Originally Posted By HKPOF:
I'm looking for a smaller concealable rugged tactical flashlight that is also small enough and light enough to pocket carry and have in one of the pockets of my cargo pants all day when hiking that's not going to weigh me down and use at night through the woods. I'm looking for a high quality brand that is water proof and mud proof and can be used in harsh environments similar to the idea of a Casio G-Shock watch. Battery life is also a important factor. I do not want a brand/flashlight that's known to drain batteries quickly.
View Quote
Wow, there are just a lot of features and options out there, it really depends on your preferences.
First, I own very few non-rechargeable battery flashlights, and the only non-rechargeable batteries I use are predominantly lithium. The CR123 and AA/AAA lithium batteries are robust and have the best capacity in their non-rechargeable class. Period. Yes, I do substitute for NiMH (Eneloop) batteries for some and it limits output and runtime, but they're economical for mundane EDC or work around the house where you can quickly change them out.
Lithium-Ion chemistries are the choice for output and capacity. 18650 is the most popular, but even the larger 21700 are getting a lot of more love. I've actually been using some Orbtronic 16650 batteries in lieu of my two-CR123 Surefire and they've been excellent.
Size matters or is at least a preference. I still like multi-capable, single AA sized lights for slimmer EDC carry. Multi-capable meaning I can run higher voltage 14500 Li-Ion rechargeable batteries, standard AA lithium for long life, and Eneloop for economic use. The higher voltage Li-ion batteries just allows you to really crank out the lumen/candela output.
Ironically, my Olight Warrior Pro is an 18650 battery light the same size as my Surefire Aviator single CR123 battery light...
Output. When I think of EDC, I like variable output lights. I often don't use the full output modes, using the least amount of light to get the task done and increasing the longevity of the battery. For a defensive light, high output is the goal. A few lights have a high/low output options which I like (Surefire Defender, the Cloud Defense MCH EDC). Activation options are usually tail-mounted, side switch, or both.
Lockout is important to me. While a twist to keep from burning a hole in my underwear, newer lights have a sequence to lock out the light.
Light color is also a preference. For outdoors, I like the warmer tints.
type Status report
message
description Access to the specified resource has been forbidden.
Apache Tomcat/7.0.68 (Ubuntu)