Backpacking Light with good throw

LEDBE
E

EdEd

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Oct 5, 2010
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3
Hello All!

First, let me say after looking at many, many threads, this is a fantastic site. I am an avid backpacker and have several headlamps, but I've never carried a flashlight.

This past weekend I learned that sometimes a flashlight with good throw can come in handy. I kept hearing LOUD noises outside my tent and looked around with my Petzl Tikka XP2 but couldn't see anything. A buddy of mine that was with me, had a very bright flashlight with good throw that was able to illuminate a large wild boar that my XP2 just barely showed.

With all that being said, I am in the market for a flashlight. I am looking for several things: Lightweight, simplicity, brightness, and long throw. I will continue to carry headlamps for general use, but I would like a light that can really spot at a distance. I'm not particularly concerned about battery choice, as I will keep a stock of whatever is necessary.

Thanks for any guidance/suggestions.

Ed
 
:welcome:


Hey Ed,

check out the following thread: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=240911

Click on the English version and you can check the beamshots of a lot of lights and compare each one. My definition of decent throw may not be the same with what you consider as acceptable. FWIW, I use my HDS 170 Clicky when I go camping and the throw and brightness is sufficient for me. The really, really low level also is also useful and I find I usually only need one battery, but I still carry spares and another flashlight.
 
For something compact, a Fenix PD30 is good. A little bulkier the TK11, better throw the the PD30 and nice spill.

Depending when they become available the Surefire G2X or 6PX (released oct 1rst, and they've been snatched up quicker than there made)
Surefires have a lockout tailcap to prevent accidentally turning on in your pocket or pack
 
That's pretty strongly dependent on your budget.

As a backpacker myself I appreciate the need for a light with good throw that is also lightweight and small and sturdy. I would agree with grumber's assessment on the Surefire TIR-based models as being the top choice for good throw in a compact, lightweight package.

The E1B, E1L, E2L, E2DL, L1 and LX2 all use the same TIR lens system and will out-throw brighter rated lights that use reflectors. Right now the L1 is my preference because it's what I've already got and I like the dual-stage switching system used on it and the LX2, which offers instantaneous access to either output level. But of course budget concerns and output requirements dictate you decide for yourself what you would like to own.

If I had to start fresh for backpacking usage I would consider the E1B for the sleeker body (which will not wear out thin nylon hiking shorts/pants as much) and the deeper riding pocket clip. It is also smaller, lighter, and cheaper than the L1, although a little bit on the slippery side. I would also consider the LX2 if you want more power. (See the trend? I'd prefer the sleeker models with the two-way pocket clips over the older, knurled designs for hiking. It's also good to note that Surefire will provide the two-way pocket clips, which are highly preferable and can be added to any of the E-series lights or L1, for little to no additional charge if you ask nicely.)

Obviously, the Surefires may be out of your budget. That's OK, there are plenty of other, cheaper lights that will get the job done but you will most likely have to trade size for throw or vice versa.

The Quark MiNi 123 is a pretty obvious option, being lightweight and powerful and cheap. On the other hand, the throw isn't very good compared to the L1 -- on a recent test out to what should be 100-150 yards I found that the MiNi with its whopping 189 lumens (over 200, actually, since I was using a 3.7v RCR123 rechargeable lithium-ion to overdrive it) was out-thrown by the L1 with its measly 65 lumens. Not to knock the MiNi, since it is a fantastic light, but it is simply not designed for throw. That said, I'm not sure that I've ever been in a situation when backpacking where I needed to see more than 100 yards, and within that the MiNi still fares quite nicely. The MiNi AA and AA^2 are also options worth considering but keep in mind that they are dimmer or significantly longer, respectively.

One downside to the MiNi (and all its variants) is that there is no instant access to high level. You must the light twist on and off three times, which is a fairly quick action two-handed but may be difficult to do quickly single-handed. Maybe it's not a problem for you, but if it is you should consider the Quark Tactical line-up instead. They throw ever so slightly better than the MiNis but the main draw is they offer the distinct advantage of being reprogrammable (so you can set it up the way it suits you best) and having a forward clicky switch. They are also more expensive, but I consider the added features quite worth it. Note that the Tactical models are offered with pocket clips, but also take note that the one offered on the single 123 model is rubbish and should be avoided at all costs.

Another excellent choice is the highly versatile and reprogrammable HDS/Ra Clicky. It is practically a custom light at an affordable price, and can be configured for throw, and will certainly out throw the Quark MiNi and Tactical lights. They are much simpler to use than their versatility (and user manual) suggests, and considered at least as reliable and durable as Surefires (if not more).
 
Does battery (cell) technology matter to you? That can help narrow down the large number of choices available to you.

If for example you'd like to stick with AA or AAA's, rechargeable (or with an option to go that route) then you might want to narrow your search for AA powered lights. If you don't care how the light is powered, you've got even more choices to decide between.
 
