Travel and camping lights of choice

[cp2315]

Surefire g2x pros (one black one yellow) have not missed one single camping trip for the last few years for us. I use 16650 in mine but took some cr123s just in case. Never needed to go primary cells yet.
Reliable. One click for 15 lumens which is great for camp ground. No worries to hand it to my young kids anytime.

 

[Agpp]

Folomov EDC-C4 if I find powerbank useful. Fairly small and capable.
Nitecore Tini otherwise. Bright, high capacity, extremely lightweight.

 

[bignc]

I carry a single 123 light (a lego mdc/ bodyguard) and a zebralight sc53W I just got (for general use- I have several other ZL but this is small and an easy battery to find and recharge.)
I am taking an airplane ride to NYC soon. Wife and 3 kids too (2 almost grown boys and my 12 yo daughter.)

My family has AA and 123 lights (and an E01 or 2) that I can convince them to bring- good stuff, Armyteks, HDS and Surefire stuff.

I am debating my lights because I really dont feel like carrying more than 3 (plus a few Photons....)
Its silly but I keep a spare 123 on my keychain so that factors in. I have battery packs and a solar panel I bring along. I can charge AA and any of my 16340/16650 or 18650 options.

I have thought about the G3 with an M61/N/W/L/LL for easy single mode general use and battery options (thought I have no spacers.) Thought about the M91T/MD4 maybe with the ZL 18650 or AA option and maybe the ElZ Alpha hi/lo.... I have various 3v and 6 volt Malkoff dropins and MDC style bodies in CR123, AA, 2xAA and 16650. I have an old 9P body and a 6p and G2 to use as well.

I was thinking about buying an MD2 M61T with high low and clip and bringing the 18650 ZL and the G3. Bring the panel and charger and a couple or 4 spare 18650 and a box of 123. Because the MD4 can't be carry on since it is over 7" long.

But then I could NOT buy anything (which feels good too) and take my Alpha, the AA ZL and the G3 or 9p. Since it is NYC and I am used to carrying a gun, I'll admit being a little worried about self defense options too. I can leave the g3 and bring a 3d maglight too?

Someone help me decide! Keep in mind, I like being "ready" and am packing other gear and cash that would get us home in the face of catastrophe even- so please suggest accordingly. You can't hurt my feelings.

 

[tech25]

For NYC, you won't really need a thrower. Also idk how well a solar panel will work. There are outlets all over so the battery pack as a backup charger will suffice. I would take a small multilevel light and a headlamp.

As as far as batteries, CR123s are crazy expensive in most stores but there are others like B&H where you can get better prices (surefire 12 pack for ~$23) AAs and AAAs are available all over.

As as far as the G3 for "defense" don't ever say that in NYC regardless if you are in the right or are wrong. (Not the right forum for this so I will stop here) carrying a maglight won't go over too well either.

 

[bignc]

For NYC, you won't really need a thrower. Also idk how well a solar panel will work. There are outlets all over so the battery pack as a backup charger will suffice. I would take a small multilevel light and a headlamp.

As as far as batteries, CR123s are crazy expensive in most stores but there are others like B&H where you can get better prices. AAs and AAAs are available all over.

As as far as the G3 for "defense" don't ever say that in NYC regardless if you are in the right or are wrong. (Not the right forum for this so I will stop here) carrying a maglight won't go over too well either.

Thanks for the response! I wondered about a thrower- we are staying in a home on Staten Island so that was one reason. The other reason for it and

for the solar; I am more considering it in the deep recesses of my end of the world mind- like grid down gotta walk home. ​

As for batteries, I appreciate that. Availability in a longer term stay is why I am considering rechargeable batteries and only a dozen primaries or so. But that does make me lean towards the inclusion of AA options again....

As for defense, I may have written poorly as those were semi-separate thoughts. I am usually worried about defense a little too much. I am a fairly..... burly man so not exactly a target but I don't like large groups of people. I will not mention the d word again except as follows to clarify. I didn't say anything about the G3 for defense other than I might replace it with a MAG light for that purpose- as recommended by my friend the NYPD Detective who procured us the home to stay in.

