EDC/ Survival LED Flashlight with Long Runtime

[MedicX]

Hi guys. As many do, I have been looking around here for awhile before registering. Well, here I am, and with questions!

I have been working on an EDC bag for myself. In it, I have things that "actually" use everyday, but also things that will come in handy if the "situation" arises.

I am looking for a quality led flashlight-preferably waterproof to some extent-small enough to fit into my Maxpedition Lunada gearslinger... but mainly, I want a flashlight that, if that time comes, will provide me with a long runtime, and a durable lens that will hold up in a survival situation.

I always thought I'd get a Surefire (like an E2d), but now I come across Olight, Nitecore, Quark. I've heard of Fenix, Streamlight, etc. BUT, WHICH ONE???

I may be being a bit cheap, I don't know, but I'd like to keep it under $100. But it has to be dependable.

Thanks for all of the great posts so far...

 

[Ozgeardo]

For EDC there are truly too many variables for an accurate answer to your needs. I try not to weigh in on too many of these discussions because they really are open ended questions to which flashoholics tend to recommend personal favourites rather than objective answers (to which I think we are all a little guilty at times).

Are you likely to be in remote or urban environments?
Are you likely to be in a hostile environment?
Does your EDC need to serve dual purpose?
Is your EDC environment/conditions likely to support recharging?
Is your EDC also your BOB?
What is the likelihood of your EDC being stolen or "borrowed"?
What technical aspects of illumination are likely to be needed by you, ie: doing close up fine work, searching rooms or searching open areas these will all have a bearing on lens type/throw etc?
What is your definition of the "survival situation" you speak of?
I could go on forever (I do tend to over think things)

EDC for everyone is going to have different answers, for me EDC is what I carry on my person and is divided into:
Domestic (around town urban) EDC = 1 of numerous single AAA LED units, my personal favourite are Fenix LOD or similar units attached to keyring.
Work (totally variable for everyone) EDC = another single AAA LED (again a Fenix LOD/LD01 or similar) on my person at all time day and night and when on night shifts I always EDC (does that make it a "ENC" every night carry) a single 18650 or 2 x CR123 type unit (This week I am using a Olight M20).
Field/Remote (Again too many variables), EDC on my person is a basic Single AAA LED that will give very long run time in a survival situation, currently for me that is a Fenix E1/E01)

As you can see for me EDC is what I carry on my person. I consider what Illumination I carry in my EDC bags (of which I have one for each of the above environments) is 2nd Line Illumination and not primary EDC and not to be confused with a BOB. I have dozens of different "tools of illumination", generally a couple of units in each EDC bag -Throwers, Headlights, Signallers, as no single unit offers me something to cover all situations.
You have indicated that you will be using a Maxpedition Gearslinger as an EDC bag, will this be with you at all times in the environments to which you frequent?

To answer your question (sorry for rambling on) If I had to recommend a single multi role flashlight for a small EDC bag I would go with the Olight M20 or Fenix TK20 (your preference for batt type the main consideration) The likely hood of my EDC bag being stolen or lost is high. I consider a M20/TK20 to be expendible (I would still shed tears).

O' I think I have been rambling haven't I, it is a cold, wet Sunday morning what else am I to do?

 

[fisk-king]

Please copy/paste checklist from here with your marks. This will aid members here.

:)
and welcome to CPF

 

[red02]

I may be being a bit cheap, I don't know, but I'd like to keep it under $100. But it has to be dependable.

Thanks for all of the great posts so far...

Surefire G2 with your choice of dropin will set you back 60 to 90 depending on what accessories and dropin you end up getting. Doesn't really get more reliable than that.

 

[JA(me)S]

Regarding run time, you may find this thread interesting:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=280445

 

[jtblue]

I don't personally carry a flashlight for EDC purposes but whenever i take a bag with me, I always put in either my TK10 or mini mag.

I've heard many good things about the Fenix TK20 and some bad things too but this light could be just the light for your needs as it uses AA's.

