Chem lights do have issues with storage and reliability, but so do some batteries !

One important consideration is that this is a kids kit, and "hug a tree" is the guiding philosophy.

A scared kid may get more comfort from a chem light providing a 12 hour night light, rather than task lighting or signalling, which is probably what an adult would look for ?

(Reliability permitting)

Fenix E01 would last through the night with plenty to spare if the kid doesn't run down the battery beforehand. Kids LOVE lights and play with them any time given the chance.

Plenty of bright LED lights with multiple light levels out there. They will last very long at the lower settings - but for how long will a kid use a light at the lowest setting? My experience is about 3 seconds.


Chem lights ... Today, with LED lights I'd say that their only virtue would be that it is more straightforward to check if anyone has been playing with their "only in emergency" equipment. If the seal is unbroken everything is OK - a half depleted battery is somewhat harder to detect.

A plain, simple single level LED light with a seal on it... yes, that would be a great thing to put in a kid's kit. Of course you need plenty of them so they can play and practice. One for use and play, one for "emergency only".

I really like this idea. A soft green light or blue light is calming.

In some ways chem lights could be more reliable than a flashlight in a kid's kit. Kids like them and they're easy to use. They might not be as good for signalling but maybe better for comfort.

If only money and weight were no object.