To really answer your question about the best led.
Small size fine tent light arc aaa ! $20, cmg infinity ultra aa ~$15.Put a aa lithium in this and it's brighter and longer lasting. I use don't use photons but they're nice. Cheaper knockoffs on ebay. I prefer the constant on switch ~$15
bigger size brighter light inova x ~ $35. I use the blue led for tracking blood at night. It makes the blood stand out more. White is ok. Streamlight has a nice 7 or 10 led (i forget) ~$20 4 aa batteries brighter than inova.
The last two would be ok for dark trails.