Longest lasting (backpack) low lumen light?

[Gatsby]

I'd lean toward the LF2XT if you're set on AA or AAA. The versatility of the UI will allow you to set it however you want, from a very low low and days of runtime to a very usable high. If you want two modes I typically like the Fenix L1T v2.0 but the Quark AA tactical really is an upgraded version which allows you to choose the settings for bezel tight/loose among 8 settings (5 brightness and 3 signal) so I'd go with that one.

If you open it up to CR123 I'd lean toward the Novatac 120P or the Liteflux LF3XT.

 

[Jida]

Thank you for the replies so far.

I would consider 123's if I had setup my other gear around them. AA's are easy to sync up with other items you may use while camping/BoBing.

The L01 is a nice little light and as stated above definately something I will consider. AA would be the preferred form factor although I have AAA Eneloops and the charger works with them.

On the LF2XT, what are the specs on it? I am finding info on general items and the UI but not the real numebrs around it.

What are the thoughts around the Gerber? Looks like a nice one, any real tests on it?

 

[Egsise]

0.2 lumens is enough even for reading.

 

[RAGE CAGE]

Thank you for the replies so far.

I would consider 123's if I had setup my other gear around them. AA's are easy to sync up with other items you may use while camping/BoBing.

The L01 is a nice little light and as stated above definately something I will consider. AA would be the preferred form factor although I have AAA Eneloops and the charger works with them.

On the LF2XT, what are the specs on it? I am finding info on general items and the UI but not the real numebrs around it.

What are the thoughts around the Gerber? Looks like a nice one, any real tests on it?

BoB ing eh????? Get a BRASS PEAK Eiger- zombies hate the smell of brass and you can bonk them on the head with it and it will still work WTSHTF.:poke:

 

[Jida]

.2 lumens will have fairly limited uses from my experience. If you are a dark enough place without any moon/star light then it is ok.

For general use it is 'usually' too low even for up close applications.

It is a decent option though and the run time is compelling.

 

[JeffInChi]

zombies hate the smell of brass

I learn something new everyday :D

 

[uplite]

for close up work, reading, general use

Most camping tasks require two hands. OK...you can read with one hand while you hold a light in the other...for a little while, anyway. :)

Sounds like you need a headlamp. Zebralight is the best I've found. I think they absolutely nailed the perfect levels for camping use:

3 lumens (3.5 days) is perfect for reading in your tent (plus the light perfectly covers a magazine held at arm's length).

15 lumens (19 hours) is perfect for walking around camp and getting most stuff done, when you don't need to see very fine detail.

80+ lumens is there when you want to scout an area, find the best pieces of firewood, work on a stove, remove a splinter from your finger, etc.

Quark AA is a nice little pocket thrower...which has its own applications...but it sounds like you already have that base covered with your D10. :)

-Jeff

 

[lights]

I am surprised how infrequently peak is recommended for this application of lights. Peak makes a wide range of lights that are bomb proof. They will tailor the output level/run time to your needs. Unfortunately the website really blows. You need to call them on the phone and tell them what you want. They are super nice and a pleasure to work with. Also, the brass lights, while not for everyone, are beautiful, especially after lots of wear. For AA, try the pacific with a low output level. Or ask them for recommendations.

For multi level lights, I agree that the Quark is one of the best lights for the money out there right now. Its levels are well chosen and the beam is the favorite of all my lights. I have the tactical warm version, and it has replaced the NDI and D10 that I had been alternating as EDC for a while.

 

[Jida]

Zebralight could end up being my primary light overall for the BoB with the D10 being more of and EDC light. If I have the D10 with me while I am SOL then all the better.

The lower base lumens are nice and the run time is very useful.

What brings me around to the thought was taking off the head on a light and then walking around with it. The generalized lighted area was very useful when doing tasks when throw is no longer a consideration.

3.5 days with the 501w gets me 84 hours of light per battery at a fairly good output level (2.7 lumens).

If I use it 4 hours a night then I can go 21 days on one battery.

 

[bullfrog]

Proton Pro

IIRC
low white is about ~250hrs
red led runs about ~500 hrs.

All that runtime is on 1AA and with infinate variables. Pretty good eh?

+1 on the Proton Pro.

Definitively a real dark horse of a light that I think is often overlooked and definitely underrated...

 

[Paul6ppca]

I put a SMJLED in a mini mag 2 years ago,still on the same batteries.(NOT Continuous) but may camping trips and power outages.Approx 10-15 lumens.

 

[nbp]

Peaks are a really good choice, as are the CMG/Gerber Infinity, and the E01. All will fit your needs very well and are tough, tough lights. :)

 

[defloyd77]

I thought it was confirmed that all Gerber/Nichia lights used the GS... My memory could be wrong though, it was a while ago when that thread was around the top.

The thread I'm thinking of is the "Is Gerber Infinity Ultra Obsolete?" thread where it was noted that they were brighter, but a member e-mailed Gerber and they said they use the CS. That was November last year.

Check out Peak, go to their section in the custom builders and modders and up top there will be a sticky of their lineup. Their website may be somewhat confusing to some.

 

[Crenshaw]

if you dont mind TWO cells.

the Niteize drop in lasts, just forever

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/niteize_magbulb.htm

Crenshaw

 

[TooManyGizmos]

.
9-Volt Pal-Lite ........ Constantly glows on low for 10 months.

Also has higher levels.

Easy to find in backpack cause its glows at about 0.o1 lumen.

Great camping/caving light . A must have !

.

 

[Jida]

Ok just read up on that light.

What are the specs on the modes?

Is the lowest mode (the one that lasts a year) any good?

The high mode lasts 20 hours, what lumens are we talking about here?

 

[berry580]

just out of interest, what are you going to use the light for?
Camping in the middle of no where for a few months or something? lol

Why do you need so much hours from a light?

 

[ducat]

Gerber recon M Cadet.
Lasts forever on a single AA, useful light level when set to white (has a four colour rotating filter, white, red, green and blue) pocket clip, twisty with momentary on, small enough to forget your carrying it until you need it.

 

[*Dusty*]

Nitecore EZAA?? 15 lumens for 20 hours? Also has 130 lumen mode for when you need more light.

Only a suggestion :)

 

[Jida]

This light is going to live in a BoB (Bug Out Bag). The BoB is going to live in the car.

Currently I have lights and other solutions in the BoB however nothing that would be long term. Where I work in California I have to cross 1 bridge at least to get to work. If a quake hits chances are I am hoofing it 60+ miles.

Since I cannot guarantee that I am going to go straight shot back home (may need to help other folks) a light that will run all night if needed, for multiple nights, could be a requirement.

Or Zombies could try to pass gun legislation and civil war breaks out!

Either way, if I have the light in a bag of items where I could get by for a long time, the light might as well last a really long time.

I am carrying 4 Eneloops and 2 Lithiums right now. Everything I have runs off AA.

I am not seeing anything 'awesome' about the Gerber Recon. Mixed reviews. The EZAA is almost the same thing as my D10, good one but I already have it covered.