Plenty of good recommendations. Confess to owning many of the lights mentioned – don't think you'd go wrong with any of them. Whatever you decide, you'll surely get more bang (lumens?) for the buck thanks to strides in LED technology.

Since you seemed to like your River Rock pre-washer/dryer :), prefer AA-power and want to spend around $20, here's another suggestion: Rayovac Sportsman Xtreme 3W Luxeon LED, 2xAA, claim 80 lumens. Details here. WalMart $24. Or, a CPF member is selling new-in-package for $20 incl. shipping here. It's slightly shorter than your River Rock; weighs about the same.

While Rayovac normally doesn't come to mind when I think LED flashlights, this 3W model is purportedly a rebranded Nuwai X-3. Here's a review of the X-3. Generally, Nuwai turns out pretty good lights.

Good luck with your hunt.

Dan