I'd love any modified response if that clarifies anything and for any of my fellow prepper type nerds (in the Reppans style but with few 4Sevens to bring to the table. lol)

Thanks again! This place is great!

 

[Monocrom]

Here's the thing, NYC is more than just Manhattan. The main light I EDC has a good combination of both flood and throw. Yes, there have been times I've needed throw. If we are talking about Manhattan, there's so much light pollution around that a light geared for flood is likely to get washed out.

The solar panels are overkill. You're going to be vacation, you just pay more for stuff. A lot more. Especially in Manhattan. The rest of NYC is reasonable. Let me give you an example that happened to me just last week. I've lived in Gotham since 1979. It holds zero attraction to me to go into Manhattan. But I get it, tourists love it here. So I'm there. Need to go to an important appointment. I realize I'm out of mints. I go to one of the far too numerous outdoor newspaper kiosks to buy a mini pack of Altoids mints. Any other part of NYC, they're going to cost $1 maybe a $1.10 at the very most. The guy tells me $2.50, and I just laughed in his face as I walked away. Those are the types of rip-off prices you can expect in Manhattan.

You're better off with some of the larger, portable, battery banks that are out there.

If you're used to the comfort and security of an actual firearm, yeah; you're likely going to feel anxious without one. Pepper Spray is legal, but if you do end up having to use it; expect to get hassled by the NYPD. ("Self-defense" really is a 4-letter word to them.)

I honestly don't know what type of advice your detective friend gave you. But if it's for defense while walking around, you're going to stand out like an Army full of sore thumbs walking around with a large D-cell Maglite strapped to your belt. No, it won't get you arrested but if you're not walking around in a blue collar uniform with a bunch of other tools dangling from it, expect a few "Excuse me Sirs" from any uniformed officer who encounters you. That sort of thing gets annoying real fast.

The thing is to blend in. Don't stand out. I carry a couple of self-defense tools on me everyday. They just look innocuous and have pragmatic purposes other than self-defense use.

Staying safe in any part of NYC is about not acting like a tourist with a "Victim Here" sign dangling from your neck. I'll give you a perfect example. A few years back I was working at a different client's site. Also working at night. I'm in a completely empty subway car, except for a tourist family sitting across from me on the other side. Dad had on an "I <3 NY" T-shirt (something absolutely no actual New Yorker EVER wears). Had a subway map open, wife and three children next to him. I'm sitting there thinking, "You idiot, what the hell is wrong with you?"

The subways are safer than they once were. But they're not completely safe. No New Yorker is going to take his children and spouse onto the subway near midnight for a ride on the subway. It just does not happen. Not happening! Tourists do that dumb nonsense. Subways work during daylight hours too. Head on out then. Genuinely need to get somewhere late at night with the entire family? Pile into a cab. And good old dad was not paying attention to anything expect that stupid map. One mugger could have easily cleaned house that night.

 

[markr6]

Here's the thing, NYC is more than just Manhattan.

That reminds me of when I met up with some people for vacation in the poconos. They were from long island and somehow we got on the subject. One of them explained to me "there's long island, manhattan, upstate, then the rest of the world...that's all". She was about 13% kidding.

 

[bignc]

Mono- BEAST MODE RESPONSE. Thanks buddy. Pretty much, at my size- and just assuming I am wearing a jacket- Detective X thought I would just keep the old mag in a coat pocket like his biker gang buddies do... I am very easily headed down a rabbit hole of worry when dwelling on these things so I have to reign in over doing it. I carry a sturdy pen and 6'7" 290lbs and 30 years of grappling experience- it's just in my nature to prepare for the worst.

I think I am going to reconsider the solar panel based on your comment. Maybe to see if I have the self control to leave it behind. I know it is overkill but dang I like to be ready for whatever- especially living in FL and dealing with blackouts associated with weather. This little panel has been to Maui and Vegas and LA and Canada and Germany and points in between. So you don't think I am a total nut, it is only a 1W or so panel from cottonpickers so fits in my day pack with an Xtar MC1Plus and an O-light omni charger.


So...…… My wife and kids will carry between the four of them one HDS 170, a SF L1, a 1AA armytek (can't remember which one but it is throwy) and ZL AA headlamp, a Peak Eiger and a SF EL1. Just because I already asked what they were bringing. So... I could probably just carry a bic and be good. lol I may be overthinking it.....

