Just ONE Survival Flashlight

[HaileStorm]

I did a quick google search on survival flashlights and I got a few results dating three years ago and one, which was under the recommendations thread which didn't really apply to my query.

Now that's out of the way, my question is IF you only had ONE light on you during a survival situation, no batteries, no solar chargers or any other gear included, which flashlight would it be? I'm thinking like a Bear Grylls scenario in Man vs. Wild, only, equipped with just a flashlight.

I'll start with a light which, I think, would be ideal for this kind of scenario: Armytek Predator.

Here's why:
+ Moonlight/sub-lumen mode (will last for weeks in .1lm mode)
+ Build quality (I use it as a hammer when I absolutely need to)
+ Crenelated bezel (maybe to crack open some coconuts, break glass or carve rocks with)
+ Power (arguably, but can be used to signal for help)
+ Waterproof (don't think I'll be staying dry in a survival situation, IPX-8 is a major plus)
+ Battery type (I think 18650's are ideal for runtime and capacity)
+ Prgogrammable stability (for either max brightness or long runtime)

What's ideal for you?

 

[badtziscool]

My Surefire C2 would be my go to choice modded with a cren bezel bored for 18650 and a 3 mode P60. But my reasoning for having those features would be slightly different.

+ Cren bezel to have as a weapon and the occassional digging but nothing serious. I think you can use other things for better protection like a large stick and stones.
+ Waterproof but I would not depend on that feature. Nice to have for protection against damp clothes or if you get rained on, but I wouldn't submerge it in any depth of water
+ I think throw is nice to have for signaling but it would be useless in the day time. And at night, I think a fire arranged in a triangle in a clearing would be easier to spot.
+ Bored for 18650 but the light should be able to take a variety of battery types ranging from cr123, rcr123, 17670, 18650.
+ Three modes so the appropriate output can be used at the appropriate time.

I don't really care for programmability and the disco modes, but if it's there, then I guess it's a nice feature to have. In the end, I think just having a well built flashlight with multiple output is all you need.

 

[tam17]

Something small (compact pocketable EDC), which runs on one lithium primary. Low low mode is mandatory (at least 50hrs runtime), together with rugged build, IPX-8 waterproofing and simple UI (3 modes max.), preferably twisty operation.

Cheers

 

[angelofwar]

Hmmm...Surefire U2. As long as we're not talking an "evasion/survival" scenario. Most survival situations last just around a week TOPS (3-4 days actually, seems to be the norm). Good runtime on low, and can be bright if needed for signalling.

 

[gravelmonkey]

I think my choice would be my Peak Logan 17500 QTC with HAIII body: with/out spacers I can use AA's, CR123's, 14500's, 17500's. Low can be adjusted down to barely visible, output is, of course, lower on AA's but still adequete, not tested to see what the minimum voltage is though.

Pro's:
+Good water resistance,
+Durable, (electronics are potted and if the QTC fails, it will defult to simple on/off)
+Lanyard means it can be worn around the neck or swung around your head when on to attract attention.

Cons:
-Low is a bit fiddley to set.
Interesting to see what other's would pick!

GM

 

[bnemmie]

I would pick a 3 or 4 D cell Mag with a Nite Ize drop in. Why?

Pros:
+Insane runtime (days)
+D cell batts are very common.
+Mags are reliable.
+Could be an impact weapon/pry tool if necessary.
+Mag parts could be found anywhere. I could transfer batts and LED bulb from host to host.
+Candle mode could be useful.
+I could run the Mag off less cells and use the space inside for secure storage of important items. (Papers, tinder, cash money, ect...)
+Reflector could be used to start fires under certain conditions.

Cons:
-Output wouldn't be bright enough for some people.
-Big and heavy for its size.
-Rather ugly beam.

 

[Jash]

I would pick a 3 or 4 D cell Mag with a Nite Ize drop in. Why?

Pros:
+Insane runtime (days)
+D cell batts are very common.
+Mags are reliable.
+Could be an impact weapon/pry tool if necessary.
+Mag parts could be found anywhere. I could transfer batts and LED bulb from host to host.
+Candle mode could be useful.
+I could run the Mag off less cells and use the space inside for secure storage of important items. (Papers, tinder, cash money, ect...)
+Reflector could be used to start fires under certain conditions.

Cons:
-Output wouldn't be bright enough for some people.
-Big and heavy for its size.
-Rather ugly beam.

