses and prices. Here are some thoughts to help you think through this and some affordable recommendations.
Criteria for a pocket flashlight:
- Small in size and light weight
- Long battery life (lasts all night long)
- Uses batteries that are rechargeable
- Uses batteries that are available widely in many countries
- Can stand on end like a candle
- Durable construction – can withstand regular use and abuse in my pocket
- Can be attached to a key chain
- Can be attached to a neck lanyard for hands-free use
- Simple to use – not too many modes or options
- Recommended model: Fenix E01 (1 “AAA” battery)
Criteria for a backpack/briefcase/car/house flashlight:
- Can shine a further/brighter beam that a pocket flashlight
- Uses rechargeable batteries or can be recharged
- Uses batteries that are available widely in many countries
- Lasts at least two hours
- Can be attached to a wrist lanyard
- Simple to use – so all family members can use it
- Recommended model for backpack/briefcase: MiniMag LED (2 “AA” batteries)
- Recommended model for car and house: MagLite LED (2 “D” batteries)
Criteria for a headlamp:
- Comfortable to wear
- Light weight
- Simple to use (while on your head)
- Long battery life (lasts all night long)
- Uses batteries that are rechargeable
- Uses batteries that are available widely in many countries
Flashlights to avoid:
- The tiny key chain models that use the quarter-size watch batteries – they often turn on in your pocket and the batteries are difficult to find and are not rechargeable
- The tactical models that are designed for the military and police – they often use lithium batteries that are hard to find and are not rechargeable; some last less than 5 hours
- The economy “10 LEDs for $10” at the local hardware store – ok for kids (to lose) and for the glove box, but not quality enough for everyday use
- Large police style lights that may not be the image you want to portray in public
- Any lights that use batteries you’ve never heard of – if they are hard to find in the big city, they are non-existent in more remote area
- Lights made of plastic – they don’t stand up to abuse
- Lights without eyelets for lanyards – they get lost easy
- For the car, avoid anything that will not help you examine the engine area or suspension in the daytime – it needs to be bright
- Any light that is not water resistant/water proof
You know you should always use a surge protector for valuable electronics, but most conventional power strips are bulky and are either 120V or 240V, not both. So instead of traveling with two power strips for just a laptop, you should consider a special surge protector for your laptop. This multi-voltage model plugs in in-line between the two parts of your power cord and attaches to the power supply with a velcro strap. Once you plug it in you never have to worry about forgetting a surge protector again. It also provides protection for LAN and phone cables.