As for a thrower, I rarely am in a bright area at night and using a light. My only BIG throwers are the M91T/ MD4 and really the ZL I have that uses one 18650. I mean my wife has an LX-2 so the TIR helps.....

Lord. Ok. sum it up- a AA and 123 or 18650. I want at least one ZL for the moonlight. I like the Hi-Lo on the Alpha. And the omnivorous appetite of the M61 drop-ins.

I need a beer and a chill pill.


As for the vacation part, I am uninterested other than some local places I was told to eat at. But the wife and kids are super excited. The kids have never even flown so that's part of it. I want to do SOME touristy stuff but I HATE tourist trap restaurants- so only locally recommended places. Crown Royal on Staten Island for example is a couple blocks from the house.

 

[Monocrom]

That reminds me of when I met up with some people for vacation in the poconos. They were from long island and somehow we got on the subject. One of them explained to me "there's long island, manhattan, upstate, then the rest of the world...that's all". She was about 13% kidding.

It's the 5 boroughs. Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.

Laws are quite a bit different when you get outside the borders of those 5 combined. In Long Island, you can easily buy any long gun you want. Upstate New York state, the laws are a bit more lax about that than Long Island. But L.I. is definitely not recognized as part of New York City.

 

[bignc]

My buddy the copper has many wonderful and unbelievable stories that match what you are saying about the different boroughs. I think we are gonna mostly do The Statue, the Rockettes and a museum or 2- Maybe a game if there is one.

Thanks again- you kind of talked me down.


And to not go too far OT for the thread- When camping, I like LOW modes and throwers. When travelling, I like the same with a "get home come hell, high-water or Long walk" bent.

 

[Monocrom]

Mono- BEAST MODE RESPONSE....

You're welcome. Happy to help. As a big guy myself, I hear you. Thing is, with only a tiny handful of exceptions, all the attractions your family will want to see are in Manhattan. That means bring your walking shoes and expect to be out there for hours. Even for guys like us, a full-size D-cell Maglite is going to start to feel awfully heavy by the end of the day.

If the solar panel is that small, you could bring it along. But this time of the year in NYC, the sun likes to play hide & seek with the residents of the city. (Mostly hide.) The battery banks will be more pragmatic.

Oh, if you routinely carry a one-hander knife clipped to the top of a pocket; put it completely inside of that pocket or don't bother with one at all. Things aren't as bad as they were for about the last 15 years, maybe a bit longer. But they're far from even close to ideal at this point. If you do end up having to get physical with someone, our scumbags are cowardly and often work in pairs. Hit 'em hard and fast, then disengage. They do carry weapons to compensate for their cowardice. Hope you and your family genuinely have a good time here. Can't recommend any places since the good ones I do know, no longer exist.

 

[bignc]

I think IHave enough places to eat and hang out. And I'm sure my wife will tell me where we are going for fun. Thanks again.

 

[reppans]

I'd love any modified response if that clarifies anything and for any of my fellow prepper type nerds (in the Reppans style but with few 4Sevens to bring to the table. lol)

hehe... one tip for prepared tourists in big cities, esp. NYC, is to use a small bag ~ 800ci/13L max if you can. Non-tactical in appearance and preferably not a backpack. Lots of public places (esp. museums) seem paranoid about terrorists and sometimes backpackers that turn around and whack people or art work with their packs. Check the bag policies before visiting, otherwise they'll ask you check your bags... another long line-up if you stay to closing, and less than ideal if something happens while you're there.

I personally stick to single-digit (lbs/L) in shoulder-/messenger- style bags that can rig as backpacks (for long walks). I also use an UL down parka when playing winter tourist - I stuff it inside my bag if indoors for a long time. Froze my butt during a fire alarm with my gear in coat check once.

 

[markr6]

hehe... one tip for prepared tourists in big cities, esp. NYC, is to use a small bag ~ 800ci/13L max if you can. Non-tactical in appearance and preferably not a backpack.

Man purse? :laughing:

 

[reppans]

Man purse? :laughing:

Yup - not for folks insecure with their masculinity :thumbsup:.

