Keychain light or pocket clipped light as backup?

[jhc37013]

I was wondering when or what you use your key chain light for. I am looking for those of you who carry a primary EDC light and a key chain light for backup or other use's. I usually carry a Quark 123x2 Tactical with a PD10 on my keychain soon to be a Mini123 and usually only use it when I either walk to or from my car, in most all other applications I pull out my main EDC light.

I am beginning to wonder if its worth it to carry on my keys and rather just carry a light clipped to my pocket that I can operate a little easier with a clicky switch. Do any of you prefer a small pocket clipped light as a back up vs. a keychain light?

I'm just rethinking my EDC tactics any input might be helpful thank you.

 

[jp2515]

Hows about both?

My main lights are carried in the bag while I have a fauxton on my keys and a Maratac AAA clipped to a side pocket. Lights are always within a arms reach.

 

[jhc37013]

Hows about both?

My main lights are carried in the bag while I have a fauxton on my keys and a Maratac AAA clipped to a side pocket. Lights are always within a arms reach.

I have considered this but since I holster carry the Quark on my left side and key's also in my left pocket I would like to keep weight down as much as possible so I will either carry backup on keys or pocket clipped just can't decide which way to go yet.

 

[paulr]

A coin light on your keys is so small you'll hardly know it's there, and you're unlikely to forget to take your keys when you go anywhere. Sounds like a good combination for a backup light. The main light clips to your pocket.

 

[RedLED]

For years I have carried a Photon Micro Light on my key chain, and a Surefire of what I feel like for the day, in my pocket.

I have no plans to change this, as it is a wonderful combonation.

Sometimes, I add a AAA arc to the bottom of my pocket just for fun, and to hae a spare.

I think we need at least two lights with us.

RL

 

[vali]

Right now I am using the E01 as backup. Getting a Mini AAW and a Versati AAA to get a few more lumen "just in case".

 

[fisk-king]

my work light I carry a Quark neut. AA-2 & for EDC my newly acquired RA Twisty100. For the past 5 months my keychain backup was a AlTin Drake until 2 weeks ago it decided to go ka-put:mad:. Even though I have a Q-mIni123 on keyring duty I still miss my Drake:sad: Hopefully, Modamag will be back to help this situation.

 

[Monocrom]

I don't like carrying a light on a holster, on my belt. My clip-carried light is my main one. Generally, it is a variety of lights. Currently it is an L1 Cree that I recently purchased. But more often, it is a single-stage, 2xCR123, Surefire E-series light. My other clip-carried light is a Fenix L0D Rebel 80 carried clipped to my back pocket on a Fenix lobster-claw clip. (That set-up has proven less than ideal).

My keychain light is a Streamlight Nano. Very small, very handy, and (unlike a coin-cell light) actually water-proof. Output is about 10 lumens with angry-blue tint.

The keychain light is mainly a back-up for my L0D. But I have used the Nano on a few occassions. If it's pitch black, those 10 lumens are definitely bright enough to navigate down a trail. Useful for checking under the hood. And as a reading-light. (You can hold it in one hand, or in your teeth).

My main EDC is for any chores that require a ton of light. I work outside, at night. The L0D is a good back-up for my main light. Still, that SL Nano does come in very handy and takes up very little space on my keychain. Price was right too, at about $6.

 

[Zeruel]

I'd consider keychain light a must as a backup. Because you'll never when your pocket light might go :poof:, dropped, lend out etc...

 

[OfficerCamp]

Give the Preon a try. The aluminum P1 is pretty reasonable in price, output is great, clip is fantastic, optional clicky is perfect, and you'll never know it's there (until you need it). Try it clipped to your pocket for a while, or haul it on the keys if that seems more appropriate. I agree with most posters, you need a key light, a backup, and a main EDC/duty light. For me, that =

Duty: Surefire/Nailbender MCE M3
Backup: Quark 123 Ti
Backup2: Preon1 Ti
Key: Olight AAA Ti

 

[jhc37013]

I think I am gonna take my PD10 off my keys and continue to holster carry my Quark 123x2 T as my primary and as a backup clipped in pocket either the Quark 1xAA on 14500 that I should get tomorrow or a E1B/E1L that I'm about to purchase.

It's been awhile since I pocket clipped a light and carried it everyday but guess I will see how it goes.

 

[Kestrel]

LOL, it only took 13 minutes after this thread was first posted for someone to reply with the CPF motto. ;)

 

[strinq]

I actually only carry a keychain light as my EDC.
I'm so gonna get flamed for this...:devil:

Definately want to get something like the mini for my EDC. I HATE carrying anything bulky in my pockets.

 

[adnj]

I like a coin cell on my keys. And then something like a micro stream clipped in my pocket. I prefer a forward clickie. I don't want to pull out my keys when i need a back up. Especially when I might need the back up to find my keys.

 

[parnass]

In addition to a small light on your keychain or in your pocket, don't overlook using inexpensive coin cell lights as jacket zipper pulls.

Because they are located on the outside, they are more easily deployed for reading maps, finding key holes, etc.

 

[Benson]

I HATE carrying anything bulky in my pockets.

Me too, but there's only so much room on my belt. :rolleyes:

I know, I should go on an ice-cream, pizza, and regular pop diet to make more room...

In addition to a small light on your keychain or in your pocket, don't overlook using inexpensive coin cell lights as jacket zipper pulls.

+1 Good for dropping a couple lumens on the ground at your feet, too, when you're walking with a more substantial light.

 

[Monocrom]

I actually only carry a keychain light as my EDC.
I'm so gonna get flamed for this...:devil:

Definately want to get something like the mini for my EDC. I HATE carrying anything bulky in my pockets.

With a light clipped to the top of a pocket, you barely notice it's even there. :)

 

[mbw_151]

The only things I carry everywhere are a Photon Freedom and a small Swiss army Knife. They are so small and unobtrusive, invisible in a dressed up office environment. I've got a light in my jacket, briefcase, cars, desk, travel bags.... With all those lights, the Photon gets the most use, just a few seconds at a time but lots of times. I can use the Photon to find a larger light quickly. It seems to work for me in the office.

That said, I'm testing a purpose built wallet carry system from Bill's (the knife case guy) that allows for an AAA Leatherman Serac S2 and a larger knife. It seems a little bulky but the testing has just started. There have been a few instances where a little more light would have been nice.

Weekends and other time off, I carry an AAA light minimum and frequently a 123 powered light along with the Photon. Still I use the Photon the most. It's just easier to explain to the "unenlightened".

 

[Flying Turtle]

My back-up on the keychain is the old Arc AAA. In the pants pocket is the main EDC, usually another AAA. A coat pocket might hold something stronger.

Geoff

 

[jslappa]

Maybe I am too conditioned from my years in the Marines, or my time on Sigforums, but I have a hard time switching my EDC lights just like my weapons. On my keys is a Streamlight key-mate that looks like it has a blue filter over the lens. Clipped to my pocket is ALWAYS my Nitecore D10. As was said earlier, I clip it inward, clip out......to the outside edge of my front pocket. Because it's clip allows deep carry, I can sit down, bend forward in a sitting position, and never feel it. I can reach in the pocket and grab money or what ever, and barely know it's there. The bright green trit in the piston helps me see it at night too. damn I love my D10. :shakehead

Those two lights are always with me. I rotate newer lights as a third light, because I am addicted to lumens (low and high) after all!

However, I have been contemplating getting an EZAA to see how it's size compares to my Streamlight Key-Mate. I would like to standardize on one battery type, but change is hard.