Thanks all
There is enough space in a Petzl Zoom headlamp. As I see it, a typical LS (at least the one I used) at about 280mA requires about 3.3V. When used with the 4.5V supply of the Zoom, the MAX will act as linear regulator while V>3.3 and then as boost converter when V<3.3.
Still on that route of trying to squeeze max use of 3AA.
Any other advice/suggestions would be appreciated.