You could also add a Terralux TLE-6EX in the tail cap for brighter output when needed. Still only one flashlight. Sure it takes a little fiddling to swap them over, but those extra lumens sure could prove useful.

 

[reppans]

I'll start with a light which, I think, would be ideal for this kind of scenario: Armytek Predator.

If it were on a deserted island, I think I like your choice. But if it were a SHTF situation anywhere near civilization, I think I'd stick with a Quark AAX on basis that I can scavenge AA, AAA and 9Vs that litter civilization in all these household devices. It'll even vampire 5-10 hrs of moonlight out of batteries left for dead... I could easily live on that.

 

[yearnslow]

I suppose it depends on the situation? If your out hiking/shooting etc and get lost/break a leg, then the armytek Predator seems ideal.
You can run it low for extended periods, and on high it would certainly attract the attention of search and rescue.

In a SHTF situation, The needs would be somewhat different. A long run-time would be essential, signalling less so.

If I'm out in the Bush here, I take my PD30 and a Gerber Recon always.

 

[HaileStorm]

Intersting choices. I particularly like the maglite due to being able to use it as a pry tool if needed and being able to use less cells to stash things inside.

I'll add that you can also use the maglite's head as a cup in some situations. Would be nice if there was a light you could take apart and use to boil water when put over a fire.

Very interesting replies, keep em coming!

 

[roadkill1109]

Hahaha! If it had to be one and I had nothing else, it would be this one:

Let's see how long your batteries would last compared to this one!

 

[yearnslow]

Hahaha! If it had to be one and I had nothing else, it would be this one:

Let's see how long your batteries would last compared to this one!

Indeed! but I'd like to see how it takes a severe dunking.....

 

[cal..45]

For survival nothing but an AA light with floody beam, and a nice low low.


cheers

 

[Gauntlet3D]

I think I would like one of those apps for my phone to turn it into a "flashlight". Then call for help.

 

[jamesmtl514]

Evasion:Surefire A2L red.
Just out in the elements... Malkoff MD2 M61 219.
I can't believe how much i like that light.

Tonix, you created a monster.

 

[Ezeriel]

I have the greatest job a flash-a-holic could ever want, deep woods security patrols


I always take my LD20.. when they upgrade the LED with whatever comes after the S2.. I'll upgrade to the LD22.

 

[bnemmie]

You could also add a Terralux TLE-6EX in the tail cap for brighter output when needed. Still only one flashlight. Sure it takes a little fiddling to swap them over, but those extra lumens sure could prove useful.

That's a good idea. I like having that high powered option.

Intersting choices. I particularly like the maglite due to being able to use it as a pry tool if needed and being able to use less cells to stash things inside.

I'll add that you can also use the maglite's head as a cup in some situations. Would be nice if there was a light you could take apart and use to boil water when put over a fire.

Very interesting replies, keep em coming!

I diddnt think of that. You could easily use it as a cup. It would proably damage the reflector over time...but in a survival sutuation that would be something to consider. Cool idea. You might be able to even boil water in the body if you take the head off and the switch out. Might be a bit time consuming but it could work.

 

[HaileStorm]

That's a good idea. I like having that high powered option.



I diddnt think of that. You could easily use it as a cup. It would proably damage the reflector over time...but in a survival sutuation that would be something to consider. Cool idea. You might be able to even boil water in the body if you take the head off and the switch out. Might be a bit time consuming but it could work.

I think the mag is a really handy light when it comes to these situations. You might even be able to use it as a pressure cooker. Of course, you'll be able to take the reflector out while using the mag's head as a cup.

Only downside is the power-hungry incan and the weak beam. Solarforce maybe a good answer to this scenario.

Another thing, I'm not too familiar with aa lights. Will these outlast 18650's? Saying you only have one at hand?

 

[jezdec]

I vote for 4sevens quark turboX .... Very nice and robust flashlight, and it runs from 2 x CR123A primaries
or 2 x RCR123A.
For other things, like self-defense and other hard work, I would use a good fiksblade knife.

 

[filibuster]

...I'm not too familiar with aa lights. Will these outlast 18650's? Saying you only have one at hand?

A single 2600mAh capacity 18650 battery holds a little more power than what four AA rechargeable eneloop batteries hold meaning that a fully charged 18650 battery running in a flashlight should technically give you about twice the runtime as a 2AA light at the same output. The downside is that an 18650's battery life expectancy is less than half or more of a good rechargeable AA like the eneloop cell.