Ehh, i do that some of the time. I mean, nothing stops you. The beam is similar to a McLux Mule, just about my favorite flashlight from CPF. The multi-twist switch is annoying for typical handheld use and the right-angle orientation is a little bit weird as well, plus there is the headstrap flopping around (unless you remove it). It's pretty nice as an area lantern that's easily pocketable. As a handheld I'd think of it as a poor man's Mule--useable, but buy a real one if you can.