+1 for Surefire TIRs

I know they're expensive and you can get cheaper throwers on DX but Surefires equipped with TIR optics have always had a place in my heart.
When I do my primitive camp-outs I always take at least three lights with me and my SF E2L has always been one of them.
 
I often take my Surefire LX2 backpacking. Or, for a little less weight, you could try a 4Sevens Quark AA. If you can get one of the older Quark models with the XP-E R2 LED it will throw quite far (further than the R5 models). And of course, the Surefire LX2 (and other Surefires with a TIR optic) have a monstrous amount of throw for their size.
 
I don't think you'll want a purely dedicated thrower. A p60 style light is probably the best place for most people to start their journey into flashlights. Particularly because of their flexibility they can be almost any type of light you need with just a change in module. Plus if you burn out the led or driver due to water or other abuse it's easily and cheaply repaired. The only drawback is the CR123A or 18650 format, though some budget lights can use 3xAAA/18650/3xAAA.
 
EagleTac P20A2 MKII.

  • $60
  • Superb beam with excellent "spot an object/trail/animal" at 10-100 yds characteristics.
  • Very bright for 2xAA (230 lm)
  • Durable
  • 3 very useful modes and easy UI (disco modes can be hidden)
  • Looks cool

One drawback is that it won't tail stand, but you can buy a tail cap accessory to make it work.

Quark AA (~$50) using 14500 batteries ($30) is another awesome choice if you want something small. It's light weight, the size of a roll of nickels, and quite potent with a Li-ion 14500 (200ish lm). The moonlight mode is friggin awesome for ambient tent lighting, and Quarks are generally pretty efficient. Floody beam though so it may not be your ticket, but it's still good out to a pretty good distance because of shear power.
 
EdEd said:
I kept hearing LOUD noises outside my tent and looked around with my Petzl Tikka XP2 but couldn't see anything.
Click to expand...

This is exactly why you need a good thrower when your out in the wilderness. If your camping in a National Forest/Park, you'd be safe of from the big nasty animals, if not I wouldn't take the chance.
I'd want as much notice as possible if I heard the sound of an animal close by or in close proximity.
I'd rather want to see a bear or big cat at around 500-600 yards than 150-200 yards and prepare for evasive action, plus you have a better chance of startling away creatures with mega lumens imo.
 
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What you might not realize about the TIR lens is how well it throws lumens: even the LX2's 15 lumen "low" mode will light up objects very far away-- consider its two options as "far" and "farther". This is great because the LX2 is rated to last 30 hours on low, but only 2 on high, and runtimes are really important in backpacking, because you don't want to be carrying around a bunch of batteries.

Not only that, but the LX2 will continue on low mode after its batteries cannot support high. I'm unsure for how long, but at least a few hours, I'd imagine. After your 2 hours on high are up, you'll still have plenty of darkness-penetration remaining.

I'm not an expert, and my flashlight collection consists only of my two TIR Surefires (plus a few assorted MagLites, a couple Petzls, and an odd Costco deal, and a SF A2-WH coming in the mail), but I really wouldn't be surprised if the TIR lens has the highest throw-to-lumen ratio (and therefore highest throw-to-battery life ratio) in the entire industry.

In conclusion, any TIR equipped Surefire is probably the best throwy backpacking light you could get.
 
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I agree that while we need flooder for 80% of the time, when time comes, a good thrower is necessary.
Try the Jetbeam Raptor RRT-1 with XR-E R2 LED. You won't regret it...

Regards

Anthony
 
Another acknowledgement from me for the Surefire LX2 when backpacking is concerned. Although not as small as a single cell light, it is still considered small enough for comfortable carry in the pocket. Like what the rest have said, the 15 lumens low is bright enough for most tasks where backpacking, camping, or trekking is involved and the 200 lumens high delivers a lot of light capable of seeing way out. It is a good medium range throw light in a small compact package. The UI of the LX2 is great too. Tighten the tailcap for low mode where general use is needed, tighten more for high mode or a simple push on the button for momentary high mode as and when you hear some noise in the distance that needs identification. Simple and fast to operate. I've had my LX2 for about a year plus and I never got sick of it.

Another good alternative would be the HDS EDC 170 Tactical clicky. A very well made light that is almost as powerful as the LX2 and is made to be super tough. Henry Schneiker, the designer and maker of HDS lights is an avid outdoors man and designed lights for use and rough abuse out in the wild. Can't go wrong with HDS lights and be warned that they are very addictive illumination tools. Most of us HDS owners can't stop buying at one.

These lights are expensive no doubt but I felt that the after sales service from these two companies and the lifetime warranty more or less makes up for what it's worth. On top of that, both companies manufacture reliable tools that lasts for years even if not a lifetime. Definitely worth paying for.
 
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