 

[:)>]

No need to deliberate too much on this one. The best light I have ever owned is available in your price point and:

• It has an ultra-durable lens.
• Is waterproof to 66 feet.
• Is built ultra rugged and designed to protect the battery in the event of a tough impact.
• Has arguably the best electronics and one of the very best user interfaces to date.
• Has a super wide range of brightness levels.
• Has a perfect beam.
• Pairs up nicely with the Surefire F04 beamshaper for up close work.

You are in luck and your bag will be happy.

 

[tarponbill]

Just my 2 cents -- You never know when EDC is going to turn serious. For that reason, I want variable output for long run time and bright light when needed.

I EDC the AA Energizer Lithium that Costco had on sale with the headlight. I think both were $30 or some such. Since they showed up on the market, now both go with me everywhere.

 

[Fargus]

Photon Freedom Micro with covert shield, ~$15. Small, light, very long run times, extra batteries relatively easy to find and take up almost zero space, durable, waterproof, can be carried on key chain or clipped to pack, extremely handy clip.

This is my go to light, I have 4 of them scattered around. Goes dim enough to read by at night and bright enough to illuminate your immediate area. The covert cover helps preserve your night vision. Various useful modes.

It's not going to throw 100 yards, but for general all-purpose usage, I've yet to find anything with more utility and the weight makes it an easy choice for outdoors/camping/survival where weight is a factor.

 

[TRITON]

Fenix EO1 and a couple of spare batterys and a fenix P2d and a couple of spare batterys does me ok. Or Zebra h501, Sc50,Sc30, H30. All less than $100. I've got all of them in my back pack with titanium aaa and aa rechargables and lithium primaries, car charger for the rechargables, plenty of lithium primaries if I don't have the 4x4 available anymore. Fenix ldo1 in pocket, titanium illuminati xpg in pocket,Itp eos a2 and a3 in pocket.I think I should get by with that lot. You could look into a few of those,all seem to be fairly tough and long running. Welcome to CPF.:wave:

 

[dcbeane]

Surefire E1L (newest version).... my newest light. I got it on Ebay NEW, including shipping for $81. :nana: Don't knock Ebay if you have the time sometimes amazing deals can be had.
No its not the thrower that WoWs folks on this forum but unless you need to do a lot of emergency coon hunting and deer spotting, you will probably be fine with the E1L.
I think if I had such a bag I'd want my Ra Twisty Tr 85.....Surefire E1L....a Surefire spares carrier with 4 or 6 batteries in it (I have both sizes)... and probably a CMG Infinity Ultra (fossil light) and a few lithium AA's even though it prefers alkaline for run time from what I read (strange). Alkalines suck though because they leak in your light, bag etc.

 

[Chucula]

1. When you are out in the woods at night and there is no moon or artificial light, you can function with very little light. When I learned that I stopped edc'ing my 60+ lumen lights that only burn for 1 hour. If you are skeptical, try it one night.

2. If you are doing the survival, you will not be doing the Search and Rescue--get a light with a wide, floody beam that can be set up for hands free use (like a headlamp or something small enough to clip to a head band). You dont need a thrower that can light up a 6" circle a mile away. ALso, flood light gives a wider range of view for rescuers to notice the light.

3. Low mode (5-10 lumens) with run time > 20 hours is a good start. High is nice for signaling. I have found that more than 2 levels is distracting unless the interface is really good (Photons, Novatac)


I'd recommend a zebralight for the main work light and some keychain light for backup (AAA or cr2, if battery life is good). Another option is a normal light with one of the F04 beam diffusers from Surefire.

My survival lights:
Photons (red and white) (~$15)
Arc AAA (Will probably replace after the thread linked by Ja(me)s :sssh:) (Bought used ~$30-40)
Aeon cr2 ($125)
Zebralight AA (~$50, forgot exactly)
Novatac 120P CR123 (~$130 but was a gift)

All are single celled and together cover the common batteries. And dont forget, fire is a source of light. If you can build a fire or light a candle you may not need a flashlight.

