Lately I'm pretty much stopped using standard handheld flashlights in favor of using a headlamp. There are a number of fantastic AAA-powered LED headlamps out there, but the two favorites seem to be the Princeton Tec EOS and the Petzel Tikka XP (though you're not supposed to use lithiums with the Tikka XP).

I myself am delighted with my EOS, which gives out a stunning amount of light on high, but can still easily be set to low which gives sufficient light for my work area and lasts for well over 50 hours on a single set of three AAA batteries.

The ability to have both hands free while still having a light shining on your activity is fantastic - actually life-changing, plus it is easy enough to wrap the headband around the wrist and use it as a standard flashlight (with a safety lanyard built-in). Picture yourself in a life-threatening survival situation, with cold or injured hands, in the dark, and trying to hold a flashlight while trying to build a shelter or light a fire. A headlamp can make all the difference!

Ken K.