your favorite "survival" light?

[ambientmind]

if you had only one flashlight with you and you were stranded somewhere for an unknown period of time, which one would you want and why? i started thinking about this, and wanted to get some opinions...thanks!

 

[MikeLip]

Could I get spare batteries? If so, the Surefire L1. If not, something with a really low low like a Novatac P series.

 

[ambientmind]

no batteries, just the flashlight with whatever batteries it has in it! this is a tough one...

 

[MikeLip]

Then it's the Novatac. Loooooong runtime, but if you need horsepower, you have it.

 

[FrogmanM]

Yup, no question, most would say novatac, the low low is hard to beat with the looonng runtime

Mayo

 

[Marduke]

Freeplay

 

[EugeneJohn]

Freeplay

+1 on the freeplay. If I'm going to be somewhere for an 'unknown' period of time and 'survival' is a consideration, I don't want to have to rely on batteries.

 

[angelofwar]

If it was an "unknown location", my Streamlight Sidewinder (2AA)...the High/Low, Strobe Settings, and the differnet colors are most important (battery conservation/Rescue/tracking game, etc.)...one must also consider the quality...waterproof/drop-test's/etc....plus, I can wear this one!!!

If I knew it would be a cold enviroment, then I'd bring my G-2 w/ P-61...for starting a fire

 

[Flying Turtle]

If you just had one non-windup light and the batteries in it, then one of the waterproof Eternalights might give the best service.

Geoff

 

[Fireman78]

Solar powered crookneck. (Not a joke) If a power source was not an issue then my Petzl Myo XP Headlamp for sure.

 

[Cydonia]

Probably the two LRI Photon originals with white LED, (without switches or electronics) running on Cr2032 cells, that are on the Victorinox in my pocket right now... With advance warning I'd slap an X5 in a belt holster for extra flood. And if there were room in a bag, a 2C Mag, with modified MagLED (upgraded to SSC like I did here) - and a dim, long running, super tough Nite Ize in the tail cap.

 

[DonShock]

NightStar shake light

 

[quatra2008]

fenix p3d q5. long runtime on low and some serious light if needed.

 

[BillG]

This one's an easy one.

Eternal Light. on low low it runs 24/7 for 28 days!!

that's not a typo folks: 24/7 for 28 days.

Bill

 

[MikeLip]

NightStar shake light

Hmmm. Actually not too bad a choice. I had a chance to look at one, and while the output is underwhelming it seems to be very well thought out, right down to the hermetically sealed switch (which is a magnet OUTSIDE the sealed light body being passed over a reed switch INSIDE the body - sweet!). Light is enough to find your way around and function in the dark.

I should get one to toss in the junk drawer.

 

[scottaw]

Old school L1 anyone? ML-1? they'll run a looooong time on low.

 

[GreySave]

Out of my stable, probably the U2 for the same reasons others have mentioned. Long 40 hour runtime on low. Not as low or as long lasting as others, but the best that I currently have with a beam wide enough even on low to navigate.

Incidentally, we just had a search and rescue operation in our area for two hunters who became lost in the woods as night fell last evening. They were found in the middle of a swamp area suffering from exposure and hypothermia. From what I have seen on the news I think a LARGE part of their problem was being unprepared, and that appears to have included the lack of flashlights. Thus this discussion and others we have in these forums once again proved themselves to be worthwhile.

 

[Lightguy27]

Definetly my Nightstar shake light.

 

[lemons]

Aluminum bodied shake light from Duluth trading

http://www.duluthtrading.com/search/searchresults/42007.aspx?feature=Product_17&kw=flashlight

 

[Marduke]

Aluminum bodied shake light from Duluth trading

http://www.duluthtrading.com/search/searchresults/42007.aspx?feature=Product_17&kw=flashlight

Looks tiringly heavy to shake....