 

[red02]

Photon Freedom Micro with covert shield, ~$15. Small, light, very long run times, extra batteries relatively easy to find and take up almost zero space, durable, waterproof, can be carried on key chain or clipped to pack, extremely handy clip.

This is my go to light, I have 4 of them scattered around. Goes dim enough to read by at night and bright enough to illuminate your immediate area. The covert cover helps preserve your night vision. Various useful modes.

It's not going to throw 100 yards, but for general all-purpose usage, I've yet to find anything with more utility and the weight makes it an easy choice for outdoors/camping/survival where weight is a factor.

+1

Before I found CPF this is the only light I've had or needed for a long time.

 

[ziptrickhead]

You can't go wrong with any of the Quark regular line. Just choose whatever battery configuration you want. Theres the nice moonlight and low modes for super long runtime but then you still have the high modes for when you need that extra light.

Really when things are completely dark, you don't need much light. For the last half year or so I've had a Fenix E01 around my neck. Small size, easy to find batteries, and very nice regulated runtime. I think you can get 7-8 hours of flat regulated runtime before it starts to dim.

I tried replacing it with a VersaTi ET10 for even longer regulated runtime but I got a lemon and had to return it. My friend gave me a broken Fenix LD01 SS yesterday and I got it into working condition so that'll be my neck light for now while I test it.

I find that now I usually use my neck light more than my EDC light simply because it's easier to access and puts out more than enough light for everyday tasks.

 

[entoptics]

Generally, AA is the best "survival" power source because it is so common, especially in an "urban disaster" type environment. Li primary, alkaline, and NiMH cells offer a variety of performance options too.

On the other hand, if you want pure power, and are confident you won't be scrounging cells, 18650 Li-ion rechargeables are the best power/size ratio cells. They also have great cold weather performance, negligible self discharge (good shelf life), and very low weight. They require a purpose built charger though, and spares won't be available at stores, from a buddy, or in some other device.

An Olight M20, EagleTac T20C2, or similar sized light (obese 2xAA Mini-Maglite size) will run for 150+ hours on an 18650 on low (slightly brighter than a MiniMag).

 

[red02]

Eneloop NiMH preform admirably in cold weather conditions as well according to the freezer test. The only draw back is the lower voltage and Wh.

 

[bansuri]

No need to deliberate too much on this one. The best light I have ever owned is available in your price point and:

• It has an ultra-durable lens.
• Is waterproof to 66 feet.
• Is built ultra rugged and designed to protect the battery in the event of a tough impact.
• Has arguably the best electronics and one of the very best user interfaces to date.
• Has a super wide range of brightness levels.
• Has a perfect beam.
• Pairs up nicely with the Surefire F04 beamshaper for up close work.

You are in luck and your bag will be happy.

Maybe I have a setting wrong in my prefs but I'm not seeing any light.(?)
Is it in your Sig?
I'm sure this is one of those "if it was a snake it would've bit you!" moments, but I just don't see anything... :confused:
Sounds like an Ra Clicky?

 

[mcnair55]

Was thinking about this and which ever light you decide to go with I would also put in the baby Fenix EO1 as this little fella would takes no extra space to speak of but it is bomb proof.

 

[iqwozpoom]

-pak lite 9v cap light (80-1,200 hrs runtime)
-zebralight aa
-quark 123 tactical (program to moonlight/low)
-petzl e-light or keychain coin cell
2=1, 1=0, 3 is better.
lithium is the way to go. With a quark 123 you can rubber band a aa tube to it for back up +you have the ability to use higher modes and beacon. Zebralights are super efficient. And with a coin cell light you can keep a few batteries in a small bag flat in your wallet.

 

[fisk-king]

Maybe I have a setting wrong in my prefs but I'm not seeing any light.(?)
Is it in your Sig?
I'm sure this is one of those "if it was a snake it would've bit you!" moments, but I just don't see anything... :confused:
Sounds like an Ra Clicky?

U r correct:)