 

[Monocrom]

Man purse? :laughing:

Good advice actually. Such bags are common as dirt among hipsters. So, any guy walking around with one will blend in, instead of sticking out from the crowd. Certain groups of tourists are easy to spot, based on what they're carrying. Young, German, tourists back a few years ago would carry external frame hiking packs on their backs. Complete with solid foam bed-rolls. They're a bit harder to spot now as most seem to have transitioned to internal frame ones.

 

[bignc]

I am weak. But the m61t hi/low with clip will make me feel better. And I'll find a "bag" tomorrow.

 

[StorminMatt]

For hiking, a BIG staple for me has been my Zebralight H600Fc III. This choice requires little explanation. It is small, lightweight, and quite decently bright. But most of all, I just LOVE the tint. It may not have the highest CRI. But somehow, that 4000K, two step Easywhite just looks FABULOUS on the trail. I'm not sure how it compares to the new 4000K XHP50.2 (which is brighter, higher CRI, but three step). But I still find it to be one fine emitter.

I also like to take my SC5Fc I for a tent light when car camping. Like the H600Fc, it has that nice XM-L2 Easywhite. But this light also has the virtue of fitting a Fenix AOD-S diffuser like a glove (the newer SC5 II DOESN'T). With the diffuser, I hang this light from a loop on the ceiling of my tent for the most wonderful tent illumination I can imagine. I don't particularly care for AA, especially when it comes to wilderness charging (Li-Ion just works better here). But the wonderful tint and fact I can use a diffuser makes it worthwhile.

Lately, I have also been using my old SC62d as a handheld light on hikes. Althouh down on lumens, it's certainly bright enough. And it works quite well when a headlamp just doesn't work well. I also like my SC600Fd III Plus on hikes, as it is bright and floody. And the 5000K tint is still quite pleasing. But I lost it last summer. So it didn't get to to with me on any trips (I recently found it again). I'm curious to see how much I would enjoy the SC600Fc IV, which is much the same light, but has a 4000K emitter. THIS (along with the new SC700d) could become a new favorite light!

I guess I should not leave out my stainless steel Nichia Worm. This has been my keychain light for a few years. And it has worked well. It is always a good light for those situations where I don't have my other lights.

 

[John@ufo]

In winter times i bring my thrusty zebralight sc600w L2, in summertime the smaller sc52w

 

[AVService]

You should really try a Zebra Light!

Also this is an easy solution too,remember film?

I have found that Camera stores will often just give you these just for the asking if they still have them and many seem to.
Then I just drill them out for the light I want and BAM!

For hiking, a BIG staple for me has been my Zebralight H600Fc III. This choice requires little explanation. It is small, lightweight, and quite decently bright. But most of all, I just LOVE the tint. It may not have the highest CRI. But somehow, that 4000K, two step Easywhite just looks FABULOUS on the trail. I'm not sure how it compares to the new 4000K XHP50.2 (which is brighter, higher CRI, but three step). But I still find it to be one fine emitter.

I also like to take my SC5Fc I for a tent light when car camping. Like the H600Fc, it has that nice XM-L2 Easywhite. But this light also has the virtue of fitting a Fenix AOD-S diffuser like a glove (the newer SC5 II DOESN'T). With the diffuser, I hang this light from a loop on the ceiling of my tent for the most wonderful tent illumination I can imagine. I don't particularly care for AA, especially when it comes to wilderness charging (Li-Ion just works better here). But the wonderful tint and fact I can use a diffuser makes it worthwhile.

Lately, I have also been using my old SC62d as a handheld light on hikes. Althouh down on lumens, it's certainly bright enough. And it works quite well when a headlamp just doesn't work well. I also like my SC600Fd III Plus on hikes, as it is bright and floody. And the 5000K tint is still quite pleasing. But I lost it last summer. So it didn't get to to with me on any trips (I recently found it again). I'm curious to see how much I would enjoy the SC600Fc IV, which is much the same light, but has a 4000K emitter. THIS (along with the new SC700d) could become a new favorite light!

I guess I should not leave out my stainless steel Nichia Worm. This has been my keychain light for a few years. And it has worked well. It is always a good light for those situations where I don't have my other lights.